5/23/2013
Rut Riders, **Backsliders**, or Joy Gliders: How we can learn to thank God, Part 2.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:4-8
And in other news today, a group of people called backsliders have been identified in God’s word, Psalm 107, as those who were following Him, but then backed away. These individuals have forgotten what Jesus has done for them, and they have voluntarily put themselves back into the chains of bondage that the Lord had released them from.
The individuals are characterized by those who are no longer bearing the light of God to others because they have gone back into the darkness; they have rebelled against God’s word, the Bible and thus have lost fellowship with Him. In fact, the Scriptures seem to indicate that they have “despised” the Lord and His teachings. They knew the grace of God, but deliberately stepped away from His grace. Normally, this group of people feel great inner turmoil, desiring to follow God again but being tormented by their continual compromises. Discouragement, despair, and despondency will also be symptomatic of a failure to reestablish fellowship with the Creator of the universe.
If you have identified any of your friends or relatives (or yourself for that matter) as falling under this terrible category of believers, know that the remedy to said situation is to cry unto the Lord (Psalm 107:6). Such contrite repentance will not go unnoticed by God, and He will deliver backsliders out of their troubles. Even if the backsliders have turned to addictions like drugs, alcohol, or pleasure – Jesus is able to deliver them and satisfy the hungry soul. Caution: going back to the Lord will bring upon the repentant heart such a treasure store of His grace and forgiveness that the one praying will be compelled to praise the Lord for His goodness and show forth all His wonderful works to the children of men!
Listen to the entire sermon here:
05.19.2013 - Pastor Doug Mann - Thankfulness
MP3 download
If you have identified any of your friends or relatives (or yourself for that matter) as falling under this terrible category of believers, know that the remedy to said situation is to cry unto the Lord (Psalm 107:6). Such contrite repentance will not go unnoticed by God, and He will deliver backsliders out of their troubles. Even if the backsliders have turned to addictions like drugs, alcohol, or pleasure – Jesus is able to deliver them and satisfy the hungry soul. Caution: going back to the Lord will bring upon the repentant heart such a treasure store of His grace and forgiveness that the one praying will be compelled to praise the Lord for His goodness and show forth all His wonderful works to the children of men!
Listen to the entire sermon here:
05.19.2013 - Pastor Doug Mann - Thankfulness
MP3 download