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Hebrews 10:23, 35, 38 says “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised;...Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward...Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” These three verses really represent the entire theme of the letter to the Hebrews. It’s true that Hebrews shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament types and shadows, and that He is greater than the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, the sacrifices, etc. However, at the root of the entire epistle is the message, “Stand fast. Don’t look back. Don’t be shaken off your faith in Jesus.” This is fundamental. This is my message.

1Cor 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” The days are evil (Eph 5:15-16). Christians are leaving churches by the droves. They are leaving the genuine faith for a counterfeit. They are buying the lie that satan is selling; forsaking the truth of the Word of God for vain, man-made philosophies. “All roads lead to Heaven”. “We are all the children of God”. “As long as you’re sincere, that’s what matters”. Lies, lies, lies!

Should the world believe this? Sure, why not? They are in spiritual darkness (Eph 6:12). We shouldn’t expect any more from an unregenerate sinner. The problem is that there are countless Christians that believe this same thing! Brothers and Sisters, we must not be lead away by the lies of the enemy of our souls! We must earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 1:3)! We must fight the good fight of faith (1Tim 6:12)! 1Cor 16:13 says, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, act like men, be strong.” We must know what we believe! We must know in Whom we believe! Our faith may be on the verge of being tried in a manner that we have never before experienced. Let us not marvel if the world hate us (1Jn 3:13)! We should find it strange if it doesn’t!

Stand fast in Christian liberty (Gal 5:1)! Stand fast in the full armor of God (Eph 6:14)! Stand fast in The Word of God (2Th 2:15, 2Tim 1:13)! Stand fast in one spirit (Phip 1:27)! Pastors, hold fast to and teach sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)! Hold fast your profession of faith (Heb 4:14)! Be steadfast in resisting the devil (1Pt 5:8-9)! Be steadfast unto the end (Heb 3:6, 14)!

I have pages of statistics that show about 5% of people who make professions of faith at crusades or outreaches are serving God a year later. Even if it’s 10, 20, or 30 - it still rotten. Could we blame our approach to evangelism? Sure you could. Could you blame the church’s lack of discipleship? Absolutely. The church could certainly improve in these areas: but could I make another suggestion about these miserable numbers? Maybe it’s because PEOPLE DON’T REMAIN STEADFAST IN THEIR FAITH! They let go of their faith in Jesus! They don’t stand fast! They don’t pursue God! This may sound harsh, but can I tell you the truth? There are a lot of fake Christians out there! They are nominal Christians - in name only!

Let me tell you something: When you get truly saved; born-again, washed in the blood of Christ - your life will change. When you see your sin in light of God’s perfect Law; and cry out for mercy and forgiveness with a truly broken heart - your life will change. Nobody will have to chase you down to go to church! Nobody will have to convince you to read your Bible! Nobody will have to beg you to go to Bible study! Nobody will have to twist your arm to walk after the things of God! The fact is, they couldn’t keep you out of church! You would be devouring the Word of God! Where is the passion! Where is the love for the Savior! Where is the commitment! We must stand fast. We must earnestly contend. We must not be shaken. If you have not been serious about your walk with Christ up to this point; may I suggest you get real serious real quick. I may not be a prophet, but I do have the Spirit of God dwelling in me, and I do hear His voice. Please take this exhortation in the spirit of love it is written in. Until next time, rejoice in the Lord!