3 SIGNS OF FAITH ABANDONMENT | IS CHURCH DYING?

Worship and Faith
19 Aug 202418:08

Summary

TLDRThis video addresses the growing issue of apostasy, where doubt and skepticism lead people away from their faith in God. The speaker highlights the subtle and pervasive ways apostasy can infiltrate both society and the church, urging viewers to remain vigilant, strengthen their faith, and reconnect with their spiritual roots. Through Biblical references and historical examples, the video calls on believers to resist apostasy by living with unwavering commitment to God, encouraging unity, and being a light in a world increasingly distant from spiritual truth.

Takeaways

  • 🚨 Apostasy is a growing phenomenon characterized by a departure from faith and embracing worldly lies.
  • πŸ›€οΈ The script uses the metaphor of a familiar road becoming foggy and treacherous to describe the experience of losing faith.
  • ⚠️ Apostasy can begin subtly, often during moments of discouragement or when doubts take hold of one's heart.
  • πŸ“– The Bible warns about apostasy, citing it as a departure from faith influenced by deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.
  • 🌐 Society is increasingly promoting narratives that question faith and spirituality, portraying religion as outdated and divisive.
  • πŸ“‰ The script suggests that a society embracing apostasy leads to a breakdown in justice, morality, and truth, resulting in social crises.
  • πŸ’” Apostasy within the church is evident in the cooling of love among brethren and conflicts within the faith community.
  • πŸ”„ The call to repent and return to one's first love in Christ is a central message, urging believers to restore unity and love within the church.
  • πŸ•ŠοΈ Despite societal apostasy, individuals can make a difference by being a light in the world and living according to God's principles.
  • πŸ•°οΈ Apostasy is not an inevitable destiny; it is a warning to strengthen faith and seek unity in Christ.
  • πŸ”‘ The early Christians' unwavering faith amidst persecution serves as an example of how to resist apostasy and live with deep commitment to God.

Q & A

  • What is the main theme of the video script?

    -The main theme of the video script is apostasy, its impact on faith, and how individuals can protect themselves and strengthen their faith amidst it.

  • What does the term 'apostasy' refer to in the context of the script?

    -In the script, 'apostasy' refers to a departure or divorce from one's faith, a turning away from the truth and beliefs that were once held as true.

  • According to the script, why does apostasy occur?

    -Apostasy occurs due to doubts, disappointments, and the influence of worldly lies that replace God's truths in an individual's heart, especially during moments of fragility.

  • What does the script suggest as a metaphor for the path of life with God?

    -The script uses the metaphor of a familiar road with known curves and signs to represent the path of life with God, where one strives to do what is right and seek the truth.

  • How does the script describe the progression of apostasy in an individual's life?

    -The script describes apostasy as a gradual process that begins subtly, almost imperceptibly, like a fog that slowly covers the road, causing one to lose sight of the right path.

  • What does the script suggest as a way to protect oneself from apostasy?

    -The script suggests staying connected to God's word, being in communion with Him and fellow believers, and being vigilant and attentive to one's heart as ways to protect oneself from apostasy.

  • What societal trends does the script associate with apostasy?

    -The script associates apostasy with societal trends that promote individualism, limitless freedom, and a narrative that often questions faith and spirituality, portraying religion as outdated and divisive.

  • How does the script relate apostasy to the current state of the world and the church?

    -The script relates apostasy to the current state of the world and the church by highlighting the growing distance from God, the increase of skepticism, and the divisions within the church that mirror societal trends.

  • What does the script say about the consequences of apostasy in society?

    -The script states that the consequences of apostasy in society include a loss of moral compass, justice, and truth, leading to crises in families, growing violence, and endless corruption.

  • How does the script encourage believers to respond to the challenges of apostasy?

    -The script encourages believers to respond by returning to their first love, strengthening their faith, seeking unity among brethren, and living as a light in the world, not conforming to what is temporary and superficial.

  • What example does the script provide to illustrate steadfast faith in the face of adversity?

    -The script provides the example of early Christians who faced extreme persecution yet maintained their unshakable faith, showing courage and determination by living and dying for their beliefs in Christ.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ€” Understanding the Subtle Dangers of Apostasy

In a world filled with doubt and skepticism, even the most faithful can feel lost. This paragraph introduces the growing phenomenon of apostasy, a subtle but dangerous departure from faith. It emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and connected to God's word to protect oneself from this spiritual threat. The road of faith is likened to a familiar path that becomes increasingly obscured by the fog of apostasy, leading believers to question their direction and purpose.

05:02

🌍 The Societal Drift Away from Faith

This paragraph explores how society is increasingly distancing itself from faith, especially among younger generations. It highlights the cultural shift where faith is portrayed as outdated and divisive, with individualism and relativism taking center stage. The text warns that this societal apostasy not only impacts personal beliefs but also erodes the moral and ethical foundations of society, leading to widespread confusion and a lack of direction.

10:04

πŸ’” The Cooling of Love within the Church

Apostasy is not only a societal issue but also affects the church itself. This paragraph discusses how love among believers is growing cold, leading to divisions and conflicts within the church. It warns that this internal strife weakens the church's ability to be a light in the world, as believers become more focused on criticizing and judging each other rather than living out the message of love and unity that Christ taught.

15:06

πŸ”₯ Lessons from the Early Christians' Unshakable Faith

Reflecting on the example of early Christians, this paragraph encourages believers to live with the same intensity and commitment to their faith. It contrasts the challenges faced by early Christians, who endured persecution, with today's more subtle temptations that can lead to apostasy. The paragraph calls for a deep, unwavering commitment to Christ, urging believers to prioritize their faith and remain steadfast, just as the early Christians did, despite the pressures and distractions of the modern world.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Apostasy

Apostasy refers to the renunciation or abandonment of a religious faith, particularly in the context of Christianity, it is a turning away from the faith. In the video, apostasy is presented as a growing phenomenon that can subtly affect even the most faithful, causing them to question their beliefs and potentially abandon their faith. The script warns about the dangers of apostasy and encourages viewers to strengthen their faith to resist it.

πŸ’‘Faith

Faith, in this context, denotes a strong belief in God or religious principles, often without empirical evidence. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith amidst societal pressures and personal doubts. It is portrayed as a guiding force that helps individuals navigate life's challenges and stay connected to God.

πŸ’‘Doubt

Doubt is the uncertainty or lack of conviction in one's beliefs. The script describes doubt as a factor that can lead to apostasy, especially when individuals face discouragement or feel lost. It is depicted as an obstacle to faith that believers must overcome to remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.

πŸ’‘Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is the concept of struggling against evil forces, particularly in the context of Christianity. The video implies that believers are in a constant battle against apostasy and worldly influences that seek to lead them away from their faith. It is a metaphor used to describe the internal and external challenges faced by believers.

πŸ’‘Discouragement

Discouragement is a feeling of losing hope or confidence. In the script, it is mentioned as a moment of fragility when apostasy can find its way into a believer's heart. It is portrayed as a state that can lead to doubts and a weakening of faith if not addressed.

πŸ’‘Deception

Deception in the video refers to the act of misleading or being misled, often by false beliefs or ideologies. It is associated with apostasy as believers are warned about the dangers of being deceived by the world's lies, which can lead them away from the truth of their faith.

πŸ’‘Truth

Truth, in this context, signifies the veracity of religious beliefs and principles. The video contrasts truth with the lies of the world, emphasizing the importance of holding onto God's truth in the face of societal pressures and apostasy. It is depicted as a fundamental aspect of faith that believers must uphold.

πŸ’‘Skepticism

Skepticism is the attitude of doubting the truth or validity of something. The script discusses skepticism as a widespread issue that can affect even the most faithful, causing them to question their beliefs. It is presented as a challenge that believers must confront to maintain their faith.

πŸ’‘Relativism

Relativism is the concept that truth is relative and depends on individual or societal perspectives. In the video, relativism is criticized as a societal trend that can lead to moral confusion and a departure from absolute truths, such as those found in religious faith.

πŸ’‘Intolerance

Intolerance in the video refers to the inability to accept or respect beliefs that differ from one's own, particularly in the context of religious faith. It is discussed as a societal issue where those who choose to follow a faith are sometimes met with intolerance, contrary to the supposed values of modern society.

πŸ’‘Divine Authority

Divine Authority is the concept of ultimate authority coming from a divine or sacred source, such as God. The script mentions that apostasy can involve rejecting divine authority in favor of individual beliefs or feelings, which can lead to a loss of moral and spiritual grounding.

Highlights

The phenomenon of apostasy is growing and impacting faith.

Apostasy is a departure from faith, akin to a fog covering the road of life.

1 Timothy 4:1 warns of many departing from faith due to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.

Apostasy can begin subtly, through doubts and disappointments.

The world offers alternatives that seem easier but lead away from God's purpose.

Hebrews 3:12 emphasizes the importance of not turning away from the Living God.

Society is drifting from God, with truth and falsehood becoming confused.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of a great falling away before the coming of the Lord.

Apostasy in society is reflected in education, culture, laws, and human relationships.

Proverbs 14:12 warns that the way that appears right can lead to death.

Apostasy in society leads to a generation without a moral compass.

Apostasy within the church is a serious concern, affecting unity and love among believers.

Matthew 24:12 and Revelation 2:4-5 call for repentance and a return to first love within the church.

Apostasy manifests as a cooling of love, selfishness, and lack of forgiveness.

Luke 18:8 and Matthew 24:12 highlight the importance of maintaining faith amidst apostasy.

Apostasy can be resisted by living with the same intensity and commitment as the early Christians.

Galatians 2:20 speaks to living by faith in Christ, even in the face of adversity.

The early Christians' example shows that faith can remain unshakable despite persecution.

Hebrews 3:12-13 encourages daily encouragement to avoid being hardened by sin.

The message calls for a reevaluation of one's walk with God and a commitment to make Christ the center of life.

Transcripts

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we live in times where doubt and

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skepticism are everywhere and this can

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affect even the most faithful but today

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I want to show you what's really

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happening and how it can impact your

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life and your walk with God we're going

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to talk about a phenomenon that's

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growing every day apostasy and more

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importantly I'm going to show you how

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you can protect yourself and strengthen

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your faith amidst all of this if you're

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looking for answers and want to

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understand how to stay strong this video

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is for you subscribe to the channel

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hit the notification Bell so you don't

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miss any content and watch Until the End

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perhaps you yourself have felt lost

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questioning if it's still worth

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believing I'm here to show you that it

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is first of all I want you to imagine a

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road you travel every day a road where

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you know every curve every pothole every

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sign it's the road of your life where

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you walk with God striving to do what is

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right seeking the truth but suddenly

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something starts to change the signs

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that once guided you begin to blur and

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the curves become more dangerous you

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start to wonder am I on the right path

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does this road still lead to where I

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want to go this feeling of being lost of

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questioning everything around you has a

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name apostasy apostasy is not just a

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complicated theological term it is a

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departure a divorce from what was once

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your truth your faith perhaps you've

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seen this around you or even felt it in

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your own heart the Bible warns us about

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this very clearly in 1 Timothy 4:1 where

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it says that in the last days many will

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depart from the Faith by following

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deceiving spirits and doctrines of

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demons and don't think this is something

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distant or that only happens to others

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apostasy can happen subtly almost

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imperceptibly in the life of any one of

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us think about the last time you felt

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discouraged when the answers you sought

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seemed far away it is in these moments

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of fragility that apostasy Finds Its way

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in it begins when we allow doubts and

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disappointments to take hold of our

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hearts when we replace God's truths with

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the lies of the world apostasy is like a

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fog that slowly covers the road causing

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you to lose sight of the right path but

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why does this happen because the world

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is full of Alternatives of paths that

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seem easier more pleasant but that in

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reality lead us away from God's purpose

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for our lives apost Y is abandoning the

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faith in exchange for a life without God

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preferring deceit over truth and what is

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most dangerous is that often it begins

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innocently almost imperceptibly a small

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detour here a concession there and

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before we realize it we are distant off

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the path and that is why we need to be

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attentive Vigilant tending to our hearts

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like a gardener tends to his garden

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apostasy doesn't happen overnight it's a

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process that can be interrupted if we

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are connected to to God's word if we are

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in communion with him and with our

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brothers and sisters as it is written in

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Hebrews 3:12 we must be careful that

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none of us has a sinful unbelieving

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heart that turns away from the Living

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God so I ask you how is your road can

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you still see the signs God has placed

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on your path or has the fog of apostasy

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already begun to Cloud your vision this

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is the time to reflect and strengthen

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yourself to seek the truth in Christ and

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reject the LIE that try to lead you away

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from the Faith remember God's road is

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safe and firm but it's up to us to keep

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our eyes fixed on him and not be

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deceived by the shortcuts of the world

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when we look around we realize that it's

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not only in our personal lives that the

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Road of Faith is becoming foggy the

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world around us is also drifting further

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and further away from God it's as if the

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entire Society is following a path of

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mist where right and wrong truth and

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falsehood blend and become confused but

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what is behind this why do we see so

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many people especially young people

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turning away from faith and embracing a

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life without God the society we live in

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promotes a narrative that often makes us

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question everything we've learned about

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faith and spirituality have you noticed

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how religion is often portrayed as

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something outdated as if it were the

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root of all the world's problems if you

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turn on the TV Go online or even talk to

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some people it seems that faith in God

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is seen as something backward something

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that divides rather than unites it's as

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if the world is creating a consensus

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that living without God is easier more

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modern more acceptable and this is no

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accident the Bible already warned us

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about this in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Paul

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warns us that before the coming of the

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Lord there will be a great falling away

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a widespread apostasy and that is

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exactly what we see today a society that

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values individualism Limitless freedom

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freom and that in the name of supposed

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tolerance becomes intolerant of those

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who choose to follow Christ now think

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with me how many times have you heard

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someone say they don't need God to be

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happy that religion only serves to

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create conflicts that everyone should

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follow what they feel what they believe

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without needing to submit to any Divine

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Authority this is apostasy in society a

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mass abandonment of the values and

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principles that once guided people's

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lives and this is reflected in every

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in education in culture in laws and even

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in human relationships take for example

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how young people the so-called

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Millennials and Generation Z are

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distancing themselves from faith and

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don't think this is only happening

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elsewhere here too we see this

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phenomenon growing and what's behind it

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a society that teaches that truth is

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relative that what matters is what you

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feel and that anything that imposes

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limits is seen as a threat to individual

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freedom but is this freedom Freedom that

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the world preaches truly liberating or

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are we exchanging a life of purpose and

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meaning for an empty existence where the

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only thing that matters is momentary

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pleasure The Book of Proverbs 14:12

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warns us there is a way that appears to

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be right but in the end it leads to

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death and this is the path that many are

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treading not realizing that by turning

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away from God they are turning away from

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true life and it's not just a matter of

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personal choice apostasy in society has

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serious consequences for all of us when

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a society abandons faith it also

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abandons the principles that uphold

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Justice morality and truth and the

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result of this a generation that no

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longer knows what is right or wrong that

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lives without a compass without

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direction we see this in family crisis

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in growing violence in corruption that

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seems endless all of these are the

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fruits of a society that has decided to

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live without God but here's the good

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news even in the midst of this apostasy

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you can make a difference you can be the

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light that illuminates this foggy path

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Jesus calls us to be the salt of the

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earth and the light of the world Matthew

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5:13 to14 and this means that even if

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the world around us is drifting away

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from God we can remain steadfast living

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according to the principles of his word

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and showing everyone around us that

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there is a better way a way of truth and

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life if the distancing from God in

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society is already concerning what can

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be said when this distancing happens

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within the church itself yes apostasy is

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not just a problem affecting the world

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out there it has also infiltrated the

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four walls of the temple into the hearts

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of the faithful and this is something we

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need to take seriously because if the

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church which should be the Pillar of

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Truth is straying how can we illuminate

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a world that is already so dark have you

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noticed how often the love among the

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Brethren seems to be growing cold how

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many times have we witnessed conflicts

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within the church itself husbands and

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wives who no longer understand each

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other parents and children who become

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Distant Brothers and Sisters in faith

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who treat each other like strangers

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Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:12 that

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because of the increase of wickedness

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the love of most will grow cold and

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isn't this exactly what we see today a

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church that should be the reflection of

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Christ's love but often becomes a stage

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for divisions and strife and the

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internet which could be a powerful tool

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for spreading the gospel is often used

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to spread Discord among Christians

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pastors publicly attacking other pastors

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exposing the faults and errors of

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brothers and sisters as if they were

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trophies to be displayed and what does

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this cause one scandal after another

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driving away even more those who are

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seeking a true relationship with God

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instead of being known for our love as

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Jesus said we should be in John 13:3 5

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we are often known for our fights and

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disagreements imagine the confusion of

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someone who is seeking faith and sees

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all of this how can that person believe

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in the message of love and Redemption if

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those who should be living that message

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are busy attacking each other this is

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exactly what the enemy wants a divided

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church that is incapable of being a

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light in the world because it is too

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busy destroying itself and this is where

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apostasy manifests within the church not

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only as a distancing from God but but

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also as a distancing from one another a

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divorce from the love that should unite

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us but this doesn't mean we are without

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hope the church is still the body of

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Christ and he has not given up on us in

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Revelation 2: 4 to5 Jesus Calls the

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Church of Ephesus to repentance saying

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yet I hold this against you you have

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forsaken the love you had at first

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consider how far you have fallen repent

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and do the things you did at first this

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is the call for each of us today we need

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to return to our first love remember the

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purpose that United us as the body of

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Christ and work to restore that love

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within the church when we observe the

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days we are living in it is impossible

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to ignore the signs that point to

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apostasy these signs are all around us

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like a silent warning that something is

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not right and it is crucial that we have

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spiritual eyes to discern them so that

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we can stand firmly in faith and help

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others do the same one of the most

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evident signs of apostasy is the cooling

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of love Jesus warned us about this in

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Matthew

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24:12 and if you look around you will

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see that it is already happening divided

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families broken friendships

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relationships that were once strong are

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now crumbling all of this because love

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which should be the foundation of Our

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Lives is being replaced by selfishness

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pride and a lack of forgiveness think

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with me how many times have you found

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yourself arguing over small things over

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reasons that deep down are not worth it

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how many times have you felt the love

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that once burned in your heart slowly

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cooling little by little almost Without

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You noticing this is a clear sign of

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apostasy When Love Grows cold when we

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allow iniquity to take the place of

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forgiveness and compassion we are

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distancing ourselves from God even if we

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continue to attend church or say our

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prayers in Luke

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18:8 Jesus asks when the son of man

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comes will he find faith on the earth

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and this question is more relevant today

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than ever we are living in a time when

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people are ceasing to believe not only

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in the church or religious leaders but

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in God and His word skepticism doubt and

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relativism have eroded the faith of many

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making them vulnerable to the lies of

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the enemy have you noticed how people

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especially young people are increasingly

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distrustful of everything it seems that

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no one wants to commit no one wants to

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believe in something greater than

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themselves this is apostasy in action

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When Faith weakens when we begin to

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question the truth of God's word and

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follow our own ways we are distancing

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ourselves from the true source of life

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and what can we say about the disunity

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among Believers it is painful to see how

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instead of being united as one body in

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Christ we are often divided fighting

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against each other Jesus told us in John

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13:35 that we would be known as his

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disciples by the love we have for one

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another but when apostasy takes hold

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that love turns into criticism judgment

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and Division and this drives away not

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only those who are already in the church

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but also those who are outside watching

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and who could be reached by the message

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of the Gospel but these signs are not an

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inevitable Destiny they are a warning a

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call to return to our first love to

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reinforce our faith and to seek unity in

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the body of Christ the good news is that

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if we recognize these signs in our lives

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there is still time to act we can

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rekindle the love in our hearts

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strengthen our faith and work for Unity

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among the Brethren apostasy does not

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have to be the end of the line it can be

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the Turning Point can be the moment when

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realizing that we are drifting away we

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decide to draw closer to God more than

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ever before as it is written in Hebrews

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3:

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12-13 see to it brothers and sisters

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that none of you has a sinful

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unbelieving heart that turns away from

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the Living God but encourage one another

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daily as long as it is called today so

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that none of you may be hardened by

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sin's

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deceitfulness when we think about the

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challenges we face today it is inspiring

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to look back and remember the early

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Christians they faced extremely

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difficult times yet they maintained

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their unshakable faith it is precisely

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in the lives of these first followers of

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Christ that we find a powerful example

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of how we can resist apostasy and live

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with a deep commitment to God even in

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the midst of adversity imagine for a

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moment what it was like to live during

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that time there were no Grand temples or

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the freedom we have today to express our

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faith on the contrary many Christians

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were persecuted imprisoned and even

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killed for refusing to deny the name of

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Jesus but despite these hardships they

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remained steadfast they not only

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followed Christ

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they lived for him and were willing to

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pay the price no matter the cost have

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you ever stopped to think about what it

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really means to be willing to pay the

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price for your faith back then following

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Jesus was not an easy or convenient

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Choice the early Christians were known

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for their courage and determination when

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Nero the Roman Emperor began persecuting

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Christians they did not back down many

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were thrown into Arenas to be devoured

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by lions others were burned alive you

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used as human torches to light the

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streets of Rome even so they did not

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deny their faith it's almost impossible

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to imagine that reality isn't it today

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we Face different challenges but the

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essence of our faith must be the same

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are we willing to make sacrifices out of

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love for Christ are we ready to

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persevere even when circumstances press

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us to give up the early Christians show

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us that it is possible but it requires a

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deep and unwavering commitment and don't

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think that this strength came from

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themselves they were human just like you

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and me with fears doubts and weaknesses

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but they found strength in their total

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dependence on God they understood that

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their lives did not belong to them but

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to the Lord as Paul wrote in Galatians

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2:20 I have been crucified with Christ

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and I no longer live but Christ lives in

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me the life I now live in the body I

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live by faith in the Son of God Who

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Loved me and gave himself for me this

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was their secret living by faith

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trusting completely in God even in the

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most desperate situations so what can we

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learn from the early Christians that

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true faith is tested in the fire of

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adversity they were not shaken by

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difficulties because their Hope was in

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something much greater than this world

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can offer they teach us that when we are

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steadfast in Christ we can face any

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storm any persecution and still remain

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unshakable today apostasy may not

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manifest in the form of physical

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persecution but the challenges are real

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Comfort distractions and The Temptations

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of this world often lead us to place our

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faith on the back burner but the example

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of the early Christians calls us to

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reevaluate our walk with God are we

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living our faith superficially or are we

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truly willing to make Christ the center

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of our Lives as they did the call for us

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is clear we need to live with the same

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intensity and commitment that the early

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Christians had this means putting God

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first seeking his will above all else

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and not allowing anything to divert us

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from our purpose and remember we are not

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alone on this journey just as God

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strengthened those early Christians he

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is with us today empowering us to live

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with the same courage and dedication

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what will you do with what you've

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learned here today how will you apply it

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to your life let God work in your heart

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allow him to revive your faith and renew

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your love and don't keep this message to

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yourself share it with someone who also

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needs to hear this subscribe to the

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channel hit the notification Bell so you

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don't miss any content and if this video

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impacted you in any way leave a comment

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below I would love to hear how this

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message spoke to you and remember you

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can choose to be a light in this world

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that seems increasingly dark you can be

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the one who stands firm who refuses to

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to conform to what is temporary and

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superficial the decision is yours

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Related Tags
Faith JourneySpiritual GrowthApostasy WarningBiblical InsightsChristian LivingOvercoming DoubtSocietal ChallengesFaith StrengtheningChurch UnityEnd Times