Jesus warned that deception would grow worse as we draw nearer to the end times, saying, “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4). Distinguishing truth from error has become an increasingly challenging task—even in the church.
We live in a time when falsehoods assault us from every direction. Packaged with just enough truth to make them appear trustworthy, these counterfeits have grown more and more difficult to detect and avoid.
Living in the Daze of Deception explores the many ways error is masquerading as truth—and how you can discern the difference. From pastor Jack Hibbs, you’ll learn the characteristics of deceivers and how they have brought harm to both secular culture and the church the many deceptions that are altering and replacing the truth, and how to recognize them the keys to standing strong as the spiritual battles surrounding us intensify The greatest antidote to deception is truth. Equip yourself now to grow in discernment so that you can protect yourself from error and remain steadfast in your faith!
Jack Hibbs is unafraid to share his faith, preach on prophecy, and point out the madness overtaking the culture. This book combines all of these things, as well as history, spiritual warfare, and hope for the future for Christians. This is a book I'm going to pick up physically, as I wanted to highlight passages and also look into the books Hibbs mentions as good sources for further information.
Format: Audiobook via Hoopla Rating: 4.5 stars Book 80 of 2024
An unfiltered battle cry for the people of God to rise up. To see this world with eyes wide open Pastor Jack is unapologetic about his faith. It is both inspiring and a challenge. He speaks truth with boldness. May each person read this book and walk away more courageous about the world we live in and the battle we are waging.
Did lord, how did this end up on my tbr. First it's read in the male equivalent of Katie Britts' fundie baby voice
Hilarious that he goes on and on about deceivers. However, if you are looking for a book that tells you all you have to do is judge and pray, this is the book for you! You don't actually have to do or change a thing. Yay you
Filled with Scripture and relevant insight, a solid resource for any Christ-follower who wants to walk in Truth and grow in discernment in the times we live and the issues we face. Unapologetically rooted in God’s Word and not the cultural narrative.
This book is well written and organized into easy to read and follow sections. However, don’t mistake that for the content being light and fluffy because it isn’t! It took me a while to read this because I wanted to focus and absorb as much as I could. It is a good reminder for why the world is the way it is, what is to come and how to be ready for it. A meaningful and thought provoking read!
The fact that this was written by a Calvary Chapel pastor almost necessitates a 5-star review, yet compared to the greater vault of biblically central, reformed literature this is a solid “Good overall, 3-star book.”
Hibbs is Calvary’s “gateway drug” to reformed sovereign grace theology. Certainly covers a lot of spiritual ground here that is particularly relevant in our era.
Hibbs’ purpose for the book is to “lead you to understand that there is no reason to be sad or hopeless.” On the contrary make your life matter with a “sanctified recklessness” (not a fan of that term) “for the kingdom of God.”
He concludes by saying that the “dazed state of the world is a profound warning to work out our salvation with reverence and awe.”
A few quotes:
- “Faith sees what fear cannot”
- “Enthusiastic is based on three Greek components. En means in dwelling or internal, thus or theos is God, and astic is where we get the words spasms, movement, or action. When God in dwells a person, the result is action.”
- “For those born of God, true unity arises from agreement over truth.”
- “Repentance is the first word of the Gospel… a gospel message given without the challenge and call to repent is an illegitimate gospel that produces an illegitimate birth.”
- “From the garden of Eden until now, Satan’s goal remains the same: to disconnect and redirect humanity away from its Creator.”
I dare say....if there was one book for Christians to read in the day and hour we're living in, this is the one. If you're only choosing one more non-fiction book to read this year, choose this one. If you're looking for a non-fiction read for 2025, this is the one.
As a Bible based believer, I have closely compared the shift in culture with the both the Word, and biblical prophecy. I have watched bits of Jack Hibbs off and on, but had not fully committed to listening to an entire teaching from him. So I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. However, I was blown away with his ability to tie what is happening globally into easy to read paragraphs, comparing where with are with the Word of God, and comparing the "truths" of this hour to the truth found in the Word.
One of the points he made that really hit me between my eyes with revelation was how the end goal of current culture to convince people to accept all sin, is because when people don't believe sin is bad, it eliminates the need for a Savior. Rendering the gospel as irrelevant and a thing of the past. Another excellent point he made and backed up, was that you cannot be anit-Isreal and claim Christianity. He also deals with the woke church, main stream media, how the Bible has proven itself as true over and over again through prophecy, and so much more. It is an EXCELLENT read. HIGHLY recommend!
This book is well written in easy to read texts. Pastor Jack Hibbs illustrates how spiritual deception permeates within many congregations, a tolerance of biblical immorality is seen in today’s churches, false teachers are preaching a modernized feel good version of the gospel while ignoring sin and the need for repentance, and dubious false claims in pulpits about the authenticity of biblical Christianity leads to apostasy of doubting believers from true Christianity. After reading the book, genuine believers are better equipped to stand strong in their biblical faith as the spiritual battle between God’s absolute truths and Satan’s half-truths and lies intensifies within Christianity and infects all cultural norms.
Living in the Daze of Deception speaks directly to the Christians living in today’s crazy culture. It is a great resource for how to be equipped and apply the truth found in God’s Word to the lies being shoved in our faces on a daily basis. Only with God’s Word can we discern truth from lies. Jack Hibbs never misses a moment to point people to the Word of God. There is no better resource and weapon to take into the world than the very words of the Almighty God. I was encouraged, challenged, humbled, and convicted by this book.
Very insightful, very meaningful use of Scripture. All Warriors for Christ need the encouragement this book offers. Make your calling and election sure as we live in the present.
In Living in the Daze of Deception: How to Discern Truth from Culture’s Lies by Jack Hibbs, Pastor Jack outlines for all believers how we must confront and overcome evil: by faithfully trusting in Jesus, proclaiming Him as our Savior, and following Scripture.
Jesus warned that deception would grow worse as we draw nearer to the end times, saying, “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matthew 24:4).Distinguishing truth from error has become an increasingly challenging task - even in the church. We live in a time when falsehoods assault us from every direction. Packaged with just enough truth to make them appear trustworthy, these counterfeits have grown more and more difficult to detect and avoid.
Living In The Daze Of Deception explores the many ways error is masquerading as truth - and how can discern the difference. From Pastor Jack Hibbs, you’ll learn * the characteristics of deceivers and how they have brought harm to both secular culture and the church * the many deceptions that are altering and replacing the truth, and how to recognize them * the keys to standing strong as the spiritual battles surrounding us intensify
The greatest antidote to deception is truth. Equip yourself now to grow in discernment so that you can protect from error and remain steadfast in your faith!
Here are some of my favourite quotes from this book:
“The power and truth of God’s love overcomes every lie of Satan, and every doctrine of demons.”
“…we are not free to disagree on the essentials that define Christianity: The entire Bible is inerrant (Psalm 119:160; 2 Peter 1:21 There is only one God (Isaiah 43:10) God is truine, as expressed by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit ( Matthew 28:19) Salvation is necessary because of humanity’s sinful state (Romans 3:23) Salvation comes through Christ alone (Acts 4:12) Salvation comes apart from works, through grace alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9) Christ is God (John 10:30) Christ died, was buried and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-5) Christ will return to Earth physically at His second coming (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16)”
“The next time you go out your front door and into the world, be tolerant as God is - loving, forgiving, gracious and merciful to the outcast while intolerant of evil, wrong doing, and godlessness. Remember to distinguish between sin itself and the lonely sinner who needs the love of God. And be willing to bear with their intolerance so that you might guide them to the love found only in Jesus Christ.” 4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Starting with the positives, “Daze of Deception: How to Discern Truth From Culture’s Lies” provides a solid foundation of the Gospel message and leads readers through the basics of Christian doctrine. Along the way, the author provides some interesting insights and historical points of interest. Additionally, the book is written well for readers who enjoy a more folksy, less-formal approach.
On the negative side, the book does very little to advance the actual thesis implied by the title. While providing basic theology as a comparison point is important, there is little to convince unbelievers, and for Christians it largely preaches to the choir.
Perhaps most frustrating, the author calls out other Christian denominations as deceptive. While I agree with most of the author’s doctine and join Hibbs in warning about sheep in wolves clothing, I do not support the idea that everyone who doesn’t completely align with me on the functioning of spiritual gifts or the timing of the end-times is a deceiver.
Indeed, Hibbs knowingly and willfully draws a line with divisive dogmatic positions on passages of scripture that have been debated by people of good-faith for centuries. These minor doctrines should not divide the Body of Christ as they are NOT fundamental to salvation. Yes, there are fake ministers and they should be called out, but not everyone who disagrees with Hibbs is a deceiver.
In summary, “Daze of Deception” fails to fulfill the promise of the title, and is deceptive itself in attacking large portions of the Body of Christ because they differ on minor doctrines. To its credit, it does provide a clear path to Christ.
I enjoyed this book. I like how Jack Hibbs incorporates Scripture into it. Finishing it is a great start to this year! I highly recommend if you want to learn more about how we as Christians must put on the armor of God and go forth confidently.
Living as a Christian in this modern topsy-turvy society that no longer adheres to moral and biblical principles, I was drawn to this book by Jack Hibbs. The author begins with a review of prophecy concerning the last days. It is clear that the author is concerned about believers being deceived in the Last Days or any day. Hibbs who is a pastor and national radio show host firmly believes that the Last Days were designed to validate God, the Bible, Jesus Christ, and the Messiah's identity. God is allowing the earth and people to undergo this to get mankind to pay attention to His Word and the fate of man and earth. These Last days are NOT to be wasted for time is fleeting as we are soon to see calamity and God's judgement on the earth.
I found it interesting that the author takes the time to warn the reader and all believers that this is the age of a calculating deception by the enemy of God and man - Satan. Through his minions and servants, Satan has been the father of deception throughout history. Deceivers are everywhere, including inside the church. There identity is clear by their malicious intents and action. They are false teachers of the Word, presumptuous, self-willed, and defiant. He also warns us that these deceivers are lovers of self, money, pleasure, and heretical. Albeit these false teachers/deceivers will hide behind false good nature. One key hole in their ideology is that they always underestimate or ignore the deity of Jesus. This heretical slant leads to their other falsehood - that Jesus sacrifice was insufficient for forgiveness. This leads to the flawed concept that man must earn his way into heaven. Try as they may, His grace is more than sufficient because it grants us full freedom and forgiveness. It is God's grace that these deceivers hate most for it is the cornerstone of the faith. False teachers seek to mislead, confuse, and confound believers, especially inside a church.
Believers must be on guard and grounded in the Word. We are to test the spirits and challenge all teachings. If they do not check it against the Word of God. We must ask questions and check everything against the inerrant Word of God - the Bible. A critical eye is the Christian's best tool in checking out the spiritual worth of any utterance or teaching. This is essential when dealing with deceptive (false) teachers. For me, the author hit the bullseye when he focused on: 're-fashioned' scriptural teaching by Liberals; false 'messiahs & ministers'; a lax attitude about 'evil'; ignoring the 'demonic' in art and entertainment; and 'believers' remaining silent. For me, a mature Christian and a deliverance minister, I have witnessed what the author dec=scribes as 'false or lukewarm' believers placate to societal pressure. One must test every ideology, concept, and message that one hears, sees or experiences. Today, language has been taken hostage by the Left and words' meanings have changed to accommodate their ideological interpretation. This redefinition is be used by the enemy. Do not be fooled. All of our senses are under attack by the enemy. Refocus on what you actually are seeing, too. if it offends your spirit, do not ignore it. They key is to stay centered on the inerrant Word of God. Use the Holy Spirit to guide you in making decisions and judgements. We should practice what makes a believer able to understand the Word - 'Greek' the words' meaning; cross-reference scriptures; fast; mediate on scripture; and pray unceasingly. If one stays focused and connected with the Word, one will be guided by the Lord.
Honestly, the so-called "New Age" ideologies that are being popularized today re nothing more than regurgitated anti-God (demonic) teachings from the past. These demonic doctrines are what Pastor Hibbs attack the faith, peace and love embraced by Christian believers. Wrong teachers are spreading these doctrines to the point that the fallen world accepts these falsehoods. As the world shifts, the church follows because there are too many lukewarm believers. Non-Christian doctrines like Black Lives Matter, feminism, Aryanism, and socialism have rooted themselves in churches with weak-willed leaders. These leaders have compromised the faith and their roles as leaders. Wily Satan has used subversion, Progressiveness, social media 'reality', redefining sexual identity, scientific theory, and false (cultish) spirituality to spread misinformation, lies, convoluted thinking, and alien intervention, and sanitized revised history. These methods are time-old and refashioned by Satan and his demons. Only God can defeat them because He knows that it is false doctrine. He grants believers the ability to defeat these plans. Satan is predictable and already defeated because he cannot stand up to the truth of God. We must stand with God and hold onto His truth. It is by standing with him that we can overcome the demonic doctrines. The power of God overcomes these doctrines with His truth.
The hardest chapter for me was the one that covered the deception of and within the church. Like the author, I am convinced that a church lead by the Holy Spirit and grounded by a thorough and spirit-led understanding of the inerrant Word of God can withstand demonic deceptions. The failings of the church (its leaders) has led to 'wokeism' invading and destroying the church. The doctrinal errors committed has affected the church's view of many key issues. One is its view of Israel and the Middle East. Satan hates Israel which remains "the apple of God's heart." Satan, through 'replacement theology' (covenant, fulfillment, expansion, and restoration theology) is non-scriptural in that it rejects Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Contrary to this demonic (false) doctrine, God has never rejected Israel for the church. God has grafted the church to His family and Israel remains. The author cites scriptural basis for this and it is embraced by all true and devout believers. The gender and social roles of men & women was established by God and is not to be questioned. Man was created in God's image (moral likeness) and woman was fashioned in that spirit to stand with man. Satan and the 'woke' world has redefined what is a man and a woman which goes against God's design and will. The family (biological, logic, rationale, and reason) unit was established according to God's design. Children were and are a blessing and ordained so by God. This has been attacked and demeaned by Satan and the fallen world through a redefinition of the family and evaluating the worth of a child's life. Finally, biblical masculinity is the ideal model designed by God. The biblical man served God and His designs. Man's role in the world, family, and church was designed by God. The biblical woman was tenderly designed and uplifted by God. Both of these are contrary to what the world has embraced. This is another of the battlegrounds between Satan and God. It is crucial for Christians to stand up for what god designed for our benefit.
This life is supposed to be uncomfortable because we are not of this world even though we live in it. Battling the evil is our responsibility and duty. Paradise was in the Garden of Eden from which we were evicted for disobedience. We have an enemy - Satan (and his demons & followers) and we cannot shrug off that responsibility. As Pastor Hibbs states in his book, we are in a 'high-stakes' battle. Christians are to influence the world and not be influenced by the world. Considering the order of the world, all can see that God's design is best. He laid this out in His Word, the Bible. His wisdom is there for man. It guides us through this life and we should never stray from it. The modernized Bible that is being thrusted upon the world and the church must be challenged and rejected. Remember, life can be handled if we embrace God and His teachings.
Pastor Hibbs writes at length about the modernized (demonized) Bible. Christ is not at the center of this false Bible. It focuses on the needs of man while the Gospel focuses on the message of salvation a relationship between God and man. The Bible is clear and straightforward while the modernized bible lessens the severity of sinful behavior, claims a conviction to a faithful life is unnecessary, claims there is no need for repentance, states there is no power in the Word of God, and devalues Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. These statements are heretical and clear proof that this doctrine is anti-God and totally demonic. Their underlying tenet is that one can come to believe in Christ without actually following Christ. This is nonsensical because a believer must listen to the words of the Lord. We are prompted by the Holy Spirit to listen and apply the teachings. Christ is at the center of the faith His ministry and life events are part of the Christian faith. His ministry was also one of disciple-making of devout believers. This Great Commission was essential to the spread of the one true faith and all followers are expected to participate in spreading the Gospel of Jesus, the Lord. He was sent by God to guarantee our salvation. The Holy Spirit was sent to guide us. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one and the heart of the Christian faith.
The author strongly states that ecumenical unity with all faiths goes against the Christian doctrine. This belief made popular in the 1960s and 1970s by the atheist, John Lennon is an abomination and a lie. God is not present in all faiths. Christians are children of God and those of other faiths are not. We are part of God's spiritual family. We are blessed by God as a result and hold Jesus the Christ as Lord. We are loved by God and hated by the world. The belief/call for Christians to unite with non-Christian faiths is not possible. It also goes against the Christian warning /teaching for Christians not to be unequally 'yoked' (tied with non-believers). Righteousness & light and lawlessness & darkness cannot have fellowship and communion together. Non-Christian religions are not the same and their disparate ideologies cannot be incorporated into one. The Christian faith is unique and the only true faith. The Christian faith believes that the bible is the inerrant Word of God; there is only one God; God is triune; salvation through Christ is necessary because of man's sinful state; salvation is only granted by God's grace; Christ is God; Christ suffered, died, and rose; and Christ will return. Non-believers in Christ hold strange and baffling self-serving doctrines; worship other gods; are children of Satan; are indwelt by spirits of self-worship & self-fulfillment; bow to man-made gods or Satan; worship idols; and, fear the return of Christ. These tenets of faith are non-negotiable and rejected by non-Christian faiths.
I agree with the author who calls for the unity of Christians. That can be achieved because we gravitate toward the truth and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. God desires and promotes unity within the body of Christ (the church). The grace unites us all and we need to put aside our petty differences. This unity is the best defense against the numerous demonic doctrines. Our allegiance to the one true God is the bond that unites believers.
The author also touches on lesser attacks of the social nature which are also tearing away at the church and believer. These doctrines tear away at the conscience. One of these is modern cultural tolerance. The words of tolerant and tolerance have undergone definition revision to the point that the integral concepts of enduring, suffering, and negatively permit have been white-washed. One's common sense and divine wisdom have been brushed aside. Tolerance now is the playground of the Leftists and Liberals who now 'tolerate' those on the opposite side - Christians. Everyone' opinion but a Christians is respected. Absolutes have been vetted and what is good and bad has changed. This upside down way of thinking have made what is right and wrong subjective and open for individual interpretation. We are now being forced to accept all behavior without conditions; not hold people accountable for their behavior; little is considered sinful; there is no condemnation or final judgement; rules are now guidelines; the concept of God is fluid; and social standards have been lowered. As a result, godlessness is embraced and Christianity is viewed as an aberrant belief that is antiquated. There are also no longer any boundaries due to political correctness being the guiding principle. People, including pastors speak carefully so as not to offend people. The result is a 'watered-down" preaching and leadership. People, as a whole bow to the laws and customs of the land rather than the Word of God. The concept of love and concern for another's soul is another casualty. Turning a blind eye to sinful behavior of others is encouraged and practiced more and more. As we reduce our adherence to God's ways, we encourage a downward slide of social morals and rules. The resulting society is what we have today. Respect is also affected by this attitude. Sadly, God's rule of tolerance is laid out in the Bible. The concept of loving, praying for, and caring for our enemies (non-believers) teaches the concept of scriptural tolerance. Speaking the truth is taught by God by few Christians do anymore. I count myself as one who has embraced this concept of speaking biblical truths. It has not won me many friends among the non-believers but I am stronger in my faith and prayer life. The author made me realize that we as Christians are not supposed to be like the rest of the world.
The global influence has always been present but today, the internet and media are the venues of information. They mismanage information, promote social stands, erase & rewrite history, obscure data, create crises, peddle alarmism, slander people, spread gossip and rumors, connect disparate events, and deny established processes. This was illustrated during: COVID, elections, world events, religion, social issues, and entertainment. Deception never comes across as deceitful instead it appears well-intentioned but . . . Often, those who deliver the messages are self-proclaimed 'experts' who feel 'compelled' to re-imagine and reset the world. They often cite that the myopic leadership of today must change. The past is condemned as being closed to growth and expansion of concepts. The shift of focus to the future preparation requires antiquated concepts to be replaced. the enemy presents itself as all-knowing, justified, and unquestionable. In truth, it is not and is already defeated for the Lord has already won the overall battle with Satan. The master of all misinformation and deception CANNOT defeat the Lord, God.
This last assertion points to the fact that the master of deception is Satan who made wild claims of defeating God will soon unveil his plan. He has his own trio - the unholy trinity (Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet). Satan and his demonic forces will soon usher in the arrival of the Antichrist who will deceive the world with so-called acts that will usher in prosperity, unity and peace for the world. All that is required is submitting to him and swearing allegiance to him. This of course is a lie which will fool the fallen world and false believers. The Antichrist has been prophesized for centuries and will soon appear. The author speaks of previous antichrists but the true one will usher in the Final Conflict. The Antichrist will seem to be a unifier of the world, a solver of problems, and the consummate politician. The deception will reach its climax when the Antichrist broker peace in the Middle East. The author meticulously recounts the scriptures that speak of the Antichrist and his numerous accomplishments. Another will ushering in the unification of the world's religion which will be led by the False Prophet. The False Prophet will twist scripture and alter worship. The Antichrist will dare to claim to be the Messiah once he is possessed by Satan. This act will seemingly put Satan in charge but in truth will seal his fate. The ultimate deceiver will get his just rewards - being defeated by the Lord, Jesus. Those who have decided on following Jesus will reject Satan's deception and be victorious with the Lord.
The author ends his book with two chapters about being equipped for living through the last days of deception. The world today is not what it was in the past. As Christians, we must be equipped for battling deception in this world. As laid out in scripture, the believer must be firm in the Christian faith, embrace the truth of God, follow the inerrant word of God, be awash in the Holy Spirit, be prayerful, and accept the Son of God as Messiah. These will help one fight against deceptive demonic doctrines. Pastor Hibbs also reviews common sense advice for living in the Last Days. Satan rules this world through deception. In scripture, we are told that Satan deceived Peter to break him and used fear to scare off Elisha. The author makes reference to William Gurnall's three-book classic guides to thorough Christian armour for Spiritual Warfare.He cites the author's call for be prepared for battle by having a good defense - the fortitude to stand against the coming attacks; standing firm in the Christian faith truths; and be engaged in the battle by accepting one's role. Pastor Hibbs also cites the exhortations of St. Paul. Paul called for Christian warriors to: be bold (not arrogant) and ready once the attack is underway; stand firm in your faith in the savior; be strong-minded; have a good offense by knowing scripture when attacked; be diligent in prayer; and lead others in the faith walk.
Overall, the author effectively cites numerous scripture passages, well-known people, and historical events and occurrences to illustrate his points. The author exhorts us not to lose hope but to be encouraged. We must be believers who will take a stand and stand firm in the knowledge that the Lord has overcome all deceptions. This book will strengthen one' faith against today's days of deception..
A very well-written book from Jack Hibbs explaining the many ways Satan is deceiving the people,the churches and governments. Jack is giving valuable insights of deception today, several methods from millennia ago. God doesn’t change, and the devil will find ways to copy God to lead people away who are not believers and do not have the Holy Spirit and fellow believers with sound doctrinal believes to see and warn against the lies. It will get worse, and God has given us the Bible and the Armor of God to fight of the spiritual enemies.
A great book for anyone feeling fear and doubt about the future in this world.
Living in the Daze of Deception by Jack Hibbs was an excellent read that is so important to read in today's culture. It is such a good source of information to open eyes of people that are unaware of what is going on in our world. It is very Biblically based and Jack Hibbs is such a bold pastor unlike many pastors that shy away from difficult topics. I admire his unshakeable faith that has inspired me over the years. I listen to his messages often which shines a light in this dark world. Where many churches today are speaking tolerance from the pulpit, Jack Hibbs speaks truth!! I highly recommend this book.
Such an encouraging read for Christ-following believers to live like the end is near and allow the hope of Jesus’s return to spur us on to share our faith and not give up fighting. We were placed in this time and age for a reason, and the honor we have to share the gospel of Christ to those lost in sin and deception. So many are being deceived, believers and unbelievers - and it is critical we know if we are truly saved and know Christ or not because the day of the Lord is coming! A great read for the lies we are fed everyday from media and culture, and tools on how to find and fight for truth.
Pastor Jack Hibbs (a true man of Our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST) has provided a warning to every believer and unbeliever alike. He is so spot on in his blueprint to the cunning evil Satan is dishing out in our presence. We see this every day in the corruption of the media and government just as an example. GOD showed us mercy when we deserved justice on November 5th. Take heed in the message Pastor Jack provides in this book. Let's all take advantage of the Grace GOD has shown us and live as JESUS lived! Let's prepare as many as possible for the coming days.