Leaving Laodicea

First Sign of the End-Times: DeceptionJesus said one of the telling signs of the end times is the expositional growth of deception worldwide, especially within the ranks of those who call themselves Christians. When asked about the signs of His coming and the end of the age, Jesus said, “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matt. 24:4-5). He then reiterates the same truth about deception regarding false prophets in verse 11, and then expands on the depth of the coming deception in Matthew 24:23-24. Notice how powerful the final great deception will be.“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”Did you catch that? Jesus said the deception at the end would be so powerful that if it were possible to deceive the elect, God’s chosen