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  RETURN FROM BACKSLIDING
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: Returning to the Lord with repentance and faith is the key to
restoration and being built up.

Topics: "Repentance", "Restoration"
Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Job 22:23, Psalm 30:2, Psalm 51:17, Proverbs 28:13, Isaiah 57:15, Jeremiah 3:22, Luke 15:18-20, James 4:8, 1 John 1:9

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of returning to God after
experiencing the consequences of sin and backsliding. He highlights that
sin can lead to spiritual ruin and that true restoration comes from
sincere repentance and faith in the Almighty. Spurgeon reassures that
God is willing and able to rebuild and restore those who turn back to
Him, urging listeners not to delay in their return. He stresses that
acknowledging one's folly and seeking God's mercy is both a duty and a
wise choice, as the Lord's power to punish is matched by His ability to
heal and restore. Ultimately, Spurgeon encourages a heartfelt confession
and humble faith as the path to peace and restoration.

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CONTENT
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If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up. (Job 22:23)

Eliphaz, in this utterance, spoke a great truth, which is the summary of
many an inspired Scripture. Reader, has sin pulled you down? Have you
become like a ruin? Has the hand of the Lord gone out against you so
that in estate you are impoverished and in spirit you are broken down?
Was it your own folly which brought upon you all this dilapidation? Then
the first thing to be done is to return to the Lord. With deep
repentance and sincere faith find your way back from your backsliding.
It is you" duty, for you have turned away from Him whom you professed to
serve. It is your wisdom, for you cannot strive against Him and prosper.

It is your immediate necessity, for what He has done is nothing compared
to what He may do in the way of chastisement, since He is Almighty to
punish.

See what a promise invites you! You shall be "built up." None but the
Almighty can set up the fallen pillars and restore the tottering walls
of your condition; but He can and He will do it if you return to Him. Do
not delay. Your crushed mind may quite fail you if you go on to rebel;
but hearty confession will ease you, and humble faith will console you.
Do this, and all will be well.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/return-from-backsliding/
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