The Scary Truth About Falling Away: Lessons from History and How to Guard Your Spiritual Walk with Jesus
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In this post, drawn from my recent "Coffee with Conrad" discussion, I'm going to walk through some historical and even personal examples of individuals who, at one point, seemed deeply connected to God, perhaps even moving in the supernatural and receiving prophetic insights, yet somehow drifted away from that initial fervency. More importantly, we'll delve into what we can do as followers of Jesus to safeguard our own hearts and minds against such a decline.
The Danger of Spiritual Drift: More Common Than We Think
Think about someone you know, or perhaps even yourself at a different point in your life, who was absolutely on fire for God. They were passionate, maybe even operating in the gifts of the Spirit, seeing supernatural manifestations, and speaking with prophetic clarity. But then, something shifted. They seemed to lose that initial zeal, their connection to the spiritual realm appeared to wane, and they weren't quite where they used to be in their walk with Jesus.
I’ve observed this happening more frequently with those who initially embrace Jesus through intellectual agreement alone, without cultivating a deep, personal, and spiritual relationship. However, and this is a critical point, it can happen to deeply spiritual people as well. That’s why I felt it was so important to dig deeper into this topic – so we can all be more aware of the potential pitfalls in our own lives.
Historical Echoes of Apostasy: Lessons from the Past
To understand the gravity of this, let's look at a few historical figures whose stories serve as stark warnings.
Alexander Dowie: From Healing Power to Prideful Fall
First, there was Alexander Dowie. You might not recognize the name, and there’s a significant reason for that. In the late 1800s, Dowie’s healing ministry was nothing short of extraordinary. As the founder of Zion, Illinois, he established a remarkable healing center. The sheer number of miracles witnessed within his ministry was astounding. His church walls reportedly became a testament to divine healing, covered with abandoned medical devices – crutches, wheelchairs, braces – left behind by those who experienced miraculous restoration.
What made his ministry particularly compelling was the extensive documentation of these healings. Blind eyes were opened, terminal cancers vanished, paralyzed limbs regained movement, and deaf ears were restored. Dowie's influence was so profound that even medical doctors attended his services to witness these unexplainable supernatural events firsthand. People traveled across continents, and hospitals sent their incurable cases to him. The testimonies were endless.
However, this very success became the seed of his downfall. As Dowie’s reputation grew, so did his ego. The constant acclaim and witnessing of miracles began to distort his self-perception. What started as genuine humility before God gradually morphed into spiritual pride. The breaking point came when he made an astonishing and, frankly, delusional declaration: he claimed to be Elijah the restorer, the prophesied return of the biblical prophet. This marked the beginning of his rapid decline. His once pure ministry became tainted with grandiose claims and financial mismanagement. By 1907, the man who had once channeled such extraordinary healing power died in relative obscurity, a sobering reminder that even the mightiest can fall through pride.
His story, though largely forgotten, is a powerful cautionary tale. It screams, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12 KJV) This could happen to anyone, myself included, and that’s part of why I felt compelled to share this on "Coffee with Conrad."
William Branham: The Perils of Moving Beyond Your Calling
Next, let's consider William Branham, one of the most gifted healing evangelists of the 20th century. He was particularly known for his extraordinary gift of words of knowledge and healing – truly amazing supernatural manifestations. However, his story also serves as a sobering reminder about the dangers of spiritual pride and moving beyond one's God-given calling.
Early in his ministry, Branham demonstrated a remarkable ability to receive detailed words of knowledge about people's conditions and circumstances. His accuracy in discerning illnesses and personal details about complete strangers was widely documented, often accompanied by a powerful healing anointing. These spiritual gifts made him one of the most influential healing ministers of his time.
Despite his effectiveness in the healing ministry, Branham began to drift. Instead of focusing on the healing and prophetic gifts God had clearly given him, he attempted to establish himself as a teacher of doctrine. This shift proved problematic as he started promoting increasingly bizarre and controversial teachings. Like Alexander Dowie before him, Branham tragically began to believe he was the prophet Elijah returned to Earth. This error, combined with other questionable doctrines, marked the beginning of his end.
Kenneth Hagin, a respected voice in the charismatic movement and founder of RHEMA Bible Training College, even prophetically warned Branham to return to his original calling in healing and to cease teaching these strange doctrines. Hagin recounted the Lord saying to him, "Go warn him about his teaching. He's got a spirit of error. He's sincere, but he's sincerely wrong." Tragically, this warning went unheeded. Branham's life ended in a fatal car accident in December 1965. His story stands as both a testament to the reality of genuine spiritual gifts and a stark warning about the dangers of venturing beyond one's divine assignment and the subtle creep of spiritual pride.
Charles Templeton: The Intellectual Ascent and Spiritual Descent
The third historical figure I want to highlight is Charles Templeton. I've actually done a YouTube video on him that gets a lot of attention because many find it hard to believe how he went from being a dynamic evangelist to a declared agnostic. Templeton was one of the most influential evangelists of the mid-20th century. He drew massive crowds and led thousands to faith in Christ.
In his early ministry in the 1940s, Templeton was a rising star. His natural charisma, powerful speaking ability, and apparent passion for the gospel made him incredibly effective. He conducted successful crusades across North America alongside his contemporary and friend, Billy Graham. At the height of his ministry, many considered Templeton to be even more gifted in public speaking than Graham.
However, despite his success, Templeton’s approach to faith was primarily intellectual rather than deeply spiritual. And as I always emphasize on "Coffee with Conrad," you've got to have a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus. While Templeton excelled at presenting logical arguments for Christianity, he began neglecting the personal spiritual aspects of his relationship with God. He focused heavily on academic study and intellectual pursuits, gradually distancing himself from prayer and personal devotion. Consequently, he began questioning fundamental Christian doctrines. His intellectual doubts eventually overwhelmed his intellectual defense of the faith.
In the 1950s, Templeton's doubts reached a critical point, crashing down upon him. Questions about suffering, biblical interpretation, and the very existence of God tormented him. Unlike Billy Graham, who chose to trust God despite his questions, Templeton allowed his intellectual doubts to erode his faith completely. In his later years, he left ministry and declared himself an agnostic, even writing a book titled "Farewell to God: My Reasons for Rejecting the Christian Faith," detailing his journey. Templeton's story serves as a powerful reminder that faith must be rooted in both heart and mind. Intellectual knowledge alone cannot sustain spiritual life. Regular spiritual practices are essential, and doubts must be addressed within the context of a living relationship with God, anchored in the Word. As I often think about, the devil loves to sow seeds of doubt (Matthew 4, Luke 4 KJV), and our defense is knowing and wielding the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17 KJV). This requires that spiritual connection with God for the Spirit to wield that sword effectively.
Personal Encounters with Shifting Spiritual Landscapes
Beyond these historical examples, I’ve also witnessed similar patterns in my own journey, particularly since the advent of platforms like YouTube. When YouTube was still relatively new, I connected with many individuals who were passionate about the Lord Jesus and eager to share their faith. Many had a great zeal and seemed to be receiving revelation from the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of truth. However, I often noticed that their insights weren't always firmly grounded in the Bible.
Being someone who often has scriptures come to mind when others speak, I would often share relevant Bible verses in their comment sections. It was as if they were touching on scriptural truths without fully recognizing them. Some of these content creators did catch on and began to understand firsthand that the Spirit and the Word agree. This is a foundational principle: the Spirit never violates the Bible. If something seems contrary to Scripture, we must be very cautious about its origin. Of course, God can challenge our theological understanding at times, but discerning the difference is crucial.
Sadly, I've also seen several spiritual individuals, people who I genuinely believe were hearing from the Spirit of God, gradually drift away from their initial spiritual fidelity. They might not have fully rejected God to the point of complete apostasy, but they definitely fell away from where they once were. This has taught me a profound lesson: having a spiritual experience or even a deep connection with God at one point doesn't guarantee immunity from falling away. We must remain humble and ever vigilant.
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"Sunshine": The Allure of the New Age
One individual, whom I'll call "Sunshine," was incredibly on fire for God. When they spoke, they would often quote scripture supernaturally, even though they weren't particularly well-versed in the Bible. It was akin to how the Holy Spirit brings God’s words to remembrance (John 14:26 KJV). I was truly amazed and would often confirm the scriptures they were quoting in the comments. Unfortunately, "Sunshine" later became deeply involved in New Age teachings, mixing them with their Christian beliefs. As this happened, they also began talking extensively about spiritual attacks, framing them as almost a validation of their spiritual status.
Scripture warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). Engaging with New Age practices as a Christian opens dangerous spiritual doors and inevitably leads to theological confusion. Today, "Sunshine" still creates content, but it’s largely centered around New Age concepts, with only occasional, often misapplied, biblical references. Instead of standing firm in their faith and resisting the enemy (James 4:7 KJV), they seemed to embrace these attacks as a badge of honor. Their fundamental error was failing to ground themselves firmly in God's Word. It underscores the absolute necessity of having a spiritual relationship with the biblical Jesus, where both the Spirit and the Word are our anchors and guides. Scripture must be the standard for testing everything in our lives, even our spiritual experiences. As Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV), we must be "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Mixing the New Age with Christianity is a dangerous path that inevitably leads away from the truth.
"Mandy": The Cost of Passion in a Hostile Home
Another person, whom I'll call "Mandy," had a powerful prophetic calling and was genuinely on fire for God. She had an extraordinary gift for delivering compelling prophetic messages that deeply resonated with people. While facing marital problems and caring for her children, her passion for God remained unwavering. We must remember the words of Jesus: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26 KJV). Jesus demands a radical commitment, placing Him above all else in priority, though not in neglect of our responsibilities.
"Mandy’s" spiritual fervor was so intense that her non-believing husband and in-laws believed she needed psychiatric help. This tragically reflects the truth of 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV): "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Unbeknownst to me, as I had plans to interview her, her marriage was falling apart. Eventually, her family began threatening legal action to gain custody of her children, using her YouTube prophetic videos as evidence of mental instability. It’s a stark reminder of Jesus’ warning: "And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death" (Mark 13:12 KJV). Sometimes, those closest to us can become the greatest opposition when we fervently pursue Jesus. Ultimately, "Mandy" faced an agonizing choice between her God-given ministry and her family. She chose to step away entirely from her online presence, and all traces of her vanished. Her story teaches us that our commitment to Jesus may indeed lead to opposition from those closest to us. Jesus himself said, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house" (Matthew 13:57 KJV), and "a man's foes shall be they of his own household" (Matthew 10:36 KJV). While "Mandy's" situation was heartbreaking, we are reminded of Jesus' promise in Matthew 19:29 (KJV): "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." We can only imagine the impact her prophetic ministry could have had under different circumstances. Her experience serves as another cautionary tale: pursuing Jesus can bring unexpected opposition, even within your own home.
"Samantha": The Necessity of Spiritual Oversight
Then there's "Samantha," who came out of witchcraft. What's often remarkable about individuals who transition from such backgrounds without prior church conditioning is their fresh, untainted perspective on Scripture. Free from religious traditions and preconceptions, "Samantha" often experienced a pure connection with God, receiving clear prophetic revelations and accurate words of knowledge, demonstrating the gifts of the Spirit described in 1 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV): "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit."
When you have a genuine relationship with the Spirit, these gifts are accessible. And "Samantha" certainly had them. However, the critical missing element in her walk was spiritual oversight and accountability. This is why I consistently emphasize the importance of having a mentor, as Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) encourages us to "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
The vital importance of mentors, especially in prophetic ministry, cannot be overstated. Even though such mentorship can be rare, it is essential. God has consistently provided mentors for me throughout my own journey. Without proper accountability and guidance, "Samantha's" ministry unfortunately began to deteriorate. It reminded me of Kenneth Hagin's warning to William Branham to stay within his calling and avoid venturing into unauthorized teaching, echoing Paul's words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): "Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."
While "Samantha" remains a Christian, like William Branham, she has drifted into strange doctrines without any spiritual accountability. Interestingly, those who operate in the prophetic often experience frustration with those who don't readily understand their spiritual insights. This is where grounded, biblically sound individuals, even cessationists, can serve as important checks and balances. Just as Eli mentored the young prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 3 KJV), even though Eli's own ability to hear God was diminished, spiritual guidance is crucial. "Samantha's" story is a sobering reminder of the necessity of spiritual accountability and the importance of staying within our God-given calling.
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"Jack": The Lure of Monetization and Popularity
Another individual, whom I’ll call "Jack," initially demonstrated a remarkable spiritual connection with me, even though we had never met in person, only online. I would often emerge from my prayer time with a specific revelation, only to find that "Jack" had tweeted the very same thing, often on the same day and around the same time. It felt like a real-life manifestation of 1 Corinthians 2:10 (KJV): "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." It was as if we were both tapping into the same spiritual current.
This synchronized revelation occurred consistently for several months, a powerful testament to how God’s Spirit can speak the same truth through multiple believers. However, things began to shift when "Jack" expressed a desire to monetize these spiritual insights. Initially, it seemed harmless enough, bringing to mind the scripture, "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward" (1 Timothy 5:18 KJV). But a concerning change followed. Soon, his messages no longer aligned with the revelations I was receiving; that spiritual connection seemed to vanish. He then began teaching things that echoed Paul's warning in 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV): "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." His focus shifted from authentic spiritual ministry to gaining followers and "likes," which, in turn, translated into financial gain. As we know, "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10 KJV).
While I wouldn't label "Jack" as a complete apostate, he is certainly not where he once was spiritually. His emphasis seems to be more on building his personal platform than on advancing God's kingdom. Jesus' words are particularly relevant here: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36 KJV). "Jack’s" experience underscores the subtle but dangerous shift that can occur when the focus moves from genuine spiritual connection to the pursuit of worldly gain and recognition. We must always be on guard against such temptations.
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"Jimbo": The Confining Walls of Comfort
Finally, let's talk about "Jimbo," a young man who was incredibly passionate and on fire for God. He lived out Matthew 5:16 (KJV): "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." He actively participated in outreach ministries, feeding the homeless and boldly preaching the gospel on college campuses. People were drawn to his passionate engagement with Jesus and the message of salvation.
However, his ministry shifted when he was invited to preach inside church buildings. While this might seem like a positive progression, there’s an important distinction to be made. Preaching, as described in Romans 10:14-15 (KJV), involves publicly proclaiming the gospel – a public heralding of the good news. Teaching, while also vital, typically occurs within the context of the church. "Jimbo" was effective in his sermons within the church, and eventually, he accepted a position as a corporate pastor.
This marked a significant change. Jesus commands us to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 KJV). Yet, "Jimbo" became confined to the church building. He stopped going out into the streets, no longer preached on college campuses, and ceased all outreach activities.
His light had dimmed. While I wouldn't say he abandoned his faith, he appears to have stepped back from his higher calling. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:14 (KJV), "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." This passage has always resonated deeply with me. Consequently, many who might have encountered the gospel through his public ministry remain unreached.
It makes me consider how rarely we see genuine public proclamation of the gospel in our cities today. If you truly read the Bible, especially Romans 10 and Jesus’ commands about the Great Commission, it seems to me that preachers should be eager to be on the front lines, publicly sharing the good news. The early church certainly preached boldly in public spaces (Acts 17:17 KJV). Have we become ashamed of Jesus that we’ve largely confined our faith within church walls? While "Jimbo" may not have fallen away from faith entirely, his effectiveness for the kingdom has undoubtedly diminished. It echoes the warning in Revelation 2:4 (KJV): "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." We must never lose that initial fire and passion for sharing the gospel, especially not for the sake of comfort or convenience. Don't let your first love grow cold.
Preventing Spiritual Apostasy: Our Responsibility
After walking through these heavy but important stories, from the highs of supernatural healing to the depths of doubt and lost focus, a crucial question arises: how do we, as believers in Jesus, guard our hearts and minds against such spiritual decline? How do we ensure our fire for God continues to burn brightly?
The good news is that Scripture provides clear answers. First and foremost, we must emulate the Bereans, who "were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11 KJV). Our foundation must be the unshakable Word of God. As 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) exhorts us, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This means more than a casual reading; it requires deep, prayerful engagement with Scripture, allowing it to shape our understanding and to test every spiritual experience we have. For as 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) reminds us, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." That word "inspiration" literally means "God-breathed," spiritual in its very essence.
Secondly, there's a vital need for humility and accountability within the body of Christ. "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). We must not let pride take root in our lives, regardless of our spiritual gifts or the revelations we receive. God "resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6 KJV). Part of this humility involves being connected to a community of believers and being open to godly leadership and correction. Hebrews 13:7 (KJV) tells us to "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." We need fellowship with solid, Bible-believing saints, ideally those who manifest the signs of a believer as outlined in Mark chapter 16 (KJV). We need to be under godly leaders who can offer guidance and, when necessary, loving correction.
Thirdly, we must maintain spiritual vigilance. Our adversary is not passive. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) paints a stark picture: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." This demands a consistent prayer life and a conscious effort to put on the whole armor of God, as described in Ephesians chapter 6 (KJV), so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil. Often, we give the devil permission through "open doors" in our lives, which can be ignorance, pride, or various other vulnerabilities.
Finally, we must be zealous for pure doctrine. Paul urged Timothy to "Hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Timothy 1:13 KJV). In our modern age, with so much information available, it’s easy to be drawn to new and exciting teachings that may not be rooted in Scripture. We must be discerning, testing the spirits (1 John 4:1 KJV) and clinging to the truth that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3 KJV). It's easy to dilute the distinctiveness of the gospel by mixing it with unbiblical ideas.
Staying Anchored in Jesus
As we conclude this reflection from "Coffee with Conrad," I want to leave you with the encouragement found in 1 Timothy 4:16 (KJV): "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." Let’s commit to a daily walk that includes diving deep into Scripture, comparing everything we hear and experience against its truth. The Bible is our ultimate litmus test. Let's prioritize prayer and worship, stay firmly planted in a Bible-believing community with godly oversight, and always walk in humility. By doing so, we not only safeguard our own souls but also become beacons of truth for others.
Stay anchored in Jesus. Stay vigilant in the Spirit. Keep that fire for God burning bright! And remember the beautiful promise from Jude 1:24-25 (KJV): "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
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