We are Not of Those Who Shrink Back to Destruction
“But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:39 (NASB 95)
As I read Hebrews 10:39, it immediately brought to mind the Titanic disaster. The ship was deemed unsinkable. Yet it became one of the worst maritime disasters ever recorded.
Everyone had firm trust in Titanic’s construction and its ability to withstand any storm or challenge. The engineering was cutting edge, the materials of excellent quality, and the craftsmanship unmatched. People boarded the ship with solid confidence in its ability to deliver them safely to New York City.
Such was the strong faith in the ship that even though they encountered a field of icebergs in the North Atlantic, the captain didn’t slow their pace because he and those who designed the ship wanted to achieve the fastest Atlantic crossing in the unsinkable Titanic. That was, until they struck an iceberg and the ship began to sink.
Still, in the midst of the pending disaster, there were those who balked at getting into a lifeboat. It wasn’t comfortable. It was cold, they might get wet. They wanted to stay with their family. They trusted the ship- it was unsinkable, right? They had plenty of time, or so they thought. Isn’t this so like those who balk at the gospel of Christ?
We delay making things right with God because we’re not ready. We look for other, ‘easier’ options- just one way to God seems too restrictive and even unkind. We search for things WE can do to make ourselves righteous and to earn salvation because surely it has to be our own effort. Yet, all of these things still lead to destruction.
Those who eagerly climbed into the lifeboats on that dark, frigid night were those who saw their desperate need to be saved. They understood the ship was going down and their only hope was to put on a life preserver and climb aboard one of the lifeboats, bringing nothing with them but their life and breath. They didn’t shrink back. They didn’t debate the timeline, wondering how long they could remain on the ship before climbing onto a lifeboat. They understood the desperation and urgency and they took the only option that would save them. They did not shrink back. The Greek word for ‘shrink back’ is hypostole and it means to withdraw, to be timid and retreat (1). There were only two options available- remain on the ship and lose your life or get into the lifeboat and be saved.
We face those same two options, spiritually. We can either remain tethered to this world, seeking our own way and cementing our eternal destruction, or we can turn to Jesus, the One who died to pay for our sin, who was buried and rose again to affirm His Authority and Lordship. The One to Whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess. He is our Savior, our assurance, our hope for eternal life. Jesus is the only option that will save us from sure destruction of our soul.
Some will say, I’ll make things right with Jesus before I die, but I have time yet before I must. So many on the Titanic thought they had time as well, some continued playing card games, some went back to bed. But all the while, the ship was sinking and they were running out of time. They were destined for destruction and could not see it.
Some were hesitant to part with their belongings. Many of those on board were wealthy beyond comprehension. They traveled with jewelry, furs, priceless paintings purchased in Europe, and motorcars parked in the cargo hold. Nothing of value could be saved. Only life. But in the end, is that not the most valuable thing one possesses? Yet, their tethers to their ‘things’ were strong, so strong that it prevented some from being saved.
There was only one way off of the Titanic. The truth, whether the travelers wanted to believe it or not, was that the ship was sinking and the lifeboats were the only salvation. Calls of “SOS- save our ship!” went unheeded. Life was only saved by climbing into the boat. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (ESV) There is no other way to God. There is no other avenue to ensure the eternal peace and salvation of your soul. The Truth is that Jesus saves. No other. Not Buddha. Not Allah. Not Hinduism or any other system of belief and practice. Jesus is the only God who gave His life for men so they could be saved. Every other religious system asks for a man to give his life for the god…and even then there is no guarantee, no assurance. Did you do enough? Did you sacrifice enough? Did you suffer enough? There is no soul rest with any but Jesus.
“Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”” Matthew 11:28-30 (NASB 95)
Far too many people are trying to construct their own lifeboat. They’re working to create their own road to heaven, their own plan of redemption, and their own checklist of accomplishments and ‘good things’ that would certify their status as acceptable to God. But there is already a way, a lifeboat already exists. Jesus paid the price for our sin so we would not have to endure eternal separation from God because of our sinful condition. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God looks on us and sees Jesus. His sacrifice bought our freedom. His death was our life preserver.
So, how do you get into the lifeboat with Jesus? Oh, friends, it’s easier than you would imagine. There is no work to be done. It is simply confessing with your mouth that you believe Jesus is Lord, and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Reach out and take His hand. Let Him bring you into His kingdom. Let Him be your Lord and Master. He already did the work. You just need to believe. Trust Him and obey.
Is your son or daughter pursuing redemption through the world? Are they building their own lifeboat that will never withstand the storms of life? We need the power of the Holy Spirit to bring conviction, to remove the veil that blinds them to the Truth, and to move their hearts to want to embrace Jesus as Lord. Pray for that today.
Maybe a parent is resistant or defiant, consumed with doing things as they’ve always been done, honoring ancestors, traditions, and working their way to redemption. Pray that the Holy Spirit would overshadow all of these chains and obstacles that keep them entangled to the lies of the enemy. Pray that He would open their eyes to the Truth of the gospel and bring a change in their heart that would empower them to embrace salvation in Jesus.
Perhaps it’s a friend or co-worker, someone for whom you care deeply but whose life is hostage to things that keep them from true freedom in Christ. They are pursuing success, and climbing the ladder to the ‘next thing’ they hope will bring happiness and purpose. They are entangled in politics and arguments, trusting that being ‘right’ will ensure their survival. The Holy Spirit is powerful to break the addictions and silence the distractions. and voices that dissent. Pray that the Lord would intervene and show them true freedom in Christ.
Our prayers are powerful and effective. Sometimes we think that ‘just praying’ is a weak response, but friends, when we pray, we unlock a spiritual realm that is beyond our ability to see with our eyes and we engage power in God that will crush the enemy. Praying is the best thing we can do. We have the Almighty on our side- who better to fight the spiritual battle? Who better to man the lifeboat? Today, let’s pray that those we love are in the lifeboat and know for certainty that they have faith in Christ to preserve the soul.
“Oh Lord, our great God and Father, You are mighty to save. You made a way for us to be delivered from this dying world and from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus, You are our wonderful Savior who, because You love us so, took the punishment and shame that would be ours. You endured it so we would not have to. My heart is heavy for (name). They need to know You, Lord. They need Your salvation and deliverance from all the lies and distractions that keep them from Jesus. Holy Spirit, I pray that You would fall upon (name) today. Overwhelm them with Your love. Bring conviction over sin. Stir a sorrow in their heart that only You can soothe. I pray that (name) would surrender their heart and life to You, Lord. Give them a hope that is eternal and a faith that is sure. Help them not to look to those things they can see, but to see with their heart those things that are unseen yet certain. Lord, give them faith to believe and courage to continue. Don’t let them shrink back to destruction but give them mighty faith in Jesus that will preserve their soul. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing, friends. God is still and always working!
G5289 - hypostolē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (ESV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5289/esv/mgnt/0-1/
Criticism vs. Discernment
What is the difference between criticism and discernment?
My spirit has been bothered recently at the amount of criticism flying on social media and other engagement platforms, especially between believers. It is a chorus of people railing at one another for their stance or conviction on issues, events, and leaders. Some have embraced social media as their platform to ‘bring change’ but their method is criticism. It is destructive and hurtful. But to understand why, you need to look at the meanings of the words.
The word, criticism, is the Greek word momaomai (1) and it means to blame, find fault with, mock at, to censure and discredit.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 6:3, “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.” He did not want his words or actions to cause mockery or censure of his ministry. What is a stumbling block? Words, actions, and attitudes that do not reflect Christ or that promote our agenda, not His.
The Old Testament also addresses criticism. The Hebrew word is harap (2) and it means to expose, to carp at, to defame or reproach. Nehemiah uses this to describe a plot by ungodly men to cause him to sin and thus discredit him. “He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.” Nehemiah 6:13 These men were cultivating a reproach against Nehemiah. Judges 8:15ff shows Gideon using the same word when others taunted him, trying to gain an edge in a power struggle. Gideon was pursuing what was right. The others were pursuing their own power, benefit, and reputation.
We use criticism to correct. Yet, has someone’s criticism ever encouraged you to change your mind? Has it pushed you to do better? I don’t know about you, but criticism breaks me down. It discourages me and pushes me further away from that person and what they’re trying to accomplish. Yet, we fall into the trap of thinking we’ll change people’s minds and hearts by criticizing.
Friends, the act of criticism is not discernment. It is used to bring others down and in so doing, make ourselves look better, smarter, more godly. It is a horizontal engagement between people that does little to point others to Christ. Criticism breeds self-righteousness. It is a sin.
Discernment is vastly different. There are two Greek words for this, the first is dokimazo (3) and it means to test, approve, examine, scrutinize to see whether a thing is genuine or not. It is to have the ability to recognize something (or someone) as genuine. That is only accomplished when one is very knowledgeable about the truth and what is precise and correct. It is not founded on personal knowledge or opinion. It is not based on feelings, but on Truth. One must know the Truth of Scripture in order to discern what is deceptive, incorrect, or evil.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
We need to recognize that discernment is not based on knowing the issues, knowing the candidates, or knowing our personal convictions. It is solely based on knowing God’s truth and being able to recognize, in our spirit and our mind, what aligns with Christ and what is anti-Christ.
Philippians goes a step further using another version of the word for discernment, aisthesis (4). It means perception, judgment, and cognition not only by one’s senses, but by their intellect as well. It requires knowledge.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” Philippians 1:9-10
The typical Greek word used for knowledge is the word gnosis (5) which means experiential knowledge, relationship knowledge, but not necessarily Christian ‘culture’ or Biblical precepts. But Paul makes a significant distinction in Philippians and uses the word epignosis (5) and it means full discernment and precise and correct knowledge. It is knowledge of God and His word, not of our own intellect and perception of people, events, and information. Do you see the difference? Discernment is grounded in Biblical Truth and it is a vertical interaction between us and God for the purpose of discernment of Godly things. It is knowledge that impacts our behavior and attitudes so they reflect God more accurately in our vertical interaction with Him that impacts our interaction with others. It is vastly different from criticism based on average, common knowledge and for the goal of bettering ourselves in a horizontal interaction with others.
We need to pray for our sons and daughters that a spirit of criticism does not take root, or if it already has, that God would remove it and instead give them a heart and mind ready for and able to practice discernment. Pray that they are burdened to see Christ glorified and authentically reflected through their lives. Pray that they are willing to set aside ‘being right’ for allowing God to work through them and make them more like Him. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. He doesn’t need our help in tearing one another down with criticism. Our responsibility is to pursue truth and live it out with discernment.
“Heavenly Father, You are so good and patient to continue teaching us. You are kind, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. You are faithful to pursue us, encourage us and teach us, ensuring that we do not stay where we are and what we are, but you daily transform us into the likeness of You Son, Jesus. I pray for (name) today that You would continue to transform them into Your likeness. Remove any spirit of criticism that would overshadow their desire to know You more and represent You authentically. I pray that the vertical relationship with You would be their priority. Remove any vain desire to be ‘right’ toward others in a way that would tear them down, belittle them or turn them away from the gospel. Keep them from the sin of self-righteousness. Cultivate in them precise and correct knowledge of Your Word. Let them hunger and thirst after righteousness. Let their light shine before others so they would see their good works and glorify You. Lord, You do not need us to defend You. You are mighty and strong. You need our obedience. I pray that (name) would have strong discernment to obey, to remain quiet when You ask them to, and when they speak, to speak words of life that are like honey, a balm to those to hear them and encouragement to those who need to know You are the Living Water they thirst for. Lord, I pray that You would help me to not be critical. Put a guard on my mouth so that I do not say things that would be ungodly or hurtful. I pray that You would continue to teach me so that I can live out the example You desire for my sons and daughters. Thank you for Your faithfulness to me and to my family. May You be glorified through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
G3469 - mōmaomai - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3469/niv/mgnt/0-1/
H2778 - ḥārap̄ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2778/niv/wlc/0-1/
G1381 - dokimazō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1381/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G144 - aisthēsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g144/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1108 - gnōsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1108/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1922 - epignōsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (NIV). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1922/niv/mgnt/0-1/
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Do You Believe in the Sovereignty of God?
God’s sovereignty is beyond our understanding
Stop and think about that. Then consider the following:
There is much happening in our world and I see so many people arguing politics. They are shocked and devastated at how events are playing out. (It IS grievous. It should not be surprising.)
But consider scripture and what is foretold. We know things will turn and go badly. We know that nation will rise up against nation. There will be wars, famines, earthquakes... honestly, scripture reads like the CBS evening news. What we're not hearing is of the beheading of 60 Christian believers in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The genocide of believers in Muslim-controlled nations. It should break our hearts and put us on notice.
This week’s dust up between Trump and Zelensky led many to shout on social media about their opposition, disgust, and what they believe should be done. Then, I read a statement from a Eastern European politician and former prime minister of Estonia, K. Kallas, that said "Today it became clear that the free world needs a new leader. It’s up to us, Europeans, to take this challenge.” (1)
Does that give you chills? It should. Considering prophecy, where will the antichrist come from? Hmmm.
“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done.”
When we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” consider what that means. We will see world events, leaders, and alliances collide and separate in ways that could be terrifying. Could God be using politicians to begin setting the stage for what is to come? We need to be cautious that we’re not caught in the deception the enemy is weaving “if it were possible, even the elect would be deceived.” Matthew 24:24
There are so many moving parts that we do not see. We must be careful not to assume we have the whole picture, and we must be very cautious not to assume we know the mind of God. We need to do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. We need to care for the widow, the orphan, the foreigner. We need to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. But God will do what He will and our anger, indignation and ‘know better’ needs to be in full surrender to His Lordship. Friends, things are happening that are far beyond our control. It’s easy for us, for our sons and daughters, to get caught up in the rallying cry for justice and change. But our submission to Christ must be at the center.
Mark 12-13 Jesus spoke to the apostles about the signs of the last days. He didn’t say fight. He didn’t say, “vote”. He didn’t say,” protest”. He said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and will deceive many.” How can the enemy lure us into deception? By keeping us busy with arguments and anger as if they will rectify things.
And how can we avoid deception? Jesus said in Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” If we know God and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will know who the counterfeits are. We don’t study falsehood to identify falsehood. We study the truth so that the falsehood is magnified when we encounter it.
At some point, world politics will take a very dark turn- we’re seeing the signs. Our future here is tenuous. It is temporary. What we do for eternity matters. God is sovereign and He will do what He wills. Will we do His will as well?
We need to be in the Word, and then we need to share the gospel. When we stand before the Savior He’s not going to commend us for our die-hard support of (insert political party name or side of dispute). Are we being good and faithful servants? Are we pointing others to Christ.
So, how can we pray?
We must pray for discernment, authentic faith, love and commitment to God, an attitude of guardedness and watchfulness. Pray these scriptures over your sons and daughters
First, we need to pray that our sons and daughters have discernment.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11
Next, we need to pray that they love God authentically and wholly – no compromise, no divided heart, no part-time religion.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
If our sons and daughters love God with all that they have and are, there is no room for deception and no opportunity for redirection to a false god.
We must pray that they are on their guard
The Greek word, ‘blepo’= to beware, perceive and take heed. Throughout Mark 12 and 13, Jesus warns us of what will come. His instructions are to be on your guard, be alert, be watchful. It also means to turn or direct your thoughts to a thing (2). He explained what was to come so that we would know and be watching.
“He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,' and, ‘The time is near.' Do not follow them.” Luke 21:8
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.” Luke 21:36
Finally, we need to pray they remain spiritually alert.
The Greek word for ‘alert’ is ‘agrypneo; and it means to be sleepless, to keep awake, to watch (3). It’s easy to fall into the lull of the daily routine and lose sight of Jesus’ pending return. We need to pray that our sons and daughters would be watchful and ever-ready to meet Him.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:32-33
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”” Luke 12:40
These are prayer points not just for our sons and daughters, but for all believers. We need to be authentic, guarded, alert, and ready. Keep praying friends. God is not done working, but He is soon returning.
Prodigal Prayer:
The urgency and angst of knowing your loved one is not in the fold of the Shepherd is overwhelming. The first thing you need to pray is that they would learn to love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength and the next is that the Lord would protect them from deception as they grow and learn in their walk with Him. Guardedness and watchfulness will come with spiritual maturity, but first they need to submit themselves to Jesus’ Lordship and begin to grow in wisdom and knowledge. Pray that the Holy Spirit would interrupt their thoughts, that He would bring other believers to speak into their lives, and would bring conviction and sorrow over sin so they would turn from darkness to light and from deception to Truth. God is able!
Final Thoughts:
It is a joy to pray together, even though the Join the PAC followers are spread across the globe! Imagine the reunion we will enjoy in heaven when we all meet and share how God worked in and through us as we prayed! Every tribe, nation, and language celebrating and praising the King of Kings! Don’t get discouraged. God is working even when we can’t see it and when it seems all is stagnant. He works in times and ways that are beyond our understanding!
Pray without ceasing!
1. Oliver, C., Faggionato, G., Goury-Laffont, V., & Griera, M. (2025, February 28). “free world needs a new leader”: Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack. POLITICO. https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-jd-vance-oval-office-white-house-us-ukraine-war-russia/
2. G991 - blepō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g991/niv/mgnt/0-1/
3. G69 - agrypneō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g69/niv/mgnt/0-1/
A great resource for the upcoming Lenten season!
Are you looking for a resource for the Lenten Season? Why not consider reading and praying using the book 40 Days of Prayer for the Prodigal to walk through specific prayer for those who need the Lord. Both the book and the journal can be found on Amazon.
