I attended a training session where we were taught five lies that will close a sale. I didn’t use those lies but I do remember the ways they taught us to manipulate the customer into an agreeable frame of mind.

In John 7:47-49 we read: Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” NKJV

The ruling council had sent officers to arrest Jesus, to remove Him from the temple and to lock Him away. They had Jesus’ death in mind and they expected the officers to carry out their orders. Are you also deceived? They asked! But, the returning officers were not deceived, it was the rulers and the Pharisees who were deceived. They used themselves as an example the officers should follow; since they didn’t believe, no one should believe.

Imagine the discomfort of those officers. They heard Jesus, and His message resonated with them. But, they also had their orders and their angry bosses pressing them to obey. What a conflict and what a price to pay if they resisted.

The conflict is still with us! There are many who resist the things of God, the truths of scripture and loudly object to any public display of the Christian faith. The spirit of Antichrist is present and working to manipulate people to be disagreeable toward faith and agreeable to the lies of our Godless culture. But it is the Word of God that has the victory. All who receive Christ Jesus as Lord and savior shall have everlasting life. Don’t be deceived by those against Christ, instead receive Him as Lord.