accountability

Sep

2024

The Danger of Apostasy

Apostasy is the act of abandoning one’s faith or beliefs.

It’s a serious spiritual matter that can have devastating consequences.

In 2 Peter 2:20, Peter warns us about the dangers of apostasy and the possibility of a worse outcome than if we had never believed at all.

If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
2 Peter 2:20

Warning of Apostasy

Peter’s warning is clear: if someone has escaped the corruptions of this world through knowledge of Jesus Christ and then returns to it; their last state is worse than the first.

This means that falling away from the faith after having experienced salvation can be more harmful than never having believed at all.

Reasons for Apostasy

There are many reasons why people may fall away from their faith.

Some may become discouraged or disillusioned. Others may be tempted by worldly pleasures or the desire for approval.

Still others may simply drift away from the church and their spiritual practices.

Consequences of Apostasy

The consequences of apostasy can be severe. It can lead to spiritual emptiness, guilt, and shame. It can also have a negative impact on our relationships with others.

Moreover, the Bible warns us that those who reject Jesus Christ after having believed in Him will face eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:4-6).

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming ageand who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Hebrews 6:4-6

This is a sobering reminder of the importance of persevering in our faith.

How to Avoid Apostasy

To avoid falling away from your faith, you must be diligent in your spiritual practices. You should regularly attend church, study the Bible, pray, and participate in fellowship with other believers.

You need be mindful of the temptations that can lead to apostasy, and should seek to develop a strong relationship with God, relying on His strength to help you overcome those temptations.

The warning about apostasy in 2 Peter 2:20 is a serious one. It reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and persevering in our faith.

By being diligent in your spiritual practices and seeking God’s strength, you can avoid the dangers of apostasy and experience the joy and peace that comes from a deep relationship with Him.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Mar

2024

Embracing Accountability

Measure of Knowledge

“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)

In these verses, Jesus introduces a principle that emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability.

Weight of Understanding

Knowledge and understanding come with a certain level of responsibility.

Those who have been given insight into the will and character of God are held to a higher standard of obedience and faithfulness.

Consequence of Neglect

Jesus warns that those who have a clear understanding of what is expected of them, yet fail to act accordingly, will face greater consequences.

Neglecting the responsibilities that come with knowledge is a serious matter, one that will be met with “many blows.”

Call to Stewardship

However, this principle is not meant to be a source of fear or condemnation. Rather, it is a call to embrace our role as stewards of the knowledge and resources entrusted to us by God.

We are called to use our understanding wisely, to faithfully carry out the tasks set before us, and to honor the trust placed in us.

As you reflect on this principle, do not shrink back from the responsibilities placed upon you. Instead, embrace them with humility, diligence, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities you have been given.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Aug

2023

Accountability

Have you ever considered the concept of accountability in your livfe and how it relates to God’s judgment? The book of Romans provides us with insights into this topic in Romans 14:10, which says;

“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

This verse prompts us to reflect on our attitudes towards others and reminds us of our ultimate accountability before God.

Judgment and Contempt

Romans 14:10 challenges us to examine our tendency to judge and treat others with contempt. It serves as a reminder that we are not in a position to pass final judgment on our brothers and sisters.

We are called to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that we are all fallible human beings, also in need of God’s grace.

Instead of rushing to judgment or harboring contempt, we extend understanding, love, and grace to one another, just as God has done for us.

God’s Authority

The verse also emphasizes the reality of God’s judgment seat. It reminds us that God is the ultimate authority and the final arbiter of justice.

Our accountability is not only to one another but to God Himself. It is God who sees and knows the deepest intentions of our hearts, and it is to Him that we will ultimately answer.

This recognition of God’s authority should prompt us to live with integrity and seek His guidance in our actions and relationships.

Heart of Compassion

Understanding our accountability before God should not lead to fear or despair, but rather to a heart of compassion.

When we grasp the weight of our own accountability, it reminds us of shared experience; we are all on a journey of growth and transformation, and we all fall short in different ways.

We approach one another with empathy and compassion, realizing that we are all in need of God’s mercy and grace.

Living in Light of God’s Judgment

We are called to prioritize unity and understanding, valuing the well-being of our brothers and sisters over our own judgments. We seek to build up one another, fostering an environment of support and encouragement.

By living in light of God’s judgment, we participate in the redemptive work of God’s kingdom, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.

We are cautioned against passing judgment on others and reminded of our shared accountability before God.

Recognizing God’s authority, we are called to cultivate a heart of compassion and extend grace to one another.

Live in light of God’s judgment by prioritizing love, unity, and reconciliation, participating in His redemptive work in this crazy world.

Apr

2023

Beyond Elementary

As we consider Hebrews 6:1, we are reminded that our spiritual journey is not meant to be stagnant. We are called to move beyond the basics and strive for spiritual maturity.

It’s easy to get comfortable with what we know, but the Christian life is meant to be a journey of growth and transformation.

Moving beyond elementary teachings about Christ requires us to deepen our understanding of the Gospel and the Person of Jesus Christ. It involves not only studying the Scriptures but also cultivating a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

As we grow in our understanding of who God is and what He has done for us, we will be better equipped to share the good news of the Gospel with others.

At the same time, moving beyond elementary teachings also means leaving behind patterns of sin and disobedience. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning away from sin and towards God.

As we strive for spiritual maturity, we must be willing to confront our sinful patterns and habits and seek God’s help to overcome them. This requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to be held accountable by others.

The Christian life is not a static experience but a dynamic journey of growth and transformation.

As we seek to move beyond elementary teachings about Christ, we must deepen our understanding of the Gospel, cultivate a deeper relationship with God, and confront our patterns of sin and disobedience. May we all strive towards spiritual maturity and be a shining light for Christ in the world.