The Jews were envious of Paul & Barnabas and their bold preaching about Jesus. The word of the Lord was being spread throughout their whole region—and they were fearful. Know what they did? Acts 13:50 says they stirred up the devout women and the chief men of the city—until they persecuted Paul & Barnabas and expelled them from their city. They incited a riot by manipulating their emotions.
Things haven’t changed. Years ago, we participated in a revival where the evangelist manipulated the emotions of women. He was fighting the pornography industry and very openly told us that if he could show moms and grandmas pornographic magazines and get them angry, they’d become the soldiers fighting to get rid of it. The desire to get rid of porn was noble and right…but the mode of operation was all wrong.
Our emotions can be easily manipulated and we don’t even recognize it for what it is! God warns us in His word to be on guard, keep our eyes on Jesus, to stand firm, to not be deceived, to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. We’re living in days when it’s easy to be deceived! You’ve probably seen videos or heard podcasts of what you believed to be a well-known pastor—and it’s actually AI trying to manipulate your mind with false teaching.
Be on guard. Check your emotions. Don’t be deceived.
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