Christian Publishing House Blog
Apologetic Defense of the faith, the Bible, and Christianity
Apostasy: (Gr. apostasia) The term literally means 'to stand away from' and is used to refer to ones who ‘stand away from the truth.’ It is abandonment, a rebellion, an apostasy, a refusal to accept or acknowledge true worship.
So, our human imperfection alone can stumble us into a spiritual shipwreck, a life of secret sin quite easily. The surest victims of a spiritual shipwreck are those who ...
"The goal of all this instruction, discipline, and training is not to keep us busy. God intends that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We study the Bible, we rely upon God’s Spirit, his revelation, and the community of the faithful to keep us on track—obedient and maturing in faith." - Knute Larson
Convinced of sin, awakened and alarmed, these unhappy ones wait for a long time outside the gate of mercy, shivering in the cold, pining to enter into the banquet which invites them, but declining to pass through the gate which stands wide open for them.
"We do not face a physical army. We face a spiritual army. Therefore our weapons must be spiritual." - Max Anders
2 Corinthians 2:11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
How much influence does Satan have? How does Satan try to influence others? What do you need to learn about your enemy?
1 Corinthians 10:13 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
As promised in the Bible, how may God “provide the way of escape” of temptations and trials for us? How are we to understand what God promises with regard to our personal limitations in the face of trials and temptations?
The truths of God’s Word will not benefit us unless we give heed to them. It will not save us that the Lord Jesus has come and spoken to people unless we are disposed to listen. It will not benefit us that the sun shines unless we open our eyes. Books will not help us unless we read them; medicine, unless we take it; nor will the fruits of the earth sustain our lives, however rich and abundant they may be, if we disregard and neglect them. So with the truths of God’s Word. There is truth enough to save the world - but the world ignores and despises it. Many Christians barely study it.
The outward life of a person flows from his or her inner spirit. Those who discipline themselves to follow after Jesus Christ, who are focused on living out the truth of God’s revelation, will develop a life of growing intimacy with Christ. They will delight God, producing goodness and godliness in what they do.
Paul described deviant doctrines, bad teaching, and useless practices that pull us away from God’s grace and truth. He focused on how to respond to falsehood and how to live righteously.
How can Christians win the fight against wicked spirit forces? What are the pieces of spiritual armor? Why is it vital that we wear each piece? How much influence does Satan have? How does Satan try to influence you? Why is there no need to feel intimidated by Satan and the demons? How you can win the battle for the Christian mind. How you can put on the full armor of God?