1. IT IS POSSIBLE TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFE Some people just give up too early, and Satan is very pleased when that happens.

2. INTRODUCTION There are over 2,500 passages in the Word of God that demonstrate the possibility of apostasy. These passages are significant and should not be ignored, whether in private study, or public proclamation of God's word. In fact, a serious doctrinal error in the religious world is the Calvinistic doctrine of "once saved, always saved." Having said this, I believe it is also important to point out that the same Bible which demonstrates the possibility of unfaithfulness, also reveals the possibility of faithfulness. So often, one extreme begets another.

3. INTRODUCTION We should be careful to avoid going from the false doctrine of "once saved, always saved" to the doctrine of "once saved, never quite sure thereafter." The POSSIBILITY of apostasy should not be proclaimed as the PROBABILITY of apostasy. Yes, there is security, even eternal security, available to the believer. But, we need to put proper emphasis on the word "believer." If one ceases to be a believer, then he ceases to be secure.

4. INTRODUCTION On the other hand, if one continues to believe in Jesus and follow His teaching, that believer is secure for as long as he continues the practice. Isn't this what Jesus taught in the gospel of John? John 10:27-29. But, the sheep who refuse to hear the voice of Jesus, and the sheep who cease to follow Him, are promised no security whatsoever! Sadly, such apostate sheep are headed for the ceaseless torment of a devil's hell Acts 8:13-22; Revelation 21:8.

5. FAITHFULNESS PERSONIFIED: Perhaps the best way to define faithfulness is to see it personified, that is, lived out in the lives of men and women of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is full of such manifestations of faithfulness. These demonstrations of faithfulness are found in both the Old and New Testaments. For example: Jehovah described Moses as "faithful in all his house" Hebrews 3:2,5. The remainder of the Pentateuch is full of command after command that God gave to Moses and he carried them out to the letter. Though Moses stumbled from time to time, he got right back up and walked in the way of God.

6. FAITHFULNESS PERSONIFIED: Moses is not the only Old Testament character who was faithful to God. Hezekiah was good and right and faithful before God. 2 Chronicles 32:20,21. Nehemiah tells of those who were faithful. Nehemiah 7:1,2; 9:;8; 13:13. Is it possible for one to be faithful in any circumstance? The life of Daniel answers with a resounding "Yes". Daniel 6:4.

7. FAITHFULNESS PERSONIFIED: Faithfulness is also personified in a number of New Testament texts. Matthew. 24:45-51; 25:1-13,14-30. Paul's epistles are filled with references to faithful Christians. 1 Corinthians 4:17; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 1:;7; 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 2:2. The Hebrew writer gives us a list of faithful people in Hebrews 11. Peter speaks of Silvanus as a "faithful brother". 1 Peter. 5:12. Jesus encourages the Christians in Smyrna to be faithful unto death. Revelation 2:10.

8. FAITHFULNESS PERPETUATED: Even though it is possible to be a faithful Christian, we are also reminded in the parable of the sower of some who fell away. Luke 8:13. This parable tells us of other circumstances that caused people to fall away from faithfulness. Luke 8:14,15. Paul tells us of the possibility of apostasy unless we continue in the zealous service of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:12, 8. There are four ways that we can help to perpetuate our faithfulness.

9. FAITHFULNESS PERPETUATED: Let God say something to you every day. God speaks to us through His word: Hebrews 1:1,2; John 12:48; 16:12-14; 1 Corinthians 2: 13-16; 14:37; Colossians 1:9-11; Psalm 119:11, 101-105, 128-131. We find time to read, to watch TV, etc. we must find time to read God's word. Say something to God every day.

10. FAITHFULNESS PERPETUATED: This is done through prayer: Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:17,18; Mark 1:35. A lot of kneeling keeps one in good standing with God. Standup for God every day. Mark 8:38. Do something for God every day. Galatians 6:9,10; Matthew 25:31-46.

11. CONCLUSION: In order to live the Faithful Christian life: We must live it We must promote it We must encourage it Read 2 Tim. 4:6-8. Can we say that we also have fought the good fight and remained faithful?