Apostle or Apostate?

 

 

They start out the same way

But they don’t end alike,

The latter leads you off the track

While the former leads aright.

 

Apostle is more than a title

That someone acquires,

Check out the Bible and note

Apostles were Spirit inspired.

 

They were close to Jesus

In some form or another,

However, concerning Apostates

This is a different matter.

 

 

 

Take the Pharisees, for example,

In Jesus’ time,

They appeared very religious

But they were way out of line.

 

They disregarded Jesus

Leading others to do the same

And accused the Saviour

Of blaspheming God’s name.

 

An apostate is a sinner

But pretend not to be

And often he makes others believe

The only saint is he.

 

 

That is the danger

Of which we all must be aware,

They will talk a good religion

But Jesus Christ they will jeer.

 

They honour with their lips

In the words of the Saviour

But there is a contrasting difference

Between lip and behaviour.

  

The apostate goes to church

Hence, he is no out and out sinner

And I must point out to you

He is no beginner.

 

 

He wields great influence

Especially in the church

And in the false doctrine he preaches

He comes over like an expert.

 

Don’t look among sinners

For your friendly apostate,

You will find him in the church

Displaying Christian traits.

 

He is your wolf in disguise

That bleats just like a sheep

But he doesn’t eat grass,

He relishes meat.

 

 

He may look like an apostle

And even sound like one

But expose those lambs to him

And soon they’ll be gone.

 

Apostle or apostate

Can you tell the difference?

Heed the Shepherd’s voice

And all others dispense.

 

Remember…

 

They start out the same way

But they don’t end alike,

The latter leads you off the track

While the former leads aright.

 

Stewart Russell © October 12, 2020