- Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...
It’s great being home after a busy weekend of traveling for work and I’m excited to touch on a topic that has been the theme of a series that I’ve recently studied -- Apostasy in the Church. The book of Jude, although extremely short in length, offers an amazing amount of insight into the dangers that are related to apostasy, especially with those Christians who are new to the faith. I urge you to grab your Bible as we dig in!
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage....how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual peoples, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 1:16, Jude 1:18-19)
Apostasy breeds division, as seen during the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt. The Israelites had departed with a “mixed multitude,” which may have varied from native Egyptian slaves, to Canaanite bondsmen. (Ex. 12:38) The division began through these very camps and soon enough, the Israelites followed their lead. Apostasy brought forth judgment and destruction upon those apostates who did not believe. (Jude 1:5)
“And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 1:6)
As Cain said in Genesis 4:13, “My punishment is greater than I can bear!” The book of Jude references Cain as the classic example of the true apostate. (Jude 1:11)
the Book that teaches
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would us to avoid apostates!
be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were
drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt 18:6).
God’s judgment of the apostate will be severe. We, as believers in Christ, are responsible for being on the lookout for these apostates that prey on new believers within the Church. They have the ability to contort the truth of the Gospel and lead others away from fellowship with Christ.
“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever." (Jude 1:12-13)
Just as the mixed multitude brought forth rebellion within the camps of the Israelites, apostates within the Church will continue to become more predominant as we get closer to the coming day of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s face it; we’re all sinners but through faith in grace, we have been paid for in full. God will protect His Church; however, let’s remain diligent in our reading of the Word and in prayer to stay off the radar of the apostates! May God continue to bless you richly!
In His Love,
Garrett Castro
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