No where in scripture are we instructed to go out and ‘prove’ that God’s word is indeed just that: the ‘word of God’.  We are simply called to ‘preach’ or declare it, while speaking His truth in a spirit of love an humility. (2 Tim. 2:24-26; 4:2; Acts 20:27; Eph. 4:15). I hope that brings some freedom to any and all ‘believers’ as it did for me personally a couple of years ago.

I mean, seriously...someone who demands that you ‘prove’ God authored this Bible of ours...what kind of ‘proof’ will convince them that this is, indeed... God’s word, written down to be read, believed, and obeyed? We already know that a good number of people simply will never ‘come to the light (truth) because they love the darkness more. (John 3:19-21; Matt. 7:13-14). People can be quick to suggest they have an interest in pursuing truth, but when truth is standing right in front of them, as it was for Pilate...you can easily talk a good game like you are interested, but how did Pilate respond when he asked Jesus ‘what is truth’? He turned and walked away (John 18:38). It happens, friends. (John 6:66)

“And for this reason...(and for THIS reason)...God will send them strong delusion...that they should believe the lie...that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thess. 2:11-12)

This ‘flood’ that is being unleashed today is in accordance with the coming of the ‘lawless one’ that Paul speaks of in that very passage (9) as he explains it is the ‘working of Satan’, our ‘enemy’ who ‘comes in like a flood’ (1 Pet. 5:8; Isa. 59:19). And who are the ones that will be sorely affected by this ‘flood of deception? Those who are ‘perishing because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved’ (9-10). Who did Jesus say would be the ones who will ‘perish’ in Luke 13:1-5? And what is the will, the desire, and the heart of God for all men, according to 2 Pet. 3:9?

Would you now turn to Revelation 12. Take a moment and look over vs. 7-12 for some background here on how Satan and his 'angels' even arrived here on earth...way back when. By the way, did you know that Jesus witnessed his fall? (Luke 10:18)

Now look at this ‘conflict that is being set up between the ‘dragon and the woman’ (and her offspring- the church). I know...some of you are under the impression that you will be ‘long gone’ before this takes place because you are ‘raptured’ out of here. If that is the case, timing wise...great; but just in case you might be a tad off on that timing, please take a look at vs 15. What is coming out of the ‘mouth of that dragon’? And what is this ‘flood’ designed to do...’carry’ people away? What are we warned to not be ‘carried’ away with in Heb. 13:9 and 1 Tim. 4:1? Who is behind all this deception bringing ‘other gospels’ and such that Paul warned us about in 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 14-15?

When Jesus was telling His disciples about this ‘flood’ that was coming and would carry people away to destruction (Luke 17:27), then elaborated how ‘one would be taken and the other left behind’ (36), they asked Jesus: “Where, Lord?...where will they be taken to?” Jesus gives an interesting response there in Luke 17:37. Do you think He was really talking about literal buzzards? (What did we learn from the parable of the sower in regards to what ‘birds’ can often represent in scripture (Luke 8:5,12?) Also, depending on what translation you read, that word ‘body’ is talking about a ‘carcass’ or a ‘corpse’; i.e. – a dead body. We’ve all seen what ‘road kill’ attracts, have we not?

So now let’s revisit Revelation 3 once again where Jesus had some strong words for that church at Sardis. He actually had some sobering things to say to all seven church there in chapters 2-3, but for now, look at 3:1. He’s basically telling them that He knows all about what they have been doing, and that they even have a reputation of being an ‘alive’ church. Ever heard modern day folks use that to describe what an ‘alive’ church they go to? You have to wonder what that means to them...lots of good music and singing maybe, along with much activity and good feelings? But I digress...(1 Cor. 13:1-8; Matt.7:22; Amos 5:21-24)

Yet, what does Jesus have to say about their current ‘state’ at Sardis? – “You. Are. Dead!”

In other words, Jesus just told that congregation that they were a ‘dead body’. And what do ‘dead bodies’ attract?

Then, He advises them to be ‘watchful’....as He has ‘not found their works to be perfect, or complete before God’ (2). What could Jesus possibly be talking about here...to suggest they were ‘lacking’ in something? Maybe not quite ‘ready’? He goes on...telling them they need to ‘repent’...(3). Repent from what? What did Jesus begin His ministry with preaching on? (Mark 1:15). What did He later teach will happen to those who fail to ‘repent’, in Luke 13:1-5? So again, what are we to ‘repent’ of, or from? Hopefully you know the answer to this by now.

But don’t stop reading there in verse 3. Jesus tells them if they fail to ‘watch’ (and repent) ...that He...will come upon them as a _________?

What does a ‘thief’ come to do, from what we learned in John 10:10? I had someone ask me once if I was suggesting that Jesus was ‘coming as the devil’, which was a bit of a stretch for sure. But we do know that God uses the ‘devil’ to carry out His wrath and judgements. And if we know the ‘enemy comes in like a flood’ (Isa. 59:19) to ‘carry people away to destruction’ (Luke 17:27)...and when asked ‘carried where’...Jesus implies to a place where buzzards are gathering around a ‘dead body’...it starts to get ‘interesting’, does it not?

Now, what was our condition when we use to walk according to the lusts of the flesh, based on Eph. 2:1-3? Were we not ‘dead’? And if we don’t repent and begin following the leading of God’s Spirit to put this flesh to death, what will happen to us according to Rom. 8:13?

So here’s a thought to ponder in closing. Take a look at Revelation 18:1-8. Lots of ‘imagery’ being used here, but I have just one question: What if this ‘Babylon’ that we read about in chapters 17-18 is speaking about a ‘counterfeit church system’ in the last days? And not just one particular ‘denomination’, but a system known for ‘walking in a form of godliness, but denying the power... ‘always learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth’ (2 Tim. 3:1-7; Matt. 15:1-14). I think we will ‘know them by their fruit’, will we not?  Meet me back here tomorrow?