Backsliding Christians

Have you ever temporarily lapsed into unbelief and sin after you became a Christian? The condition of backsliding results from spiritual apathy or disregard for the truth of God’s Word. It results in a departure from a winsome confession of faith and Biblical ethical standards. Actions are affected by our attitudes toward God and His Word.

Jesus said, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

Backsliding is different from apostasy, which spurns the grace of God by renouncing the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-31). When a person renounces his faith in Christ that person was never a true child of God, and never was among the elect of God (John 3:18-21, 36; 5:24-29).

On the other hand, the elect individual, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and redeemed by God has been delivered once-for-all from the bondage of sin. Backsliding is not a “fall from grace” in the sense that a Christian once saved by grace can lose his eternal life in Christ. He is God’s child forever, and He has placed His life in the believing sinner.

There were times when the disciples of Jesus withdrew from fellowship with the Lord (Matt. 26:56), Peter denied Christ (26:69-75), Corinthian believers lived in sin (2 Cor. 12:20-21), the Church in Asia became lukewarm (Rev. 2:4, 14-15, 20), etc.

The people of Israel serve as an example for Christians today. We are exhorted to persevere in righteousness and doing the will of God. Israel forsook her covenant with the LORD God (Jer. 2:19; 8:5; 14:7), and demonstrated her unfaithfulness by disobeying God.

In the New Testament backsliding is viewed as an individual problem, although it is possible for churches to become backslidden, too.

Why do Christians become backslidden? We all still possess the old nature that is “corrupt through deceitful lusts” (Eph. 4:22; Rom. 7:13-24; 1 Cor. 3:1-3). Lack of continuous fellowship by “abiding” in Christ results in a lack of spiritual vitality and ineffective Christian service (Jn. 15:4-8). There is no other way to live the Christian life except by maintaining an intimate fellowship with our Lord. If we do not maintain that vital contact with Him we cannot sustain spiritual growth and effectively minister in His name.

Unbelief (Heb. 3:12), bitterness (12:15), love for the world (2 Tim. 4:10), love for money (1 Tim. 6:10), adherence to worldly philosophy (Col. 2:8), legalism (Gal. 3:1; 1:6; 5:7), indifference and spiritual coldness (Rev. 2:4; 3:16) are other causes for backsliding.

Backsliding grieves the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30), and it displeases our Lord (Heb. 10:38). There are natural consequences that follow this sin (Lev. 26:18-25).

How can we prevent backsliding in our spiritual life? It is essential that we “abide” in Christ (Jn. 15:4-7), remain spiritually alert (Eph. 6:18), put on the full armor of God (v. 10), be prayerful (1 Thess. 5:17), etc. Seek to love the Lord God with all your mind, heart and personal being every day.

We can thank God that He patiently perseveres with His saints. Just as we are to persevere in doing His will, we can be thankful that He has made a wonderful covenant with us in the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. The grace of perseverance is one of the great benefits of the atoning death of Jesus Christ for our sins. The solution for backsliding is found in the abiding love and mercy of our God of grace who remains faithful to His promises.

Backsliding is serious business. Martin Luther well said, “The offenses given within the church are greater than those given among the heathen because when Christians degenerate, they are more godless than the heathen.”

We have a choice. We can progress or regress in our Christian life. We have a great responsibility in how we choose to live the Christian life. God is able to strengthen and progressively sanctify the Christian if we cooperate with Him (Heb. 3:12; Phil. 3:10-16).

The promise to every backsliding Christian is to, “Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 3:7). Acknowledge your sin, turn from it, trust in the Lord for forgiveness and ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your mind, heart and daily life. Jesus says, “Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent” (Rev. 2:5).

It is reassuring that the Bible clearly teaches that the truly spiritual regenerate can never be lost. We are his forever children. Once his child by the new birth, always his child. However we can lose our fellowship with God and our effectiveness in Christian service. The God of all grace has provided a bar of soap; let’s use it often (1 John 1:6-10; 2:2).

Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006 Anyone is free to use this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold under any circumstances whatsoever without the author’s written consent.

SELAH! Pause – reflect- just think of that!

That is Why I

What or whom we worship determines our behavior.

That is why I worship Jesus, because of His love for me I worship Him.

Because of this I live a righteous life.

Because of this stress is replaced with peace.

Selfishness and bitterness is replaced with love. Joseph- Anthony a son of Jehovah

Which No One Can Defeat

 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, worry, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Jehovah in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

Anger truly pollutes the mind.

How many times do we allow anger to boil like a tea kettle and then blow off steam and say words we regret later?

I have found that when anger begins small in my mind I immediately pray to Jehovah for control. He always answers and a disaster is prevented.

I have found that when rehashing incidents in the mind that cause anger, the mind becomes inflamed like a fire with anger and destructive thoughts come to mind on how to avenge the wrong. This, of course leads to disaster.

I have found that when these thoughts enter the mind to immediately pray to my Heavenly Father and He extinguishes those thoughts like a water bomber extinguishes as forest fire.

This is not a one off experience but a daily battle against satan and his goons. They are too strong and witty for me.

The best defense that brings victory for these battles is to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to make me sensitive to them and immediately call in the Holy Warrior which no one can defeat, The Holy Spirit.

Here are a few victory verses. Write them down. Repeat them every morning like you are talking with Jehovah. Carry them with you.

Only by your power can I push back my enemies; only in your name can I trample my foes. Psalms 44:5 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation I am not afraid, for the Holy Spirit is with me.

I am not discouraged, for Jehovah is my God. Jesus strengthens me and helps me. He holds me up with His victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, worry, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Jehovah in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

I give all my worries and cares to Jehovah, for he cares about me. 1 Peter 5:7 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

It is successful for me, why not give it a try?

We are in a spiritual battle every day. The only weapon to guarantee victory is to depend upon the unbeatable Warrior King Jesus Christ and His victory verses which sends the wicked scurrying for cover. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Gibbor Milchamah (Psalms 24:8 The LORD Mighty In Battle) for helping me live a victorious life every day through Your help when I need it and through Your protection when the attacks are too strong for me. Thank you for being so patient with me in this continuing battle that will last all the way to Heavens Gate. I praise You in the name of He who always defeated satan and his minions Jesus Christ my Warrior King. Amen

May you be blessed with abundant joy in your heart filled with love and your life overflowing with laughter every day this year. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Article and photo @ 2020 Joseph a son of Jehovah

He Takes Us Ever Deeper

 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! Psalm 119:7 The Holy Bible The New Living Translation

Righteous: acting in an moral way and virtuous manner ( Moral: founded on the fundamental principles of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or custom, concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical) ( Virtuous: conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright ) Dictionary. com

We are to be grateful for the blessing of being adopted into Jehovahs family. The best manner of doing this is to live as He desires us to be.

To accomplish this we must emulate Christs demeanour. We need the Holy Spirit to teach us morality (although we all know right from wrong in its basics, He takes us ever deeper into it).

As well as the tools to live it out in our daily life.

As this new creation in Christ takes form in our mental, physical and spiritual being we become more and more virtuous.

This is not a one off experience but rather a lifetime commitment.

I have been following Christ for decades and He is still transforming me. We are a work in progress all the way up to Heavens Gate where Christ will perfect us into the beautiful creation Jehovah intends for us to be. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Now, to the world that walks in darkness, this is extremely offensive. It is great to see someone walk with these qualities as long as they do not step upon that individuals toes.

When you are welcomed into Jehovahs family, you will be bitterly rejected by satans family including your family and old friends. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Believe me I have had plenty of experience where the very same man or woman that commends me for behavior with another becomes extremely offended and offensive when the same situation happens between them and me.

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah for sending the Holy Spirit Rabbi (the Holy Spirit my amazing Teacher) for enlightening me to the manner to behave as a child in Your Holy family. Thank You Holy Spirit for teaching me and helping me become the child my Loving Father desires for me to be. In the name of He who I desire the deepest to emulate Jesus Christ. Amen

Christ blesses us with love, peace and joy. May you be blessed with many opportunities to share these with others today.   Joseph a son of Jehovah

  Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2020

A Prayer to Forgive Those

 

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

Father I deeply desire to forgive other as You forgive me.

Help me to forgive those in my care when they are selfish, ungrateful and abusive towards me. I need this to prevent me from having my heart filled with hatred and bitterness. If the heart is filled with this then it is impossible to care in a loving manner.

Help me to stay focused on the fact that in serving them, I am serving You and You are always appreciative of my compassionate efforts.

But, Father just as You specify that repentance must come before forgiveness so too must there be repentance before the healing is possible.                 

Please send the Holy Spirit to convict them and bring them unto repentance less their attitude condemn the to Hell.

Thank you that You are always there for me to cry out my anguish to when those in my care are selfish, abusive and ungrateful. I humbly request this in the name of He who forgave the repentant sinner on the cross beside Him, Jesus Christ. Amen 

Those who refuse to repent are also those who will continue the abuse. Joseph a son of Jehovah

 

May Gods sunshine always bless you with brightening your day with His love, joy and peace. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2020

Are You Ready for Your

 

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.  For you will be treated as you treat others.The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:1-2 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation 

Yes it is your duty to point out others weaknesses and faults but not the right to be judge and jury. You are to help them in their weakness and ignorance with love and compassion not hard heartedness . 

Do you believe you have the right to be judge and jury over others?

If you hold grudges or attempt to take revenge, your own failure is certain. I know, I used to take great pleasure in tormenting anyone who crossed me. But in the end it always boomeranged on me. 

Do you have a self appointed critic attitude?

Do you want to get back on me with a vengeance?

Soon you will be angry with everyone and be very lonely and bitter. Holding grudges is like swallowing acid to punish others. Ir will soon slowly, painfully destroy you.

Are you self righteous?

Do you believe you are better than anyone else?

If you are proud and find pleasure when others fail there will come a time when YOU fail and everyone will laugh at you. . You will be humbled.

Do you believe you are self sufficient taking credit for what God has given you?

If you think you are secure in your possessions and abilities, your situation is sure to change.

At one time in my life I had a good job, lots of money and lived the good life. Without warning the factory closed, my money depleted so bad I had to walk knee deep in snow to collect pop bottles and beer bottles to get enough money to buy a loaf of bread and jar of honey. That is what I lived off of for a week. Thankfully that situation only lasted for a few months I could not pay the hydro so being cut off there was no heat in the house. It was warmer outside than in that house. It was the lowest point of my life and still is branded in my mind.

So do not be egotistic and think you are so high and mighty, that you are secure in your riches. You WILL be brought down in the blink of an eye.

Prayer: Jehovah our gracious God. Thank you for the numerous blessing You have so freely blessed us with.                                      Please guard my heart that it does not become arrogant and take credit for the blessing You gracefully give us.                                   Please bless me not to be judge and jury but rather someone who comes along side the ignorant and help them eliminate their wrong manner of behavior.                                                                   In the name of the One who never judged the adulteress woman Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

The manner in which you judge others, Jesus shall judge you. Joseph a son of Jehovah

May Gods sunshine always bless you with brightening your day with His love, joy and peace.

Joseph a son of Jehovah Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2019

It is Not My Job

 To It is not my job to change anyone’s mind.

It is my duty (which is an act of love) to be obedient and do as the Holy Spirit directs me to do in service to my Heavenly King, Jesus.

When feeling rejected or bitter, I am to stay focused on Jesus’ satisfaction and rewards not mans. I obey King Jesus and leave the results to Him.

It then becomes obvious that Jehovah, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and I have a deep loving relationship. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jesus Helech ‘Olam (The Lord our King Forever) Ps10:16 for blessing me with the honour of serving such an awesome King as You and depending upon You and You alone for praise. It is in Your magnificent name I pray amen.

May you be blessed with abundant joy in your heart filled with love and your life overflowing with laughter every day this year.

It is Rare to See

 

It is rare to see a humble young man or a contented old one. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Maturity is the solidifying of character of respect, integrity, patience, and compassion. It is the constant growing ever closer with Christ not the advancement of age. I have met many immature older adults. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 Holy Bible New Living Translation

I have found more whose heart is full of the poison of bitterness in their old age than the sweet fragrance of gratefulness to Jehovah for all the blessings He has bestowed upon them. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer:Poppa, please bless me to be grateful and content with Your gracious abundant daily blessings You lovingly bless me with. Help me to be appreciative for the most precious eternal blessing You have given me, my loving best friend Jesus. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Wishing you a house full of sunshine, hearts full of cheer and love that grows deeper each day of the year. Welsh blessing

It Has Robbed Them Of

Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 New Living Translation Bible

I have seen hatred and bitterness age many before their time. It has robbed them of the joy of life, it has robbed them of peace of mind. It has robbed them of contentment in life. It seems to me that bitterness is one of the biggest thief of all, yet so many worship it in their daily lives.

Bitterness always starts out small like a peppermint seed, yet if you allow it to take root it slowly chokes out all the vegetation around it.

I know some folks that have held grudge over small insignificant acts for over sixty years. It has spread to every aspect of their once vibrant life so bad that if they ever smiled it would crack their face. It is very pitiful to see. Many times the ones they are bitter towards are either dead or have moved away and know nothing of the hatred towards them. Many of the folks were big and strong but this vile disease has sucked the vitality out of their bodies as well as their minds and spirits. Now they are empty, pitiful, angry folks that have allowed this disease to destroy their lives. “

We cannot live with bitterness because it will first manifest itself in our spirit, then in our emotions, and finally in our bodies.” — Tom Drout

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Rapha (God my healer) for generously applying Your Divine healing balm which purged the vileness of bitterness from my heart. I adore You in the name of He who was and is the greatest healer of them all, Jesus Christ. Amen

May Christ bless you with love, joy and peace today and every day.

Labour to Grow Better

 “Indeed, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested and chosen you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10 The Holy Bible Amplified Version

He loves you too much to allow it to grow.

That is why Jehovah refines us in the furnace of affliction. When there are (and there always is) ungodly behavior, belief or dispositions in a Christians life.

Jehovah first bring it to His child’s attention and inform them of the way to correct this disease.

When the child stubbornly refuse to obey our Heavenly Father, then He brings afflictions to them to encourage them to reform their ways.

The longer the child refuses the Fathers disciple, the stronger the discipline becomes until it crushes the disobedience in the child. It is not pleasant but it is what is best for us in the walk to Heaven.

I have been through it and every Christian will go through it as well. Sometimes we learn quick, sometimes (like me) we learn slow so we endure a lot of afflictions until the lesson of obedience is learned in every aspect of our life.

“Labour to grow better under all your afflictions, lest your afflictions grow worse, lest God mingle them with more darkness, bitterness and terror.” — John Owen

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Bara (The Lord Creator) for patiently creating this child of Yours into a obedient, loving child through many afflictions when I was a stubborn and obstinate child. I pray I never have to hurt Your precious heart by forcing You to discipline me in such a manner every again because I love You so much. I exalt You in the name of He who disciplines those He loves so dearly Jesus Christ. Amen.

Wishing you a house full of sunshine, hearts full of cheer and love that grows deeper each day of the year. Welsh blessing