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TITLE: Don't be deceived
TEXT: Mark 13:1-6; 21-23
PROPOSITION: Christians must be alert to the deceptions around us.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Deceptions
READING: Mark 13:21-23

INTRODUCTION:
  1. Our world is full of deception.
  2. Christians must be alert, not be fooled.
  3. Make up your own mind - not follow others.

Many are deceived because of:
  1. Charm (charisma) of a leader - Jim Jones, David Karesh
  2. Ignorance
  3. Blind acceptance
    1. Email about kidneys stolen, in tub of ice
    2. Chain letters of all kinds
  4. Common views - anything that supports our view is accepted
    1. Emails about taking “Touched by an Angel” off the air.
    2. Copies of petitions about O'Haire taking religion off radio.
    3. Abortion, gun control, taxes, etc.

Others deceive us
  1. With vain words - Ephesians 5:6
  2. Fair speeches - Romans 16:18 Good words and fair speeches they deceive
  3. Enticing words - Colossians 2:4 Not anyone should beguile you with enticing words
  4. Simple (innocent, harmless, unsuspecting) - Romans 16:17-18

Satan deceives us
  1. Revelation 20:3 - Satan should not deceive the nations
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:3 - serpent beguiled Eve, simplicity of gospel

We deceive ourselves
  1. 1 Corinthians 3:18 - Seems to be wise - becomes a fool
  2. 1 John 1:8 - say we have no sin = deceive ourselves



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