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!

And Thank Him

 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

Prayer without having thanks included in it is like the greedy always saying gimme, gimme, gimme without saying thank you. Why would Jehovah even listen to such a selfish request? Joseph- Anthony a Son of Jehovah

I Have Met Many That Were

Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.Be wise enough to know when to quit.In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,for it will sprout wingsand fly away like an eagle. Proverbs 23:4-5 The Holy Bible The New Century Version

I have met many that were obsessed with becoming wealthy.

The problem was that it completely took over their every thought and actions. They destroyed their health because of working long hours and worrying about losing their wealth. They worshipped wealth instead of Jesus.

The problem with that was that things cannot love you back and your life is bankrupt without love.

Soon their health deteriorates and they become addicted to drugs to kill the pain. As well they suffer from the mental pain of loneliness. Again they become addicted to drugs and or booze. This causes them to lose it all and they end up homeless and destitute on the streets. It seems as if their wealth just up and flew away.

I have met many that have sacrificed their lives on the alter of materilism and recieved nothing but a destroyed life in return Joseph- Anthony a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jesus Helech ‘Olam (The Lord our King Forever) Psalms10:16 ) for blessing me with a career in devotion to serving You instead of useless trash that brings no satisfaction and destroys my mental, physical and emotional health. I praise You in Your majestic name. Amen

This photo and article @ Joseph- Anthony a son of Jehovah 2022

How Terrible for the People Of

How terrible for the people of the world because of the things that cause them to sin. Such things will happen, but how terrible for the one who causes them to happen! Matthew 18:7-9 The Holy Bible The New Century Testament

What causes men and women of the world to sin?

All sin is nurtured by two destructive attributes. One is pride. Pride says I am better than everybody else. This leads to arrogance. Arrogance leads to abusing others because they are lower than you. They are meant to be used abused for your pleasure. When you do not want or need them or when they will not tolerate your abuse anymore you throw them away like yesterdays garbage.

The other is greed. Greed says me first. I do not care who I hurt as long as I get what I want. I want it all and will not share with others.

Now here is where the enablers comes in. They are demons who speak lies to entice you to commit sin to feed your desires. All the while you become addicted to the pleasures which destroy your mind and body.

They are anti-Christ leaders that seduce you into committing sin, all the while you become their slave. Just look at what the governments of the world have done to seduce others into committing sin by putting poison in their bodies so big pharma can get stinking filthy rich. For those that refuse to obey, the government convinces the prideful, greedy to demonize them.)

Woe be unto them for the fiery gates of Hell shall be their eternal reward ( as well as their followers ).

You only have two choices in life : One is following The Holy Spirits guidance on the road to Heaven. The other is following the demons and anti- Christs on the easy highway to Hell. Choose wisely because your eternity depends upon it. Joseph- Anthony a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Ghmolah The God of Recompense. The God of vengeance Job 11:20 ) for blessing me with the knowledge that the anti- Christs in this world will suffer Your righteous vengeance for all of the suffering and death they have caused the innicent to suffer because of their devious greed. I praise You in the name of my mighty Victorious King Jesus Christ who will defeat them all. Amen

This photo and article @ Joseph- Anthony a son of Jehovah 2022

If you are interested in informative articles about covid here is the site I go to for the truth https://articles.mercola.com

You Want to be With Me Because.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. John 6:26 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

This is still the reason the majority of men and women want to be Christians.

It is not because they want a loving relationship with Christ. It is not because they want to serve Christ. But rather, it is because they want Christ to be a genie to give them what they want. It is because of greed. Truly, these creations deserve nothing and that is what they get. Then, they cry baby because Jesus does not give them what they want so they bitterly reject Him.

The same is true in earthly relationships today.

How many are good time Charlies?

They are your friend only because they want something from you. When they do not want anything or cannot get it anymore, you do not exist to them. I see this especially in family.

Someone who is your friend only because they want something from you is not your friend. Joseph: Anthony a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you oh my dear sweet Jesus Pyyrand (Jesus my best friend)John 15:15 with the most delightful friend there could ever possibly be. I love the way we interact with each other in our give and take relationship. I exalt You in Your most loving name. Amen

May you be respectful towards He who shares the most precious treasure and share your treasure with Him, Jesus Christ Joseph a son of Jehovah

This photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2021

If you are interested in informative articles about covid here is the site I go to for the truth https://articles.mercola.com

The Fate of All Who Are

Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life. Proverbs 1:19 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

I have seen it, it always ends in disaster. It destroys relationship, it destroys both mental and physical health and ends with a living hell.

It is called greed.

Every one who worships it is rewarded with the same fate. Rich and poor, men and women, irregarless of nationality, race or creed the same fate awaits them all. The god they worshipped is the one that destroys them.

What is the name of this horrible god?

Greed.

They stubbornly continue to worship this disease even when they know it is destroying them. Their fate always ends the same. The god they worshipped cannot love them back. Because they have sacrificed everything on its alter there is nothing left in their lives but this destructive god. They end up broken in mind, body and spirit in a lonely living hell.

Stupidness is being too proud to admit what you are doing is destroying you and you continue to do it. Joseph: Anthony a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Please Jesus Rohi ( Jesus is our Divine Shepherd Psalm 23 ) guide me to Your refreshing pastures and help me to see the sweetness of them instead of the dung that looks like sugar that the devil cons the stupid to feast upon. I humbly beseech You in Your life giving name. Amen

May you be wise enough to stay in Christ’s [pastures and not stupid enough to journey into Satans sewer of sludge. Joseph a son of Jehovah

This photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2021

If you are interested in informative articles about covid here is the site I go to for the truth https://articles.mercola.com

I Meekly Implore You Jehovah Mauzzi

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! Matthew 23:25 The Holy Bible, The New Living Translation

When it comes to matters of religion, you probably have discovered that the most dangerous person in the Church is a hypocrite. You can’t tell them anything without a terrible reaction.

Unfortunately there are too many of these filthy marshmallows in every church.

They are quick to point out every little fault with all those in the congregation while perpetrating even worse sins in their own life.

When confronted with this they are like marsh mallows and welt in the heat. They take it personally like they are sweet angels and how dare you judge them by the same manner they judge others. They are like immature spoiled brats and throw a temper tantrum.

“Maturity is not based on age, but on the willingness to accept responsibility.”Dr. Edwin Louis Cole

These pretenders need to be expelled from the church until they repent or else they will destroy the entire congregation.

I have personally seen active and vibrant churches destroyed by just one of these wicked creatures so yes it is to be taken seriously.

Prayer: I meekly implore You Jehovah Mauzzi (Jeremiah 16:19 The LORD My Fortress ) to set up a strong impenetrable fortress around every church to keep the wolves at bay.

Please bless us with the grace and wisdom to take them to task when they are ripping apart Your holy family and, if necessary, expel them from the congregation for its survival.

We have enough outside Your church trying to destroy us, we do not need them inside as well. I respectfully request this in the name of our Church leader, Jesus Christ. Amen

May you be blessed with the tactfulness and strength to discipline and, if necessary, expel the destroyers of your church Joseph a son of Jehovah.

This article and photo @ 2021 Joseph a son of Jehovah. All rights reserved. Used only by permission of the author.

A Continuous War.

 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Holy Bible New Living Translation

As Christians we are in a continuous war.

There is of course, war with those that are liberal minded (if it feels good do it, there is no absolute right or wrong, there is no God).

There is the constant was against demons who relish nothing more than destroying our loving relationship with Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

But, the most brutal of all wars is raged in our hearts and minds.

Thoughts of lust, greed, anger, fear and worry are our ever present foes.

That is why it is so important to be in continuous prayer.

When these thoughts and emotions enter our minds and hearts we are to immediately call out to Jehovah to send the Holy Spirit to sweep these thoughts from us like you sweep dirt out of a house.

Then, to fill our house with the sweet fragrance of love, joy and gratitude to our loving Father Jehovah our precious Savior Jesus Christ and our strong Deliverer the Holy Spirit.

“Who sits in solitude and is quiet has escaped from three wars: hearing, speaking, seeing; yet against one thing shall he continually battle: that is, his own heart.”  St. Antony

Prayer: Thank you Jesus Gibbor Milchamah (Psalms 24:8 The LORD Mighty In Battle) for blessing me with the weapons required on a daily basis for the continual battle in my mind and heart. Thank you that through Your strength and wisdom victory is guaranteed. Thank you that when I lose a battle and call out to You, You sooth my soul while blessing me with healing balm for my heart. You are such a wonderful Warrior King. I praise You in Your majestic name. Amen

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

Article and photo @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2020

To His Steps.

A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless Proverbs 14:15-16, New International Version

Do you fall for the bait?

How many times do you see advertisements that promise a new younger you, a promise that if you follow this formula for a “special price” it will guarantee a new you, a more beautiful you, a richer you, a happier you?

How many times do you fall for the bait and part with hard earned cash only to find yourself ripped off?

Do you recklessly spend money on the newest fad in the foolish believe that you “have to have it” only to have it thrown in the closet a few weeks later? Come on now, how many of you older people were actually stupid enough to buy the “pet rock” in the sixties and seventies? Where is your pet now?

“These were people so hungry for love that they were accepting substitutes. There were embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back. But it never works. You can’t substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense of comradeship. Money is no substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness. I can tell you as I’m sitting here dying, when you most need it, neither money nor power will give you the feeling you’re looking for, no matter how much of them you have.” Morrie (from Tuesdays with Morrie)

I believe in following a wise Jewish tradition that if you follow will prevent a lot of grief in your life. Before you buy anything or sign any contract always wait and pray for three days. Depend upon and obey Gods decision. It may not be what you want to heard or want to do, but isn’t it prudent to depend upon Gods infinite wisdom than our faulty wisdom? I have seen many people fall for the sign it now or it will be gone tomorrow sucker trap. Later they deeply regret it.

What the word “fear means is respect. Shouldn’t we respect Gods guidance instead of a snake oil salesman?

Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands. Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer: Please Jehovah-Hoshe’ah The Lord Saves ) Psalm 20:9 bless me with Your salvation when circumstances tempt me to lose my temper or to surrender to satans temptation to do foolish things. I earnestly request this in the name of He who conquered all temptations Jesus Christ. 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

Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2019

Flows From It.

 Above all else, guard your heart,  for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 Holy Bible, New International Version                                                                

 Your input determines your output.                                                   

In other words what you put into your mind determines how you behave. This affects your relationships, your mental and physical health.

The best input comes from the Bible and holy communion with Jehovah. They guard your heart and mind on righteousness while not imputing greed, hatred nor revenge which pollutes the heart and mind.

That is why it is important to have a thank you prayer every morning. It begins your day with a joyful disposition. The more grateful we are to Jehovah for all His blessings through out the day the less we are likely to become Negative Nellies.

It is also important to listen to Christian music instead of worldly music. Christian music points to a loving , grateful relationship with Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit while the worlds music is all about greed, lust and revenge. The first one helps in living a joyful, peace filled life, the second one leads to unfulfillment, anger and depression.

The same holds true for movies and TV series. What goes in must come out. With Christ it is the sweetness of love, joy, peace and Divine purpose. With the world it is the stench of filthy soul destroying selfishness.

Choose wisely if you want a good day, good life and a great eternal retirement home. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah RAB (The Lord my Nourisher) for blessing me with a smorgasbord of Heavenly delights to feast upon every day. I need these to continue to grow more mature into the Heavenly child You know I am capable of being. I thank you in the name of He whose companionship is the sweetest of delights Jesus Christ. Amen

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