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On Guard

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."¹

Can you imagine who spoke the following words: "The streets of our country are in turmoil; the universities are filled with students rebelling and rioting; Communists are seeking to destroy our country. We need law and order! Without law and order our nation cannot survive!"

Was it an influential citizen, the pastor of a large church, or somebody running for political office? It was Adolph Hitler!

Arnold Toynbee, the well-known historian, once said that the world was rapidly heading toward the time when it would be ready to listen to and follow a leader who will promise order out of chaos. According to the Bible such a leader is going to arise at the time of Jesus Christ's return. He will be known as the Antichrist and will be opposed to everything that is Christian.

As the author of Today in the Word put it, "Dictators don't always take over nations by brute force. But once intoxicated with power, they may ruthlessly crush those who oppose them. An entire nation once praised Hitler as its savior until he revealed his true self. Yet, Hitler's rule will pale when compared to the rule of the coming Antichrist."

As Christians, we need to be on guard against wolves who come in sheep's clothing. We also need to be aware of the signs of the times and be ready for the appearance of the Antichrist and the return of Jesus Christ. As Toynbee said, "The world is rapidly heading toward the time when it would be ready to listen to and follow a leader who will promise order out of chaos." This undoubtedly is what the Antichrist will do. Furthermore, for the Antichrist to be accepted worldwide, the world will have to be in chaos similar to the days of pre-Hitler Germany, and it certainly appears that today's world is accelerating towards this end.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be real and never false so I will more readily recognize false prophets and false teachers. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 7:15.

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