DECEPTION & DISCERNMENT
Defending Truth In Times of Spiritual Confusion
Aired on National Christian Radio,
this message has been described as powerful, eye-opening and inspiring. Segments of it have often been quoted by various church leaders and on social media.
Synopsis
In this challenging and thought-provoking message, Michael gives insight into the spiritual deception of Nazi Germany and why the Church, as a whole, failed to take a stand. He draws startling parallels to modern, Western Christianity. Are we, too, in danger of losing focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Michael explains why he believes that more than battling to get the Church back into power, we need to get the power back into the church and put our trust in God again and not in man.
This timely message offers a unique perspective on faith and freedom in America and what it means to live effective Christian lives that can impact the world around us, rather than conforming to the trends and spirit of our time.
THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING
As the only public school teacher in his city who refused to join the Nazi Party, Michael’s grandfather not only stood alone in his school and community – he stood alone in his church.
His own congregation had given in to the pressure of the Nazi regime and joined the German Reich’s Church that Adolf Hitler had created, and where Hitler had put pastors in the pulpits who were loyal to him.
WHEN THE NAZIS MARCHED INTO THE CHURCH…
When the Nazis marched into the churches with German flags and swastikas, when the Gospel of Christ was replaced with false doctrines and deceiving teachings, when instead of Biblical truth, nationalism, patriotism and victory were preached, Michael’s grandfather stood up in protest, declaring: “This is the house of God where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to be proclaimed!”
But people were too mesmerized by the empowering and inspiring messages of this new age dawning than to pay attention to the warning voices of their time.
Less than a decade later Germany lay in ruins and ashes. Six million Jews were killed in concentration camps. The Christian Church awoke to the hard reality that they had allowed themselves to be deceived…
COULD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN?
Could something like this happen again? Maybe in this country? Is it already happening? Could the Christian Church allow itself to be deceived, follow man-made doctrines and lose its focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
In a culture and society that is growing increasingly secular as well as pluralistic, people are pressured to conform to the world’s convictions. When they seek direction from role models, teachers, parents, friends, politicians or spiritual leaders they are often led down a path of confusion where right and wrong seem interchangeable and truth is relative.
A TIMELESS CHALLENGE
People are looking for direction, for a firm foundation they can build their lives on, a foundation that will last. Unfortunately, many spiritual leaders, ministries and churches have lost the courage and conviction to provide a clear answer. Who will rise up to be the Corrie Ten Booms, Martin Niemoellers and Dietrich Bonhoeffers of our time?
This is a message to challenge, encourage and even inspire believers and Christian leaders to learn from history and answer that call.
MEDIA & AUDIO PREVIEWS
Regular Version
Given the Sunday before the 2012 Presidential Election.
Extended Version
INCLUDING MICHAEL’S FAMILY STORY.
Given at the Iowa Fairfield Convention Center the eve of the 2014 Iowa Caucuses
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“POWERFUL! A must hear for the American Church.”
“Michael calls the church in America to stop relying on politics to change our nation but to actively proclaim the gospel and live out our Biblical worldview regardless of whether we live under freedom or tyranny.”
