FROM DOG TO CHILD I
Memorise:
Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God. .. Jeremiah 3:22
Read:
Luke 15:11-32
Message
My Father is the God of all possibilities; He can change even a dog to a beloved child. As far as God is concerned, those who are not born again are dogs (Matthew 15:21-28). A backslider is also considered a dog. When Peter spoke about backsliders, he said, "But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire" (2 Peter 2:22).
God is merciful, and His mercy can change the worst sinners into His beloved children. In 1 Timothy 1:15,Apostle Paul said, "I was the chief of sinners," but God changed him, and he became a chief among apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5). With God, all things are possible.
A young evangelist who faithfully won several souls to God fell into fornication. Consequently, satan deceived him that he could never receive God's forgiveness. He believed the lie and continued to live in sin until one day, he fell ill and was hospitalised. He was put in the same ward with a pastor, who always studied his Bible diligently. The evangelist admired the pastor, and one day, the pastor asked him if he was a Christian. He said that he used to be, and when the pastor asked why he stopped following God, he shared his story. The pastor immediately showed him through the Scriptures that he could be forgiven and restored. Then, he prayed with him, and the young evangelist was restored - joy flooded his heart. The next morning, the pastor didn't see the young evangelist. When he asked the nurses about him, they told him that he had joyfully passed on. God mercifully allowed the young man to return from his vomit before taking him home.
God is willing to restore backsliders when they return to Him sincerely; He is not interested in their death or destruction. In Jeremiah 3:13-14, He pleaded with backsliders to acknowledge their iniquity and turn to Him. God will always receive and restore people with humble and contrite hearts. The prodigal son was a backslider who received his Father's mercy and was fully restored. Despite all he did, when he repented and took the right step to return to his father, he was received joyfully. God delights in welcoming lost sons home. If you are backslidden, don't allow satan lie to you that God can never forgive you. He is waiting for you with wide open arms; return to Him now.
Bible In One Year:
Judges 17-19
Hymn:
What Can Wash Away My Stain
Key Point:
God is willing and able to restore backsliders to Himself. All they need to do is return to Him with sincere hearts.
What can wash away my stain?
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow!
No other fount I know.
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.