PATTER'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

DEPARTING FROM THE FAITH
BY PAT GULLEY

1 Timothy 4:1
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; (KJV)

The Apostle Paul gives his young protégé Timothy a specific warning from the Holy Spirit. He told him that in the later years some Christians would depart from the faith that was taught by the Apostles, and would begin to believe the lies and the lures of the spirits using the people of this world. He also warned him about the many who would forsake the truth of the tenets of the faith that is found in believing in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God and who would instead give heed to the doctrines of devils.

I believe that the key to understanding just what "FAITH" truly is lies in the heart and soul of every believer. It is imperative for us to trust the Word of God. We cannot pick and choose which part of the Bible we believe and which part we take a pass on. Holy men of God who were moved and inspired by Holy Spirit of God wrote the Old and New Testaments.

2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

I personally do not believe that the Bible is just a storybook that was handed down through the ages through the storytelling of ancient men and women and at one point in time recorded from the recollections of their descendants. I believe in the divinely inspired Word of God and I also believe in the power and authority that accompanies the written and spoken Word. The manifestation of this Power is what we call FAITH and it is accompanied with signs and wonders as promised by Jesus.

Mark 16:15-18
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)

I know it may sound old fashioned to believe in something as simple as the Words and Works of Jesus but that is exactly what I believe in. I believe that the Creator of the Universe had no problem writing a Book that would be simple to read and understand. Jesus said that it would be like lighting a candle and placing in on a lamp stand. God wants the whole world to know and understand what He did for mankind through His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible has been written and we have been sent forth to tell His Story.

Now is not the time to depart from the faith that comes by hearing God's Word. (Rom 10: 17) Now is the time to take a stand and boldly proclaim your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Trust God. Believe His Word. You will be glad you did.