Backsliding

April 19, 2006

By Croft M. Pentz

Jesus said because of sin, many would become cold toward God (Matthew 24:12). The evidence for that change of heart can present itself in different ways. Believers can become cold toward financing the church, cold toward prayer, cold toward daily Bible reading.

Demas was one of the apostle Paul’s workers. Note Paul’s words: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10, KJV). Demas loved the pleasures, people and practices of the world.

Many of the people who followed Jesus did so for nothing more than free food and healing. When the time came to stand for Him, they stopped following Him (John 6:66). They loved the gifts, not the Giver. They loved healing, not the Healer.

Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). Peter was sorry, and wept bitterly. When rising from the dead, Jesus wanted Peter to know he was forgiven (Mark 16:7).

As the father welcomed home his prodigal son (Luke 15:11-26), so God welcomes all backsliders home. Call upon Him today.

Croft M. Pentz writes “Healing for the Hurting” for The Record Herald of Waynesboro, Pa.