1. Unity and Denominations (4) The Danger of Apostasy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_calf

2. We have discussed: What is true unity? Why denominationalism is wrong Does it really matter what we believe? Today, the dangers of apostasy. (Because it matters we must beware)

3. What is Apostasy? “The abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.” (google) “turning against God, as evidenced by abandonment or repudiation of beliefs.” (Tyndale’s Bible Encyclopedia) From Greek, ἀ ποστασία, (apostasia), Acts 21:21, 2 Thess. 2:3

4. Warnings against apostasy 1 Tim. 4:1, some will depart from the faith Acts 20:29-30, savage wolves will enter in 2 Peter 2:1-2, false teachers, destructive heresies 2 Thess. 2:12, falling away Matt. 24:10-13, love of many will grow cold.

5. Examples of apostasy Exodus 32, the golden calf 1 Kings 12:25-33, Jeroboam and his religion Israel and Judah in their idolatry 1 Timothy 1:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:17, Hymanaeus…

6. Apostasy in our Lives Hebrews 3:12, beware, lest we depart Hebrews 10:26-31, willful sin 2 Peter 2:20-22, entangled again and overcome 1 Cor. 10:12, take heed lest you fall

7. Apostasy in the Church Galatians 1:6-9, turning away so soon Acts 20:29-30, savage wolves will come in, not sparing the flock Rev. 2:12-16, Pergamos Rev. 2:18-23, Thyatira It can happen today! Catholicism, Denominationalism Churches waver in their stand for truth Many quit before they finish the race

8. How Does Apostasy Happen? 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

9. How Does Apostasy Happen? No longer endure sound doctrine Apostasy begins with a faulty attitude (“I think”) 2 Thess. 2:10 Isaiah 30:9-10, Jer. 5:30-31 1 Kings 12:26-27 – Jeroboam thought if people worshipped in Jerusalem they would turn from him

10. How Does Apostasy Happen? Own desires, itching ears They act based on their attitudes Change things to accommodate their desires - manipulate scripture, convenience Romans 10:1-3, 1:25 Again - Isaiah 30:9-10 1 Kings 12:28-33 – Asked advice, convenience, etc.

11. How Does Apostasy Happen? Heap up for themselves teachers They seek validation 2 Timothy 3:1-6, false teachers prey on gullible & sinful 1 Kings 22:6, Ahab’s 400 prophets 1 Kings 12:30-31, priests from every class of people 2 Cor. 11:4, Gal. 2:5

12. How Does Apostasy Happen? Turn aside from truth, to fables Apostasy has happened! They have abandoned the faith 2 Kings 17:7-12, 22-23, Why did Israel fall? Why put away by God? Apostasy!

13. Apostasy is Preventable 2 Timothy 4:1-2, 5 Preach the word! ALL of it! ( Acts 20:26-27 ) Be watchful! Heb. 2:1-3 2 Peter 1:5-11, 3:18 – grow! 1 John 4:1, Test the Spirits Ephesians 6:10-18, Put on the armor of God

14. Are we grounded in the truth of God’s word?