I Timothy 4:1-2
NCV: Now the Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later time some people will stop believing the faith. They will follow spirits that lie and teachings of demons. v2. Such teachings come from the false words of liars whose consciences are destroyed as if by a hot iron. KJV: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
SOME SHALL DEPART FROM THE FAITH.
The Holy Spirit has revealed that in the later times, there will be a falling away both from a personal faith in Jesus Christ and from Scriptural truth. This is a prophecy from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants to prepare us to stay strong in the Lord and not to be upset when these things are beginning to happen within the churches all over the world. Today in Europe, many churches are being closed due to not enough Christians attending. This is one example of what is happening lately.
Paul has said, that the day of the Lord will not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed (II Thess. 2:3). Why does the falling away have to come first? The Antichrist dares not to appear until the “falling away” of apostasy comes first. Antichrist will not rise to power alone. Antichrist will have the False Prophet who will prepare “The Falling Away” to accept this false “Messiah, the Antichrist.” The False Prophet will performs signs and miracles and be able to deceive the whole world. This will make it easier for the False Prophet to bring all men into spiritual allegiance with the Antichrist. When we approach the end of the age, false prophets, new religious, and spiritual darkness will take over the whole world for the rise of these great deceivers—The Antichrist and the False Prophet.
Right now, the Holy Spirit is holding back the Antichrist until the right time when God the Father will allow the Antichrist to have his own way for only a short period of time. Until then let us stay true to our Lord Jesus Christ and remember that He is Lord.
He is Lord, He is Lord,
He has risen from the dead,
and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Falling Away 9
Revelation 2:4-5
KJV: “...I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else, I will come unto thee quickly; and remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
NCV: “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you do not change, I will come to you and will take away your lampstand from its place. v6. But there is something you do that is right: You hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I. [Nicolaitans is the name of a religious group that followed false beliefs and ideas]
What does Jesus means when He said, “thou hast left thy first love?” Jesus was speaking to Ephesians’ Christians who once had their first deep love for Christ and devotion to Him and His Word. Perhaps they had been attending the church for a long time and it became a “habit” for them. Even when they tried to keep up the “correct doctrine,” “obeying some of the commandments,” and “worshiping in the church” were not enough for Christ because the Christians had slowly lost their “heartfelt love for Jesus Christ and all His Word.” They had lost the sincere love for Christ, purity of life, and a love for His truth.
Prophetic message through John who wrote Jesus’ words of warning: “remember where you were before you fell …change your heart and do what you did at first.” Paul encourages all those who say that they are born-again, to “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you…” [2 Cor. 13:5a]. NCV: Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. You know that Jesus Christ is in you…” All those who say that they are Christians should examine themselves as to be sure that they still have the love for Christ and all His Word. This will keeps us from falling away from Him. It is good to examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to help us stay close to Jesus Christ our Lord who is coming soon to take us home in heaven.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for revealing Your Word to us. Thank You for reminding us to keep our first love with You. We ask you to keep our hearts tender toward Holy Spirit and be able to listen to the Holy Spirit and keep us from falling away from You. We love You, we adore You, and we praise You through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
KJV: “...I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else, I will come unto thee quickly; and remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
NCV: “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you do not change, I will come to you and will take away your lampstand from its place. v6. But there is something you do that is right: You hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I. [Nicolaitans is the name of a religious group that followed false beliefs and ideas]
What does Jesus means when He said, “thou hast left thy first love?” Jesus was speaking to Ephesians’ Christians who once had their first deep love for Christ and devotion to Him and His Word. Perhaps they had been attending the church for a long time and it became a “habit” for them. Even when they tried to keep up the “correct doctrine,” “obeying some of the commandments,” and “worshiping in the church” were not enough for Christ because the Christians had slowly lost their “heartfelt love for Jesus Christ and all His Word.” They had lost the sincere love for Christ, purity of life, and a love for His truth.
Prophetic message through John who wrote Jesus’ words of warning: “remember where you were before you fell …change your heart and do what you did at first.” Paul encourages all those who say that they are born-again, to “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you…” [2 Cor. 13:5a]. NCV: Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. You know that Jesus Christ is in you…” All those who say that they are Christians should examine themselves as to be sure that they still have the love for Christ and all His Word. This will keeps us from falling away from Him. It is good to examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to help us stay close to Jesus Christ our Lord who is coming soon to take us home in heaven.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for revealing Your Word to us. Thank You for reminding us to keep our first love with You. We ask you to keep our hearts tender toward Holy Spirit and be able to listen to the Holy Spirit and keep us from falling away from You. We love You, we adore You, and we praise You through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Falling Away 8
Isaiah 29:13-16 NCV
The Lord says: “These people say they love me; they show honor to me with words, but their hearts are far from me. The honor they show me is nothing but human rules. v14. So I continue to amaze these people by doing more and more miracles. Their wise men will lose their wisdom; their wise men will not be able to understand.” v15. How terrible it will be for those who try to hide things from the LORD and who do their work in darkness. They think no one will see them or know what they do. v16. You are confused. You think the clay is equal to the potter. You think that an object (pot) can tell the one who made it, “You didn’t make me.” This is like a pot telling its maker, “You don’t know anything.”
THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME.
During 700-680 B.C. God had spoken to Israelites through the prophet, Isaiah about how He felt toward His own people who were coming before Him. People praise and honor Him with their lips, but God noticed their hearts had changed. Their hearts were indifference toward Him and His Word. They got bored so they came up with their own human rules to satisfy their own needs. They changed their religious rituals and new traditions to make it more interesting. They have no real love for God. They were bored with His righteous obligations (must follow) so they seek the pleasures of sin and the world to satisfy their carnal desires. This was the beginning of their “Falling Away” from their God. We have read how God sent His judgments against them to bring them back to Him.
Dorothy: After reading Isaiah 29:13-16, I was surprised to notice a few things that seem to match the “philosophy” from “The Falling Away.” The philosophies of men were nothing new during 700 B.C. There are few things to notice: human rules or rules taught by men; wisdom of men; hide in darkness so God would not notice them; and the clay and the potter. God compares the “philosophy” to the clay and the potter to God. The philosophy, the clay or the pot tells the Maker who is God, “You didn’t make me.” The philosophy, the clay or the pot tells the Potter, our God, “You don’t know anything.”
God had spoken the insight of the hearts of His people during Isaiah’s time. God is speaking to us today. God sees our hearts and let us know that we cannot hide in darkness. We cannot hide from Him. So Paul is saying to us, “Do not let philosophy to spoil you” [Col.2:8]. I pray we don’t get tired of singing this: Keep Me True, Lord Jesus.
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.
There’s a race that I must run,
There are victories to be won,
Give me power, every hour, to be true.
The Lord says: “These people say they love me; they show honor to me with words, but their hearts are far from me. The honor they show me is nothing but human rules. v14. So I continue to amaze these people by doing more and more miracles. Their wise men will lose their wisdom; their wise men will not be able to understand.” v15. How terrible it will be for those who try to hide things from the LORD and who do their work in darkness. They think no one will see them or know what they do. v16. You are confused. You think the clay is equal to the potter. You think that an object (pot) can tell the one who made it, “You didn’t make me.” This is like a pot telling its maker, “You don’t know anything.”
THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME.
During 700-680 B.C. God had spoken to Israelites through the prophet, Isaiah about how He felt toward His own people who were coming before Him. People praise and honor Him with their lips, but God noticed their hearts had changed. Their hearts were indifference toward Him and His Word. They got bored so they came up with their own human rules to satisfy their own needs. They changed their religious rituals and new traditions to make it more interesting. They have no real love for God. They were bored with His righteous obligations (must follow) so they seek the pleasures of sin and the world to satisfy their carnal desires. This was the beginning of their “Falling Away” from their God. We have read how God sent His judgments against them to bring them back to Him.
Dorothy: After reading Isaiah 29:13-16, I was surprised to notice a few things that seem to match the “philosophy” from “The Falling Away.” The philosophies of men were nothing new during 700 B.C. There are few things to notice: human rules or rules taught by men; wisdom of men; hide in darkness so God would not notice them; and the clay and the potter. God compares the “philosophy” to the clay and the potter to God. The philosophy, the clay or the pot tells the Maker who is God, “You didn’t make me.” The philosophy, the clay or the pot tells the Potter, our God, “You don’t know anything.”
God had spoken the insight of the hearts of His people during Isaiah’s time. God is speaking to us today. God sees our hearts and let us know that we cannot hide in darkness. We cannot hide from Him. So Paul is saying to us, “Do not let philosophy to spoil you” [Col.2:8]. I pray we don’t get tired of singing this: Keep Me True, Lord Jesus.
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.
There’s a race that I must run,
There are victories to be won,
Give me power, every hour, to be true.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Falling Away 7
Colossians 2:4,8 [Paul said]
KJV: And this I say lest any man should beguile (mislead or fool) you with enticing words (smooth talk). v8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. NIV: I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. v8. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow (empty) and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
So what does philosophy of humanism teach?
The philosophy teaches that they can build on man's thoughts... ideas... human wisdom that would meet the needs of the people; what makes people happy; bring them pleasure; what seems good for people according to the goal set by their leaders. They seek to improve human behavior through education, modern psychology or human wisdom. Philosophy rejects belief in a personal, eternal God and denies that the Bible is God’s inspired revelation to the human race. Philosophy teaches that man has not been created by a personal God, but through evolution. Philosophy rejects God’s Word that Jesus Christ alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
This is one of the spiritual deceptions (tricks) that false teachers who taught that teachings and salvation in Christ were not enough to meet our spiritual needs. Paul warned us to be on guard against all the philosophies, religions, and traditions that teach people can be independent from God and His written revelation. The false teachers use philosophy to teach people that they do not need to depend on God and His Word because it does not meet their needs. Where does philosophy come from? It began with Satan and is an expression of the lie of Satan that man can be like God (Gen.3:5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” NIV). Scriptures identifies humanist’s teachings as those who have “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator…” (Romans 1:25).
Through the love of our Heavenly Father has given us salvation through Jesus Christ. Right now, Jesus is interceding for us in heaven. The Holy Spirit is helping the Christians to know His Word well that we can protect ourselves against philosophy. The Christians are encouraged to know God’s Word well.
Prayer: O loving God, heavenly Father please helps us to be well prepared against the future attacks of sly words and philosophies. Help us to know Your Word well to preserve ourselves from falling into Satan’s tricks. Keep us in Your love and help us to love Your Word in Jesus’ name. Amen!
KJV: And this I say lest any man should beguile (mislead or fool) you with enticing words (smooth talk). v8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. NIV: I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. v8. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow (empty) and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
So what does philosophy of humanism teach?
The philosophy teaches that they can build on man's thoughts... ideas... human wisdom that would meet the needs of the people; what makes people happy; bring them pleasure; what seems good for people according to the goal set by their leaders. They seek to improve human behavior through education, modern psychology or human wisdom. Philosophy rejects belief in a personal, eternal God and denies that the Bible is God’s inspired revelation to the human race. Philosophy teaches that man has not been created by a personal God, but through evolution. Philosophy rejects God’s Word that Jesus Christ alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
This is one of the spiritual deceptions (tricks) that false teachers who taught that teachings and salvation in Christ were not enough to meet our spiritual needs. Paul warned us to be on guard against all the philosophies, religions, and traditions that teach people can be independent from God and His written revelation. The false teachers use philosophy to teach people that they do not need to depend on God and His Word because it does not meet their needs. Where does philosophy come from? It began with Satan and is an expression of the lie of Satan that man can be like God (Gen.3:5 “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” NIV). Scriptures identifies humanist’s teachings as those who have “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator…” (Romans 1:25).
Through the love of our Heavenly Father has given us salvation through Jesus Christ. Right now, Jesus is interceding for us in heaven. The Holy Spirit is helping the Christians to know His Word well that we can protect ourselves against philosophy. The Christians are encouraged to know God’s Word well.
Prayer: O loving God, heavenly Father please helps us to be well prepared against the future attacks of sly words and philosophies. Help us to know Your Word well to preserve ourselves from falling into Satan’s tricks. Keep us in Your love and help us to love Your Word in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Falling Away 6
John Loves the Truth.
2John 1-2 NCV: …I love all of you in the truth, and all those who know the truth love you. We love you because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever.
2 John 7-8 NCV: Many false teachers are in the world now who do not confess that Jesus Christ came to earth as a human. Anyone who does not confess this is a false teacher and an enemy of Christ. v8. Be careful yourselves that you do not lose everything you worked for, but that you receive your full reward.
John warns that many deceivers and false teachers have tried to change from Truth to lies about Jesus Christ. The Apostasy, the falling away says that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh; Jesus Christ was not the eternal Son of God; Jesus Christ was not born of the virgin; and the blood of Jesus has no power to forgive our sins. The Apostasy, the falling away says that “Jesus came in the spirit.” 1John 2:22 “Who is the liar? It is the person who does not accept Jesus as the Christ. This is the enemy of Christ: the person who does not accept the Father and His Son” [NCV]. [References: Matt.1:18; Luke 1:27; 1John 2:2; 1John 4:9-10; 1John 5:20; 1John 2:18-28]
John’s argument is found in 1 John 1-4 NCV: “We write you now about what has always existed, which we have heard, we have seen with our own eyes, we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We write to you about the Word that gives life. v2. He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that he has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us. v3. We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God, the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. v4. We write this to you so you can be full of joy with us.”
John and the disciples have been with Jesus for three years. They all met Mary, the mother of Jesus. They were His witnesses. We have four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He came in the flesh and was born of the virgin. He died on the cross to save us from going to hell and Jesus’ blood has power to forgive our sins. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
One of Song Collection:
Lord, I believe.. Lord, I believe..
Savior, raised my faith in Thee
‘till it can moved a mountain.
Lord, I believe.. Lord, I believe..
All my doubts are buried in the fountain.
2John 1-2 NCV: …I love all of you in the truth, and all those who know the truth love you. We love you because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever.
2 John 7-8 NCV: Many false teachers are in the world now who do not confess that Jesus Christ came to earth as a human. Anyone who does not confess this is a false teacher and an enemy of Christ. v8. Be careful yourselves that you do not lose everything you worked for, but that you receive your full reward.
John warns that many deceivers and false teachers have tried to change from Truth to lies about Jesus Christ. The Apostasy, the falling away says that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh; Jesus Christ was not the eternal Son of God; Jesus Christ was not born of the virgin; and the blood of Jesus has no power to forgive our sins. The Apostasy, the falling away says that “Jesus came in the spirit.” 1John 2:22 “Who is the liar? It is the person who does not accept Jesus as the Christ. This is the enemy of Christ: the person who does not accept the Father and His Son” [NCV]. [References: Matt.1:18; Luke 1:27; 1John 2:2; 1John 4:9-10; 1John 5:20; 1John 2:18-28]
John’s argument is found in 1 John 1-4 NCV: “We write you now about what has always existed, which we have heard, we have seen with our own eyes, we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We write to you about the Word that gives life. v2. He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that he has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us. v3. We announce to you what we have seen and heard, because we want you also to have fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with God, the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. v4. We write this to you so you can be full of joy with us.”
John and the disciples have been with Jesus for three years. They all met Mary, the mother of Jesus. They were His witnesses. We have four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He came in the flesh and was born of the virgin. He died on the cross to save us from going to hell and Jesus’ blood has power to forgive our sins. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
One of Song Collection:
Lord, I believe.. Lord, I believe..
Savior, raised my faith in Thee
‘till it can moved a mountain.
Lord, I believe.. Lord, I believe..
All my doubts are buried in the fountain.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Falling Away 5
Love Not the Truth.
2 Thes. 2:10 “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of truth, that they might be saved.” 2Thes.2:12b “…who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” KJV
The secret evil powers are working within the church, the apostasy, the falling away from the true faith in the Son of God. The apostasy, the falling away seeks freedom to do what they want and to take pleasure in sin. The apostasy, the falling away who did not love the truth, and entertained themselves with evil and immorality [wrongdoing; lewdness; unchastely], will experience the wrath of God.
The steps which lead to apostasy are the believers within the churches would be influenced by different kind of teachings that lead them not to believe God’s truth. What are the things that we should take notice about the apostasy and their teachings?
1) Professing believers will accept “new revelation” even though it conflicts with the revealed Word of God. This will lead to opposition to Biblical truth within the churches.
2) Those who preach distorted [change from truth] gospel may gain leadership positions in different churches and theological schools of Christendom [Christian part of the world or all Christians] which gives them a chance to deceive and mislead many within the church. They may focus on the personalities of a person more than the Creator.
3) They seek religious experiences and supernatural manifestations rather than God’s Word. Those are a few examples of Apostasy, the falling away.
The key to being a true Christian will be our loyalty to Christ and love the truth which is God’s Word; a total commitment to the truth of God’s Word and follows the Biblical righteousness of living. We can be protected against being deceived, how? It will be our enduring faith and love for Christ, in a commitment to the absolute authority of His Word and in a thorough knowledge of that Word. Matt.24:13 ‘he that endure to the end shall be saved.’ This should encourage us to stay close to Jesus, keep our faith in the Son of God. This is why we often need to memorize some songs that keep us in tune with God. May the Holy Spirit helps us stay loyal to our Lord Jesus Christ who came in the flesh and died for our sins, arose from grave, went to heaven and will come back soon to take us home. My friends, stay true to Christ. God loves you and so do I.
2 Thes. 2:10 “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of truth, that they might be saved.” 2Thes.2:12b “…who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” KJV
The secret evil powers are working within the church, the apostasy, the falling away from the true faith in the Son of God. The apostasy, the falling away seeks freedom to do what they want and to take pleasure in sin. The apostasy, the falling away who did not love the truth, and entertained themselves with evil and immorality [wrongdoing; lewdness; unchastely], will experience the wrath of God.
The steps which lead to apostasy are the believers within the churches would be influenced by different kind of teachings that lead them not to believe God’s truth. What are the things that we should take notice about the apostasy and their teachings?
1) Professing believers will accept “new revelation” even though it conflicts with the revealed Word of God. This will lead to opposition to Biblical truth within the churches.
2) Those who preach distorted [change from truth] gospel may gain leadership positions in different churches and theological schools of Christendom [Christian part of the world or all Christians] which gives them a chance to deceive and mislead many within the church. They may focus on the personalities of a person more than the Creator.
3) They seek religious experiences and supernatural manifestations rather than God’s Word. Those are a few examples of Apostasy, the falling away.
The key to being a true Christian will be our loyalty to Christ and love the truth which is God’s Word; a total commitment to the truth of God’s Word and follows the Biblical righteousness of living. We can be protected against being deceived, how? It will be our enduring faith and love for Christ, in a commitment to the absolute authority of His Word and in a thorough knowledge of that Word. Matt.24:13 ‘he that endure to the end shall be saved.’ This should encourage us to stay close to Jesus, keep our faith in the Son of God. This is why we often need to memorize some songs that keep us in tune with God. May the Holy Spirit helps us stay loyal to our Lord Jesus Christ who came in the flesh and died for our sins, arose from grave, went to heaven and will come back soon to take us home. My friends, stay true to Christ. God loves you and so do I.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Falling Away 4
Proverbs 29:18 NCV
Where there is no word of God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy. KJV: Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Without the Word of God, it would be like having no law in our lives and in our lands. We, the people would be out of control such as if there would be no traffic lights, no policemen, and no laws to control the situation. It would be awful. So it is important to have God’s law to keep us under control. We are happy when we are taught to obey the laws.
The vision means “revelation.” When there is no revelation from God; when no one know what God’s will is and when people don’t know God’s law for them to live righteously, the people will die without God. So it was important for the priests to have ‘The Scripture’ preached to the people in the congregation often when they gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. Hearing the Word of God often was a reminder to the people of Israel to always remember their God as One Lord, and the only One to worship to. The Israelites would always remember God’s law to live by. God would bless the people who kept the law in their hearts and they would be happy.
Such as Proverbs 30:5 quoted “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” To keep us from falling away is to stay close to Him, study His Word, obey Him, love Him, worship Him, and learn what the will of the Lord is for us. Because the Bible says, “He that doeth the will of God abides forever.”
I remember this short song when I was a child.
The B-I-B-L-E.
It stands the Word for me.
I stand alone the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
Where there is no word of God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy. KJV: Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Without the Word of God, it would be like having no law in our lives and in our lands. We, the people would be out of control such as if there would be no traffic lights, no policemen, and no laws to control the situation. It would be awful. So it is important to have God’s law to keep us under control. We are happy when we are taught to obey the laws.
The vision means “revelation.” When there is no revelation from God; when no one know what God’s will is and when people don’t know God’s law for them to live righteously, the people will die without God. So it was important for the priests to have ‘The Scripture’ preached to the people in the congregation often when they gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. Hearing the Word of God often was a reminder to the people of Israel to always remember their God as One Lord, and the only One to worship to. The Israelites would always remember God’s law to live by. God would bless the people who kept the law in their hearts and they would be happy.
Such as Proverbs 30:5 quoted “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” To keep us from falling away is to stay close to Him, study His Word, obey Him, love Him, worship Him, and learn what the will of the Lord is for us. Because the Bible says, “He that doeth the will of God abides forever.”
I remember this short song when I was a child.
The B-I-B-L-E.
It stands the Word for me.
I stand alone the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Falling Away 3
Matthew 13:3, 5,6
“… Behold, a sower went forth to sow… Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Mark 4:16,17
“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
Luke 8:13
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Dorothy:
Reading few verses shows me the key of what cause the “Falling Away”? Have you notice three places that say: “they had no root,” “have no root in themselves,” these have no root?” So where do we get to the topic about having no root? First, the Sower went forth to sow… Jesus Himself is the ‘Sower’ and He sows His Words. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John heard the words of Jesus and wrote them down for the generation to read and to study His Word. Paul studied God’s Word and he said in Ephesians 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love…” So it is important to have a deep root in Christ. What happen when there is no Word of God? [To be continued]
Song:
My heart is filled with singing Lord to Thee,
Oh mighty God, great is Thy love.
My heart is filled with singing Lord to Thee,
Oh mighty God, great is Thy love.
“… Behold, a sower went forth to sow… Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Mark 4:16,17
“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
Luke 8:13
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Dorothy:
Reading few verses shows me the key of what cause the “Falling Away”? Have you notice three places that say: “they had no root,” “have no root in themselves,” these have no root?” So where do we get to the topic about having no root? First, the Sower went forth to sow… Jesus Himself is the ‘Sower’ and He sows His Words. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John heard the words of Jesus and wrote them down for the generation to read and to study His Word. Paul studied God’s Word and he said in Ephesians 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love…” So it is important to have a deep root in Christ. What happen when there is no Word of God? [To be continued]
Song:
My heart is filled with singing Lord to Thee,
Oh mighty God, great is Thy love.
My heart is filled with singing Lord to Thee,
Oh mighty God, great is Thy love.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Falling Away 2
Hebrew 3:12
KJV: “Take heed, brethren, least there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” NCV: So brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God.
Personal Apostasy
The “apostasy” means “departure,” “falling away” (2Thes.2:3), or “abandonment and rebellion,” will happen. So what is exactly could a person actually “falling away” from? The scripture says two things: heart of unbelief in God’s Word and departing from the living God. Why is it important to know this word, “Apostasy?” The note came from Zondervan, The Full Life Study Bible and we could learn a lot from this study. This topic will help us to know what things that cause people to fall away from God.
I have seen the word, ‘Apostasy’ from the TV, the history channel and TBN [Trinity Broadcasting Network] and I had wondered why they talked about it. When I asked the Lord what He wants me to put on Fresh Manna for the beginning of Feb. 2009. He gave me three words: The Falling Away. The Lord wants us to know His word and stay close to Him. Studying the title, “The Apostasy, the Falling Away” might save many Christians if they know what is happening around us and what to watch out for.
The Bible says “The heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it” came from Jeremiah 17:9. We need to guide our heart into the Word of God so our hearts will not deceive us. There are words of encouragement that will keep us in union with Christ. Paul stated in Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage each other every day while it is “today.” Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you. We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.
Song:
Then sing my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Then sing my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
KJV: “Take heed, brethren, least there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” NCV: So brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God.
Personal Apostasy
The “apostasy” means “departure,” “falling away” (2Thes.2:3), or “abandonment and rebellion,” will happen. So what is exactly could a person actually “falling away” from? The scripture says two things: heart of unbelief in God’s Word and departing from the living God. Why is it important to know this word, “Apostasy?” The note came from Zondervan, The Full Life Study Bible and we could learn a lot from this study. This topic will help us to know what things that cause people to fall away from God.
I have seen the word, ‘Apostasy’ from the TV, the history channel and TBN [Trinity Broadcasting Network] and I had wondered why they talked about it. When I asked the Lord what He wants me to put on Fresh Manna for the beginning of Feb. 2009. He gave me three words: The Falling Away. The Lord wants us to know His word and stay close to Him. Studying the title, “The Apostasy, the Falling Away” might save many Christians if they know what is happening around us and what to watch out for.
The Bible says “The heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it” came from Jeremiah 17:9. We need to guide our heart into the Word of God so our hearts will not deceive us. There are words of encouragement that will keep us in union with Christ. Paul stated in Hebrews 3:13-14 But encourage each other every day while it is “today.” Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you. We all share in Christ if we keep till the end the sure faith we had in the beginning.
Song:
Then sing my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Then sing my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Falling Away 1
2 Thessalonians 2:3
KJV: 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.
NCV: Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears.
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he gave assurance to all true believers that they would be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and would forever be with the Lord (1Thes.4:13-18). This event would deliver them from the coming wrath of God that was to fall upon the earth (1Thes.1:10; 5:9-10). However, the false teachers were teaching that the day of the Lord had already begun and that God’s final wrath was being poured out upon the earth. The Thessalonians’ Christians were ‘troubled and shaken’ (upset) because of what the false teachers were saying about the day of the Lord. Paul tells them not to be alarmed, for the day of God’s wrath has not yet arrived. Two things will signal its arrival: 1) There must be a specific “falling away,” and 2) the “man of sin” will be revealed.
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 NCV
Brothers and Sisters, we have something to say about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the time when we will meet together with him. v2. Do not become easily upset in your thinking or afraid if you hear that the day of the Lord has already come. Someone may say this in prophecy or in a message or in a letter as if it came from us. v3. Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to stay true to Your teachings of the Word of God. Help us to remember what Paul was telling us about Your coming again. We realize Paul’s warning about being upset with false teachings that Christ has already came when it isn’t true. It reminds me of what someone quoted, “The New Age” and even share with others. It seems to cause confusion. Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to study Your Word and stay true to Your teachings. I rejoice to hear Your Word of Wisdom and be strong in the Lord. Thank You and I bless You in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Song collection:
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.
There’s a race that I must run,
There are victories to be won,
Give me power, every hour, to be true.
KJV: 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.
NCV: Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears.
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he gave assurance to all true believers that they would be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and would forever be with the Lord (1Thes.4:13-18). This event would deliver them from the coming wrath of God that was to fall upon the earth (1Thes.1:10; 5:9-10). However, the false teachers were teaching that the day of the Lord had already begun and that God’s final wrath was being poured out upon the earth. The Thessalonians’ Christians were ‘troubled and shaken’ (upset) because of what the false teachers were saying about the day of the Lord. Paul tells them not to be alarmed, for the day of God’s wrath has not yet arrived. Two things will signal its arrival: 1) There must be a specific “falling away,” and 2) the “man of sin” will be revealed.
Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 NCV
Brothers and Sisters, we have something to say about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the time when we will meet together with him. v2. Do not become easily upset in your thinking or afraid if you hear that the day of the Lord has already come. Someone may say this in prophecy or in a message or in a letter as if it came from us. v3. Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to stay true to Your teachings of the Word of God. Help us to remember what Paul was telling us about Your coming again. We realize Paul’s warning about being upset with false teachings that Christ has already came when it isn’t true. It reminds me of what someone quoted, “The New Age” and even share with others. It seems to cause confusion. Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to study Your Word and stay true to Your teachings. I rejoice to hear Your Word of Wisdom and be strong in the Lord. Thank You and I bless You in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Song collection:
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true;
Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.
There’s a race that I must run,
There are victories to be won,
Give me power, every hour, to be true.
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