Be Especially Aware of Date Setters

# 656 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 13:4-6 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

I've never heard anyone actually claim to be Christ. And if I did, I would likely write that person off immediately as some sort of a crackpot. But what if we were to understand this verse as saying, “many shall come in My name, saying, I am a Christian,” kind of puts a new light on it doesn't it?

Many strange doctrines and teachings have come from those claiming to be Christians. It is vital therefore that we be like the Bereans who investigated Paul's teachings by using the Scriptures. Ac 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

How often did they search the Scriptures? DAILY! As you and I daily get into the Word asking the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, and as we display a willingness to be taught by God, and a willingness to put God's teachings into practice in our own lives, He will clear up any false notions about being followers of Christ.

By the way, in the context of the preceding verses, it would seem that these professing Christians are very much into date setting. And straight from the mouth of Jesus we get this warning, “Take heed, lest any man deceive you!” Some of these deceivers are well meaning, some are just out to get your money, but motive doesn't matter, they are false teachers, and history is full of accounts of many being led away to false hope and being bilked.

So take heed! Don't fall for their misguided logic, because their seemingly logical assessment of the Last Day falls short in the words of Jesus from Mt 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

To claim to know the hour, places one above Jesus...is that really wise?