The Purpose of Our Preservation

"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."
Matthew 24:13

Jesus said this when speaking to His disciples about the end of the age and the sign of His coming. I talk a little more about "enduring" in my blog, More on Jesus' End of Age Warning: Persecution, so I wanted to say something here about the word "saved." According to Strong's Concordance, this word "saved" in the Greek is sozo which means saved, healed, preserved and rescued. What an awesome God we have who takes care of His people in this way! I like that He preserves us. It reminds me of Jesus saying that we are the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13. Salt not only adds flavor, but it preserves. So we have the Lord preserving us, and us preserving the earth. 

The reason our life is saved is not because we are so great. It's not because we've done great deeds, or lived a perfect, holy life, but so God has a people in the earth. We are the salt of the earth--the flavor and preservative. If we were not here, the preserving power would not be here. God has a people here in the earth so He has a presence in the earth--His ways continue, His kingdom is built, His Gospel is preached and His love is released. It's not about our life being preserved so we can go on and live according to our own pleasures. As His disciples we are to die to ourselves daily--taking up our cross and following Him. Luke 9:23. Whether we live or die, it's all for Him.

I thank God for safety, healing, provision and all of His blessings, but I want to remember that the goal is not the preservation of my life, but the advancement of His kingdom--for His will to be done in the earth. God is looking for those who recognize that we need His righteous judgement. We need His rule in the earth. We need His mercy and His presence. We can't fix our lives, or our earth, with our own wisdom or in our own power. We need His kingdom to come, and His will to be done in earth as it is in Heaven! Matthew 6:10.

The same goal is true of the nations. I pray for the salvation of America, not because we are such a great nation, but because we have a purpose. God established this nation for a reason and we want to fulfill that purpose! Remember when Jesus healed the centurion's servant? A centurion is a commander in the Roman military, yet the Jewish elders asked Jesus to heal his servant. They said to Him, "He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue." Here's a guy who loved Israel to the point where he even built a synagogue for the Jewish people. Yet he showed great humility toward Jesus, and a recognition of His authority to the extent that Jesus said He had not found such great faith, even in Israel. Luke 7:1-10. The man recognized Jesus' authority in the earth. He could see that Israel was God's people. It takes faith to see God's plans and purposes. It takes faith to see what God is doing and agree with Him instead of going about our business. 

All nations need to recognize the authority of the Lord, and support what He is doing in the earth. God's way is the only way that will work. His judgments are true. We don't need to pray for God to forgive us, save us, heal, preserve or rescue us just so we can continue on in the way we have been. We need to ask the Lord to help us fix where we've gone wrong and be restored to the point where we will fulfill the purpose for which He created us. God, open our eyes to the purpose of our preservation!

More on Jesus' End of Age Warning: Persecution

Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell of Jesus' answer to their question regarding the end of the age and His return to the earth. The discussion started when His disciples pointed out the beauty of the temple buildings, particularly the stone, and Jesus told them it would all come down one day. In all three accounts they say the same thing, that Jesus said, not one stone will be left on another, which will not be torn down. Of course, just like He said, that temple was destroyed in 70 AD. However, as a sign of His return coming near, we should watch the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, which is what is left of that temple. It might just be one wall, but Jesus said, not one stone would be left upon another. 

Jesus first speaks of Christians, those who believe in Him and His name, which is the focus of this blog. He also refers to Israel which I may address in a later blog. After talking about the temple stones, He warns not to be misled, which I talk about in my first article--Jesus End of Age Warning. After that He mentions terrorism. He says that we will hear of wars and rumors of wars and to see to it that we are not frightened. This is terrorism--a rumor of war. In fact, not just a rumor of war, but wars and rumors of war. In other words there are those who engage in violence, with the threat of more violence. If we just had the threat of violence it wouldn't be as frightening as hearing of violence occurring and then the threat directed our way. Someone could mouth off in anger, "I'm going to kill you!" and that's not as frightening as someone who just killed a few people and then says they are going to kill you too. That is one aspect of terrorism we see in our day. Jesus said not to be frightened, the end is not yet.

Then He discusses racism and wars. He says, "nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." Matthew 24:7. This word "nation" is ethnos which, according to Strong's Concordance, means a race. So Jesus is actually speaking of one race rising against another. The word "kingdom" is basileia meaning a sovereign power, so it refers more to what we consider a nation today. He goes on to famines, earthquakes, plagues, terrors, and great signs from the heavens. However what I want to point out is what He says will happen "before all these things."

But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. Luke 21:12

Before all of these other things take place, there will be a persecution against Christians. It is because of the name of Jesus that this persecution occurs. Jesus said, "...they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations (ethnos) because of My name." Matthew 24:9. Just as we read in the book of Acts where the apostles were forbidden to speak in the name of Jesus, Acts 4:18 it's the name of Jesus that will be the target once again at the end of this age. Look for the term "Christian" and "Christianity" to begin to be watered down as people take the focus off of the name of Jesus and distort the true meaning of "Christ." The time will come when true Christians will of necessity be forced to identify with Jesus and not just Christianity. This may very well be why "many will fall away" Matthew 24:10 because they will not want to identify with the name of Jesus if it causes persecution or hardship. Not only will people choose not to identify with the Lord themselves, but will betray many who do. 

But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Luke 21:16-17

However, the end doesn't come because of persecution, or the famines and earthquakes, or wars, terrorism and racism. The end comes when "the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14. This is why the devil is trying to do all he can to distract Christians so they will not preach the Gospel. If we are being misled, or hiding in fear of terrorists, or afraid to identify with Jesus, then we will not preach the Gospel. Jesus said when they bring you before the authorities that, "It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony." This is why He went on to say, "So make up your minds, not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. Luke 21:13-15. In Mark's account He says, "When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit." Mark 13:11.

Here is good news. Jesus said, Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke 21:18. Yes, some will be killed for their faith. Some will suffer, but will be able to speak in the name of the Lord before those in authority. Yet Jesus also said that not a hair of your head will perish! The word "endurance" is hupomone which means endurance, steadfastness, and a patient waiting for. It doesn't mean a person is hiding in a corner biting their nails, afraid of everything. In Matthew's account, Jesus says, "the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." Matthew 24:13. This word "endure" is hupomeno which means to stay behind, await, endure, with the idea of standing your ground. 

The Gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes. Those who are alive at that time will need to endure, or stand their ground, in whatever position they find themselves in. They are not to back down from preaching the Gospel or speaking in the name of Jesus, or even identifying with Him. They are not to resort to lawlessness1 or disobedience to the word of God and compromise out of deception or fear. Yet, Jesus says don't worry about what to say, the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say. The Holy Spirit will give you wisdom that cannot be resisted or refuted. And when you stand your ground, hold your position, remain steadfast and patient, you will be saved. The Greek word for "saved" is sozo, which means saved, healed, preserved and rescued!

The Lord is calling His people to be courageous soldiers and ambassadors for Him at the end of the age. Those who are not afraid or ashamed to call Him Lord, or to call Him by name, identifying with Him. Those who hold their ground to the end, will be saved, healed, preserved and rescued! In Luke's account, Jesus ended His discussion on the end of the age with, "...keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36. Our prayer for ourselves, as well as for others throughout the earth who are being persecuted for their faith, should be that we remain alert, and have the strength to escape all these things and stand before Him. It is still true that nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38.

1 "Lawlessness" in Matthew 24:12 is anomia which means lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. It's the idea of utter disregard for God's law--written and living. 

Answer the Doubts

I think it was Kenneth Hagin Jr. who I once heard say, "If you really knew it was God speaking to you, telling you to do something, of course you would do it." His point was that the reason we don't obey the voice of God is because we're not sure it's really Him, if we knew for sure it was God telling us to do something, of course we would obey--our hesitancy comes because we doubt whether it's really Him talking to us. 

We have the same doubt today that the serpent raised in the Garden--Has God said? We ask ourselves, "Is this really God speaking to me? Did God really say this?"  The words, did God really say... are resounding around the world today, because someone took them into her heart in the beginning. At some point, the people of God need to stop the cycle, stand up and say, "Yes, God said this! I believe it, I receive it into my heart, I will obey, put it into practice, and go forward with it!"

If Jesus appeared to you in the flesh and said, "Go buy this building." Would you do it? Or would you doubt it was Him? Would you begin to speculate that it could have been an angel of light and not really the Lord? What is the difference between that and hearing Him speak to your heart and then questioning whether it was Him? In either case you can allow the words, "Did God really say..." into your heart, keeping you in a place of disobedience.

We don't doubt that someone said the words, we doubt that it was God who said them. Was it really Him, or someone else? Or we might doubt that we heard Him correctly, we think we may have misunderstood Him and He didn't really mean what we think He meant. Because we know the story of Adam and Eve, these words of doubt bring fear to our heart so we do nothing. We are afraid of making a mistake and we become paralyzed. We are afraid of looking like a fool, afraid of being wrong and the consequences that might bring. We have allowed the original terrorist to keep us in fear and disobedience, instead of faith and obedience to God. When this happens, we ignore what was spoken--put it on a shelf to "wait and see" what happens. It's time we answer the doubts--address them and respond to the Lord's words in faith and obedience.

But, but, but, you say, that's the problem, I can't obey God because I don't know if it's Him speaking to me! I beg to differ. Yes you do. If you believe in Jesus, and follow Him, then you do know His voice. Jesus said, "...you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;" John 10:26-27. If Jesus is your Shepherd, you know His voice. Yes you do. Jesus once appeared to me in a dream and I asked Him what church I should go to. This was not long after I returned back to Him after a period of backsliding. He said to me, "You know how to find out." I knew that what He meant was that I knew how to be led by the Spirit, I knew how to follow His leading and I could find this out at any time. I didn't need to wait until He appeared to me to ask Him that question. "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14

To help keep us on track with hearing God's voice, we need to answer the question, "Is this God?" with the question, "What has God said?" When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil who was trying to get Him to do what he said, Jesus answered him every time with, "It is written..." Jesus was "led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil." Luke 4:1-2. The devil also "led Him" to a couple of places. But Jesus, knowing the Word of God and being led by the Spirit of God, did not obey the devil. Three times He did not obey what the devil was saying, and then He "returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit." Luke 4:14. 

When we have faith in God's words, and don't doubt, resisting the temptations and leading away of the devil, we are led by His Spirit to the garden He has prepared for us so we may cultivate it and bear much fruit. This is the place where we abide in Him and He in us. Where we walk and talk with Him in the cool of the day. This is the place where you "ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you." John 15:7.

Don't look for a formula in hearing the voice of God--a foolproof way to ensure it's Him. Besides, He doesn't want you to do so much for Him that you don't do anything with Him. God knows your struggles and fears regarding hearing His voice. He has given you His Word--both living and written, and His Holy Spirit, to help you. He knows our tendency to be misled. He is merciful and gracious, but He still needs us to rise up in faith and obedience to Him. Replace the question, "Has God said?" with the faith-filled proclamation, "God has said!

The Marriage Blessing: Legal or Not?

The union of a man and woman as husband and wife is a union that God blessed from the very beginning of man's existence. After creating male and female He blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:28

No matter what the law says, God recognizes and blesses the marriage union. He ordained the marriage/family unit to be the foundational ruling unit of the entire earth. He did three things after creating man and woman:

• He blessed them
• He told them to have children
• He told them to rule over the earth

His blessing is on the union of a man and a woman. His command is for them to have children together, creating a family. He further instructs them to rule over the earth, establishing this marriage/family unit as the basic governing authority in the earth.

The legality of marriage is man's recognition of God's blessing on the union. Man gave the union a legal status, with resulting benefits, as an acknowledgement of God's blessing on this union, and a recognition that it is the basic governing unit. God's blessing on marriage came first, not the legal status. The legal status came because of the blessing, not the blessing because of the legal status!

We need to remember that nothing will be able to take God's blessing off the union of a godly marriage, no matter what kind of laws man passes. There may be laws passed that allow legal status to marriages that are something other than the union of a man and woman, but that will not change the blessing of God upon a marriage union as He defines it.

Of course we are opposed to giving legal status to ungodly marriage unions, however God's blessing will not be on that union. He will not bless a union that is contrary to what He has established as shown in His Word. We must recognize that the blessing of God is more valuable than the legal status granted by man. A united man and woman have God's authority to create families and rule over the earth. Don't get a defeated attitude if laws are passed that give legal status to ungodly unions. Yes we pray, vote and take action against that, however we still have God's blessing and authority on godly unions no matter what happens.

I understand that by passing laws contrary to the commands of God there is the possibility for judgement to come on a state or nation. This is why we must pray, inform ourselves, vote and take action for this not to happen. However, I believe it is necessary to point out that God's Word takes precedence over the laws of man, and we can take comfort in this as we, as individuals, couples, families and churches, follow His Word.

The next thing God did after the three things mentioned above, is He told them what to eat. He provided food for them so there would be provision for generations to come. God always provides for the righteous and makes a way for their seed to continue. Whether or not your marriage has legal status, and whether or not legal status is granted to ungodly marriages, you still have God's blessing and authority on your union as a godly man and woman. This blessing includes provision so you and your children may continue living as He has called you to.

He Sent You A Letter

In 2 Corinthians chapters 10-12, the apostle Paul addresses the accusations and sarcasms that some were speaking against him. There were those who were saying that Paul 's letters were quite bold, but that in person he would be unimpressive. It really was a challenge of his God-given authority in the regions he was called to. Paul assures them that "what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present." (10:11). In other words, he will be just as bold in person as he is in his letters.

The boldness of Paul's letters were for the instruction of the church. Paul wasn't on an ego trip where he vainly wanted everyone to think highly of him. He had a mandate from the Lord to preach the gospel and instruct the churches. He was determined to fulfill his call and purpose in Christ. It was for the benefit of the church, not for Paul's own benefit, that he wrote bold letters of instruction and correction when necessary. Paul tells them, "I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children." (12:14). Paul was as a father to them, sacrificing for their benefit, so they could grow up in Christ.

In Paul's explanation for why he is so bold in his letters, we see a parallel to the Lord's coming. Paul explains the "reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down." (13:10). Paul wanted to give the necessary correction ahead of time in his written letter to them, which was sent before his coming, so that when he came in person he wouldn't have to give severe correction to them. He was giving them time to get things in order, so to speak. In the same way, the Lord Jesus has given us His written word ahead of time, for us to learn from and live by and make the necessary corrections in our lives, so that when He comes again He will not need to be severe with us!

Paul also says, "For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish:" (12:20). In other words, Paul is concerned that when he comes in person he will be disappointed in them--they will not be what he was expecting, and that he would not be what they were expecting. Paralleling this to the Lord's coming, we do not want to disappoint the Lord when He comes because we've failed to follow His Word, and we are not what He would have hoped us to be at His coming. In addition, by not getting to know Him through the Word He's sent us ahead of time, He would not be what we expect when He comes again. 

The Lord has given us His Word to prepare us for His coming. By following His Word, we will be found to be all that He hopes for us to be, and He will be to us, all that we hope Him to be! Just as Paul sent his letter ahead of time before his coming, so that his coming would be a time of rejoicing rather than correction, so has the Lord Jesus given us His Word before His coming, for the same purpose--so His coming will be a time of rejoicing!

Of course it's not a dead, lifeless, religious works type of letter. His Word is alive--in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul was the person and personality behind the letter he wrote, Jesus is the One made flesh--the Word of God Himself. We come to know Him, His person and personality, prior to His physical coming, so we can abide in Him and He in us.

"Now, little children, abide in Him,

so that when He appears,we may have confidence

and not shrink away from Him in shame

at His coming."

1 John 2:28

What Do I Do!?

We currently have at least one generation of people, who have been raised in such a way, that they believe it's up to someone else to tell them what's important, what they need to know, and the "assignments" they need to complete. This type of thinking has taken away the initiative to use an inner heart motivation to explore, discover and create. Our society trains us not to think for ourselves, but to simply respond to what's been put in front of us. This assembly line mentality has hindered people from starting businesses or even working in their gifted fields because they haven't had time to discover or cultivate those gifts. They've been learning what's "important" instead.

The public school format has done such a disservice to our society because its turned learning into nothing but a cookie cutter handout of information, robbing our kids of valuable training time. Instead, we need to instill a personalized love of learning in our children. Their natural passion is going to be in the areas they are gifted in. Instead of taking their best hours of the day and exploring these personal gifts, they have been crammed in as after school or weekend activities between homework and everything else--times that should be used for rest and family. The demands of society have pressured us into taking the precious time that our kids could be using for morning devotionals--seeking God regarding His plan for their life and what they are to do with their time--and turning them into times of rushed and cluttered pop-tart chaos.

It is our responsibility to learn what we need to know. It is not the responsibility of the authorities to tell us what we need to know, or what we need to do. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children of their learning responsibility, and to provide a healthy creative love-of-learning environment. It is not a school systems responsibility to teach them, or choose what they should learn.

The years of our youth have been filled with the wasted time of others taking the lead in our life's instruction. As a result we've learned to respond to much, while initiating little. To reinforce this type of thinking, we are blasted with advertisements from every possible place you can imagine. The more we tune them out the more clever and demanding these ads become. We don't pay attention anymore. We don't search things out like we used to. We've been trained to "think" that if it's important, someone will bombard me with it. How much time do you spend responding to the demands of others as opposed to having the time to initiate and search out what you want to? If you do have the time, are you too tired from everything else to really do it well? We all need "blank" time to seek God, listen and explore where He leads us. There is nothing more important to do with our most valuable time. 

All knowledge, wisdom and understanding comes from God. Whatever it is that you, or your children, need to know in life, is found in Him. He is the One to go to for all instruction. Look at what we are told to do in order to receive the knowledge of God. This is not a picture of someone sitting idly by, but of one diligently going after wisdom and understanding.

"My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you,

Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding;

For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding;

If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Proverbs 2:1-6

We are to seek it out, search for it as if it were hidden treasure--because it is! We can't sit back and wait for someone to tell us what to do any longer, and we shouldn't allow our children to be trained to be that way either. It may not be our fault that we've gotten to this place, but once we realize what's happened, we need to have the courage to change it. You have the Greater One in you. He has important things for you to do, don't wait anymore for a person to give you the O.K., seek the Lord with a determined heart and go after your dreams!

Jesus' End of the Age Warning

"And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you."

Matthew 24:4

Jesus was answering His disciples who came to Him asking what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age. The first thing He said is to see to it that no one misleads you. He goes on to say "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many." (v.5). At the end of this age, many who appear to be Christian, who say that Jesus is the Christ, will mislead many people. He says this again in verse 11, and in verse 24 He says that "false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect." There will be those who say they are Christ who, of course, are not. There will also be those who say that Jesus is the Christ who will deceive many. 

Jesus said not to believe those who say that they are the Christ, or even that He has already come and is "in the wilderness" or "in the inner rooms." He said "just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be." (Matthew 24:26-27). Jesus is not going to come quietly! He will come in a cloud, just as they watched Him ascend into heaven the first time, and "every eye will see Him" when He returns. (Rev. 1:7). Don't follow after anyone who says that they, or someone they know, is the Christ and is already here.

What about those who appear to be Christian, and even do great signs and wonders, yet mislead many people? We know there are genuine gifts given by the Holy Spirit which result in great healings, signs and miracles. We see these in 1 Corinthians 12. We also know that God confirms His word with signs and wonders, (Hebrews 2:1-4, Mark 16:20). We see miracles in both the Old Testament and in the book of Acts done by the early church. So we know there are great signs and wonders genuinely done by God's people. Since this is true, how do we know the difference between those who are false and those who are true?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of this. He said to "beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15-16). We judge by their fruit whether a person is a true or false prophet. If the fruit of the Spirit is not evident in their life, if the results of what they do are destructive and dividing, rather than building and encouraging the church, then we know by that bad fruit that it is not the Holy Spirit, but a false representation. A person will produce good fruit if they are abiding in the Lord and He is abiding in them.

John approached Jesus after seeing someone casting out demons in the Lord's name and told Him that they tried to stop him from doing it because he was not following them. Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us." (Mark 9:38-40, see note 1 below). Jesus knew that someone who seeks to do good in His name, has a heart that desires good. Seeing His goodness will lead a person like that to repentance and into a relationship with Him.

However, Jesus also said "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23). This brings us back to judging the fruit. I don't know about you, but this verse makes me examine my own heart as well. We don't want to be misled, but we also don't want to be the misleader! Jesus said two key words regarding this, "I never knew you," and "practice lawlessness."

He must know us. This is more than just us knowing Him, or knowing about Him. We can feel like we know a person, and even do what they say, follow their suggestions etc. yet not really have a relationship with them because they don't know us. For example, if you have a certain person you listen to all the time, you begin to feel like you know that person. This could be a minister, a radio personality, a newscaster etc. Their words abide in you. Yet, if they were to see you face to face they would not know you--your words do not abide in them because you haven't spoken with them. In the same way, someone can get a hold of the words of Jesus and do mighty works in His Name. They may feel like they know the Lord. Yet when the time comes to see Him face to face, will He recognize that person as one of His own? They have not been abiding in Him.

Jesus said that we must abide in Him and He in us in order for us to bear fruit. We will actually bear much fruit if we are in Him and He is in us. When He abides in us, we know Him, His words have reached us. When we abide in Him, He knows us, our words have reached Him. He said that if anyone does not abide in Him (or He doesn't know us) he is thrown away as a branch and dries up. We must abide in Him, not just He in us. The Father is glorified when we bear much fruit and so prove to be His disciples. When He knows us and we know Him than we will bear much fruit and the Father is glorified! (John 15:1-11).

Lawlessness here means a breaking of God's law, not man's law. It's sin and disobedience to Him. These people seemed surprised that their works did not get them into heaven. Those who abide in the Lord will not use His power, His Name, or His Spirit to build a kingdom for themselves, to make themselves look good, or to build something that they think is a good idea. Our spirit must be in sync, filled and saturated with, the Holy Spirit. Then our heart motives will be right--the tree will be good--and the fruit that comes of that will also be good. Those who are led by the Spirit of God, are His sons (and daughters). (Romans 8:14). When we abide in Him and His words abide in us then we can "ask whatever we wish" and it will be done. (John 15:7). A child of God understands the heart and vision of God like no one outside of the family can.

Not being misled is the first warning Jesus gave regarding the end times. He felt it important enough to mention it first, which tells us that we should pay special attention to this warning. Of course, not only watching out for the false spirit in others, but to examine ourselves to be sure we are abiding in Him and He in us!

Note 1-As a side note, when the pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul, a ruler of demons, He said, "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:22-32). He said this because they spoke against the Holy Spirit, calling Him evil. Jesus didn't care that they spoke against Him (Jesus), but that they called the Holy Spirit a demonic ruler.

Click here for More on Jesus' End of Age Warning: Persecution