Duane Sheriff Ministries

Media

Defenses Against Deception

Grace & Truth Broadcast

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 20 | Maturity

July 2, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Hebrews 5:11–14, 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Corinthians 13:11–13

In the final episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches that maturity is the sixth defense in guarding against deception, especially in the Christian faith. One of the primary reasons many people depart from the faith is immaturity - being carnally minded and lacking spiritual discernment. How can professing Christians embrace immorality, vote for leaders who oppose biblical values, and support unbiblical ideologies that celebrate sinful behaviors? The root cause of this departure often lies in a lack of genuine salvation and spiritual rebirth. Some attend church and try to live a moral life, mistakenly believing that this alone secures their salvation. True Christianity, however, involves a spiritual transformation through being born again, with God's Spirit dwelling within and empowering a new life in Christ. Even among those genuinely born again, many fail to transition from being new converts to becoming mature disciples of Christ. They remain spiritual infants, unable to properly understand and apply the deep truths of God's Word. The path to maturity requires humility – acknowledging one's limitations, remaining teachable, and submitting to God's ways rather than pridefully clinging to one's own understanding. As the Apostle Paul affirmed, when he became a man, he put away childish things, recognizing and discarding immature thought patterns and behaviors. Ultimately, maturity is not the absence of all immaturity but the ability to discern and willingly lay aside immature mindsets and actions. It is a lifelong process of growth, enabled by God's grace, as believers press on to know Christ more intimately and become conformed to His image.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 1 | Agenda

June 5, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Matthew 24:4–5, Deuteronomy 11:16

In episode one of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane reveals that God has provided safeguards in His Word so we can judge our hearts against the spirit of the antichrist, which can lead to deception. Deception and lies are becoming increasingly common in our society. Matthew 24 warns of the arrival of many deceivers who will mislead multitudes of people. Rampant idolatry and false gods are being worshipped in our society today. They stem from Satan's deceptions, which try to lure people away from the true God. If Christians cannot recognize the spirit of the antichrist in the world, they will not be able to identify it infiltrating the church either. Duane reveals that all deceptions are gateways to greater deceptions. Many Christians fell for the deceptions surrounding COVID-19, such as fraudulent information, oppressive mandates, and violations of personal freedoms. This was a "dress rehearsal" for greater enslavement under the spirit of the antichrist who craves power and control. Once someone becomes deceived on one issue, they become vulnerable to falling for the next lie. Believers must learn defenses and safeguards to avoid deception—not just for ourselves but also to protect future generations from having their minds warped by a controlling agenda. There is a deceptive agenda to strip away human rights and freedom of movement, speech, and thought. These agendas include carbon tracking, the digital currency system, and "climate change" hysteria. In the future, the Bible itself may become banned as "hate speech" or "misinformation." More than 50 references in the New Testament warn about deception, deceivers, and being deceived. Failing to discern deception makes us and our children susceptible to the spirit of the antichrist.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 2 | Lies

June 6, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Matthew 24, Galatians 6:7–10, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Ephesians 5:5–8

There is an intense battle raging between the freedom found in Christ's gospel and the deceptive agenda of the world, which seeks to enslave people with lies. In the second episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane Sheriff teaches the dangers of being deceived and the importance of guarding our hearts against deception. In Matthew 24, Jesus cautions that many deceivers will come and deceive multitudes. The New Testament instructs believers not to be deceived. Galatians 6:7 states, "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, he will also reap." This scripture shows that deception is possible, so God warns against it. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, thievery, and drunkenness and states, Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Yet some Christians seem to believe that unrighteous people embracing these sinful lifestyles can still go to heaven. That's the danger of deception. Once you accept one lie, it paves the way for more lies and greater deception. A "spirit of antichrist" is working through today's world systems, governments, corporations, and individuals to strip away humanity's God-given freedoms. As society rejects God's moral foundations as "hateful" or "misinformation," the Bible itself may become banned. Jesus came to set people free and give them abundant life. The gospel brings freedom of thought, speech, and movement - liberties the deceptive agenda of the antichrist seeks to steal. Satan's lies may promise freedom but ultimately leads to enslavement of the mind, soul, and spirit. With so many lies bombarding us from the world and even seeping into the church, we must remain watchful and discerning. The spiritual well-being of future generations depends on boldly living out the freedom and abundant life found in the Gospel of Christ.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 3 | Roadblocks

June 7, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 1 Timothy 4:1, Ephesians 5:5–8, 2 Timothy 3:12–17

In the third episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane Sheriff warns that the influence of Satan, "the father of lies," is increasing and stresses the importance of being able to discern deception. In Matthew 24, Jesus warned his followers not to be deceived. The Word provides crucial roadblocks to caution against being misled by "empty words," "deceiving spirits," and "doctrines of devils." However, the inability of many believers today to identify these deceptive spirits or false doctrines, such as multiple genders, gender reassignment surgery, man-made climate change, and governmental overreach during the pandemic, can lead to serious consequences. Loss of freedoms and governmental persecution of dissenting views can pave the way for the Antichrist prophesied in the Bible. Believers must remain vigilant to avoid being led astray by deceptive agendas and stand firm for godly values despite facing persecution and censorship.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 4 | Darkness

June 10, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 1 Timothy 4:1–3, 2 Timothy 3:12–17

In the fourth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane warns about the dangers of deception and darkness in the world today. Many of God's people have fallen into deception, leading to self-destruction in their Christian walk. Jesus Christ warns in Matthew 24:4 to "take heed that no man deceive you." Many false messiahs and deceivers will come and lead many astray. However, Christians can guard their hearts against deception by understanding how Satan operates and learning to discern good from evil based on a biblical worldview. The key defense against deception is the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4, the Bible expressly states that in the last days, some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils instead of sound doctrine from Christ. The world is becoming darker, but Christians must resist being dragged into that darkness through deception. As 2 Timothy 3:13 states, "Evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." While the Bible warns that things will get darker in the world, Christians need not agree with or be consumed by that ever-increasing darkness. They are called to be lights shining brightly in the midst of gross darkness. Deception is infiltrating churches today. Many Christians embrace outright abominations and justify them, not realizing they have been deceived because they do not know the Scriptures well enough. Moral issues like abortion, gender ideology, and anti-Semitism have led Christians astray from God's Word. The Scriptures, inspired by God, can make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Knowing the Holy Scriptures is the first roadblock and greatest defense against all deception. It equips Christians with doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness so that the person of God may be complete and equipped for every good work. Duane urges Christians to continue in the things they have learned from the Scriptures and been assured of, knowing the truth, such as the fact that all have sinned, there is no other way to salvation except through Jesus Christ, and one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Pastors especially must dedicate themselves to understanding the Scriptures to properly feed God's people with wisdom from His Word. Only then can Christians be kept from the path of deception and remain on the path of light, righteousness, and life in Christ.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 5 | The Word

June 11, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • 1 Timothy 3:14–16, Romans 1:18–21, John 8:31–44

In the fifth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane warns about the increasing darkness and deception infiltrating the world and even the church. Many people, including believers, have departed from the faith by heeding deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils, just as the apostle Paul warned Timothy in 1 Timothy 4. According to 1 Timothy 3:15, the church is supposed to be the pillar and ground of truth. However, the church often propagates deception and doctrines contrary to God's nature, Judeo-Christian values, and a biblical worldview. This happens because people do not know the truth and are easily influenced by lies, fraud, and corruption from the world. The key defense against such deception is the Word of God. As Romans 1:18 states, God's wrath is revealed against those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Unrighteous people reject God's truth not just for themselves but actively work to suppress it. This is what is behind cancel culture - canceling and suppressing truth. Just as the devil accuses others of what he is guilty of himself, those embracing darkness accuse truth-tellers of spreading misinformation when they are the real purveyors of lies and deception. They gaslight and become such skilled liars that they start believing their own lies if one does not know the truth of God's Word. Even many pastors do not properly teach biblical truth anymore. So where are people, especially young people, supposed to find the truth -not from biased news media, corrupt politicians, or indoctrinating college professors? This is why knowing Scripture is so vital to identifying deception and remaining free in Christ's truth. As Jesus stated in John 8:31-32, it is by abiding or continuing in His Word that one is truly His disciple who will know the truth that brings freedom. In contrast, Duane explains how systems like Marxism, socialism, and communism - though claiming justice and equity - are rooted in the antichrist spirit that always leads to slavery, tyranny, and despotism by suppressing freedoms of thought, speech, and movement. The truth is that Christ alone brings true liberty, which is why societies built on Judeo-Christian principles protect against government tyranny. An entire generation is being deceived by the encroaching darkness. The church must wake up, know God's Word as the pillar of truth, and help shine light into this deepening societal darkness.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 6 | Discernment

June 12, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Numbers, Genesis 27:18–27, John 8:31–32

In the sixth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches the importance of guarding against deception, as God has provided multiple defenses against it. The New Testament repeated warnings about deceivers and being deceived, showing it is possible even for believers to fall into deception. The first defense God has given is His Word. If believers abide or continue in God's Word, Jesus said they are His disciples who will know the truth that brings freedom (John 8:31-32). By disciplining oneself in Scripture, one's discernment increases to recognize the fingerprints of the enemy versus the Holy Spirit. The story of Eve being deceived by the serpent in Genesis 3 illustrates how deception operates. Satan's tactic was first to question God's Word, get Eve to dismiss it, and then outright contradict it, tempting her to disobey by doubting God's goodness and care. This shows how compromising God's Word opens the door to deception. The Scripture of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac in Genesis 27 is also an example. A telltale sign of deception was the haste and pressure Jacob used—faith never operates under an anxious hurry. Another red flag was Jacob claiming "God blessed me" to justify his deceit, which is "dropping the God card" to wrongly use God to approve one's desired course. Isaac was led astray by his feelings - the hands "felt" like Esau's, though they were goatskins. How often do people let their feelings trump God's clear truth and Word when he tries to guide them as Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life? They fail to realize that only obedience to God's Word, not rejecting it, leads to true wisdom. Discernment comes through knowing God's Word combined with patience and walking by faith, not feelings or hastiness. Professing believers who end up embracing abominations and departing from the faith have been deceived by not applying these safeguards against the deception that God has provided in Scripture.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 7 | God's Authority

June 13, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Revelation 13:11, Genesis 27:18–27

In the seventh episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches the importance of having the proper and final authority in one's life, which he identifies as God and God's Word. He stresses that this is a crucial defense against the increasing deception and darkness infiltrating society and the church. The New Testament repeatedly commands believers to "be not deceived" (1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7), indicating it is possible to fall into deception. This deception grows worse and worse, often directly or indirectly enabled by Christians who have compromised the truth. The first line of defense is to exalt God's Word as absolute, objective truth and final authority over every other voice, such as government, media, feelings, etc. Those who prosper spiritually all uplift Scripture's authority in their lives. There must be a final authority, and only God and His Word can rightly claim that position of supreme truth. A second vital defense is cultivating sensitivity to the Lord's still, small voice within (1 Kings 19:12). When Jacob deceived Isaac, Isaac heard Jacob's voice but was led astray by his physical senses of touch, taste, and smell, which overrode that inner witness. Similarly, Sheriff laments how often people let their feelings trump God's clear Word when he tries to counsel them as Jesus' followers. Using Revelation 13:11, Sheriff illustrates how the spirit of deception makes things appear lamb-like and loving on the surface while masking the dragon's voice of destruction underneath. Immorality, perversion, and ideologies contrary to biblical truth are deceptively packaged as "love" and pushed on society and even churches. But God's kind of love never harms or violates His laws. Discerning the dragon's voice from the Shepherd's voice is crucial in this age of deception. Christians must mature in God's Word as the final authority, humbly cultivate hearing His still, small voice, and not be deceived by their senses or the persuasive yet destructive rhetoric of the world. Only by applying these divinely-given defenses can they remain undeceived.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 12 | Joy & Fear

June 20, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Ephesians 4:29–32, Philippians 2:12–15, Nehemiah 8:10

In the twelfth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane emphasizes the crucial role of God's provisions in countering pervasive deception in society and the church. The supernatural joy from the Holy Spirit and the reverent fear of the Lord stand out as key defenses. Joy is one of the core "protocols" or languages of God's Kingdom, along with righteousness and peace. When believers experience a supernatural joy rising up within, that reflects the voice and pleasure of God leading them. This godly joy serves as an inward guide showing His approved path. The Bible states in Nehemiah 8:10 that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As we obey God and walk in His ways, we will sense a divine joy that strengthens and affirms we are following His voice. However, when we operate in disobedience, that joy is grieved and absent from our spirits. Philippians 2:12-13 reveals that God works in believers "both to will and to do for His good pleasure." We can discern His good pleasure toward our actions by monitoring this supernatural joy. When it rises, we bring Him joy by doing His will. But when the joy fades, we have grieved His Spirit through disobedience. This divine joy becomes God's inward voice, leading and guiding us from the inside out. It provides an intuitive sense of His approval versus displeasure with our choices and behaviors. Learning to be sensitive to the presence or absence of this joy helps keep us from being deceived. The second defense is the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Proper, reverential fear and awe of God prevent us from casually giving in to deception or departing from faith. That is why the Apostle Paul instructed believers to work out their salvation with "fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we will take our obedience seriously and be on guard against anything displeasing to God. This breeds a sobriety and spiritual vigilance that protects us from deception's snares. The fear of the Lord provides a restraining, convicting influence that keeps us from being misled. By cultivating awareness of both the joy and the fear of the Lord within our spirits, we can be attuned to His voice and leading. These two defenses work in tandem to expose deception and keep us securely following the truth.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 8 | Hearing His Voice

June 14, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Revelation 13:11, John 10:1–5, John 10:16, Romans 8:12–16

In the eighth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches the importance of hearing God's voice as a defense against deception. God has provided safeguards in Scripture to equip us against being deceived. Satan has a history of questioning God's word, as seen with Eve, and deception can appear harmless but have harmful intentions, as described in Revelation 13. Believers can and should hear God's voice, but many struggle to recognize it. In John 10, Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and know it. However, like Thomas, who said he didn't know the way, we may not consciously recognize what we already know in our spirits. We may dismiss or not discern God's voice without realizing it. God's voice is often a still, small voice within and is not always in English. The language of the Spirit includes dreams, visions, impressions, and a sense of peace. Believers have the capacity to hear God's voice and discern it from the voice of the stranger or the devil. Romans 8 explains that believers are led by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God. Even when we stray, the Holy Spirit leads us to repentance, guiding us back to the intended path, just as a GPS system does. By learning to tune in and heed the Holy Spirit's leading, we can stay on the straight and narrow path. When we stumble, God's voice calls us to repent, change our minds, and get back on track, as He is committed to guiding us to our destination.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 9 | God's Word

June 17, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Acts 2:16–18, Romans 8:14, Colossians 3:15–16

In the ninth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches that God has provided two critical safeguards to protect believers from deception. God's Word is the first defense against deception, which must be exalted above human reasoning, philosophies, and cultural influences. When there is a lack of God's Word, it becomes difficult to discern His voice, as seen in the story of young Samuel. The second defense is recognizing the voice of the Lord. According to Romans 8:14, believers must be led by the Spirit of God. However, many Christians struggle to recognize God's voice. God's voice is often a still, small voice within and may not always be in English. The language of the Holy Spirit includes dreams, visions, impressions, and a sense of peace. These are ways in which God speaks to His people. Believers should expect to receive dreams and visions from the Lord, as these are the primary language of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, God can speak through prophecy, godly counsel, spiritual leaders, and impressions or gut feelings. The Holy Spirit may also grieve within us when we are about to make a wrong choice, which is another way God guides us. One of the main ways God speaks is through His peace. Colossians 3:15 instructs believers to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. When we are about to be misled or stray from the path of light, we will lose our inner peace, God's voice warning us. When we are grounded in God's Word, it heightens spiritual discernment and sensitivity to the Lord's voice. However, when the Word of God is rare or neglected, it becomes harder to recognize God's voice. Believers must immerse themselves in the Scriptures to become attuned to how the Holy Spirit speaks and leads them so they will not be deceived.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 10 | Peace

June 18, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Acts 2:16–18, Colossians 3:14–15, 1 Corinthians 13, Isaiah 45:19

In the tenth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches the importance of God's Word and the peace of God as defenses against deception. God's Word is the first and foremost defense against deception, and it must be exalted above human reasoning, philosophies, and cultural influences. When the Word of God is neglected or rare, it becomes challenging to discern God's voice. A second defense is the peace of God. According to Colossians 3:15, believers are instructed to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. Peace is one of the primary ways God speaks and leads His people. There is a difference between being at peace with God and having the peace of God. Being at peace with God is the result of God making peace with us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. However, having the peace of God is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that dwells within the born-again human spirit. The peace of God acts as an umpire or a voice of guidance in decision-making. When believers are about to make a wrong choice or stray from the path of light, they will lose their inner peace. Conversely, when they have peace about a decision, God's voice confirms that they are safe to proceed. Peace is God's umpire within believers, making the judgment call when decisions need to be made. Just as an umpire's call in baseball is final, the peace of God within is God's authoritative voice guiding our choices. God's Word and His peace are interconnected. When the Word of Christ dwells richly within believers, as instructed in Colossians 3:16, it heightens your spiritual discernment and sensitivity to the Lord's voice, including the voice of His peace. By exalting the Scriptures and yielding to the umpire of peace, believers can walk in the path of righteousness and avoid being misled.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 11 | Kingdom Protocols

June 19, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Romans 14:17–18, Philippians 2:12–15

In the eleventh episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches that God has provided several defenses to protect believers from being deceived in our culture filled with deception. One of the most important defenses is understanding the protocols and language of God's Kingdom. Just like every earthly kingdom has its own protocols, laws, and language, the Kingdom of God operates by specific principles. Romans 14:17 lays out three core protocols of God's Kingdom - righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. These form the "language" by which God speaks to His people. Righteousness is how God communicates what is right and wrong. When making decisions, God's voice will align with what is righteous according to His standards in Scripture. Anything promoting unrighteousness, like immorality, hatred, or harm, comes from the voice of the deceiver, not God's voice. Peace is another way God guides believers. The supernatural peace of God ruling in our hearts serves as an "umpire," showing God's path versus the wrong one. When we have an inward sense of peace about a decision, that indicates God's approval. But if our peace leaves, that signals a wrong direction from God's will. The third Kingdom protocol is joy. The Bible describes having supernatural joy from the Holy Spirit, even amid difficult circumstances. This joy becomes the voice of God leading and strengthening us. When we sense that joy rising up within, it reflects God's pleasure and good path for our lives. The Kingdom protocols - righteousness, peace, and joy - form the actual language of the Holy Spirit guiding believers from the inside out. God's will is not something "out there" to be found but is worked out from within us as He prompts our wills and desires according to His good pleasure. We can walk in God's truth rather than being deceived by learning to discern and yield to this inward voice of righteousness, peace, and joy. These Kingdom protocols provide a powerful defense against the rampant deception in society and even the church today.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 13 | Fear of the Lord

June 21, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Matthew 4:10–11, Deuteronomy 6:13, Job 28:28, Isaiah 11:2–4

In the thirteenth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches about the fear of the Lord as a crucial defense against deception. Understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord is vital for believers to maintain their faith and avoid falling into deception. The fear of the Lord is not a tormenting fear but a reverent and holy respect for God. This reverence is essential for guarding against the prevalent deception in the world and within the church. To clarify the fear of the Lord, Duane refers to Jesus' response to Satan during His temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus rebukes Satan, saying, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, which states, "Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him." Jesus equates the fear of the Lord with worshiping God, highlighting that to fear God is to worship Him and have a deep reverence for His holiness and authority. Reverence for God is crucial for believers. It leads them to depart from evil and align their lives with God's will. Job 28:28 declares, "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." This verse underscores that fearing God grants wisdom and understanding, enabling believers to recognize and avoid evil. The fear of the Lord is foundational for acquiring true wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." By fearing God, believers start their journey toward wisdom and insight into God's nature and His expectations for righteous living. Duane contrasts the fear of the Lord with the fear of man or the world, which often leads to deception and sin. A proper fear of God includes an awareness of His holiness and justice. This fear motivates believers to live righteously, avoiding behaviors contradicting God's commandments. It also brings a deep respect for God's word, which is a defense against false teachings and cultural pressures that lead away from the truth.

Defenses Against Deception | Episode 14 | Third Defense

June 24, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • Romans 1:18–32

In the fourteenth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane continues his teaching on defenses against deception. The first defense is the Word of God. The second defense is discerning the voice of God. This episode focuses on the third defense - the fear of the Lord. Fearing the Lord means worshiping Him alone, as Jesus taught in Matthew 4:10. Worship acknowledges who God is - His love, holiness, and righteousness. As we gain revelatory knowledge of God's nature through Worship, we become more like Him. The fear of the Lord produces a thankful heart that glorifies Him even amid problems. Brother Duane acknowledges injustices have happened to him, but he chooses to see God's faithfulness because of his reverential fear of the Lord. We will ultimately face judgment before God—either the Great White Throne for unbelievers or the judgment seat of Christ for believers. No one will unjustly go to hell without clearly rejecting the knowledge of God revealed to them. The fear of the Lord protects us from being deceived onto the path of deception. Discerning God's truth from satanic lies requires humbly fearing, glorifying, and thanking our holy, just Creator and Savior.