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www.preparehisway.com]
If there was a book written "Were You Ever Deceived?", I could fill in a few chapters:
-I was deceived by prominent national ministries in regard to the Y2K not-a-disaster.
-I was deceived by the twisting of scripture in regard to manmade "holiness" doctrines and legalisms.
-I was deceived into respecting the leadership of men even when it departed from the Word in the name of "covering", "obey them that have the rule...", and "submission".
-I was deceived into accepting women in spiritual authority.
-I was deceived into following many church-growth programs as an act of supporting our church.
-I was deceived by the desire for material gain.
-I was deceived by our "doctinal statement".
-I was deceived into thinking there was a "Pre-Trib rapture".
-I was deceived by the scripture itself when I looked at it through eyes veiled by religion.
-I was deceived by having "respect of persons" who "beguiled" me with "enticing words".
-I was deceived by my pastors, prophets, and others in regard to tithing and other matters.
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Jesus referring to the religious leadership of his day)
Mat 7:14 ...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Isaiah 56:11 ...they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.