The God of This World Is Not the God of Heaven
Most Churches Can’t Tell the Difference
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…”
— 2 Corinthians 4:4
He offered Jesus the kingdoms.
Jesus said no.
But today’s churches said yes.
The modern Church doesn’t look like a bride.
It looks like Babylon in a wedding dress.
And most people can’t tell the difference.
Because the god of this world… is still preaching.
Still singing.
Still gathering crowds.
And now he’s wearing a cross.
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Satan’s Greatest Work Isn’t in Nightclubs. It’s in Pulpits.
He doesn’t need to burn down the Church.
He just needs to be welcomed in.
And he has been.
When the message shifts from repentance to self-love
When sin becomes “struggle” and rebellion becomes “your journey”
When the cross is a brand, not a burden
When worship looks like a concert, but no one bows before the King
That’s not revival.
That’s spiritual theater.
And Satan is directing it.
Paul didn’t warn about atheists filling pews.
He warned about “another Jesus… another gospel… another spirit” (2 Corinthians 11:4).
And that’s exactly what we have now.
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The Gospel of the World
If the real Jesus walked into most churches today, they wouldn’t recognize Him.
He’d be too offensive.
Too divisive.
Too “negative.”
Why?
Because the god of this world has crafted a different gospel:
A gospel where God serves you, not where you surrender to Him
A gospel of manifestation and blessing, not suffering and holiness
A gospel that exalts the flesh, not one that crucifies it
A gospel where “your truth” replaces “the truth”
And the proof?
People can go to church for years…
Raise their hands…
Quote their favorite verses…
Post Scripture with filtered selfies…
And still have no fear of God.
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When Satan Offered the World, Jesus Refused. The Church Didn’t.
In Matthew 4, Satan shows Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world.”
He offers them — no war, no suffering — just one condition:
“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”
— Matthew 4:9
Jesus said no.
But the modern church said yes.
That’s why pastors look like CEOs.
That’s why sermons sound like TED Talks.
That’s why services are timed, managed, polished, branded.
Because the Church traded the upper room for the board room.
And now she’s being fed by the same god who once tempted Christ.
“The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”
— John 14:30
“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
— John 12:31
“All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.”
— Luke 4:6
Jesus didn’t deny Satan’s temporary authority.
He simply declared: he has no claim on Me.
And while Satan is only “the god of this world” because God allows it for a season…
That season is nearly over.
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The Bride vs. the Whore
Revelation shows us two women:
The Bride of Christ, pure, waiting, clothed in righteousness
The Whore of Babylon, luxurious, powerful, drunk on the blood of saints
They both claim beauty.
They both claim devotion.
But only one belongs to the King.
And today, many churches are dressed like brides…
But they speak like Babylon.
Entertain like Babylon.
Love the world like Babylon.
“Know ye not that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (James 4:4)
So ask yourself — which one are we becoming?
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The Divide Is Coming
Jesus said the path is narrow.
Few will find it.
Not because it’s hidden — but because it’s not popular.
He warned:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom…”
— Matthew 7:21
Some will prophesy.
Some will cast out demons.
Some will build ministries.
And He will say, “I never knew you.”
Why?
Because they followed the god of this world.
And they preached a gospel he approved.
You can have the world or the cross — not both.
You can follow Jesus or your feelings — not both.
And you can worship the God of Heaven —
or the one wearing His mask.
Very well said. This is a powerful essay because it is easy to see Satan’s overwhelming influence in the world.
But, many people just assume because a person calls themselves a Christian or a person is preaching from the pulpit, they are of God. This clearly is not so.
I was having coffee with a Muslim friend yesterday. And I was seeking to better understand what is accurate and what is misunderstood with their beliefs. The subject of Muslim extremists came up and how they don’t represent the true teachings of the Koran.
I brought up how easy it is for these extremists to recruit because all they have to use is the name Muslim and those who are not well studied in the religion will follow without question.
Then I said it’s the same in the Christian faith. All these prosperity churches and religious science churches recruit many believers who have not deeply studied the Bible, they follow just because the pastor uses the name Christian.
As Christians it is so important that we navigate our faith walk with discernment - when we go to church or watch a pastor online - are they preaching from the Bible or are they preaching their own belief system?
If it’s not Biblical, Satan is the influence - even if it sounds holy and feels good.
Oh my goodness. That image with the vultures. I always see that in my head. When I was a young mother hearing the word…I always associated with Satan because they devour.