Back in the early 90’s I read a book by Charles Colson entitled “Against the Night.” Here is a statement that seems almost prophetic over 20 later. “I believe that we do face a crisis in Western culture, and that it presents the greatest threat to civilization since the barbarians invaded Rome.  I believe that today in the West, and particularly in America, the new barbarians are all around us.  They are no hairy Goths and Vandels, …….they are not Huns and Visigoths storming our borders or scaling our city walls.  No, this time the invaders have come from within….today’s barbarians wear pinstripes instead of animal skins and wield briefcases rather than spears”

Men this blog comes as a warning. I John 2:18 warns us, “Dear children, this is the last hour, and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.  This is how we know it is the last hour.” (I John 2:18)  Could it be that time is running out for our culture?  The barbarians among us are an antichrist spirit.  It may be openly hostile, or hidden behind a polite disposition, but it will always be opposed to the Lordship of Jesus and his reign in the earth.  This anitchrist spirit now pervades our culture.

John gives us this advice in discerning the antichrist spirit. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.  This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world .” (I John 4:4-6)  You will always meet resistance when you confess faith in the Lord Jesus, as God incarnate, come in the flesh to save us from our sins. This will never be political correct!

So here is some friendly tips on being a warrior of the light in the midst of a culture where the spirit of antichrist is very much in evidence. First and foremost, submit your will to the Lordship of Jesus. Place yourself under the umbrella of his authority and protection. You are open game to the enemy when you have no covering. Be a man under authority. Secondly, never leave the foot of the cross.  The cross is the ultimate sign of our victory.  Paul exclaims, “Think of it!  All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross.  He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched the naked through the streets.” (Col. 2:13-15 – Message)  We are overcomers through Jesus death. “Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (I John 5:5)

Two more suggestions.  Do your homework by integrating the the Word of God into your life.  Don’t just seek a head knowledge of truth, but let the truth sink into your soul.  Allow it to be the light and leaven that sets you free.  Jesus said “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)  One more piece of advice.  Always keep you gaze on the Lord.  Always keep a upward posture, looking up to Jesus.  “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’  Your face, Lord, I will seek” (Ps 27:8)