Departing From God
By Carlos Aguilar

In Heb 3:12 the author writes, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” The text refers to individuals who are people of God, if we note in verse 1 of the same chapter the Hebrew writer is referring to individuals who are partakers of the heavenly calling, yet they are warned, they are told to take heed lest through the evil heart of unbelief they will fall away.

In verses 1-12 three things are clearly implied: First, that the Christians written to were in danger of apostatizing from the living God, as their fathers had done. And so it follows that Christians may fall from grace; for to apostatize or depart from God is simply equivalent to falling away finally and forever from the grace of God. Secondly, we learn that this danger arises wholly from "an evil heart of unbelief." So long as we have an unwavering trust in God and in His word, all is well. Nothing can, under such circumstances, separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Paul tells us in Romans 8:39, “nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. But let the heart at once become evil and distrustful, and then his condition becomes at once alarming. Thirdly, it is further implied in the words of our author, that every Christian may, through the grace of God, avoid the dangers of apostasy, by keeping his heart with all diligence. In other words we maintain our relationship with God through obedience.

At one time (our childhood) we are with God. Mt 18:3, “unless you are converted and become as little children…” But we depart from God through sin, Isa 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray.” And the only way we are brought back is by "turning to God” Acts 26:20, in other words we must repent. Sin has always been that which separates man from God: In Isa 59:2 we find these words, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”

There are a variety of dangers related to departing from God. All of which add up to the loss of one’s soul. Jesus is going to gather out of His kingdom those who practice lawlessness, and those who practice righteousness will shine like the sun Matt 13:41-41. Those who begin to depart begin the process of forgetting God and in turn they will fall from grace and suffer the consequences of that decision. Paul writes in Gal 5:4, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace,” and in 1Cor 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

Many reasons exist for departing from God. At times it is the influence of religious leaders. In Scripture we find admonitions against such. Paul writes, “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” The Galatians were influence by false teaching. Paul again says to them, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” Gal 1:6-8. Even Israel was also caused to err by their leaders. In Isa 9:16 we read, “For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed.” An overabundance of self-confidence can also lead to departing from God. We are foolish to trust in self (Prov 28:26). When we think we are safe we are in danger. In 1Cor 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” This was Peter’s weakness. Even after Jesus told him and the disciples that they will stumble and quoted Scripture stating, “I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” he still displayed overconfidence. In Mark 14:29 he says, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” Jesus again warns him that he will stumble, but Peter cannot see it. Verse 31 speaking more vehemently Peter says, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” Overconfidence can be one’s downfall. One of the most common reasons for people to depart from God is a love for the world. Too many Christians want to be like the Israelite’s back before King Saul. They looked about them to the nations around them and came to the conclusion they wanted to be like them. 1 Samuel Ch 8 gives us this account. They didn't want to stand out; they wanted to be just like everybody else. Too many Christians look round about them and desire to be like those round about them. Too many Christians think its all right to drink (as long as its social drinking) they want to gamble (as long as it's the lotto) miss worship and class (as long as I'm tired from work or on vacation), to many people want to be like the world. And when they are told, well its wrong to drink, its wrong to gamble, its wrong to miss the assembling of the saints, they simply respond, "Well, God will understand. God knows that I love him and it doesn't matter that I'm not obeying Him right now" (1John 2:15-17).

And in a way they are right. God does understand. He understands that you are in sin. And unless you repent you will perish (Lk 13:3). It is sin that separates us from God, and if we allow sin to take seed in our hearts, we will perish. God wants people who are dedicated and devoted to him, not to this world.

Recommendations For Happiness:
Seven Ways To Be Happy
John Gurtler

Often people make their own lives miserable and other people help them find misery. Abraham Lincoln once said "most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be".

Trust in God: The person who puts faith in God has a source of strength and delight that a non-believer cannot understand, see Proverbs 3:5 “trust in the lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”; Proverbs 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the lord, happy is he.” If we fuss and stew about everything it shows a lack of trust. Jesus told Martha she was “troubled about many things”.

Relish The Scriptures: See Psalms 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalms 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

The scriptures always shoot straight. Tax laws change, the weather changes, politics are ever changing but God's word never changes. See 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The sacred pages give hope, comfort, gladness to the lovers of the truth.

Live Righteously: (I don't mean self righteously.. Or right in your own eyes,) Psalms 32:10-11 “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” See Psalms 64:10 “The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.” Titus 2:12 “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly in the present age, shows that clean living contributes to deep rooted joy and contentment.” People may mock you and throw off on you and deride you, but you possess something they do not have.

Worship God With Regularity: in Acts 20:6-7 “But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” The brethren “tarried” so they could worship with other Christians. In Acts 2 it describes the disciples as having common among them “great joy” and “praising God”. David said "I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the lord…” Psalms 122:1, see also Psalms 95:1 “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalms 96:9-11 “Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously." Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; worship is for the glory of God and the happiness of man.”

Keep A Clean Conscience: Acts 24:16 “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” 1 Timothy 1:19 “Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck”, 2 Timothy 1:3 “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day”, There can be no true happiness when one violates his conscience. See Genesis 42:21 “Then they said to one another, "We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.” Joseph's brothers' consciences made them miserable.

Learn Contentment: The grass is not always greener on the other side. Some people continually fret and complain about the cost of living, their Job, wife, husband weather, politics, Christians grumble. Philippians 4:11 Says a contented person is a happy individual. “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” Without contentment, joy is only superficial. Stay busy and constructive: idleness breeds displeasure, restlessness, despondency, mischief, happiness comes to him who works persistently, consistently, diligently. See Romans 12:11 “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”; Effort expended and accomplishment materialized bring inward fulfillment. Beneficial work keeps the mind away from thoughts that are negative and inwardly destructive. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Things that will not guarantee happiness: wealth, fulfillment of every goal in life, a mansion, revenge, alcohol, a second wife or husband, a new car, etc, etc, etc...

Follow Paul’s Example: How did Paul find joy? Paul found joy in seeing and hearing about other Christians doing good, read Philippians chapters one through three and count the times you read the word, “rejoice or joy”. 

Small Potatoes
Author unknown

Years ago Chinese farmers decided they would eat the good big potatoes and just use the small ones for seed. A new understanding of the laws of life came to them when through the years during which they kept up this practice, nature reduced all their potatoes to the size of marbles! These farmers learned through bitter experience that they couldn't keep the best things in life for themselves and use the leftovers for seed. The laws of life decreed that the harvest would reflect the planting.

But you know, planting small potatoes is still a common practice with a lot of us. Too many of us take all the big things of life for ourselves and only plant the leftovers. We expect that by some crazy twist of the laws of nature our selfishness will be rewarded with blessings. We must learn that we can't always eat the big potatoes and still keep having them.

Planting small potatoes simply means that is all we can expect in return. This law applies in family relationships, friendships, on the job, in community affairs, in politics and everywhere else. This law applies especially in our service to God. We succeed when we sacrifice. Whether it is in attending worship services, teaching others about God, visiting the sick, or giving, the big potatoes given to God will result in more blessings than we can even dream about.

In Malachi 3:6-18 God is teaching the Israelites the law of small potatoes. In verse 10 we read, “And try Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” The greatest blessing of all, of course, is that of eternal life. We can have the hope of heaven if we choose to give our life to God, rather than keep it for ourselves. Jesus said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25.

We are hearing more and more about "peer pressure." Our children are facing issues of life that many of us did not have to deal with in school. When we think of "peer pressure," we also think about role models. Who is your child's role model?

Let me introduce to you a young man that had to deal with "peer pressure." His name is Daniel. You can read about him in the Bible. Here are some of the things that Daniel was confronted with in his life: Wine or strong drink, peer pressure from the King, he was taken into captivity as a prisoner, also his name was changed to humiliate him. However, Daniel "made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's food or wine" Daniel 1:8.

In short, one might say that Daniel withstood the fire. The record also states that Daniel and his friends "put their trust in Him" Daniel 3:28. 

He would possess you so that you may possess your possessions. F. J. Miles

We hope you find this bulletin useful in your Bible study.

2 Sam 22:31
 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. NKJV

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