By: Bro. Sunday Eyanrin (Evangelist)
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Introduction
Brethren, our Topic for discussion is as important as our Salvation. Apostasy must be viewed with caution, for it has led many to the way of eternal destruction.
Information: Dear brethren, this is a statement of fact.
There cannot be apostasy without the existence of the true church of the new testament. It is on this basis; we will like to give a brief history of how the new testament church came into existence.
THE HISTORICAL BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
The New Testament Church, The Church of Christ, did not come into existence by accident, but came by the divine plan and purpose of God, for the Salvation of the entire human race through Christ Jesus. And the coming Church was prophesied by choosing servants of God. in Isaiah.2:1-3, Daniel.2:44, and Micah.4:1-2.
THE PROPHESY OF THE CHURCH
As it was getting close to the coming of the Church, in Isaiah 2:1-3, Prophet Isaiah declared. The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.“ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. NKJV
THE PROPHESY OF PROPHET DANIEL CONCERNING THE COMING CHURCH IN DANIEL 2: 44
Dan 2:44 – 44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. NKJV
THE PROPHESY OF MICAH CONCERNING THE COMING CHURCH. MICAH 4:1-2
Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. 2 Many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.“ for out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. NKJV
CHRIST PROMISED TO BUILD HIS CHURCH – MATT. 16:13-19
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.“ NKJV
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH. ACTS 2:1 – 47
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – Acts 2: 1-4
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. NKJV
PETER’S SERMON – ACTS 2:14 -15 & 22-24
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know — 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
THE BAPTISM OF THE THREE THOUSAND SOULS ON PENTECOST DAY – ACTS 2:41 – 42
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
THE APOSTASY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
WHAT IS APOSTASY?
The English word Apostasy, is derived from the Greek word Apostasia – Meaning: Falling away from the true Faith or Withdrawal from the true worship of God.
PREDICTIONS OF THE COMING APOSTASY BY APOSTLE PAUL – 1 TIM. 4:1-5
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. NKJV
APOSTLE PAUL WARNS CONCERNING THE INTENDING DEPARTURE FROM THE FAITH. GAL. 1:6 – 9
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. NKJV
WARNING OF APOSTASY TO THE CHURCH ELDERS – ACTS 20:17 – 19, & 28 – 31
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. NKJV
THE PERSECUTION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT BY THE JEWS – ACTS 8:1 -3
Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. NKJV
THE PERSECUTION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH BY THE ROMAN EMPERORS
History revealed that the later persecution of the Church of Christ was by the Roman Authorities, they saw that Christianity was different from Judaism and Christians opposed the worship of the Emperor and all forms of Idolatry, including the inhuman treatment of man as slaves by their masters in the Empire. This persecution started in 64 – 68AD by Emperor Nero. Apostle John was a notable victim who was banished to the Island of Patmos, where he received the vision of writing the book of Revelation. (Rev. 1:9).
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH – VOICE OF HISTORY
It happened that after many years of struggle. Finally, in 606 A.D, the Roman Catholic Church emerged with Boniface the III as the Pope and founder of the Roman Catholic Church at Rome.
HOW CAN WE IDENTIFY APOSTASY TODAY?
Brethren, do we accept the fact that Apostasy is still on going in the Lord’s Church today? Remember the Warning of Apostle Paul in Acts 20:28 – 31, to the Elders of the Church.
Therefore, take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. NKJV
DETECTING APOSTASY TODAY
The Elders, Minister, Teachers, and the entire members of the Church must guard against false teachers that can cause the entire true and faithful Congregation of the Lord’s Church to fall away from the faith. Rom. 16:17 – 18.
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. NKJV
WARNING
BRETHREN, NOT ALL THAT GLITTER IS GOLD
The historical fall of Adam and Eve. God’s commandment to Adam and Eve. GEN. 2: 17. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command – Gen. 3. 4 – 6
Conclusion
SOLUTION TO APOSTASY
Since apostasy is a reality among us today. I want us to take note of some ways to combat and prevent such from happening. Apostasy can be prevented by attacking the breeding places. If we can clean up the minds of the members and eliminate the place where unscriptural practices are thought up and put into practice, the job of keeping purity in the church would be more successful.
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