Backsliding on God, whether that of an individual, or that of a nation, does not take place all at once; but it is a gradual process.
This spiritual malady usually begins with little departures from the truth of God’s Word—making little allowances here and there with truths upon which one once firmly stood. It is a step at a time journey downhill.
Backsliding begins with a rationalization of one’s behavior (excuses for one’s actions or beliefs which are usually superficial), and a relativistic approach to determining right and wrong (resorting to situational ethics).
Backsliding begins with a rationalization of one’s behavior (excuses for one’s actions or beliefs which are usually superficial), and a relativistic approach to determining right and wrong (resorting to situational ethics).
Matthew 7:13 (NIV) ""Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."
Though Satan isn’t passed using blatant, in-your-face temptations to pull God’s people away from the Lord, his usual method is to use temptations that appear harmless, or almost imperceptible. However, as Song of Solomon 2:15a says, it is “…the little foxes, that spoil the vine…”
Such has been the case with our nation. Once our country proudly proclaimed itself a “Christian nation.” Nevertheless, as Dr. Tim LaHaye has said, "During the last 200 years, humanism (man’s wisdom) has captivated the thinking of the Western world. After conquering Europe’s colleges and universities, it spread to America, where it has developed a stranglehold on all public education."
Just as the spiritual decline of Israel was gradual in the days of Jeremiah, we have seen much the same thing take place in America. Let’s learn from Israel’s mistakes, and pray that God will turn both the individual Christian and our nation back to Himself.
Such has been the case with our nation. Once our country proudly proclaimed itself a “Christian nation.” Nevertheless, as Dr. Tim LaHaye has said, "During the last 200 years, humanism (man’s wisdom) has captivated the thinking of the Western world. After conquering Europe’s colleges and universities, it spread to America, where it has developed a stranglehold on all public education."
Just as the spiritual decline of Israel was gradual in the days of Jeremiah, we have seen much the same thing take place in America. Let’s learn from Israel’s mistakes, and pray that God will turn both the individual Christian and our nation back to Himself.
Jeremiah 2:1 “Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.”
2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.”
Jer. 3:20 “Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. 21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.”22 “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God. 23 Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. 24 For shame hath devoured the labor of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. 25 We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
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