Tag: theology

Apostacy, From the Archives, The Last Days

Apostasy Before His Coming — What Scripture Really Says

Rooted & Raised

(The Great Falling Away, Part 1)

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed…”
— 2 Thessalonians 2:3, NASB1995

What Is Apostasy?

Apostasy is not simply personal struggle, backsliding, or doubt. It is a deliberate and public departure from the faith—a rebellion against the truth once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

It is not hidden. It is visible. Widespread. Prophetic.

The Apostle Paul wrote to warn believers that the Day of the Lord would not come unless this falling away happened first. Not alongside. Not after. But first.

This apostasy would signal something deeper: that a lawless system was rising—and behind it, a man of lawlessness would be revealed.

This Isn’t Just Future. It’s Already Happening.

Many believers picture a last-days falling away as something sudden—like a switch flipped in the end times. But the Bible paints a more sobering picture:

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…”
—2 Thessalonians 2:7, NASB1995

Even in Paul’s day, the seeds of rebellion were already being sown. Heresies were multiplying. Teachers were twisting Scripture. Some sought power. Others returned to the world.

Jude Pleaded with the Church:

“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”
—Jude 1:3, NASB1995

This means we must:

  • Guard the original Gospel
  • Discern false teachings
  • Hold fast to Jesus Christ—not man-made religion

What Will This Series Cover?

In the coming posts, we’ll trace how and when this falling away began—not from modern headlines, but from:

  • The words of Jesus and the apostles
  • The lifestyle of the early, Spirit-led Church (AD 33–100)
  • The slow infiltration of Greek philosophy and political power
  • The shift from Scripture to systems
  • The call today to come out from among Babylon (Rev. 18:4)

We’ll follow the story of faithfulness… and falling away. And we’ll ask:

Where am I standing? On man’s tradition—or on Christ?

Application for Today

Many Christians sense something is wrong. The Church looks polished, organized, and systematized—but lacks power, purity, and Spirit-led conviction.

What’s missing is not relevance… it’s repentance.

The falling away is not just happening around us—it is happening to us, unless we return to the Word, the Spirit, and the life Jesus called us to in Matthew 5–7.

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Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 54

Rooted & Raised

The Power That Raised Christ Now Lives in You

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” — Romans 8:11 (NASB 1995)

Sometimes, we feel worn out—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But today’s verse holds astonishing truth: the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you.

That resurrection power isn’t just for the future. It revives us now. He breathes new strength into weary hearts and empowers us to live holy, radiant lives, even in frail bodies.

The Spirit doesn’t just preserve life—He multiplies it.

Reflection:
 Where do you feel worn down today? Invite the Spirit to breathe life into that very place.

Prayer:
 Spirit of resurrection, fill me anew. Revive my heart and empower my walk today. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 54

Rooted & Raised

The Spirit Gives Us Strength

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” — Romans 8:11 (NASB 1995)

Did you know that the same Holy Spirit who made Jesus alive again lives in you if you believe in Him?

That means He can help you when you’re tired, scared, or need courage. His power is big enough for anything!

Try This:
 When you feel weak, whisper: “Holy Spirit, help me be strong in You!”

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for Your power. Help me when I feel small or scared. I know You’re always with me. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 54

Rooted & Raised

Resurrection Power for Daily Life

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” — Romans 8:11 (NASB 1995)

This isn’t just poetic—it’s powerful: the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. That changes your capacity.

You’re not left to willpower, emotional highs, or motivation alone. You have divine strength to overcome sin, endure trials, and shine light.

Even in weakness, He empowers. Even in temptation, He provides a way out.

Challenge:
 Name one area where you feel powerless. Ask the Spirit for resurrection strength today.

Prayer:
 God, raise what’s dead in me. By Your Spirit, give me strength I don’t have on my own. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 54

Rooted & Raised

Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” — Romans 8:11 (NASB 1995)

The resurrection wasn’t just an event—it was the unleashing of divine power through the Spirit. And that same Spirit lives in you, mom.

As you nurture, discipline, clean, pray, and walk through your daily rhythms, remember: you are not doing it alone. He breathes life into tired bodies and renews your strength each day.

And for your children, He’s the same Spirit who gives them life—now and forever.

Family Talk:

  • What’s something we can’t do on our own that we need the Holy Spirit’s help for?
  • How has God helped us feel stronger lately?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for the resurrection power at work in us. Help us live today with Your strength and Your joy. Amen.

Biblical Interpretation, Kingdom Discipleship

Trusting the Holy Spirit — Our Teacher and Interpreter

Rooted & Raised

How to Read the Bible Series

The Bible was written by the Spirit—and must be read by the Spirit.
Too often, believers are taught to depend on scholars, pastors, or historical frameworks to understand Scripture. But while godly teaching is valuable, it is not the source of truth. The Author of Scripture is the One who teaches it best. The Holy Spirit is not a background figure in Bible reading—He is the divine Interpreter.

The Bereans didn’t just search the Scriptures—they did so prayerfully, humbly, and under the guidance of the Spirit. The early Church didn’t lean on seminary systems or institutional approval. They trusted the Spirit to guide them into truth—as Jesus promised He would.

Scripture Focus:

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…”
— John 16:13, NASB1995

The Spirit Is the True Teacher

Human teachers can help. But only the Holy Spirit reveals truth in a way that transforms the heart. Jesus said the Spirit would:

  • Teach all things (John 14:26)
  • Guide into all truth (John 16:13)
  • Disclose what is to come (John 16:14)

The Spirit knows the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:10–12). No one else can claim that.

You Have the Anointing

“You have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things…”
— 1 John 2:27

This isn’t a rejection of fellowship or learning—it’s a reminder that the Spirit Himself teaches every believer. The early Christians relied on this. They didn’t have study Bibles or commentaries. They had the Word and the Spirit—and it was enough.

Why This Matters Today

  • Many read through the lens of tradition, not truth
  • Some fear they can’t understand without formal education
  • Others rely more on their pastor’s sermon than on the Spirit’s voice

But Jesus promised the Spirit would teach us. God is not hiding truth from His people. He delights to reveal it to those who ask (Luke 11:13).

How the Early Church Was Taught

The Ante-Nicene believers lived by the Spirit. They didn’t dissect the Word with systems—they obeyed it with hearts yielded to the Spirit. They viewed the Spirit as:

  • The Giver of understanding
  • The Power to obey
  • The Unifier of the body
  • The Guardian of truth

When heresies arose, it was those anchored in the Spirit and Scripture who stood firm.

Return to the Spirit. Read with Him Beside You.

The Holy Spirit is not a theological concept. He is your Guide, your Comforter, your Teacher. To open the Bible without Him is to miss the voice of its Author.

So ask. Invite Him. Trust Him. And let Him teach you as He taught the early Church—through the living Word, into transforming truth.

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Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 53

Rooted & Raised

Indwelt by the Spirit

“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” — Romans 8:9 (NASB 1995)

You are not who you used to be. If you belong to Christ, His Spirit lives in you—not beside you, not around you, but in you.

That means you are no longer powerless against sin. You no longer live according to old patterns. The Spirit of Christ now dwells in your very being to lead, correct, and comfort.

Let that truth anchor you today. You belong to Jesus—and the evidence is the Spirit within.

Reflection:
 Do you live with the awareness that the Spirit of God dwells in you? How might that change your reactions, speech, or focus today?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for making my heart Your home. Help me walk worthy of Your presence. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 53

Rooted & Raised

Jesus Lives in Me!

“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” — Romans 8:9 (NASB 1995)

If you’ve trusted Jesus and asked Him to be your Savior, something amazing happens—His Spirit comes to live inside you!

He helps you make good choices, learn more about God, and love others like Jesus does.

Try This:
 Say out loud: “The Holy Spirit lives in me!” Then thank Him for never leaving you.

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, I’m glad You live in me! Help me to follow You and remember You are always with me. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 53

Rooted & Raised

More Than a Believer—You’re Indwelt

“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” — Romans 8:9 (NASB 1995)

This verse doesn’t leave room for cultural Christianity. If you don’t have the Spirit, you don’t belong to Christ.

But if you do, that changes everything. You’re not just a church-goer or someone trying to live morally—you’re indwelt by the Spirit of God.

That means conviction is part of love. Change is evidence of life. Don’t ignore Him. Walk with Him.

Challenge:
 Reflect: Is your life marked by the Spirit’s presence—or just Christian habits?

Prayer:
 Spirit of Christ, thank You for dwelling in me. Make me sensitive to Your voice and bold to follow. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 53

Rooted & Raised

The Spirit Lives in Us

“However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” — Romans 8:9 (NASB 1995)

When we belong to Christ, we don’t walk this life alone. His Spirit makes His home in us—and that means every moment is an opportunity to be led by Him.

As mothers, this changes how we parent. We’re not reacting in our own strength—we’re responding with His wisdom.

And our children learn, not just by our words, but by the way we follow the Spirit’s lead.

Family Talk:

  • What does it mean that the Holy Spirit lives in us?
  • How can we practice listening to Him today?

Prayer:
 Holy Spirit, thank You for dwelling in us. Help this home be guided by You—every word, every moment, every response. Amen.