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THAT NONE BE LOST Our primary concern must always be for those who are outside of Christ; but we must also be on the alert, be aware and struggle for the continued salvation of fellow Christians. I have always had a great concern for brothers and sisters in Christ, fearing that for some reason or another they would leave the faith. Bear with me as I share some ways I have witnessed some people who have drifted from the “Lord’s Church”. And be aware of the awful consequences if the Christian fails to repent. (Rev 2:5; II Pet 2:20-22) Thinking too highly of self: This includes but is not limited to, expecting special recognition or special treatment, and demanding that people bow to them or they are out the door and threaten to close down the place. This can be a danger to leaders or the pew sitter. We see this all too often even when the culprit pleads otherwise. The only answer is learning to prefer others above ourselves and heeding the scriptures that deal with such an attitude. James 4:6; I Pet 5:5,6; Rom 12:3; Phil 2:5-8 Absenteeism: Sometimes it is abrupt but in most cases the person slowly drifts away. The once faithful Christian begins by missing one service then another until they finally attend only now and then. It’s like taking a hot coal from the fire – it may glow for a little while but it finally goes out completely. In many cases the person who drifts away like this will continually defend themselves by insisting they have not drifted away. What’s the answer? Heb 12:24-31 False Teaching: Some people are too kind and too open to false teaching. Before they know what happened they are captured by it. They seek religion but not Christ. They follow people but not Christ. The answer: Gal 1:6-8. The World: We sing the song, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” But to some that is all it is, a song, nice words, but not followed. The world with all its cares, false promises and allurements just does not pay off its promises. Because the world is so close to our physical being, it can easily capture us. We can get so wound up in the world and its trappings that we have little or no time for God. The answer: Jesus said, “What is a person profited if they gain the whole world but lose their soul?” Mt 16:26; I Jn 2:15-17 Religion based on feeling: This happens to the person who knows no scripture or just a little to make them dangerous. Feeling becomes equal to or superior to the Bible. The answer: Attend not only worship, but Sunday Bible School, and Wednesday Bible Study, be informed about God’s Word and make decisions by the Word of God or Biblical principles, not feelings. Feelings can deceive us. Supporting whiners or complainers: Too many people give ear to a person’s griping or complaining attitude. With these people something is always wrong and they feel it is their spiritual obligation to tell everyone they can and anyone who will listen. Their desire is to cause division and discord among brethren. They start small but are persistent until they get a sizable number that do their damage.The Answer: The Bible continually warns about such people, their position with God and their eternal fate. God hates them. Prov 6:16-19; Rom 16:17,18; Titus 3:10,11 Doubt: The Christian may doubt he or she can be forgiven after falling. A person may doubt God cares about the struggle of daily life. They may doubt they can remain in the battle for truth because of fears and weaknesses. The answer: I Jn 1:7-10; I Pet 5:7; Phil 4:6; Mt 6:12-34; Mt 11 28-30
These are some of the more apparent things that cause one to fall away. There are many others but if we work on these we will have great success spiritually. Whatever you or I do may we take very serious Revelation 2:10 – “Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. Love you, Art P.S. Be planning for our Marriage Enrichment Seminar with Denny Coburn March 6-8. These sessions will be good for all people not just the married. Here is the schedule: Session #1 – Friday, March 6th , 7:30-8:30pm “10 Commandments of a Good Marriage” Session #2 – Saturday, March 7th, 1-2pm “Marital Communications” Break & snack – 2-2:30pm Session #3 – Saturday, March 7th, 2:30- 3:30pm “Finances and Marriage” Session #4 – Sunday, March 8th , Bible School “Misconceptions about Marriage” Session #5 – Sunday, March 8th, AM Worship “Beatitudes of Marriage” Session #6 – Sunday, March 8th, PM Worship “One World and Two Views”
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