The spirit of anti-Christ transforms itself!

1John 4:3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

John 4:35 Say not, There are yet four months, and then comes harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

1900 years ago John penned these words; it was the begging of the church age with few workers' for Christ. The Spirit of anti Christ had already come, trying to divert the brethren off course, in simply abiding in Christ by grace.

The new Church "establishment" set up in an Old Testament style hierarchy, again diverted brethren from moving and functioning in the spirit of truth who is Christ. Elders (Pastors) and men holding the God given office, gifting and authority, were often quickly made subservient to another Gospel; in having men as their heads, instead of the spiritually mature men edifying believers in, and towards Christ.

I now believe that the one's called by name (the ecclesia) in the tail end of the "church age"; are being deceived by those who claim to be in the Bible based Church. When in truth, this is merely a transformation or retread, of yet another spirit of anti Christ, in using the Bible doctrinally while twisting truth; which is only revealed by abiding in Christ and revealed by the spirit of truth.

Another Bible passage that is often misquoted is found in Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This passage Jesus Christ was commissioning as "officers" the 11 disciples, to go and preach his gospel. They were called chosen and sent in obedience to Christ himself, and empowered to perform such a task by the Holy Spirit. We as Christians today, specifically when involved in ministry, which is to be used to edify the body of believers, must know when we are sent by the Lord, and when we are simply operating in the flesh. Anything else simply strikes God from the equation, and remains fruitless.

Satan always tries to usurp God's authority, by placing men (women) as spiritual heads, and they once again attempt to be in command and control over others, in religious zeal, pride, and intellect. Satan who is the Father of lies goes about deceiving many as they forget that Satan knows his Bible better than any mortal man.

Mathew 24:24 & Mark 13:22 For false Christ's and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

So when we study the scriptures, or fellowship with others, (1 John 4) we must discern by spirit, what is sound doctrine, in contexts to our understanding, only as revealed by the Holy Spirit. We are never to act, move or follow independent of Jesus Christ within us.