Will Your Church Become a Tool of Deception: Funding the Rise of the Antichrist

I have had something heavy on my mind for the past year. Something that I have felt unprepared to discuss with some of my closest friends.

I owe a great deal to the church that I have belonged to my entire life. The church has been instrumental in my testimony development, and learning the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the atonement that He has given to all of us who choose to repent for our sins. I would not be the spiritual person that I am today without the church.

In my lifetime, I have also seen the corruption of so many other churches, especially regarding the finances of their church. For me, it has been easy to identify some of the corruption, as preaches call upon their congregation to donate millions, just so that the preacher can enjoy a lifestyle of privilege. In these cases, finances have corrupted the preacher into doing things that I’m certain are not pleasing to God.

I would think that most members who have donated, have done so with the intent of serving the poor and needy, rather than make the preacher a wealthy man, or lead to the POWER of the church.

In this case, it is clear for me to see that the power of money has changed a “Man of God” into something contrary to what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches.

So, here is the alarming thought that I am having trouble sharing with other people. Many people see their church as being infallible, and an entity to trust at all cost. I too once share this logical thinking. However, I believe something on the horizon is going to challenge that belief. I do not know how to present it to you, other that to just come right out and say it.

It is my prayerful belief that the adversary will use the finances of the church to deceive “Even the very elect.”

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
—Matthew 24:24 (KJV)

To all of my Christian brothers and sisters, can you just take a moment to read this scripture with the intention that it was written in? God would like for you to know that even your spiritual pastor, leader, prophet, president or spiritual confidante MIGHT fit into this warning that He has given to us. How better to deceive the very elect, but by using the leader of their church to deceive them?

This scripture tells us that the deception in the last days won’t be obvious—it’ll be convincing, spiritual-looking, even miraculous. It’ll have the appearance of godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). That’s why so many people will fall for it.

It won’t be a pitchfork-wielding devil—it’ll be a false light. Smooth words. Religious titles. Signs and wonders. But their deception, even though they are “spiritual Leaders” will lead straight into darkness. Many churches will be the vehicle for that deception—trusted voices that lead their flocks toward a false Christ.

If this statement prompts you to think… “Not me… This will never be the case with my church.” Let me just tell you that you are at risk of falling for this deception.

So, with this warning, what do we do, leave our churches? The answer is a definite “NO.” If your church is making you a better Christian, you should remain utilizing the benefit of the “fruits” of that church. Hang on tight! But there is something Very Simple that you can do to protect yourself and family from this deception. Before I share that solution with you, let me tell you the scenario that haunts me regarding this topic.

We know that financial collapse is part of the end times prophecy. If you’re following the stock market right now, you can see that this is indeed a possibility of happening sooner than later.

When financial collapse happens, church leaders will perhaps offer the finances of the church to its members to see that they are able to continue on with meeting their financial obligations. This sounds charitable, and certainly even the “Christian” thing to do.

However, what if this financial arrangement between the church and its members comes with some strings attached?

We know again from studying the scriptures that the antichrist will surface in the end times, and in order for you and I to survive financially, we “must” take the mark of the beast…AND WE ARE NOT DOING THAT!!!!!!!!

“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
—Revelation 13:16–17 (KJV)

The mark of the beast is an actual contract for your soul. This is not something that you will enter into lightly. You are pledging that you will follow Satan, FOREVER, and be a servant to him by accepting this mark.

The ONLY way that your church could share its finances with you, would be under the terms of the antichrist. There would be no other way. Why do I say this. Let’s turn to the scriptures for more understanding.

With financial collapse, comes a one world government that will be controlled by the antichrist.

The rise of a one-world government is another theme that emerges from prophecies about the end times. In Revelation 13, the Bible describes the rise of the Beast, a figure who is often associated with the Antichrist. This individual is said to have authority over the entire world:

“And power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7).

The Beast’s authority is described as global in scope, suggesting the establishment of a one-world government. This government is seen as oppressive, demanding allegiance to the Beast, and those who refuse to worship the Beast or take his mark are persecuted. Revelation 13:16-17 speaks of the mark of the Beast, which will be required for buying and selling:

This passage suggests the creation of a global system in which economic transactions are controlled and monitored, likely enforced by the one-world government. The mark of the Beast is often interpreted as a symbol of ultimate allegiance to this global authority, and those who refuse to comply face persecution and exclusion from the economic system.

This being the case, unless you take this mark, you will not have access to money from anyone, including your church. And YOUR Church will not be able to spend any of that money which they have, unless it is under the terms of the antichrist.

So, here is the scenario: Your TRUSTED church sees the financial disaster caused by financial collapse, and recognizes that you will not take the mark of the beast, because you have been warned about him through your studies.

But what if your church was part of this deception process offering you their money, packed in a “spiritual” that is easier to accept? You would have to understand that you are making a deal with the devil, but when disguised under the church’s presentation, and using their control that they have over you due to your faithfulness of being a dedicated church member, can you see where this might even make it possible for the elect to be deceived? You would never trust or follow the devil, but would you trust or follow something evil that your church disguised and presented to you? Would you? Even if your Prophet or Leader said to do it? Unfortunately, some of the people that I know personally might be tempted to fall for such deception.

So, what is the solution. What can you do right now to ensure that you are always following Jesus Christ?

Trust ONLY God!!!!! That leader of your church might even say, or make you believe that he would never lead you astray, and that by following his every word is showing your faithfulness, you MUST Not let that be the case. Follow God, REGARDLESS of what your leader might tell you.

Take everything that you hear, which is of spiritual directive, and prayerfully discuss it with God. God will never lead you astray. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. If your leader tells you to do something unsettling, rather than think that you need to follow him regardless, take it to our Heavenly Father and ask Him. He will confirm, and guide you personally. If the conformation is conflicting between God and your leader, YOU MUST FOLLOW GOD, or you will be at risk for being deceived.

We are living in perilous times. Many churches today, instead of preparing the flock for the return of Jesus Christ, are aligning themselves with the spirit of Antichrist. Money—once a means to support the poor, spread the gospel, and serve the needy—has become a tool of manipulation and deception, and power. As followers of Christ, we must be vigilant and discerning, measuring every teaching and practice against the Word of God.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
—1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

Has this ever been the case, when churches have been deceptive?

Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple because they had turned a place of prayer into a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12-13). Today, many churches are doing the same—building financial empires, investing in real estate, and enriching their leaders while ignoring the poor and broken.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other… Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
—Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

Churches that prioritize wealth over truth are laying the groundwork for the Antichrist’s deception, teaching their congregations to follow prosperity instead of righteousness.

Are we not seeing the foreshadowing of this system already? Churches conditioning spiritual worth on monetary contribution are preparing their members to accept the Antichrist’s economic rule.

Preaching a False Christ with Church Funds

The Antichrist is not just a political leader—he is a deceiver who comes in the name of peace and religion. Churches that preach a watered-down gospel—one that avoids sin, repentance, and the cross—are not preparing people for Jesus. They are paving the way for another Christ: a counterfeit.

“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached… ye might well bear with him.”
—2 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV)

Church funds are often used to support conferences, music, and media that entertain but do not convict. Flashy worship, celebrity pastors, and motivational speeches replace sound doctrine. The true gospel gets lost in the noise—and the sheep are led astray.

What Should the Church Be Doing Instead?

True churches should be warning of the coming tribulation, preaching repentance, and preparing the saints for persecution—not prosperity. They should be using their resources to care for the poor, support missions, and spread the Word of God.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…”
—James 1:27 (KJV)

The Antichrist will not rise in a vacuum. He will rise through systems—religious, economic, and political—that have already been corrupted. We must be watchful. Not every church is the bride of Christ. Some are becoming the harlot of Revelation, drunk on the blood of saints and seduced by the riches of the world.

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins…”
—Revelation 18:4 (KJV)

Let us return to the pure, unshakable Word of God. Let us give not for control, but out of love. Let us test every spirit, every teaching, and every church against the scriptures. And above all, let us follow Christ—no matter the cost.

Again, by following such a simple principle as taking everything to the Lord for conformation, we can feel assured that we are moving “in His light,” and that He will watch over and protect us, NO MATTER HOW GOOD THE DECEPTION IS!

You can read more of River Wilde’s writings by subscribing to his blog at www.riverwilde.blog