The Greatest End-Time Warning
As we approach the close of 2025, many people are asking the same questions: “Are we nearing the end?” or “With everything that’s happening in the world, isn’t Jesus coming back soon?”
As believers, Scripture tells us there is one concern we must carry in these times—that we are not deceived.
When asked about the time of the end and what would occur, Jesus answered plainly: “Take heed that no one deceives you.” (Matthew 24:4)
The Holy Spirit also warns us: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”
—1 Timothy 4:1–2
Deception isn’t always obvious. It often sounds good, feels good, or appears spiritual—yet it leads people away from truth, away from God’s Word, and away from God.
THE GROWING DANGER OF DECEPTION
To deceive means to cause someone to believe something false. To be deceived means you have accepted a lie as truth. It may even be small, but even the smallest deception can lead to a bigger one.
We live in a world where truth is constantly distorted. Opinions are presented as facts. Feelings are treated as authority. And misinformation is everywhere—spiritually, politically, socially, morally.
Jesus warned that before His return:
- Many will be offended, betray one another, and hate one another (Matthew 24:10).
- Lawlessness will abound, and the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12).
- False prophets—and in our age, false teachers—will deceive many (Matthew 24:11; 2 Peter 2:1).
This is already happening. And that’s why Jesus’ warning is so urgent:
Do not accept lies. Do not be deceived.
HOW DO BELIEVERS COMBAT DECEPTION?
Below are four biblical steps that protect us from being misled.
- Go Directly to the Source: God’s Word
Much deception happens because believers rely on secondhand information. Paul urged Timothy:
- “Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:13)
- “Be diligent… rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
And Peter said:
“…be even more diligent to make your call and election sure.”
—2 Peter 1:10
We cannot be lazy with Scripture.
Study. Read. Research. Compare everything with the Word of God.
- Do a “Spirit Check”
John teaches us:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits… because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
—1 John 4:1
Every message—every preacher, teacher, influencer, article, or video—should be tested against the Holy Spirit living in you.
Jesus said God’s Spirit abides within you (1 John 4:4).
If we are praying, meditating, and listening to Him, we cannot easily be led astray.
- Seek Wise, Godly Counsel
The people around you influence your spiritual clarity. Solomon wrote:
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
—Proverbs 11:14
Surround yourself with people who:
- Live the truth
- Love the truth
- Know the truth
Their counsel can be protection to you. If everyone godly in your life is saying the same thing—listen, as long as that counsel also agrees with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit within you.
- Go Back and Pray Again
After studying, researching, and gathering wise counsel—go back and commune with the Lord.
Let Him confirm or correct what you think you know.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:5
This final step keeps our hearts humble, aligned, and spiritually safe.
FOLLOWING YOUR HEART—CAUTIOUSLY
People often say, “Just follow your heart.” But Scripture teaches that our hearts must be shaped by God’s truth, not by feelings or impressions. Our heart does not lead us with emotion, but with God’s Word and His Spirit.
The enemy can manipulate emotions.
He can mimic signs.
He can produce false “peace” if someone is already leaning toward the wrong choice.
That’s why we:
- Meditate on truth
- Study the Word
- Seek wise counsel
- Meditate again and listen for the Lord’s guidance
Solomon teaches:
- “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
- “The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:18)
In these days, prudence is protection.
FINAL THOUGHT
Jesus gave us this warning because He loves us.
Deception is subtle, seductive, and powerful—but it can be defeated by believers who stay anchored in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, surrounded by truth, and committed to discernment.
Now more than ever: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”
Stand firm. Stay alert. And stay grounded in God’s truth.
Dale Black
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This is an excellent and timely message. I would like to add that Eve believed Satan’s lies and doubted God. That was the beginning of all our current deceptions. I believe the mark of the beast will be a microchip that replaces cash, and credit cards. People will be deceived by its safety and convenience and become trapped into worshiping the beast. Furthermore that chip will contain GPS and communication technology so the antichrist will be able to track you everywhere you go, including to a disallowed Bible study or church service. And when they want to find you to “cancel” you, you will not be able to hide. You will just disappear and never be seen again. People will be deceived by not being able to buy groceries forgetting that God will take care of His people, just like He did for the Israelites in the desert for forty years, the feeding of the five thousand, and the multiplying of the widow of Zarepheth’s flour and oil for Elijah. Again, ignorance of the Word and God’s love and provision, will be the downfall of many who do not heed this warning.
Another deception is called “convenience”. Today convenience is a new step in deception. People do things because they are more convenient. This includes smartphones, which will also be a tool in the antichrist’s ability to deceive, mislead, and follow everyone and make sure they are following him and not God. The love of convenience is a powerful took in Satan’s repertoire. Everyone needs to question the power of convenience in their lives and how it may be taking them away from the Lord.
I have an inspiration for a new novel entitled “Life in the 2030’s. It begins with satanic forces taking over the election of 2028 to enable the antichrist to take power in January 2029. According to Daniel’s seventieth week prophecy, everything will look good, even the mark of the beast, until the summer of 2032 when the antichrist will set an image in Jerusalem and require the whole world to honor and worship him. He will turn from being a peacemaker to the evil character of his heart. For the next 3 ½ years until the end of 2035, all hell will break loose, as the saying goes, but will be very real at that time. In March of 2034 (March 20 exactly and this is a fact) there will be a solar eclipse across North Africa, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction that before he comes “the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.” In November of that year there will be the Leonid meteor shower, “the stars will fall from the sky.” At the end of 2035, the end of Daniel’s seventieth week, Jesus will return around Christmas time in the clouds with power and glory and all the Earth will mourn because they now realize they have been deceived and followed the wrong one and are doomed. But the saints who are still alive will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air along with all the saints who died at the hands of the antichrist.
I don’t claim to be prophet. I am not saying this will happen; it is just a novel. But I believe I am inspired and what I propose to write is consistent with Scripture. So I encourage all readers to make this a matter of prayer. To endure the end times, whenever they occur, we must have unusual faith in God’s love and provision for us. We MUST trust Him because we will not be able to trust the usual channels. Please follow Dale’s suggestions. Our God inspires him also.
Wonderful counsel, Dale, and some great reminders on how to protect oneself from the deception of the evil one!
May God bless you richly!!
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony, that I watched earlier. Your humility, tenderness, and genuine encounter was received immediately by my spirit.
That warning — regarding deception has been on my lips and in my heart for years. This is one of the most disingenuous times, in my lifetime and it is so sad- watching the masses fall away because they are being deceived, even by their thoughts and actions.
Truly he that endures til the end shall he Saved, and Jesus will surely take us all the way to the finish line.
See you on the other side, Captain.🙏🏼🥰
Thank you for taking the time to share this. Your words mean a great deal to me. What you sensed is exactly what matters most—Jesus Himself.
You are absolutely right about the times we are living in. Deception is subtle, persistent, and often comes disguised as reason, emotion, or even good intentions. That is why anchoring ourselves in the Word and staying close to the voice of the Holy Spirit has never been more critical.
Your reminder is a powerful one: endurance matters. Jesus is faithful, and He will finish what He began in those who keep their eyes on Him. I’m encouraged to know there are others standing watch, discerning the hour, and choosing truth.
Until that day, may we remain faithful, awake, and confident in Him. Yes—see you on the other side, my friend.
Dale