July 13, 2025 - Florin Burca

This past Sunday, we were reminded through 1 John 2:18–27 that the Christian life cannot be lived on sincerity alone—it must be lived in truth. In a culture that proclaims, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re sincere,” John reminds us that sincere belief in a lie still leads to destruction.

John writes that we are in the “last hour,” a time marked by deception, spiritual confusion, and opposition to Christ. We were warned of the antichristic spirit—not just a future apocalyptic figure, but a present-day ideology that rivals or replaces Christ. It denies His divinity, distorts doctrine, promotes false spirituality, and leads many into apostasy.

We’re seeing this today: from moral relativism and cultural conformity to high-profile deconversions and diluted Christianity. But John’s words are a trumpet call to vigilance and spiritual clarity.

Amid the darkness, John offers hope:
“But you have been anointed by the Holy One…” (v. 20)

This anointing is the Holy Spirit—God’s presence covering, consecrating, and empowering His people. It equips us to recognize deception and stand firm in truth.

We are living in challenging times—marked by confusion, mockery of faith, and increasing hostility toward biblical truth. Yet, we are not powerless. The Holy Spirit is actively at work in the church today, opposing the spirit of antichrist and empowering believers to live faithfully.

As we reflect, let’s ask ourselves:

May we be a people who are saturated in God’s anointing, grounded in His truth, and shining brightly in a dark world.

In Christ,
Florin

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