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.
Mark 13:5-6
In the post A Sad and Certain Fate, it was mentioned that overwhelming deception is the key sign of the last days before the return of Messiah. There will be an increase in earthquakes, unusual weather, famines, pestilences, wars and rumors of wars, and other nasty signs portending that the Lord is about to return. Jesus, however, began every discourse with a warning about deception. It was also how he ended each sermon as well (see verses 21-23 of the quoted chapter as an example) . He did not want the world nor believers caught by the web of demonic guile.
Look carefully at verse 6 of Mark 13. Notice that the word Christ is italicized. In the original Greek text the normal word for Christ was not there--Χριστοῦ (Christ). In this verse, Christ is actually the Greek word καὶ. This word can mean; also, even, likewise, similar. The name "Christ" is also a title that means anointed one or anointed. It does not necessarily mean that they are saying they are Jesus--though some deluded individuals do. The KJV translators italicized this to show that the deceivers were claiming to have a similar anointing as Jesus. They claimed to have a holy anointing on them when they did not. In other places Jesus says that they have false anointings and are false prophets. It is at this point many believers are deceived since most have no clue what anointing is all about.
Anointing is not being a miracle worker. The false prophet will work miracles, but he is not anointed for God's purposes. "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast;" Revelation 13:13-14a
Anointing is not about great signs and sights to woo the crowds. Many will come working false signs to draw the unsuspecting to destruction. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24
Anointing is not the ability to elicit an emotional response that makes you feel all bubbly, determined, emotional, or captivates your attention. That is mere human ability to speak well. It is not filling a stadium or a church with thousands of followers. Jeremiah and Noah were both anointed but few followed them! By the way, Jesus sometimes spoke and the crowds ran from his anointing. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:66-68
It is not about the style of the speaker. Many saw Paul, yes Paul the Apostle, as a boring speaker. Just because a preacher shouts, or jumps, or stands square behind a pulpit without emotion has nothing to do with anointing though most use this as the gauge to measure all preachers by. Poor Moses, he stuttered when he preached. Jesus didn't even stand most of the time--he sat. No! Anointing is not the style in which a preacher preaches, the number of times he shouts amen, nor ends a sentence with aaah (as in Lordaaah). It is not about doing cartwheels or beating the pulpit to splinters. Jonathan Edwards delivered one of the greatest sermons of all time using barely any emotion. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. (speaking about Paul) 2 Corinthians 10:10-11
It is not the ability to dance or shout or "the fire" or whatever else you call it. Anointing is simply the Divine ability to accomplish the task that God has for you. It is not a special gift to a few chosen and select preachers. It is for you to walk in too. As 2012 begins why don't you decide to walk in that anointing God has for you! Anointing is centered in the truth of scripture and grounded in holiness. Anointed men are not out chasing women, divorcing their wives, and then standing in a pulpit and winding up the masses. That might be an anointing from elsewhere, but not from God. Anointing is anchored in biblical correctness and does not teach heresy nor what itching ears want preached. That is why Jeremiah, Noah, and Jesus often provoked anger as it was not the message the crowd wanted.
Anointing is relying on the presence of the Holy Spirit to do God's bidding and not using the arm of flesh to work for Him. The primary focus of the true anointing is winning the lost not sharing a watered down gushy message preached with a false agenda--like fleecing the flock. Anointing wins souls! It is men and women walking in God's power to share a message of the hope in Christ's cross. Don't be hoodwinked by the false and the counterfeit. God does not anoint men to make you feel guilty if you do not empty your bank account in fear that your prayers will not be answered. If those claiming anointing are more about building their name, their projects, and a great following at the sake of sharing the cross, well.... With such deception, assuredly Jesus Christ is Soon2Come!
Today's Ominous News
very good!
ReplyDeleteInformant and well written ! Certainly an "eye opener ".
ReplyDeleteGreat article on anointed! So sad most of the church does not have this understanding. Enjoyed the read!
ReplyDeleteI love this Pastor Notter! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you all! Blessings and keep looking up!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this. Thank you for spending time with God in order to bring us this word!
ReplyDelete