There is an unprecedented event which will happen in the very near future. That event is the Rapture of the Ekklesia (the called out Body of Christ) and every Christian should be listening in anticipation for our Lord to call us all Home. Can you imagine the joy of being snatched away from this sin-filled world and being in the presence of Jesus? What a wonder that will be!

Until then we live in a fallen world with all of its struggles and strife. Though we don’t know what day the Rapture will happen, we can see the signs of its approach. One of those signs is apostasy, or falling away.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. “Falling away” is translated from the Greek word “apostasia.”

According to Strong’s Concordance it means “a falling away, defection, apostasy.” When you look around at the various congregations do you see any apostasy? How about in your own congregation? There is a huge falling away—apostasy—from the pure truth of God.

Apostasy is a fact and sadly it is now in full swing. What exactly is apostasy? Any deviation from God’s Word is apostasy, and in these last days apostasy is running rampant. Homosexual bishops, woman preachers, New Age, emerging church, yoga, contemplative prayer, replacement theology…the list is long.

None of these doctrines are biblical, but they are seeping into our congregations. These doctrines are entering through the teaching of preachers who try to make Christianity more “user friendly” or should I say “seeker friendly.” The goal is to keep the congregation happy no matter what heresy is embraced.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

The congregation doesn’t want to hear that they are doing anything wrong, so they won’t stand for listening to God’s truth. Rather than standing firm on the word of God, the man in the pulpit makes life easy for the flock. He waters down God’s Word so as not to step on any toes. He preaches to the itching ears of the congregation and apostasy reigns.

The fact of the matter is our foundation must be built on Jesus Christ. God’s Word must be the final authority in all matters and it must rule our life. As folks move away from sound doctrine the false teachers are able to change God’s truth into doctrines of devils, and so the apostasy begins.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).

We are living in the “latter times” and rather than heed Scripture, people want to do what is right in their own eyes. We can see that apostasy — has a firm hold on many people.

This falling away also comes by the false teaching that all religious groups worship the same god. Well, Christianity worships one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The others follow the doctrines of devils. There is a movement which is adding to the apostasy. Some religious leaders are trying to unite all religions into one group. Christians cannot unite with any other faith or we lose our foundation.

Salvation is through Christ and Christ alone. Do you think that a Muslim would ever pray in the name of Jesus? Do you think a Jehovah’s Witness will ever confess the deity of Christ?

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:23-24).

There is no room for false teaching when it comes to salvation. Christians know that there is no other way of salvation except through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Don’t be among those who are apostate; don’t fall away. Follow the strait road and do not waver. There is no other way to come unto the Father but through Jesus.

False prophets who lead the gullible down the broad road to destruction aren’t new. Jesus gave a warning to be on the lookout for these wicked ones.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

Jesus said that there will be teachers (false prophets) who seem to be learned in God’s Word and will be accepted by many people as teaching biblical truth. Although their words will appear to be sound and correct, these deceivers will actually be ravening wolves (emissaries of Satan).

Because of their convincing style, their ability to present themselves in a good light, and their seemingly truthful message, they will lead many down the treacherous path of apostasy. Not everyone who writes a book or stands in the pulpit speaks God’s truth.

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16).

The false teachers/false prophets are quite adept in leading the sheep who don’t know their Bible into apostasy. Although their deceptions may rely heavily on the incessant use of the name “Jesus” it’s all just a façade as there’s no indwelling by the Holy Spirit. Does your pastor preach the true gospel, or is it watered down so as not to step on toes? Avoid these ravening wolves by knowing for yourself what God’s word teaches. Read it…study it…apply it to your life.

There was a time when the Bible was not available to ordinary people. The power hungry, government controlled clergy wouldn’t preach the truth. Today we have the blessing of God’s Word being readily available in most languages and in easily understood translations. There is no excuse for anyone to be led into apostasy. Amos tells us there will come a famine in the land (the whole earth), but it will be a famine of hearing the Word of God.

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).

People will seek to hear God’s truth, but they will be fed counterfeit lies, as the true Word of God will have gone missing. It isn’t that God’s word isn’t available, they just hear apostate lies instead of the words of the Lord and they don’t read and study on their own. Therefore it is easy for them to be lead down the broad road of apostasy and destruction. We are in those days.

As Jesus spoke of the apostasy that will be widespread in the last days. He described the apostates themselves.

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:22 You might be asking yourself, “What’s the problem?”

It seems as if these zealots did everything correct, right? Did they not declare the name of Jesus in all their activities? They prophesied, cast out demons, and did many other wonderful works in His name. They’re active, they’re persuasive, and they’re adept at convincing the masses of their spirituality simply by evoking the name of our Lord. So what’s the problem? Just this: He (Jesus Christ) is not their Lord. Satan is able perform pseudo-miracles and wonders, and the apostates will be in league with him.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

If you know the Scripture these purveyors of lies/false doctrines will not be able to deceive you or lead you into apostasy. They may speak of Jesus as if they know Him but Jesus Himself said:

“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).

Even though these folks are apparently successful in casting out demons, make prophetic predictions, and achieve a level of wondrous signs, their doctrine was one of apostasy. The Holy Spirit is not indwelling them as they never truly believed in Messiah Jesus. They have helped many to fall away, and in these last days these false teachers are everywhere. Study God’s Word, not seeker friendly drivel that leads to apostasy.

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

Paul’s words to Timothy are as important today as they were so long ago. Instead of approving of every type of behavior we need to reprove. That means we bring into conviction things that go against God’s word. If we see a Christian who is making choices that are not Biblical, rebuke that person. That means make them aware of their sin; use Scripture and love. Patiently urge the one who is falling away to get back on track. If that person has truly accepted Christ they will heed your words because those words will be of God. If they are merely “in name only” Christians, they will continue in their apostasy. Don’t compromise God’s Word.

Time is short. The falling away is in full swing leading to the Rapture. Then the man of sin will be revealed and Daniel’s 70th week will start sometime after that. Those who continue in their apostasy will not be a part of the Rapture because they were never truly a part of the Body of Christ. Only those who know Christ as their Saviour will follow Him on that strait road to eternal life. Turn away from the doctrine of devils and know that eternal life is yours because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Don’t be a part of the apostasy that is all around in these final days. Keep watching for the Lord to descend and the voice of the archangel to call you.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

I can hardly wait.

God bless you all,

Ron & Nathele Graham

The city of Nineveh was magnificent. It was the capital of Assyria and although the city was beautiful the people were barbaric. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of their brutality and it is no wonder that God was going to send judgment upon them.

“Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.” Jonah 1:1-2

Imagine Jonah’s shock. He knew of their extreme cruelty and didn’t want any part of them. Why would God want him to go to these heathens with a warning? Rather than acknowledge that God’s wisdom is wiser than man’s folly, Jonah fled. Jonah intended to go to Tarshish in order to flee from the presence of the LORD. Is that possible?

No! But Jonah thought he would give it a shot. Satan will always be there to help us disobey God, and Jonah found a ship in Joppa that was headed to Tarshish. As it always happens when we try to hide ourselves from God’s purpose for us, we fail miserably. Jonah was about to fail in a big way.

We know the story. God sent a tempest to stop Jonah from running away.

“Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.” Jonah 1:5

The sailors all worshipped false gods and Jonah’s disobedience endangered them all. How many times do we yoke ourselves with non-believers when we are embracing sin and disobedience? That will always end in disaster. The sailors knew this wasn’t an ordinary storm and when their false gods failed, the captain found Jonah and told him to call upon his God. Then they cast lots to find the cause of this tempest.

The lots fell upon Jonah. Jonah wasn’t a perfect witness, but at least his answer told them about God.

“And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.” Jonah 1:9

Did he really fear the LORD or did he fear the storm? Maybe he feared the LORD because he was beginning to understand that it’s impossible to run from God.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Jonah knew the storm would stop if they threw him overboard and told them to cast him into the sea.

“Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.” Jonah 1:13

Like so many of us (especially those who have not learned to trust the LORD), tried to solve the   rowing problem with their own efforts. After failing, these men who just a short time earlier had relied on false gods, cried out to the LORD.

“Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.”Jonah 1:14

When they tossed Jonah overboard the sea became calm. That may have been the last we heard of Jonah, except the LORD was there to save him. “Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:17

Is this just a “myth?” Is it a Sunday school story that has taken “artistic license” with reality? Jesus confirms that this is a true account. When the Scribes and Pharisees asked Him for a sign,

Jesus answered, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40

Jonah’s time in the fish’s belly was a prophetic sign of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Had the story ended with Jonah in the belly of the fish it would have been a tragic tale, but one with many lessons to teach, such as the importance of being obedient to God, the importance of being a willing witness for the Lord, and the truth that sin carries a huge price. The story did not end there. When you’re in the belly of a great fish for three days and three nights you have time to think over your predicament.

“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly.” Jonah 2:1.

Jonah recalled his predicament, and finally said “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” Jonah 2:7-8

When all else failed he turned to the same God he had tried to run away from. Then he made promises.

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” Jonah 2:9

God heard Jonah and answered. “And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” Jonah 2:10

Aren’t we like Jonah? We make bad choices and try to run from God. When we find ourselves in the fish’s belly we call out to God and make all kinds of promises. God is always there. We’re thankful for His mercy, but as soon as we are out of the fish’s belly we forget our promises and go right back to our old ways.

The writer of Hebrews also talks of the sacrifice of praise.

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13:15

When we are on the mountain top it is easy to give a sacrifice of praise, but when we are in the belly of a fish we forget. Most times when we are in the belly of the fish it is because we, like Jonah, were trying to flee from God. We make bad choices or join up with the wrong friends. Maybe we just outright rebel and don’t want to do what God asks of us, then try to run away.

God gave Jonah a second chance to obey, and this time he stomped off to Nineveh in a pout. Jonah promised to “…sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving” but he was never joyous about his mission. His message to these heathen people was short and to the point.

“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” Jonah 3:4

Jonah’s words were more of joyous condemnation rather than hope that they would repent. Jonah wanted them to be judged.

Too often Christians are like Jonah. We are admonished to share the gospel but instead of it being a message of joy and hope we wield it like a weapon of condemnation. We have a message of hope, but aren’t always happy to share it. In his anger and pride Jonah thought the people of Nineveh deserved God’s wrath, and too often that’s how Christians view the lost around us. Whether those lost people are leaders of nations, the office gossip, or that neighbor who calls the police if he hears your worship music playing, God loves them and they need a good witness to share the gospel with them.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”Romans 10:17

If we would boldly walk through our nation proclaiming the gospel to every person from the government leaders down to the homeless on the street, our nation just might repent. Satan is attempting to silence Christians and instead of witnessing we hide our faith. Like Jonah, many of us head to Tarshish rather than witness to those who are lost.

To Jonah’s disappointment his message was taken seriously and the entire city of Nineveh repented. The king and the people fasted, put on sackcloth, and sat in ashes; they even required it of their animals.

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.” Jonah 4:1

Jonah had been thankful that the Lord saved him from the belly of the fish and had made lots of promises. He was thankful for God’s mercy for himself, but now he wanted God to take vengeance upon those undeserving, idol worshipping heathens in Nineveh. We are so much like Jonah. We want God’s blessing for ourselves but just let someone less deserving of God’s love get a blessing, and we have a snit fit and hope for their destruction. Shame on us!

The Scribes and Pharisees were stubborn and would not accept Jesus. They saw His miracles and heard His words, yet they wouldn’t believe Him. They wanted more signs, but Jesus only told them about the sign of Jonah. Then He said:

“The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.” Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh heard God’s message and repented, but the Jewish leaders were blind and refused to believe. There are many blind people today. They have heard of Jesus, but they are blind to who He is. They may be members of cults, or sit in pews on Sunday morning with no understanding, or maybe they claim to be atheists and openly reject the only One who can save them. Brethren, joyfully witness to them. Their need is as great as those heathens in Nineveh.

The gospel is a message of hope and love, not condemnation.

“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18

God used Jonah and He can use you, too. Is God calling you to share the gospel with someone? Don’t be a reluctant witness. In spite of everything, God used Jonah and many idol worshipping sailors and barbaric soldiers came to know the one true God.

What would have happened if Jonah had gone about his task with a joyous attitude? He wouldn’t have spent time inside a fish and he would have rejoiced over the fact that so many people came to repent. He would have kept his promise of the sacrifice of praise.

God’s judgment is once again looming on the horizon. Do we have 40 days? Maybe. We don’t really know if it will be 40 days or 40 years, but we know that God’s Word says judgment will come. You need to carry God’s message to the idol worshipping people around you. They need to come to know Jesus in order to avoid God’s judgment and you may be the witness they need. There is another Old Testament prophet who was much more willing than Jonah.

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.’” Isaiah 6:8

The prophet Isaiah was eager to witness and when he heard the voice of the Lord asking for volunteers; he was ready.

Christians, be like Isaiah and willing to go. Don’t be like Jonah—the reluctant witness.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham