September 18, 2026
Table: God’s Anointed & Blessed Church International (GABCI)
Food: THE DANGER OF DEPARTING FROM THE FAITH
-Pastor Toye Ebijomore
(Founder & General Overseer, GABCI)
We have spent four weekends exposing false doctrines and upholding God’s doctrines.
This weekend, we pause to examine the danger of departing from the faith.
Hebrews 3:12 says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
The above text reveals to us that there is a tendency for some among us to depart from the living God. It also makes us know that God is already aware of this unfortunate end for some believers.
So, the question is: How does a believer depart?
I tell you plainly that it rarely happens suddenly or shockingly, but it starts small.
FIVE STEPS OF DEPARTING FROM THE FAITH
1. NEGLECTING THE WORD
Hebrews 2:1 says, “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”
One of the ways of departing from the faith is when Bible reading becomes dry and doctrine becomes weak.
2. ENTERTAINING SEDUCING SPIRITS
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.”
Another way of departing from the faith is when you listen to voices that contradict Scripture, such as social media prophets and motivational speakers with no cross.
3. TOLERATING SIN
Jude 1:4 says, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Another way of departing from the faith is turning the grace of God into a license for sin. This category of people is fond of defending their sins with the slogan “God understands.”
As continuous drops of dirt on a white garment become a tough stain, so secret sin hardens the heart.
4. FOLLOWING MEN INSTEAD OF CHRIST
Acts 20:30 – “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”
An additional way people depart from the faith is when they follow those who live merely to please themselves and criticize holy doctrines to justify their ungodliness.
5. LOVING THE WORLD MORE THAN TRUTH
1 John 2:15 charges, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
Finally, when you seek love for the world, you sink your love for God. If you give yourself to exploring the world, gluing yourself to your phone and entertainment, you will choke the Word.
HOW TO RETURN AND HOLD FAST
1. Repent Quickly
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Don’t justify sin.
2. Return to the Word
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11) Hide it in your heart.
3. Rekindle Your First Love
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5) Go back to early seeking.
4. Surround Yourself with Truth
Don’t attempt to be a stand-alone Christian. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
5. Ask for the Spirit of Grace and Supplication
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced…” (Zechariah 12:10) When you receive the Spirit of grace and supplication, it will make you explore the passion of Christ on the cross and make supplication continually.
Eat The Scroll and Declare As Follows:
1. I will not depart from the living God in Jesus’ name.
2. I return to the doctrine of Christ and I hold fast in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, restore my first love and passion for truth in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER
1. Heavenly Father, forgive me for every place I have drifted, in Jesus’ name.
2. Lord God, anchor my soul to Your Word and never let me go, in Jesus’ name.
3. Holy Spirit, keep me from an evil heart of unbelief, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
