A Growing Deception
TimeWatch Editorial
April 29, 2017
According to the Free Encyclopedia, “The Living Church of God” (LCG) is one of hundreds of groups that formed after the death of the late Herbert W. Armstrong, when major doctrinal changes (causing turmoil and divisions) were occurring in the former Worldwide Church of God (WCG) especially during the 1990s. The LCG was formed in December 1998 and is an offshoot organization of the Global Church of God (GCG), which formed in December 1992. The Living Church of God is one of Sabbath keeping Churches of God church groups that have sprung up from the former WCG, known today as Grace Communion International (GCI). And even from the LCG organization itself, several other split-off groups have resulted, each one of which is headed by a former LCG minister.” “The Living Church of God,” the Free Encyclopedia
The Free Encyclopedia continues with the fact that shortly after The Living Church of God’s incorporation, it started producing a weekly, half-hour television program, Tomorrow's World. As of 2007, the show is anchored by Meredith, Richard Ames, Rod King, and Wallace G. Smith.
That same Richard Ames mentioned above, published an article on the Tomorrow’s World website in November December issue 2006 entitled “Seven Satanic Deceptions.” What is amazingly awakening is the fact that too often we overlook the fact that God continues to poor out his truth upon the world through many means. We must diligently carry out the task that he has given to us, understanding that it is a privilege we have been given, otherwise those who we at this time do not embrace all the truth that we have will, by sharing what they already have, will grow in grace and understanding of that truth.
Ames first deception mentioned is False Doctrine. He says the following:
“Where do we find godly doctrine or teaching? Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32 ). Truth is revealed in the Bible, but we must also practice the truth. Jesus said in the previous verse, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed" (v. 31).
Sadly, the majority will not practice the truth. The Apostle Paul prophesied that some "religious" people would seek teachers to preach what they want to hear, rather than the truth of the Bible. The Apostle Paul exhorted the young evangelist Timothy: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:2–4 ).” Richard Ames, “Seven Satanic Deceptions,” Tomorrow’s World
The second deception Richard Ames mentions is lust.
“Human nature is filled with vanity, jealousy, greed, and lust. Satan can take advantage of that tendency and weakness in all of us. He sends temptation through the media—movies, television, magazines and the Internet—and through carnal and covetous individuals. The Apostle Paul warned married couples not to deprive one another from sexual relations. Otherwise, Satan could take advantage of our carnal nature. "Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5). In our modern age, sexual temptations are all around us. So, the Apostle Paul advised those who might lack self-control, "Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband" (1 Corinthians 7:2).” Richard Ames, “Seven Satanic Deceptions,” Tomorrow’s World
The third deception that Richard Ames mentioned is Pride Vanity and Arrogance.
“Selfishness and egotism are part and parcel of human nature. We like to feel important. That desire can lead to deception. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy concerning the ordination of a bishop, or an overseer. He wrote that such a candidate should be "not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:6–7 ). Do you let pride and vanity guide your thinking and behavior? If so, you can be deceived. You can be snared by the devil. How do you counteract self-centeredness and vanity? The Apostle James wrote: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10 ). Remember the biblical examples of those who cultivated pride, and did not give glory to God? King Herod allowed himself to be worshipped as a god! He cultivated vanity and arrogance. And what happened to him? "So on a set day Herod arrayed in royal apparel sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, 'The voice of a god and not of a man!' Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied" (Acts 12:21–24 ).” Richard Ames, “Seven Satanic Deceptions,” Tomorrow’s World
A careful observation will reveal that each one of these deceptions speak to the heart. The initial defenses are broken down, and then the deception promises a lie. The heart can no longer resist once the lust, the arrogance and pride finds a home. Deception is based upon a false promise, for that is where it all began; “You shall not surely die,” is what the devil said, and this is indeed how he introduces his deceptive approach. We must be guarded against the intrusion of error, so that our lives are reflective of God’s Character.
We will continue to look at this subject in our next editorial.
Cameron A. Bowen
