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What Restrains the Man of Sin?
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerIn II Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul speaks of a force that temporarily restrains the coming of the man of sin, also termed the lawless man in some translations. This restraining force, described in verse 6 as neuter in Greek, is not a person but an undefined, invisible influence that maintains the status quo. As this force weakens, new attitudes, unexpected behaviors, and unwelcome norms emerge, leading to a culture where excesses become the rule and extremes are normalized. In such a state, with little to restrain, anything goes. Paul, in verse 7, uses cryptic diction and elliptical syntax, seemingly avoiding explicit revelation of the nature of this restraining force.
Strangers to the Truth (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordThe apostle Paul's prophetic warning in II Thessalonians 2:1-4 describes the deceptions of the Man of Sin, who will arise amid a society exhausted by sin and saturated with deceit. This environment of pervasive lying, in which people speak peaceably while harboring treachery in their hearts, creates a moral vacuum that the Man of Sin will enter to convince many that he is a god. Such widespread falsehood, instigated by Satan, will make it nearly impossible to trust the words of neighbors, friends, or those even closer. The time when this lying reaches its climax draws near, fulfilling the conditions that allow the Man of Sin to exploit the resulting distrust. God declares through the prophet that He will punish a nation given to these practices, and the question remains whether His people are listening to what He has spoken.
Lying
Sermonette by Mike FordTwo articles, 'Why We Lie: The Science Behind Our Deceptive Ways,' and 'Why Do We Lie?' both proclaim that lying is expedient, therapeutic, and beneficial.
Strangers to the Truth (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordIn any sin, deceit is involved. Society considers lying as a whole to be harmless. Everyone does it, so it must be okay, right?
A Place of Safety? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prophecies concerning the Man of Sin refer to a person with great political power with global significance rather than to a leader of a small church.
Antichrist Deceptions
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAntichrists manifest several characteristics, including fostering deception and confusion, preventing fellowship, and creating intense spiritual conflict.
The Handwriting on the Wall (2012)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Lying and flattering seem to be the modus operandi of many of the officials holding public office, from the President to the constable.
Our Trusted Source of Truth (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Olivet Prophecy lists deceit as the first danger confronting Christians who will be living in the disinformation age, strong enough to deceive the elect.
The Flood Is Upon Us!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughRevelation 12 pictures a flood proceeding from the mouth of the dragon, sweeping many away in a torrent of information that drowns out the truth.
The Falling Away
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeOne of Paul's prophecies foretells of a falling away shortly before Christ's return. The coming apostasy is worldwide in scope and will put pressure on all.
The Falling Away
Sermonette byThe scope of the prophesied falling away is obviously international, affecting the entire world, involving a dramatic global rejection of even basic truth.
A Rewired Society (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being rewired, with the social Internet and media dangerously altering thought processes, making young and old more susceptible to believing lies.
A Place of Safety? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul gives two signs of the Tribulation: The falling away and the appearance of the man of sin who sits in the temple in Jerusalem (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).
The Beast From the Earth and 666
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first beast rises out of political turmoil, while the second rises out of an entrenched, worldwide religious system, totally opposed to God's laws.
The Book of Daniel (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDaniel 7-8 is full of overlapping images and visions. Both chapters show the certainty of the end of Gentile kingdoms, replaced by God's eternal Kingdom.