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I've heard sermons about Demas over the years, often the sermon condemns Demas as being unsaved and leaving the church to follow his worldly heart. However, I have also heard sermons that put forth the argument that Demas was saved, but the missionary life (extremely dangerous, especially at the point where Paul mentions Demas forsaking him) was too much for him and the thought of losing his life (loving the present world = he was afraid to die) was what made him decide to leave Paul and move to Thessalonica. Also, the verse says Demas forsook Paul, not God. These sermons about Demas being a Christian raise the question that possibly when he moved to Thessalonica he continued in the church there, just not in ministry of any kind. I've heard both theories of Demas preached with equal authority and passion for God's word, but the truth is, we don't know. Only God knows the truth of Demas' heart and why he chose to forsake Paul and the ministry and move to Thessalonica. There are missionaries and pastors who leave the field and pastorate all the time for various reasons. Doesn't mean they left God as well.

My opinion - Demas was saved. Depending on the extent of his "forsaking," he might end up like the man of 1 Corinthians 3:15 - suffering loss at the Judgment Seat of Christ; but he himself still being saved, "yet so as by fire."

Maybe smarter in tech usage. A lot of modern technology dumbs people down. Less reading, more entertainment. Less hard working study, and more quick clicking for the answer (and I find that causes many to not value the information when it comes to Bible study). Though there are thankfully some that do appreciate God's Word that much more because now they have an ability to study it more easily that they did not before. (I know you were not necessarily referring to studying the Bible through technology, but that is something that has been on my mind and in my personal conversations with friends recently.)

If you have trusted the gospel of the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord it doesn't matter how "apostate" you may become you are sealed unto the day of redemption. You might end up with nothing at the judgement seat other than your salvation. Personally, I know of many backsliders but not many who have completely rejected the bible. I have talked with some who claimed to have become atheist or agnostic but you can still sense they believe the bible they are just angry and backslidden for whatever reason.

Some do preach the truth about salvation, and there are many that do not. Some add a gospel of works into the mixed - must be baptized in Jesus' name, must speak in tongues - and some are just plain off in their theology (some in major ways, teaching we are all little gods, Jesus suffered in Hell and was born again there, name it and claim it theology - and of course, believing sign gifts are for today, which includes believing that the Bible is not complete and people are getting new revelation today in the form of prophecies, dreams, visions, etc.). To sum it up: some particular people in charismatic and pentecostal churches may be saved, and there may even be specific churches that are closer to the truth than others - however, they are such a horrible mess of false teachings and dangerous signs and wonders, it is better to steer clear of them.

If you have a colonoscopy and they take out half of your colon, does that mean now you have a semi-colon?

I’ll care! ?? Semi-colons are used to separate parts of a compound sentence where there is no conjunction (word). For example: ”I need milk; I’m going to the stores.” If a conjunction is present, a comma should be used instead of a semi-colon: ”I need milk, but the store is out.” So a semi-colon basically pairs two separate statements. A colon introduces a list, example or quotation, or provides emphasis: ”Please go to the store and get: milk, potatoes and salt.” Colons are tricksier, and I find that I rarely use one. (I agree with the thought above that it could be disposed of.) But the correct use of a semi-colon is easy and should NEVER be confused. ? In the example “A brute…” above, a colon is actually used incorrectly in place of a semi-colon. I’m going to guess usage has shifted since 1828.