Quotation
In life there are moments of darkness and periods of
discouragement. During these times of adversity, we must not lose sight of the
beauty of the sky for all the clouds. Although we may have to deal with
tremendous pain and may be disappointed by events, we must remember whatever
difficulty we might face, will not last. It is only a cloud.
Barry Denzil Haney
Verse
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come,
except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition;
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Reflection
What is the difference between apostasy and heresy? Simply stated,
apostasy is a rejection of truth a person once believed and heresy is the
addition of new teachings. The first apostasy occurred when man rejected God.
We don’t have to look far to find the first heresies – the Old Testament is
filled with early heresies. Apostasy can be thought of as a deliberate
abandonment of the Christian faith. Heresy can be thought of as a departure
from the unity of the faith, while still believing to subscribe to the
Christian faith.
God gives us this warning about apostasy in Hebrews 6:4-8:
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And
have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they
shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to
themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth
which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs
meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that
which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose
end is to be burned.
Peter gives this strong warning to heretics:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there
shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves
swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1)
In Jude 1:17-25,
Jude gives us four directives on how we should live during these times of
apostasy: remember what the apostles told us, remain or stand firm in our own
spiritual growth, reach out to those around us who are the victims of the false
teachers, and to rest: (Hitchcock)
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of
the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be
mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These
be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye,
beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy
Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a
difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating
even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you
from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory
with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion
and power, both now and ever. Amen.
With the coming apostasy, what do we as Christians do? God has
given us His final marching orders in Matthew 28:18-20:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given
unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: 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.
Illustration
A story is told of a man who, resisting the cost of oats he fed
his mule, decided to gradually substitute sawdust in its diet. Everything went
fine for a while—but by the time the mule was satisfied with sawdust, he died.
The same is true spiritually. The changeover from truth to error
is sometimes a slow process, and the people don’t always know the difference.
But, before you know it, they are dead. (Green)
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father,
Provide Your comfort and peace during
times of discouragement. During these
times help us to see the beauty in the sunlit
sky and not the storm clouds enveloping us!
Lead us not into apostasy and heresy, but lead
us to Your absolute truths found through
daily prayer and study of Your Word. Thank
You for Your continuous patience and love!
In the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior,
Amen!
Worship
Apostasy
God Bless You,
Barry
Hitchcock, Mark, and Jeff Kinley. The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from
within. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2017. Print.
Green, Michael P. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Print.
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