FIVE SATANIC
DECEPTIONS DESIGNED FOR THE END-TIMES (Part IV)
Another end-times
satanic strategy that threatens to erode the effectiveness of the mission and
message of the church is a seemingly all-pervasive SEXUAL IMMORALITY, which increasingly plagues both pulpit and
pew. While sex, in and of itself, is a God-given gift that authorizes
matrimonial fulfillment between husbands and wives and procreation of the human
species, it is intentionally regulated by divine will and writ. That is,
while the Word of God clearly endorses sexual relations between spouses, it
patently prohibits pre-marital or extra-marital intimacy. (I Corinthians 6:18 –
Galatians 5:19 – Ephesians 5:3) It is a divine directive that all
believers be “sanctified,” i.e. set apart for service. (I Thessalonians 4:3-5
and Ephesians 5:26) Therefore, we are responsible and accountable (via the
ongoing process of Word purification) to proactively “cleanse ourselves from
all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” (Ephesians 5:26 and II Corinthians
7:1)
In light of this,
the question is begged: ‘How have sex and sexuality become such powerful
preoccupations and/or challenges for members of the institutional church?’
To answer accurately, let’s look back in time. The evidence of
scripture suggests that Eden’s ‘original sin’ could POSSIBLY have been sexual
in nature. There are several circumstantial clues. First of all,
Adam and Eve’s initial sin robbed them of their INNOCENCE and “opened” their
eyes. (Genesis 3:5) Secondly, they became keenly aware of their
NAKEDNESS, which caused them to cover themselves and hide from God. (Genesis
3:7-8) Thirdly, one of the post-Edenic judgments of God was CHILD-BEARING via multiplied
“sorrow” and “conception.” (Genesis 3:16) There is at least a POSSIBLE
IMPLICATION here that Eve might have been impregnated by the initial act of sin
and would therefore ‘labor’ to bear children. In my judgment, “the tree
in the midst of the garden” (Genesis 3: 3) COULD well be a euphemism for
sex. It’s just an opinion – so please don’t ‘kill’ or judge me for
expressing it.
We could extend
this conjecture all the way to the instigator of original sin, Satan himself.
As the archangel Lucifer, he deliberately defied divine order and sought
to usurp God’s authority and throne. (Isaiah 14:12-17) Incredibly enough, the
scriptures tell us that Lucifer somehow managed to convert ONE-OUT-OF-THREE
ANGELS to join in his insurrection against ALMIGHTY GOD! It begs the
question: ‘What did Lucifer possess (or do) that was so attractive to so many
God-created beings that they risked everything to rebel against THE OMNIPOTENT
GOD?’ Have you ever wondered about that? I certainly have.
Scripture is silent
on this matter, so we cannot conjecture with certainty. But perhaps
Lucifer’s revolutionary strategy was to propagate some form of sexuality or
sex. The circumstantial evidence here is the related possibility that
Satan (a.k.a. Lucifer) might have introduced a similar (and now familiar)
temptation to Eden’s first couple. It’s just an opinion, so please allow
me to express it. One additional sidebar: ‘Have you ever wondered why the
area of Lucifer’s greatest expertise (MUSIC) has become a veritable hotbed for
sexual promiscuity and perversion within the institutional church?’ Think
about it. Sexual distortion surely seems to be an area of satanic
expertise.
We cannot be sure
of that which has been inferred or conjectured above. However, it is
quite certain (and increasingly evident) that Satan is NOW making full use of
sexuality and sex to diminish the influence and impact of the institutional
church. To verify this, we need only consider the numerous sex scandals
that have rocked the church world. These scandals cover a wide range of
territory, including pedophilia, fornication, adultery and even rape. As
a result, the church is paying a hefty price relative to its reputation, its
witness and its financial stability, due to monumental litigation and
settlement costs.
One additional
sidebar: ‘Have you ever wondered why sexuality has so greatly influenced the
way we DRESS (and even how we MINISTER) in today’s church?’ In many
quarters, worship has morphed into something subtly resembling pagan IDOLATRY.
Bottom-line: Praise and worship seem to have become more-and-more infused
with sexuality theatrics, while less-and-less inspired by spirituality.
In far too many cases, our moments of worship have deteriorated into God-forsaken
fashion shows, replete with sexually suggestive gyrations by praise-team-pom-pom-girls!
In many cases, Christ and His anointing have simply exited the scene.
Or should I say “exited the STAGE?” – because more-and-more that is what
our altars are becoming! This is the tragic result of a satanic deception
of the highest order. Perhaps, the worst fall-out of all is the corrosive
cynicism with which many non-believers have now come to view church leaders and
laity. Where and when will it all end?
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