Apostasy

Mathew 24:9-12 Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and will be hated by all the nations because of Me (Jesus the Christ). At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold

These are more of the definite signs of the end times. The word “will” appears in this passage of Scripture 6 times. The word “will” means it’s definite, this will happen regardless of anyone’s opinions or beliefs, in fact it is happening right now. The persecution of Christians and Jews are happening all around the world ranging from literal death, or by anti-Semitism in wide ranges of ways.

In many forms, apostasy is also happening today as well. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary: Apostasy: (Greek) Apo = away and Stasis = A standing. ‘An abandoning of what one has believed in, as a faith, or cause.’ It also means the falling away of what is right, straying away from God and straying away from the truth.

Revelation 2:2-4 (The Loveless Church; Jesus is speaking to the churches after His resurrection and ascension,) To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you can not tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not. You have persevered and have endured hardships for My Name and yet you have not grown weary.

This is the big plus for the church of Ephesus. They were doing great things for God and for His Kingdom. Making a difference and impacting their community with Gospel of Jesus Christ. But there was one major flaw, and that was falling away from the relationship of God the Father, and of the Son Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. They were doing great works of God, but they neglected the Lord who empowers the work

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first Love.”

There is a major difference between a true relationship with Jesus Christ and a religion. A true relationship with Christ will get you into Heaven. Religion cannot save one soul. Religion will take you straight to Hell, because religion cannot save; deliver; and set free those bound in sins, nor can it atone for the wages of sin. And it certainly have no power to set the captives free from the slavery of sins.

Revelation 3:14-16 (The Lukewarm church) “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: , These are the words of the Amen, the faithful; and true witness, the Ruler of God’s Creation, I know your deeds, that you neither are cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spew you out of My mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing,’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

These are very harsh words from our Lord Jesus Christ who rasied from the dead, the true Ruler of this world and the world to come. For He warns those who do nothing for the kingdom of God, (reaching the lost), and believe they have everything and need nothing including, continuing in a relationship with Jesus Christ Himself. Luke warmness brings comfort, and comfort brings laziness and sin. And sin leads to absolute spiritual death. The Church of Laodicea is literally no more. It is only in ruins today. Obviously, they have not heeded the warning. Jesus was absolutely sick to His stomach with this church, that He wretched, rejected them out of His mouth.

Another example is found in: Revelation 2:12&14 (the Compromising Church) To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live- where satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to My Name. You did not renounced your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was put to death in your city- where satan lives.

Again this church kept there faith and relationship of Christ, who witnessed the Gospel in their community, Even during the times of persecution to the point of death. But Jesus found this against them in:

Revelation 2:14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating foods sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Like wise you hold the teachings of the Nicolations.

Compromise: ‘Something midway-missing or missed. (according to Webster’s New World Dictionary) This church was lacking or missing the life style of righteousness of Jesus Christ. Also they were following the Lord half heartedly, because they were still holding onto the sinful teaching and practices of Balaam. Mixing Christianity with the sinful life style of the world. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Apostasy is not only in some churches today, but it is also in the world. For example: Those who call themselves Christians or followers of the way of Jesus Christ and yet, hate their brethren or hate church, are absolutely an apostate.

I remember doing a general search for Christian blog sites (I need not to mention names here, for you know who you are) And this person believes he is a follower of Jesus Christ, for he specifically states that fact. But he bluntly had stated without conviction, and I quote, “I hate the Christians.” Posting a blog about the things he dislikes about church in general and why he doesn’t go to one at all. And “why all Christian are hypocrites.” These are wolves in sheep’s clothing. For the Word of God specifically states clearly:

1 John 2:9-11 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother, lives in the light, and there is nothing in him, that makes him stumble. But who ever hates his brother is in the dark and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

(Listen: Instead of complaining, why don’t you do us and the world a favor, repent and then make a difference by correcting and lifting up out of the mirery clay, brethren who maybe clearly in the wrong out of love and reverence for one another by strengthening, edifying and praying with them and for them in the name of Jesus Christ. Repent and be the solution to the problem instead of being problem)

Shacking up and having premarital sex that’s apostasy too. For its abandoning ones convictions of what one knows is right and do what is wrong. James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Apostasy is a growing, and rampant opposition against the church of Jesus Christ. It’s a spirit of darkness, unfortunately not many recognizes. It is the spirit of antichrist already at work, but there are still a remnant of churches that are right with God in America today, we cannot over look this. The Book of Revelation talks about this in: Revelation 3:7-13 (The Faithful Church) “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things says, He who is Holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: ‘I Know your works. See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have kept My Name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie- Indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Because you kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, (the great tribulation) to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming Quickly! Hold fast to What you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My New Name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”

Another church of whom Jesus Christ has built and were right with Him were the persecuted church. This is why they were persecuted, because they know Jesus Christ as Lord, they Honored God with holy and righteous living and were also evangelizing the Gospel found in Revelation 2:8-11. These examples of specific churches mentioned in the Holy Bible, are reflections of what is taking place today in general in some parts of the body of Christ as just another sign of the end times.

But what is the remedy and hope against apostasy? Simple… Repentance!!! Coming face to face with God and confess your sins and turn away from sinning and pick up the cross and follow Jesus Christ as Lord. For it is written: 1 John 1: 8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God Is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.

And then forgiving yourself. Learn from your failures, get over it, press in and move forward in Jesus Christ For it is written: Philippians 3:7-14 But what things were gained to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in HIM, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

That I may know HIM and The power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, If by any means, I may attain to the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have already obtained it, or am already perfect; But I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me. But one thing I do, Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Stay ready for coming of the Lord, for the Lord will come at a day no one knows and at an hour no one expects. He will come like a thief in the night. Watch and pray, lest you fall back into temptation….. Let us pray:

“Father, we come before You in the name of Your only begotten Son; Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you bring Your presence of conviction and repentance upon us. Correcting us in Your truth and in Your everlasting love and mercy. We ask You Father, forgive us our trespasses against You. We know by faith as we confess our sins to You, You are faithful and just to forgive us. Set us free from the bondage of sin and death that so easily beset us from having a true relationship with You Father. You said in Your word as a promise “Whoever the Son sets free, is free indeed.”

We acknowledge that You, Lord Jesus, came into this world by the virgin birth in the flesh and was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Died for our sins and risen from the dead on the third day. And by having confessed this absolute truth, that we have everlasting life and renewed hope in You by faith. Wash our filthy robes. Wash us and make us white as snow, being made spotless and blameless before the time of Your coming. Instill in us, Your strength and power of authority, to help us overcome temptations as they come. And as we turn back unto to You Lord, that You renew Your Covenant with us once again by filling us and refresh us with Your Holy Spirit. We thank you Lord for granting us a second chance. Truly, Your loving kindness endures forever. In Lord Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.”