Hard Questions Must Be Answered

I have asked myself several times through the years this question: What does the backslider, the one who has been raised in Truth think about this "present day church"? What do THEY think about the "changes" that have taken place within some churches? I am talking about a true backslider who KNOWS they are lost! I'm talking about the one who went out into the world and lived a life of sin, and they KNOW "to be right with God" they will have to come back to their "roots", because they know it is the only way they can be saved. I got those questions answered for me a few weeks ago...

I was driving my car with someone who fills the above description. I do not remember the reason the following statement was made, but it hit me like a big boulder and I haven't been able to get away from it. The statement that was hurled in my direction made me stutter a bit. They said, "I don't understand how things that use to be a sin, are now okay." That's it. Very simple. Direct. It was said in a matter of fact way, and I was shocked. They were transparently honest revealing the heart of a "true backslider". At that moment I knew I had heard the "deep thoughts" of many who have once known the Lord.

Let me ask all of us who claim to be "living for God". Are we living our life in such a way that could confuse those who are wandering in a cold world knowing when they want to come "home" they will not find the "old paths" they walked? Or...will they return to the SAME CHURCH they left behind?

Yes, I've heard the arguments about it all. I've heard "separation from the world" made fun of by those who were once separated. I've heard that's "old-fashion and doesn't apply to us". I've heard "no one believes it like that anymore". Yes...I've heard it all. So...I am asking a hard question tonight:

What message are we sending our loved ones and friends as they look at us? Are they wondering where the "true church" is? Or, do they KNOW when they are ready to "come back home" they will be greeted by saints of God who are the same as they've always been?

Backslider, as you look around you to see if "Home" is like it use to be...Let me say YES! We are the church you left. Some may have changed, and do not love the "old paths", but the CHURCH IS STILL THE CHURCH! We still believe the same doctrine we've always preached! We still believe we must live a "holy life, pleasing unto the Lord". We've heard from those who have returned that "there isn't a night that goes by that you do not think of the times you felt the presence of God sweep over your soul while standing at the altar, where you first met Jesus face to face. Yes, we have been praying! We will continue to pray and "watching the door" of the church to see if it is YOU, the "one lost sheep" who just came HOME!