Life's Inanities and Ironies

In contemporary Christianity, " backsliding " refers to a believer's gradual or sudden drift away from active faith, often marked by spiritual regression rather than progression. This concept, rooted in biblical warnings like Jeremiah 3:22 ("Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings") and Proverbs 14:14 ("The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways"), remains relevant amid rising secularism, cultural shifts, and personal crises. Today, it's intertwined with phenomena like faith deconstruction , declining church attendance , and the influence of social media, where young adults increasingly question or abandon traditional beliefs. Recent discussions highlight how modern pressures—such as worldly distractions, spiritual dryness, and unforgiveness—exacerbate this issue, as warned in Hosea 4:16 ("For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer") and Jeremiah 8:5 ("Why then is this people of Jerusa...

Dear readers, in a world where spiritual complacency creeps in like a thief in the night, it's crucial for us as believers—especially those who cling to the fundamentals of the Christian faith—to heed the warnings of Scripture. Today, I want to share a reflection drawn from Psalm 137:1-4 , a passage that paints a vivid picture of exile and longing. Titled " The Backslider's Burden ," this post is inspired by timeless biblical truths and the profound insights of Charles Spurgeon , the Prince of Preachers. Whether you're a longtime fundamentalist or someone sensing a drift in your walk with Christ, let's dive into this exhortation together. As we explore, remember: God's Word is inerrant, His call to holiness unchanging, and His mercy ever-available for the repentant. The Cry of Exile: Remembering Zion in a Foreign Land "By the rivers of Babylon , there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the mids...

 Have you ever been in a situation where someone showed you unexpected kindness? Maybe it was a stranger who helped you when you were in need, or a friend who forgave you after a disagreement. These moments of grace can be transformative, reminding us of the power of love and mercy. In the Bible, there’s a remarkable story that exemplifies this kind of unexpected kindness—one that challenges our notions of power, loyalty, and grace. It’s the story of King David and Mephibosheth, found in 2 Samuel 9. A King’s Grace After years of conflict and finally securing his throne, King David could have easily eliminated any remaining threats from the previous dynasty. Instead, he did something astonishing. He asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” Jonathan was Saul’s son and David’s dear friend, and David had made a covenant with him to protect his descendants. Through a servant named Ziba, David learned of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’...