Tag: Born again

Forget Coldplay’s Kiss Cam—What Happens When God Puts Your Life on the Big Screen?

Published on by Editor

Foreword (July 2025)

After watching the viral Coldplay kiss cam debacle—an awkward, unfiltered moment projected onto a stadium screen and then replayed endlessly online—I couldn’t help but think of this article Jeremy Utley wrote a few years ago. That kiss cam caught two people in a moment they probably wish could be erased.

But what about when our entire lives are put on display—every thought, word, and action—before God Himself?

This reflection, “Screening An Un-Blanked-Out Documentary,” written in 2022, feels even more relevant today. The world is quick to spotlight our embarrassing moments, but heaven is watching for something deeper: the moments that hold eternal significance.

Screening An Un-Blanked-Out Documentary

Published 2022

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.” ~ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

At the judgment seat of Christ, all of God’s ways will be seen to be perfectly just and righteous. That’s why we’re commanded to wait to judge — because there will come a day when even the secret motives of men’s hearts will be revealed, and then and only then can we judge righteously. Jesus says the same thing in Luke 12:2-3:

“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.”
‭‭
The picture I have of the judgment seat is one where everyone who has ever lived will see my every thought, word, deed, and motive, and will be able to see that God’s judgment of my life is perfectly righteous. It’s as if a documentary of all my life — inward and outward — will be on a giant movie screen for everyone who’s ever lived to see. And all people, finally having “perfect information” so to speak, will come to the same exact conclusion that God does in His judgment of my life. For some, that may be an absolutely terrifying idea. But for Christians, we can take comfort knowing that God has “blotted out” those sinful spots on the tape (Psalm 51:9), because He chooses not to remember (Isaiah 43:25) any of the sins that we confess in the name of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7,9). Praise God for that!!

But Christian, let me ask you a question: how will you feel if, when it’s “showtime” for your documentary in heaven, your entire movie is just a series of blanked-out scenes and bleeped-out speech? No sound, no video, all blank? Definitely no sin there to speak of, just hours and hours of silence. Non-footage, so to speak. It’s as if your life almost never took place. Will that be cause for rejoicing?

Or does that sound terrible to you? I must say that I will be utterly heartbroken if my documentary is all bleeped-out footage, with nothing worth screening in the final day! I want more than that! I want a life that brings God glory and honor and praise (Philippians 1:10-11), a life He can put on display to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places as evidence of His trustworthiness and wisdom and power (Ephesians 3:10, Job 1:8), a life that is not merely stripped of all evidence of bad, but that fulfills all the good that God had in His heart when He made me (Ephesians 2:10)! (I encourage you to read those verses and see whether that is God’s hope for your life too.)

The Holy Spirit says that “each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:13-15‬)‬‬. I don’t know about you, but that’s not what I want the subtitle of my movie to be: “saved, yet so as through fire.” To be sure, I’m not interested in reward, except that it will be something I get to throw at my precious Savior’s feet (Revelation 4:10). What I’m interested in is a life that brings God praise and glory in the final day, and the way to do that is to seek for there to be something left on the tape after the fire blots out all of the footage that dishonors the Lord. 

Lord, according to Your Holy Spirit’s work in me, I want an un-bleeped tape! I want my life to count for You! I want to be a part of the manifestation that shames the devil and brings glory to Jesus Christ in the final day, that extols His trustworthiness and power. 

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9-12‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Our good deeds may never be evident to worldly-minded people during our life on earth. But our hope is that, in the final day, when all things are known perfectly, and they watch the movies of our lives, they would have cause to glorify God. Not because there’s a blank tape (unlike their filthy tape), but there’s a tape filled with evidence of God’s glory. 

—————————

**By Jeremy Utley © Copyright – Jeremy Utley. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church / Photo by Annushka Ahuja at Pexels

Why Judas Was Lost — And Religion Didn’t Save Him

Published on by Editor

Matthew 27:1–7 (ESV): When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”

And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers.

This moment in Scripture is one of the most sobering in the entire Gospel story. It’s easy to rush past it — to get to the crucifixion, the resurrection, the victory. But if we skip over this, we miss something crucial: a warning wrapped in tragedy.

This isn’t just a story about ancient villains. It’s a spotlight on the human heart — our hearts. On what happens when someone is close to Jesus in proximity, but far from Him in surrender. It’s not about how wicked “they” were — it’s about how easily we can walk the same path without even realizing it.

This is not an attack on sincere believers walking humbly with Jesus. But it is a wake-up call for anyone trusting in church involvement, ministry roles, emotional worship experiences, Bible knowledge, or spiritual performance — instead of in Jesus Himself.

Judas’s downfall didn’t begin with the silver. It began when he let religion take the place of repentance. And when the weight of his sin finally hit him, he ran to the wrong people — religious leaders who had no grace to give. They were full of rules, titles, and temple rituals, but hollowed out of mercy, compassion, and truth.

And that’s where this story becomes our warning. Judas went to religion, and it couldn’t save him. Judas chose guilt over grace.

Judas: A Man Who Walked with Jesus—But Lost His Way

Judas wasn’t some random outsider. He was one of Jesus’ own twelve disciples. He walked with Jesus daily, witnessed His miracles firsthand, ate at His table, and heard His teachings. Yet, despite all this closeness, Judas made a devastating choice.

What went wrong? Judas let earthly things—money, greed, and material gain—take priority over the spiritual truth he had seen. Instead of clinging to Jesus, the source of true life and forgiveness, he sold out the Savior for thirty pieces of silver. His heart turned away from grace and toward greed, but religion without real repentance couldn’t save him.

This betrayal reminds us that Christians can “sell out” their faith—not only for money but also for power, popularity, comfort, personal ambition, or by compromising God’s design for relationships.

Judas Went to the Wrong People

Judas betrayed Jesus and was filled with guilt—he knew what he did was wrong. But here’s the shocker: he didn’t run to Jesus, the only One who could truly forgive and heal him.

No. Judas ran to the chief priests and elders—sinners like us, mere men with titles but no power to forgive sins. These were the very people Judas was not meant to confess to, yet he went to them instead. Men steeped in religion, but rotten inside. Men who were complicit in condemning an innocent man. Men whose hearts were cold to mercy, justice, and truth. Religion without Jesus had hardened their hearts and kept them from true repentance.

Instead of repentance or sorrow, they cared only about their laws and their money. When Judas threw down the blood money, these priests refused to put it into the temple treasury because it was “unclean.” So what did they do? They took that money stained with innocent blood and bought a burial field for foreigners—as if buying a field could cover their guilt, their sin, their wickedness. As if putting money in the offering box or doing philanthropy deeds can do the same!

They thought a real estate transaction would redeem them. But no amount of money or good deed can wash away the stain of hypocrisy, envy, hatred, and betrayal. Their actions expose the brutal reality of religion without Jesus: cold legalism that cares more about rules and appearances than mercy, grace, and true repentance.

The disconnect is astounding—here were men steeped in religion yet utterly disconnected from true repentance and mercy. They were guilty of: envy, hatred, lying, hypocrisy and legalism that valued money over justice, yet they called themselves God’s representatives.

This is the cold reality of religion without Jesus: ritual replaces relationship, rules replace repentance, and good deeds become a mask for rebellion and wickedness.

Peter’s Path: Failure Met by Forgiveness

Peter was another man who walked closely with Jesus but made a very different choice. Like Judas, Peter was one of the twelve disciples, witnessing Jesus’ miracles and hearing His teachings firsthand. Yet when the pressure came, Peter denied Jesus—not once, but three times.

But here’s the crucial difference: Peter didn’t remain in his failure. He genuinely repented, was restored by Jesus, and went on to live a life marked by bold faith and transformation.

Peter’s story brings hope: no failure is final when met with sincere repentance. Grace and restoration are available to anyone who turns back to Jesus wholeheartedly.

(See Matthew 26:69–75; John 21:15–19; Luke 22:31–32; Acts 2:14–41)

Two Paths Lie Before You

You’ve failed. So have I. We’ve all sold Jesus out for something—pleasure, control, popularity, pride, money, lust, whatever.

The question isn’t whether you’ve sinned. The question is, what are you going to do about it?

You have two choices:

JUDAS

Regret

Isolation

Death

Religion

Shame

PETER

Repentance

Restoration

Life

Relationship

Grace

One ran to religion and died. The other ran to Jesus and lived.

This is not a game. Your soul is at stake.

Application for Us Today

Many people believe they’ve gone too far—betrayed too deeply, denied too loudly, messed up too many times. Judas’s path shows us what happens when we believe our sin is stronger than God’s grace.

But Peter’s story tells another truth:

Jesus is greater than our greatest failure.

He doesn’t just forgive. He redeems, restores, and reuses the broken. In fact, it’s those very cracks that let His glory shine through.

Final Encouragement

“Let God be true and every man a liar.” Peter is living proof of that. Men may fail—but God never does. Jesus knew Peter would fall and planned to restore him before it even happened (Luke 22:31–32).

That same grace is available today. Judas’s story warns us of despair, but Peter’s shows us the way back: through Christ alone.

The Bottom Line

If you think your church attendance, good behavior, ministry work, or religious “track record” can replace a real, repentant walk with Jesus—think again. Don’t rely on religion to save your soul. Only a genuine relationship with Jesus, marked by repentance and surrender, brings true forgiveness and restoration.

Run to Jesus — not to man-made religion, lifeless ritual, or guilt-driven striving. Only Jesus can forgive sin and restore your soul.

Don’t make Judas’s mistake. Don’t settle for empty religion that kills your spirit.

Choose life. Choose Jesus.

If you’re not sure where you stand with God or want to understand how to receive His forgiveness and eternal life, you can read this article here:

Responding to God’s Call: Salvation, Repentance, and Eternal Life

——————-

*** Photo by Nikolett Emmert by Pexels

Life Is Short. Eternity Is Long. Are You Ready?

Published on by Editor

We often hear, “Life is short… better enjoy it!” But how about this: “Eternity is long… better prepare for it.”

“For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?”

— Mark 8:36

We live in very sobering times. This life is not paradise. It is a preparation for paradise. How we choose to live it will determine how we spend eternity — in heaven or in hell. Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell: these are the Four Last Things. And they’re not distant — they’re approaching with every tick of the clock.

Many say, “Life is short, enjoy it while it lasts.” But eternity? It will be very long. You better prepare for it.

We are so caught up in this life — in money, relationships, entertainment, career — we give little attention to the life that never ends. Yet Jesus taught that every soul has an eternal destiny — either heaven or hell (John 5:25–29). And that destiny is determined in this life (Luke 16:19–31). Every choice matters.

“The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away…

So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

— Psalm 90:10,12

Time is collapsing. Technology is advancing — faster travel, faster internet, faster communication — yet we seem to have less time for what matters. We’ve gained speed but lost direction. We’ve advanced in knowledge but declined in wisdom. And worst of all — we are drifting further from God.

We are shadows that vanish. Grass that withers. Time is passing — and so are we.

“My days are like an evening shadow that lengthens and vanishes…

But You, O Lord, shall endure forever.”

— Psalm 102:11–12

From the moment you were born, you began dying. In 90 years, most of us reading this will be gone. The grave waits for no one.

So… what will you do with the time you have?

Every person gets the same 24 hours a day. But how we use it shapes our eternity.

Let’s say you live to 70:

The first 15 years? Childhood and adolescence. Around 20 years? Spent asleep. The final 5 years? Likely reduced activity. That leaves just 30 years — and even that includes eating, working, paying bills, and daily responsibilities.

What will you do with the years you have left?

“What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

— James 4:14

Even the wealthiest person cannot buy more time. Scientists cannot invent more minutes. Doctors cannot guarantee more years.

The most valuable thing you have is your time — use it for God.

“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

— Ephesians 5:15–16

The world is dark — violence, immorality, brokenness. But Jesus is calling His people to shine as lights and make disciples. To do that, we must stop wasting time and start investing it in what truly matters.

Too many Christians tithe their money but not their time. We find time for entertainment, social media, and distractions — but little for God.

We have time… but what are we using it for?

You have time to:

Seek Christ Serve others Obey His will Fulfill your calling

You want to be with God after death — but do you want to spend time with Him now?

Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Where is your time?

“My times are in Your hand.”

— Psalm 31:15

Can you say this honestly? That your time — your life — belongs fully to God?

So… How Do You Give Jesus Your Heart?

You may be wondering:

“How do I know I’m saved? How do I give my heart to Jesus and prepare for eternity?”

It starts with repentance.

That means turning away from your sin — from living life your own way — and turning to God.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”

— Acts 3:19

We’ve all sinned. Sin separates us from God and leads to death — not just physical death, but eternal separation.

But the good news is this:

God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins.

He took your place. He bore your punishment.

He rose again to give you life — eternal life.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

— Romans 5:8

To be saved, forgiven, and made right with God:

1. Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

2. Believe that Jesus died for you and rose again.

3. Confess Him as Lord — surrender your whole life to Him.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

— Romans 10:9

This is more than a prayer. It’s a life-altering commitment.

Here’s a simple prayer you can make your own:

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I have broken Your laws and lived for myself. But I believe You died for me and rose again. I ask You to forgive me, wash me clean, and give me a new heart. I turn from my sin, and I turn to You. I surrender my life — all of it — to You. Be my Savior, be my Lord, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you prayed that sincerely, you’ve taken the first and most important step into eternal life.

But remember — salvation is not the finish line. It’s the starting point.

Now begin walking with Him:

Read the Bible (start with the Gospel of John)

Pray — talk to God every day via prayer

Join a Bible-believing church Get baptized

Share what God has done in your life

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent.”

— John 17:3

Your time is still in God’s hands. Don’t waste another moment.

Live for what truly matters.

Live for the One who gave His life for you.

Give Him your heart — today.

——-——-

** By Shalom for the world / Photo by KoolShooters at Pexels

The Believer’s Authority in Christ: Freedom from Fear of Witchcraft and Darkness

Published on by Editor

Introduction

In an age where many are anxious about spiritual darkness, witchcraft, demonic influence, or the evil intentions of others, the Word of God calls every believer in Christ to stand boldly and fearlessly. If you are in Christ Jesus and abide in Him, you have been given spiritual authority over Satan, demons, and even those people who act as vessels for evil. The finished work of Jesus Christ has secured your victory—and fear has no place in the life of a believer who walks in that truth.

1. What Is the Believer’s Authority?

The believer’s authority is the spiritual dominion given by Christ to every person who is born again and abides in Him. This authority is not based on your merit or strength, but on Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and all the powers of the enemy.

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

— Luke 10:19 (NKJV)

Jesus didn’t just save you from sin—He empowered you to walk in victory over Satan and every spiritual force of wickedness.

2. Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places

Your authority comes from your position in Christ. According to the book of Ephesians:

“And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

— Ephesians 2:6 (NKJV)

This means that spiritually, you are seated above every demonic force, above witchcraft, curses, and all agents of darkness. You’re not beneath the enemy—you’re above him, because you are in Christ, who is exalted far above all rule and power (Ephesians 1:20–21).

3. Authority Over Satan and His Human Instruments

Satan doesn’t only use demons—he also influences people whose hearts are hardened and bent on evil. Whether through sorcery, manipulation, curses, or wicked intentions, some individuals willingly yield themselves to the enemy’s control.

“You are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness…”

— Acts 13:10 (NASB)

Yet even these people—used as agents of darkness—have no power over you when you are submitted to God and walking in His authority. The schemes and attacks of wicked people cannot override the blood, Word, and Spirit of Christ that covers you.

“There is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel.”

— Numbers 23:23 (ESV)

No curse, spell, or human evil can prosper against a child of God who abides in Christ. You are untouchable by hell’s schemes when you live in righteousness, faith, and obedience.

4. Freedom From Fear

Many believers struggle with fear—fear of witchcraft, curses, or demonic retaliation. But Scripture teaches that fear is a tactic of the enemy, not a tool of God.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

As long as we remain in Christ, walking in His Word and Spirit, we have nothing to fear. Not witchcraft, not spiritual attacks, not evil men or their plots.

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.”

— Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)

God’s protection is not partial or fragile. It is perfect, complete, and rooted in His covenant with you.

5. Exercising Authority Through Submission and Faith

Spiritual authority is exercised—not just acknowledged. Like a soldier must stand his ground and enforce the command of a superior, believers must use their authority actively, not passively.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

— James 4:7 (NKJV)

The first step is always submission to God—yielding to His Lordship in every area of your life. Then, when you speak, pray, or stand against the enemy, you do so with heaven’s backing. Demons recognize the voice of one who walks in true authority.

6. Abiding in Christ: The Source of Boldness

Jesus said:

“Abide in Me, and I in you… for without Me you can do nothing.”

— John 15:4–5 (NKJV)

Abiding is not an occasional prayer—it’s a lifestyle of dependence, obedience, and intimacy with Jesus. When you abide:

You are filled with spiritual discernment

You are shielded by His presence

You walk in power, not fear

You bear fruit that exposes and destroys the works of darkness

7. Scriptural Examples of Authority in Action

Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4): He resisted Satan with the Word.

Paul rebukes a demonic spirit in a slave girl (Acts 16): He cast it out in Jesus’ name.

Believers confronting evil men (Acts 13): Paul called out Elymas, a sorcerer, and struck him blind.

In every case, God’s authority through a yielded vessel overpowered demonic forces and those who served them.

Conclusion: Stand Boldly, Walk Fearlessly

You are not just saved—you are seated in heavenly places, filled with the Spirit of God, and clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The enemy, his demons, and those who do his bidding have no authority over you. You don’t need to fear witchcraft, wicked men, curses, or demonic plans.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

— 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)

But remember this: spiritual warfare is not just about resisting—it’s about advancing. And two of your greatest weapons are prayer and praise.

When Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises in the prison, God shook the foundations (Acts 16:25–26). When Jehoshaphat sent worshippers ahead of the army, God set ambushes against their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21–22). When Elijah prayed, fire came down and exposed the powerlessness of the enemy (1 Kings 18:36–39).

Prayer breaks chains.

Praise shifts the atmosphere.

Both silence the voice of the enemy and bring the presence of God into the battle.

“Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered…”

— Psalm 68:1 (NKJV)

“Out of the mouths of babes and infants, You have ordained strength… to silence the enemy and the avenger.”

— Psalm 8:2 (NKJV)

So pray fervently. Praise boldly. Worship in truth. The enemy cannot stand in an atmosphere saturated with God’s presence. Prayer pierces the darkness, and praise declares that the battle is the Lord’s—and the victory is yours in Christ.

Final Word:

Walk in obedience. Stand on the Word. Abide in Christ. Use the name of Jesus boldly. Pray and praise without ceasing. And never again live in fear. The victory has already been won—your job is to enforce it with faith, joy, and spiritual power.

—————-

**Photo by Tony Rogers at Pexels

Nothing New Under the Sun: Jezebel and the New Age Movements

Published on by Editor

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ~ Colossians 2:8

Wicked women are presented as they truly are in the Bible—without any attempt to sanitize their lives or actions. One such infamous figure is Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was not a believer in the one true God, and her reign over northern Israel marked the introduction and spread of a false religion—worship of Baal. This religion quickly took hold because Jezebel became a role model for many women of her time. Her religion was rooted in the worship of Baal, or Satan, who is behind all false religions.

To please the queen was politically savvy, so she filled Israel with 850 priests practicing her religion, leading the people further astray. Jezebel’s impact was profound and deeply harmful, as she turned the nation away from the true God.

The Parallels Between Baal Worship and the New Age Movement

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:4

Do you want to know what Jezebel’s religion was like? We are witnessing the rise of a similar, swift, and powerful religion sweeping the planet today—the New Age / Golden Age Movement. This belief system, like the false worship of Baal, denies the existence of a personal God who loves His people. Instead, it promotes an impersonal, universal energy force. In the New Age Movement, God can be referred to in many ways— she or he, mother or father, god or goddess, the Earth, the sun, the stars, or even nature itself can be worshipped as God. New Age teachers claim to receive guidance from so-called “spirit guides,” “ascended masters,” “masters of wisdom” “angels,” and “higher beings,” all of whom make up the hierarchy of this movement. They state that some of their guides are angels.

However, Jezebel’s priests, when confronted by the prophet Elijah, were exposed for their reliance on demonic forces – fallen angels, whilst practicing their false religion. Elijah challenged all 850 of them to prove the power of their gods, demonstrating that their supposed deities were powerless before the one true God. When they failed, the false nature of their religion was revealed, along with their demon guides posing as angels.

The New Age Movement bears striking similarities to Jezebel’s worship of Baal. For example, the New Age movement claims that Jesus Christ was merely a reincarnated messenger—not the Son of God. They assert that Christ was sent by the demon hierarchy of angels to provide “spiritually advanced revelations” to their group. In fact, they teach that Jesus is just one of many “Christs,” alongside figures like Buddha, Mohammed, and Confucius. This system accepts anyone who rejects Jesus Christ as the Son of God—whether they are Shintoists, Satanists, Buddhists, secular humanists, witches, or anyone else who doesn’t acknowledge the truth or accept the Christ, and that He is a personal God. They teach that man is not sinful, nor evil, and that Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross has no meaning, according to them it was meaningless.

Moreover, the New Age Movement denies the existence of sin, judgment, and the need for salvation. Instead, it teaches that humanity has evolved over thousands of years and that there is no need for a savior. This philosophy is the basis of all false religions; rooted in ancient lies, echoing the deceptions of Satan, who hides the reality of judgment, hell, and sin, and all of his followers do the same, because they have been blinded to the truth. It’s no surprise that Jezebel’s actions—her cheating, lying, and murder—were reflections of her allegiance to Satan, the father of lies. Her conscience was so seared with unbelief in the one true God that she had no fear of judgment, she never expected to meet a righteous and holy God one day, who will judge her for things done in the flesh, her thoughts, her deeds and her motives.

Modern Echoes: The Age of Aquarius

Today, the New Age Movement is spreading rapidly, with some even calling it the “Age of Aquarius.” Many people are drawn to its teachings, including secular humanists, witches, Satanists, and celebrities. One prominent TV and movie star has become a spokesperson for the movement, claiming to receive instructions from an ancient being, that tells her things and guides her. This celebrity, like Jezebel, serves as a role model for many, leading others into deception.

The New Age Movement teaches that being “born again” is simply a personal transformation or healing of the self. It says that you must “let go” and allow your “inner guide” or “higher self” to direct your life, without any belief or need for the Holy Spirit and Him indwelling you. They speak of something called “kundalini,” a Hindu term meaning “serpent power,” which has clear connections to Satan. This mimics spiritual experiences, but it is a counterfeit of true Christian transformational quality of the Holy Spirit.

Satan, as always, has counterfeited the things of Jesus Christ and Christianity. The New Age Movement, much like the false prophets in Jezebel’s time, speaks of a “Christ-like” figure who will come to establish a utopian Kingdom of peace on Earth, that he will reign over the new age, bringing about a one world religion and consolidating all nations into one government. This is eerily similar to the Antichrist, who will deceive many and promise a one-world government and a counterfeit peace—something the Bible warns will happen before the true return of Jesus Christ.

Distinguishing Truth from Deception

In a nutshell, here is what the New Age Movement teaches:

• God is impersonal; He is not loving, He can be a he or she, but not the sovereign, holy, and righteous God of the Bible.

• Jesus is not the Son of God, not the Christ and someone greater than Jesus will come, not realising there will be an anti-Christ connected to Satan, who will try to imitate the Christ, as we have been forewarned in scriptures.

• There is no need for being born again, as they reject the Holy Spirit and encourage people to follow their demon guides.

• And about the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ that the anti-Christ will rule in Earth and Heaven is the Kingdom of God during the Age of Aquarius and that it is not a real place, but merely an Earthly utopia.

• There is no sin, judgment, evil or hell.

As believers in Christ, we know these claims are false. We have the truth from the Bible, which tells us that God is our loving Father, He is not a she or a goddess, but the supreme being. Jesus is His only begotten Son, the express image of the invisible God, and salvation comes through Him alone. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live according to God’s will. Heaven is a real, physical place where God the Father and God the Son reign in glory, and hell is a real and horrible place for those who reject the truth of the gospel. Through the Holy Spirit, we are assured of our salvation and strengthened in our faith as we await eternal life with God. He tells us that angels are messengers of God and named in scripture and He tells us to be born again, by the spirit of God by receiving Jesus as our personal Saviour.

A Call to Stand Firm in the Truth

Throughout history, God has warned His people about false religions. From Jezebel’s priests to the builders of the Tower of Babel, we have seen it through the ages. These instances of idolatry and rebellion against God serve as lessons for us today. Even in Noah’s time, when wickedness was rampant, God had to destroy the world with a flood. This, too, is a forewarning for us today. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 24 that when we see the same kinds of lawlessness and rebellion happening again, it is a sign that His return is near.

In Matthew 24:29-30, Jesus speaks of the signs preceding His second coming: “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.”

We know that in the end times, false prophets will rise up to deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24). Deception has led to destruction throughout the ages, and it will culminate in the final days before Jesus’ return. This New Age Movement, like its predecessors, may fade into the background only to be replaced by another. Yet, there is the real possibility that this movement could lead to the rise of the Antichrist, who will deceive many with promises of peace and a one-world government. Scripture warns us that the Antichrist will set up his rule on Earth, even establishing himself in Jerusalem and claiming to be the Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). However, we who know the Bible recognize this for the lie that it is.

Jesus warned: “If anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it” (Matthew 24:26). His true return will not be secret or localized. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that He will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are still alive will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This event, known as the rapture, will take place in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Jesus will gather His elect and take them to be with Him for seven years, during which time the Great Tribulation will unfold on Earth. After this period, He will return with His saints to establish His Kingdom on Earth and reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). Unlike the false peace promised by the New Age Movement, this will be the true and lasting reign of the Prince of Peace.

We are warned in Scripture that the Antichrist will bring about a false peace and deceive many. Jesus Himself cautioned us against following these lies. We are also reminded of the lessons of history—Jezebel and her false prophets led Israel into idolatry, and the builders of the Tower of Babel sought to defy God’s sovereignty. These stories serve as warnings for us today. Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, but narrow is the gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

As believers, we look forward to the Lord’s return. By God’s grace, we will not be caught up in the ecumenical movement or New Age ideologies that attempt to unify all religions and philosophies into one deceptive system. This “Age of Aquarius” promises enlightenment and unity but leads people to follow the Antichrist instead of Christ. The Bible is clear: there can be no lasting peace on Earth until Jesus Himself returns to set up His Kingdom.

We must stand firm in the truth, remembering Jesus’ words and promises. Let us choose the narrow path that leads to life. Choose wisely—choose Christ!

Conclusion: Lessons from Jezebel and the Bible

God’s sovereignty remains unshaken; He knows the beginning from the end. The warnings drawn from Jezebel’s life and scripture provide us with timeless clarity. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Satan’s methods of deception have not changed, and false religions like the New Age / Golden Age Movement are modern manifestations of these ancient lies. These deceptions, cloaked in promises of enlightenment, peace, and unity, echo the spiritual rebellion seen in Jezebel’s time, the Tower of Babel, and countless other moments in history.

Even those movements that claim to acknowledge Christ often compromise truth, embracing all religions in the name of an ecumenical ‘unity and peace.’ This push toward a one-world religion is yet another ploy by Satan, setting the stage for the rise of the Antichrist, who will seek to establish his rule over a one-world government. Scripture warns us of this, and as believers, we are called to be vigilant.

Our anchor is the Word of God. We must remain grounded, discerning, and uncompromising in our faith. The false promises of movements like the New Age and the allure of unity at the expense of truth must be rejected. Instead, we fix our eyes on Christ, awaiting His glorious return when He will establish His eternal Kingdom—a Kingdom of true peace and righteousness.

Let us hold fast to God’s promises, stand firm in His truth, and keep our hearts prepared for the day when the Prince of Peace will reign forever.

The free gift of salvation

————-

“Nothing New Under the Sun” is adapted from Eleanor Page’s talk on ‘Jezebel’ in the ‘Women in the Bible’ series, broadcasted on BBN Radio / Photo by RDNE Stock at Pexels.