As Christians we are constantly been bombarded with images, doctrines, ideologies e.t.c that confuse and sometimes shake our faith.
Some time ago, I had struggles with my faith. I had been reading some stuff I shouldn't have and at vulnerable moments, doubt would come.
There was a time when I began to believe some of that stuff and doubt the Love and Power of God. Only then I didn't know it.
Then I retraced my steps. I was praying & worshiping one day all alone in my room and I felt His touch. I instantly asked for His forgiveness and mercies. The funny thing is that this doubt did not come when I lost someone dear to me, when I was experiencing great pain. No. It came when life was stable and I was comfortable. I guess that's why people say it's only in bad times that we remember God. lol.
Brethren, there is so much deception in the world today from pop culture to political correctness & incorrectness and the worst of it is coming from false prophets in the Church.
Jesus said in Mark 13:22, For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive if possible, even the elect.
We hear all kinds of doctrines and teachings these days that are so convincing and confusing at the same time. Astrology, Materialism, Liberalism e.t.c have all been mixed with the Gospel + the doctrines and theories been thrown about by those outside the church, all these leaves us wondering which path is right.
We may ask ourselves, 'are the atheists right?', 'are the Gay rights activists right?', 'Was the Bible really written by one man?(some say St. Paul),'Did Jesus ever exist?', 'Is He really coming back?''Are Christians lunatics?' and gradually, we start slipping. Falling away or backsliding doesn't happen over night, it happens gradually. It begins with a seed of doubt and that seed is watered and it eventually grows.
The path is narrow & its so easy to veer off that path without knowing it. He that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1stCor. 10:12 (NKJ).
So how do we as Christians protect ourselves and maintain our salvation?. above all taking the SHIELD of FAITH with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the evil one. Eph6:16 (NKJ).
The answer is FAITH. How do we get this shield that is our faith? Faith cometh by hearing, hearing by the Word of God. Rom 10:17 NKJ.
This means, first of all we need to study and study the Word and HEAR from the Spirit of God. Reading alone is not enough, we need to hear as well. It is by hearing from Him that we learn and build our faith. This is the protection that we need against the deception in these last days.
The Word of God is the protection that we need. Shalom!
(I will write more on the Armor of God later and explain the shield of faith in depth).
