Backsliding
Backsliding in the Bible refers to a spiritual decline or a turning away from one's previous commitment to God. It denotes a situation where an individual or a community that once followed God's ways begins to revert to sinful behaviors or a state of disobedience. The term is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic literature. For instance, Jeremiah 2:19 states, "Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you." This verse illustrates that backsliding is not only a spiritual issue but also one that carries consequences, as it often leads to a departure from the blessings of God.The concept is further emphasized in Hosea 14:4, where God offers restoration to the backsliding, stating, "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely." This highlights that despite the serious nature of turning away from God, there remains an opportunity for repentance and reconciliation. In the New Testament, while the term "backsliding" itself may not be explicitly used, the themes of perseverance in faith and warnings against apostasy are present, such as in Hebrews 10:26-27, which cautions against willful sin after receiving the knowledge of truth. Thus, backsliding signifies a critical aspect of the believer's journey, emphasizing the need for vigilance, repentance, and the grace of God for restoration.
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Deuteronomy 4:29
By Chuck Smith0DEU 4:29ISA 59:1JER 29:13JAS 4:8Chuck Smith addresses the theme of backsliding, emphasizing the gradual process of turning away from God, which often begins with self-corruption and the creation of idols in our lives. He warns that this path can lead to a loss of possession, power, and influence, ultimately resulting in a lonely existence devoid of true fulfillment. However, he reassures that no matter how far one has strayed, seeking the Lord with all one's heart will lead to finding Him and restoring what was lost. The sermon encourages believers to turn back to God, highlighting His constant presence and readiness to restore those who seek Him earnestly.
Backsliding
By William MacDonald5.7K1:01:00HOS 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of sin and backsliding in a person's life. He uses examples like a violin under pressure and a pilot following a flight plan to illustrate the idea that true freedom comes from following God's plan. The preacher also highlights the importance of confession and repentance, stating that God is the God of second chances. He warns against the dangers of backsliding and losing the joy of salvation, urging listeners to seek restoration and renewal in their relationship with God.
The Backslider's Return
By Octavius Winslow0PSA 51:10ISA 55:7JER 3:1MAT 18:21LUK 15:20ROM 5:202CO 5:17GAL 6:1JAS 4:81JN 1:9Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound grace of God in calling back the backslider, illustrating the tender invitation of the Lord to return despite our repeated failures and wanderings. He reflects on the heart's deceitfulness and the struggles of the soul that has strayed from God, yet reassures that God's voice remains sweet and inviting, urging us to come back to Him. Winslow highlights that true spiritual restoration requires a heartfelt return to Jesus, transcending mere repentance and leading to a deeper communion with Him. The sermon encourages believers to embrace God's forgiveness and to strengthen others through their experiences of grace and recovery. Ultimately, it is a call to rest in the love and mercy of Christ, who welcomes us back with open arms.
Lecture Xxi. - the Backslider in Heart.
By Charles Finney02CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 14:14ISA 55:7MAT 11:28GAL 6:1HEB 10:26JAS 4:81JN 1:9REV 2:4Charles Finney warns against the dangers of backsliding in heart, emphasizing that it is not merely a loss of emotional fervor but a serious spiritual condition where one withdraws from true devotion to God. He outlines the signs of a backslidden heart, such as formality in worship, lack of joy in serving God, and a spirit of uncharitableness. Finney explains the consequences of backsliding, including being filled with one's own ways and losing peace and joy. He concludes with steps for recovery, urging individuals to remember their fallen state, repent, and return to God with sincerity. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance in maintaining a genuine relationship with God.
What the Christian Can Loose
By Jack Hyles1.6K56:38PSA 30:5PSA 126:1PSA 126:5PRO 17:22MAT 6:33JHN 15:4GAL 6:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the answer to all of our problems, including pollution, morals, narcotics, and more, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. He calls for a generation of preachers who boldly proclaim the message of being born again. The preacher shares a personal story of a man who was initially skeptical of his preaching but was ultimately touched by the love and conviction he witnessed in the church. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the story of David, highlighting how he lost his power when he allowed himself to be consumed by lust and sin.
How Quickly We Turn Away
By David Wilkerson97248:561KI 8:631KI 10:11KI 10:261KI 11:41KI 11:9MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging his unworthiness to stand in the pulpit and emphasizes his reliance on the righteousness of Jesus. He prays for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and asks for God's authority over any distractions or evil spirits. The preacher then describes a scene of King Solomon heading to the house of worship with his entourage, but despite his wealth and accomplishments, he appears preoccupied and sad. The sermon highlights the importance of not turning away from the word of God and emphasizes the need to approach it with love and the authority of the Holy Ghost.
A Call to Backsliders
By John Wesley0HEB 6:4John Wesley addresses the plight of backsliders, emphasizing the dangers of both presumption and despair in their spiritual journey. He warns that many presume upon God's mercy while neglecting His justice, believing they can live in sin without consequence. Conversely, others fall into despair, feeling hopeless and powerless to escape their sins, leading them to abandon their spiritual fight. Wesley reassures that even those who feel utterly lost can find hope and restoration through God's grace, urging them to return to Him with a sincere heart. He concludes by affirming that God's mercy is always available for those who genuinely seek it, regardless of their past failures.
Four Types of Backsliders
By Zac Poonen0NUM 18:161SA 15:30PSA 51:1JER 3:13JER 3:15LUK 15:7LUK 16:15JHN 1:42TH 2:3Zac Poonen discusses the four types of backsliders as illustrated in Luke 15: the lost sheep, lost coin, lost younger son, and lost elder son. He emphasizes that backsliding often stems from a lack of fellowship, carelessness within the church, a spirit of independence, and pride. Each type of backslider requires a different approach for restoration, highlighting the importance of discernment and the right attitude towards those who have strayed. Poonen encourages believers to actively seek out and restore the lost while also recognizing the need for humility and repentance in their own lives.
Backsliding
By Billy Sunday0JER 2:19HEB 10:26Billy Sunday addresses the grave issue of backsliding in the Christian life, emphasizing that many begin their journey with enthusiasm but often drift back into old habits and sins after a revival. He categorizes backsliders into careless individuals who neglect their faith and those who fail to make a complete surrender to God. Sunday warns that backsliding can lead to spiritual death, using vivid examples of individuals who compromised their faith for worldly pleasures. He calls for a return to true faithfulness to God, urging listeners to recognize the seriousness of their spiritual state and the need for repentance. Ultimately, he stresses that true loyalty to God is essential for salvation and spiritual integrity.
Causes of Backsliding
By A.W. Tozer5.6K37:45In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of backsliding and the ability to change one's moral state. He emphasizes that the technique of changing one's mind is not the cause of backsliding, but rather how it is used. The preacher uses the example of children who have different ideals as they grow older to illustrate this point. He then shifts the focus to Jesus and his unwavering love and affection for his followers. The preacher urges the congregation to seek Jesus' love before it's too late and not to harm those who have lost their conscience. He also highlights the tendency of humans to avoid tasks that require attention and effort, but encourages the congregation to remain faithful in giving and to restore those who have fallen spiritually. The sermon references Galatians 6, which discusses the restoration of those who have fallen.
Are You Backsliding? (Part 1)
By Michael L. Brown3.3K57:31MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher shares stories of powerful encounters with God and the impact it had on people's lives. He describes a revival where people were getting saved even before entering the church building, emphasizing the presence and visitation of God. The preacher also tells the story of a churchgoer who realizes the need to truly experience God and not just go through the motions of attending church. He encourages believers to seek a personal encounter with God through prayer and devotion, emphasizing that God wants to move in and through them.
The Indications and the Guilt of Backsliding
By Charles Finney0REV 3:15Charles Finney addresses the issue of backsliding in the church, particularly focusing on the lukewarm state of the Laodiceans. He emphasizes that this condition is characterized by a lack of zeal for God, neglect of prayer and scripture, and a hypocritical profession of faith. Finney warns that such a state is not only guilty but also injurious to both the individual and the church, leading to spiritual apathy and the hardening of hearts. He calls for repentance and a return to fervent faith, reminding listeners of Christ's warning to the lukewarm: 'I will spew thee out of my mouth.' The sermon serves as a wake-up call for believers to examine their spiritual lives and rekindle their passion for God.
God's Controversy With the Backslidden Church
By David Wilkerson4.7K1:01:28HOS 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Hosea and the controversy between God and the backslidden church. He emphasizes that God is seeking to balance the books and take revenge on those who have mocked His name. The preacher reads from Hosea 4:1-2, highlighting the lack of truth, mercy, and knowledge of God in the land. He calls for repentance and urges the congregation to come forward if they feel the Spirit moving them to return to their love for God.
The Church That Loses Its Calling
By Carter Conlon2.7K56:56JON 1:11CO 1:9In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the impact of one man's obedience to God's call. He uses the example of David Wilkerson, who said yes to God's leading and ended up reaching 140 Muslim people who may have never heard the gospel otherwise. The speaker challenges the congregation to have the same courage and willingness to be used by God. He prays for God's mercy and revival in New York City, asking for the glory of the Lord to return to the streets. The sermon ends with an invitation to attend future services and a reminder to proclaim the message of salvation to both friends and enemies.
Clean but Empty
By Erlo Stegen1.2K1:04:40LUK 11:24LUK 11:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of people making superficial decisions for Christ without truly committing their lives to Him. He shares examples of large numbers of people who made decisions for Christ but did not follow through in their faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of true repentance and heartbrokenness over one's sin, rather than just a superficial smile. He also highlights the joy in heaven when even one soul repents and encourages the audience to share the message of Jesus with others.
Are You Backsliding? (Part 2)
By Michael L. Brown2.3K58:24PRO 15:1MAT 6:33MAT 22:37ROM 12:10In this sermon, the speaker addresses the prevalence of easily accessible and explicit content in today's society. He shares personal experiences of encountering inappropriate material and emphasizes the need to treat it as an enemy. The speaker also discusses the consequences of indulging in sexual sin, whether through watching explicit movies or engaging in online activities. He highlights the importance of recognizing the aftereffects or "acharit" of such actions and warns against the dangers of sexual sin, citing the book of Proverbs as a source of wisdom and guidance.
How the Strong Can Backslide!
By Carter Conlon5.3K1:00:07GEN 1:1MAT 6:33ACT 3:11ROM 8:112CO 12:9PHP 4:13REV 22:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for the audience to have a deeper understanding of the word of God and to look beyond human speakers and ministries. The preacher then turns to Acts chapter 3, emphasizing the need to turn away from self-accomplishments and focus on Jesus as the only one who can bring victory in life and eternity. The sermon highlights the desire of God to make believers perfectly whole and to walk in abundance through the manifested presence of Jesus Christ. The preacher shares the personal testimony of finding strength, hope, and joy in Christ alone and encourages the audience to lay hold of this truth and stand with perfect soundness before God and men.
The Awful Consequences of Backsliding
By David Wilkerson6.3K49:39JER 3:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of backsliding from God. He tells the story of Jonah, who tried to run away from God's command and ended up in a storm at sea. Despite Jonah's attempts to escape, God pursued him and eventually had him swallowed by a great fish. The preacher emphasizes that no one can escape the consequences of backsliding and warns the audience of the dangers of turning away from God.