Talk on Apostates

IslandBrother

Have you ever walked on the beach and tried following another persons footprints; matching your own steps with them as exactly as possible? By calling ourselves Christians, we have indicated our desire to do just that, to follow closely in the footsteps of Christ. Have you ever noticed though that on a crowded beach, , there were several sets of footprints, Many of them may look alike. Well, in a spiritual sense, we need to be certain that we are following the correct ones! Otherwise we may be tricked into going in the wrong direction, leaving the path Jesus set before us. This is what apostates have done. If you have your reasoning book please turn with me to page 34 and read with me the definition of apostasy. Definition: Apostasy is abandoning or deserting the worship and service of God, actually a rebellion against Jehovah God. Some apostates profess to know and serve God but reject teachings or requirements set out in his Word. Others claim to believe the Bible but reject Jehovah’s organization. Tonight let’s discuss a couple of ways in which we can identify apostates. First let’s look at “Acts 20:30 From among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” And now let’s turn to (Romans 16:17-18) and notice how Paul helped the Roman congregation identify the footprints of apostates. 17 Now I exhort YOU, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that YOU have learned, and avoid them. 18 For men of that sort are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own bellies; and by smooth talk and complimentary speech they seduce the hearts of guileless ones. Did you notice some identifying marks? Apostates aren’t satisfied just following another set of foot prints. They aim to make others their followers by using…. Counterfeit words Smooth talk Twisted reasoning Half-truths Flattery Deceptive logic Empty speeches And Outright lies to try to draw us away from Christ’s footsteps. They often concentrate on the imperfections of those who Jehovah has chosen to watch over the Christian congregation. They toss around seeds of doubt by using public criticism and other methods to get in the way of our work. Do you remember the account of Korah and his associates who rejected Jehovah’s visible organization? How did Jehovah feel about them? At Numbers 16:21 Jehovah said: “Separate yourselves from the midst of this assembly, that I may exterminate them in an instant.” We “separate ourselves” by steering clear of their reasoning—whether in person, in printed form, or on the Internet. As loyal Witnesses of Jehovah, we therefore have absolutely nothing in common with them. True Christians do not want to deviate from the path Christ has set before us. We love the organization that has taught us the precious truths that so plainly separate us from Babylon the Great. So friends, as Christians let us continually follow in the foot steps that Christ has so clearly left for us that lead to everlasting life

Black Sheep

Hi IslandBrother,

Welcome to the board.

18 For men of that sort are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own bellies; and by smooth talk and complimentary speech they seduce the hearts of guileless ones. Did you notice some identifying marks? Apostates aren’t satisfied just following another set of foot prints. They aim to make others their followers by using…. Counterfeit words Smooth talk Twisted reasoning Half-truths Flattery Deceptive logic Empty speeches And Outright lies to try to draw us away from Christ’s footsteps

That is a very accurate description of Jehovah's Witnessess. Where did you get it from?

Cheers

Chris

IslandBrother

It was a talk i got from a brother asking for help to proof read.

Zico

Just out of interest, do you know how many apostates have actually set up their own church or religion? Apostates rarely want you to follow them, they just want you to stop following the Governing Body. Anyway, according to your definition, Jesus was an apostate as well, since he also criticised 'God's Organisation' in the First Century.

IslandBrother

"Apostates rarely want you to follow them, they just want you to stop following the Governing Body." Apostates aren’t satisfied just following another set of foot prints. They aim to make others their followers like they want people to leave like they did right? Follow them out of the organization?

aniron

Apostates aren’t satisfied just following another set of foot prints. They aim to make others their followers like they want people to leave like they did right? Follow them out of the organization?

The set of footprints that so-called Apostates follow are those of Christ , away from that anti-Christ organisation of the Watchtower.

Any that follow are shown the path of Christ, not some man-made organisation.

Zico

'Apostates aren’t satisfied just following another set of foot prints. They aim to make others their followers like they want people to leave like they did right? Follow them out of the organization?' Well... yes. They would like you to follow them out of the Organisation, but they don't demand you copy their exact footsteps on the beach. You're free to take whatever path you want.

Black Sheep

Is there anything reprehensible about being an apostate of a false religion?

My wife is an apostate Anglican. Does that make her a bad person?

jwfacts

As an OT based religion, being a JW has little to do with following Jesus. It sounds as if you are a brainwashed JW, so I am sure IB that you are unable to understand what I mean, but most people know that a vast gulf exists between being a follower of Christ and being a JW.

Black Sheep

"Apostates rarely want you to follow them, they just want you to stop following the Governing Body." Apostates aren’t satisfied just following another set of foot prints. They aim to make others their followers like they want people to leave like they did right? Follow them out of the organization? Note the contradiction!!! Do they want people to follow them, or not? Make up your mind

Talk on Apostates

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