RETURN 
-2-
 GRACE
Restoring Those Who Stray
(Based on Luke 15; I.E. Parables of the Prodigal Son and lost sheep.)

" If you had 100 sheep, and one of them strayed away and got lost in the wilderness, wouldn't you leave the 99 others to go and search for the one that was lost until you found it? And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders. When you arrived you would call together all your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. In the same way, heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over 99 others who are righteous and haven't strayed away."
LUKE 15:4-7

+The Situation+

	For thousands of years; God's people have repeatedly fallen away from Him due to sin, poor choices, and even blind ignorance. We call these believers "backsliders," as they slide away from the kingdom; drawing ever closer to spiritual, emotional, and literal death. As a body we should not be surprised at this as though some strange thing were occurring, because its been a habit of the human/sinful nature since Adam and Eve fell away in the garden. If we look back at the history of Israel...even Christians; we see a pattern of backsliding, especially in the prophetical books. 

	The major issue isn't even that believers fall away, though that fact cannot afford to be ignored; but our response as or lack of response as a body of believers in Christ more often than not. All too often a believer is simply allowed to fall off, fall away, and stay lost in their personal wilderness, yet this ignores the key concepts Christ illustrated in Luke 15. People backsliding are not the only ones at fault when they fall, its also on us to share their burdens, to be concerned for their welfare, and even to seek those who stray that they may be restored to the body.

+ The Causes+

	1). The Enemy: We are told that the devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy. One of his biggest weapons is the tactic of stealing believers away from their faith, that he may kill their soul, and destroy the unity and potential of a believing body. Anything he can do to compromise the body of Christ, and place obstacles in our walk; he certainly will do. We must realize that the attack isn't just against one backsliding believer, but against the body itself; against ALL its members.
	2). Condemnation/Judgment: Whether its external condemnation,( judgment from others,) or self condemnation, ( judgment from within,) feeling condemned or harshly judged can create a rift between us and God in our relationship with him. While Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation for those in Christ, we still tend to pass judgments, even condemnation upon ourselves and others. When we condemn ourselves we allow our feelings of guilt and shame to prevent us from receiving the providence and grace of God in full. Because we may feel dirty...sinful...like a failure; its hard to feel confident in our faith, and to trust in the value of Jesus blood. His blood covers all our failings, so when we condemn ourselves for things that are paid for; we act as if His sacrifice..his life...his blood just couldn't cut it.
	However, one reason backsliders feel overwhelmed with guilt and shame, eventually causing them to fall away; is the sense of judgment and condemnation from others within the body. When asked how many times a man might forgive another of a sin; Christ replied "77 times 7." For those who are not aware, the ancient Hebrew number that translates to 7 represents a number of infinite value. Christ was telling us  that we should forgive infinitely and unconditionally regardless what the scenario is. Yet members within the body have grown quick to judge, shun, or adversely  treat individuals who plainly struggle with sin and backsliding. If believers dont " meet the status quo," at a certain point; many find the cold shoulders and condemning stares of other believers casting judgment, bitterness, even hate...as they feel pushed away from the body and from God. None of us are perfect, or without sin; yet those who wear their sin on their sleeve; are being pushed away in part by the judgmental glances and condemning tones of believers who blindly hide their shortcomings under layers of whitewash.
	3). Environment: As the song Stained Glass Masquerade alludes to; there is an unfortunate state the body finds itself in, and allowing the situation to continue is simply a cancer to it. We have allowed and perpetuated a spiritual environment within the body, where believers are afraid to let others see their sin and failings. Too many equivocate authenticity with general deed and appearance more than the state of the heart. We might feel that others would think our faith was fraud if they knew we still struggled; thinking that victorious faith means nothing in our hearts, minds, or lives is ever wrong. We might feel guilty and ashamed at our shortcomings, and fear the judgment of others...so we paint a layer of whitewash over our stains, smile, and tell of how we are delivered from every sin and temptation that besets us. This is not only unhealthy for the believer in hiding, but it presents an impossible standard for newer, weaker, or struggling believers. Its no wonder believers fall away in their sin, because we make it seem that if their faith were legitimate and God loved them just as much...they also would have this perfect, trial-less, victorious life.
	4). Unknown State of the Flock: Though pastors, preachers, priests, and other spiritual leaders have great strains on their time, its still imperative that all be attentive and aware of the state of their flock. Sure its hard to be accessible to everyone, especially with larger congregations and more extensive duties; yet we can't let those things blind us from daily opportunities to impact lives for the kingdom. When we strive harder to be aware of all our members we can easier identify those struggling, and even prevent them from completely falling away. If there isn't enough time in a day for pastors to do this, then perhaps more staff are needed for less critical aspects of the ministries, that leaders can be more aware and involved in members lives. The moment politics and processes become more important than people is the moment we have lost sight of the more critical call to love, forgive and edify.

+ The Misconception +

	There is a general approach to backsliding, that when believers fall away; we are to simply let them go, or even push them out the door before they cause others also to fall. There is a pervasive sense that they are reaping what they have sewn, and are getting what they deserve. The policy is to " Let go and let God," entirely; and if God wills it, He will bring the believer back. I'd like to remind everyone of the story of Job, and how his "friends," judged him immediately as guilty of some heinous sin to cause what had been brought upon him. Job was praised by God himself as being exceptionally obedient and without sin; yet allowed to be tested. It wasn't God's judgment that killed Job's family, destroyed his possessions, and struck his flesh with disease; it was the enemy. Yet still today are we like Job's associates, casting blame, judgment, burden, bitterness and condemnation on others as though its God's will they suffer and fall away. 
	All this ignores the concepts Christ put forth in Luke 15. In the story of the prodigal son, the son demands his inheritance and leaves of his own will; to follow the empty life of sin in the world. When he has blown everything and he was in danger of starvation, he decides to return to his Father and beg for the lowest servant position...simply  eat and live. In spite of what the son did, while he was still a long way off... the father saw him coming, and ran out to meet him. In the parable of the lost sheep, when a single sheep strays the shepherd immediately  leaves the 99 safe on the hill and goes in search of the one that strayed. He left immediately and would not return unless he could find and restore the one that strayed. And when that sheep can't return on its own; he puts it on his own shoulders and carries it back. There is a critical principle here.
	As a body, and as believers; we have dropped the ball big time here. All too often a backslidden member is completely abandoned and forgotten. Though the hand cannot say to the foot, " I have no need of you," that is exactly what we tell these members through our lack of response. Christ used the parables to set a precedent and perspective toward backsliders. When a member falls, we are obligated to seek them and show them that the love and grace of God are so pure and powerful that they reach into even the darkest corners and provide a light of hope in spite of sin or failing.

+ The Result +

	Souls are being lost, believers are perishing, and we are ignoring God's will in maintaining and restoring the body; causing members to become spiritually sick, wither away, and eventually cause the body to fragment futher. We are pushing hurt, frightened, confused believers away, believers who are under great spiritual attack; wounded and fighting a losing battle alone. Whats more..is when they do fall away, we simply leave them to fend for themselves in a wilderness that preys on those already injured. We have wounded soldiers on the front line...and we judge them when they can no longer stand. This issue is a cancer to the body of Christ and will continue to contribute to disunity, and ineffectiveness within it unless we stand TOGETHER with those who struggle.

+ The Solutions +

	1). PROMOTE a church environment where believers are free to display their stains rather than whitewash over them as though they do not exist. Members must know that they don't have to live perfect, flawless lives without any sin or struggle; that the blood of Jesus weighs more than any condemnation we, or others can bring. As long as we continue to endorse the mentality that authentic faith is measured by external factors, we will perpetuate the cycle of  judgment..condemnation and falling away. Its the heart that matters, the intent; the sin and self is covered by he blood. Lets endeavor to provide a condemnation free place where believers can be weak, can fail, can fall short; this way we can be aware of their struggles and how we may help them find victorious faith.
	2) TRAIN ourselves, our leaders, and our congregants in using spiritual sight as opposed to just what the eyes of flesh see. If all we see is an " unfaithful sinner who repeatedly fails," it will be difficult to see beyond the sin to the more critical value of the soul. Focusing on the shell rather then the soul will serve only to give a foothold for the tendency to condemn, judge and adversely treat struggling believers. Once we can look past both our own shortcomings, as well as that of others; we will  see clearly to help those who are in need. It takes prayer, study, meditation, worship, faith, but most of all a sincere heart;  but we can become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and finally respond to backsliding  as we should if we honestly try.
	3). BE PRESENT. Though easier said than done, we must be more intentional about our interactions within the body. Showing up for Sunday service is not what is meant by, "Be Present," even though this is a critical element we should still be obedient to. Being present means to ask questions, make conversation, offer prayer, invite someone to lunch, or a bible study. It means being sure the guy who always sits in the far back corner knows he is as welcome and loved as the guy in the front row. It means giving  a hug to the believer who is obviously smiling through unshed  tears they fear to show. It means getting out of your comfort zone, out of your usual clique..and reach out to simply know and love others. 
	4). NEVER FORGET that its the blood of Christ which justifies us; rather than self righteous actions and a shiny layer of whitewash. Never forget that Jesus died not only for us, but for the backsliders and sinners everywhere also. Never forget that that this same blood has forgiven us and given us a clean slate in spite of our sinful nature and failings. Never forget that the price was paid to bring us all together, in one body, in advance of our heavenly dwelling; and its not our place to tell God that the blood was enough for us...but not for another. Never forget how the Pharisees of Jesus time had grown blind to the truth; focusing on their own traditions rather than showing love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness...and in doing so, accomplish the will of God.

+ MINISTRY PURPOSE +

	It is our prayer that this ministry will help to identify backsliding before it  sets in and causes believers to fall away; assist the body as a whole in creating a healthy and condemnation free church setting for believers to grow, learn, and receive of the love and grace of God in spite of failing; train believers in the situation, and how to combat it in our lives as well as others; and most importantly restore believers to the body, that we maybe united and fully functioning...achieving our destiny in Christ. 

+ MISSION +

	Regardless whether we see the fruits of our labor or not, regardless whether the backslider is fully restored; it is our mission to seek out those that are falling or have fallen away; to meet them in the wilderness where they are, and show them that the love of God is so complete and unfailing that it doesn't depend upon perfection in their lives and spiritual walks. Its not up to us to restore them, that is in God's hands; but it is our part to be present enough to help them find the way back. In the end, while our goal is restoration; the mission will always in its purest essence be to reflect the love, patience, compassion, forgiveness, hope, character, and grace of God by seeking those who fall away. 

+ TACTICAL ADVANTAGES +

	1). By seeking those who fall away, helping prevent those falls, and bringing the strays home; we will strengthen and heal the believing body, as opposed to allowing it to further fragment. We will be promoting and contributing to unity rather than allowing backsliding to cause dissent, discontent, argument, and such. Some of the greatest movements of God have  been when believers are united and of like mind, so bringing back the believers will give greater chances for a true movement; and it's certain to touch the very heart of God.
	2). Restoring a believer that is fallen gives the kingdom back a battle ready soldier, more often than not. While one can backtrack in actions/intentions, one does not unlearn how to pray; does not unlearn the principles they learned in scriptures studied, revelations gained, or spirit given insight. Rather than a new believer who is a spiritual infant; a restored believer is restored to wherever they were in their walk prior to the slide. 
	3). This also returns to the body those spiritual gifts that were missing while the believer was lost in the wilderness. All of us are given gifts as Father sees fit, but those gifts are of little use if they are buried out in the earth somewhere. When we bring the body together the Spirit can manifest through these missing gifts; bringing praise, glory and honor to God.
	4). Also, simply being this forgiving, this accepting, this loving, this determined not to lose even the most unworthy seeming people; will create a better worldview of Christians as believers, providing a living testimony that christian belief is not about pretending to be righteous, or casting quick/harsh judgment. It will finally contribute to the body reflecting the actual character and providence of God; rather than perpetuating the stereotypes that compromise both believer and God's will. 

+ The Process +

	1). REVEALING THE NEED: All members of the body, especially leadership must be educated not just about backsliding and the harm it can do; but also in how to recognize/discern the signs a believer is falling away, and what God calls of us to do in response. (Body-wide message.)
	2). TRAINING: We must educate the body of the spiritual, mental, and emotional battles/obstacles a backslider faces; in order to understand where they are at and how we can help them return to where they need to be. We need to know how God feels on the matter, and what has been done historically to restore God's children. It is essential that believers know the full scope and nature of this type of attack against the body and its members; and what we can do ourselves to prevent such from happening in our walk with God. (Individual training via modules and/or small groups.)
	3). POSTURE:  Any seed that bears fruit does so due to the grace and power of God, not from man or woman; thus we do well to keep in perspective that this is God's ministry, not our own. We are simply messengers who are called to accomplish God's will by reaching out to those that slide. A humble character and infinite patience will be needed at times; and we mustn't let what appears to be to distract us or cause us to lose heart. Living in the spirit, and being sensitive/attentive to his leading are critical. It will take preparation of heart, mind, body snd spirit to ensure we maintain proper spiritual posture. (Individual training via modules and/or small groups.)
	4). SENDING:  God will speak to and call believers with a burden for restoration ministry. Once they have been trained, equipped, anointed, prayed over and divinely confirmed; it is up to them to invest and multiply their talents, and to seek those who have strayed. (Body-wide sendoff, that those called to restoration may receive confirmation, corporate prayer, and become visible as advocates of the backslider. )

+ 3 KEYS TRAINING SESSIONS +

1) IN SPITE OF SIN, LET HIM IN: This study from ROMANS 6:1-7:25 has two critical perspectives to look at. First, the idea that in spite of our sins and failures we should continue to seek God, attend church and fellowship,read our bibles, pray, and not let guilt and shame drive a wedge between us and our Father in heaven. Its very easy to feel like we have no business speaking with a holy God, worshiping with his children, and continuing our spiritual walks; when we feel unworthy and are overwhelmed by self condemnation for failings. However, its when we are in great trial and struggle that we can least afford to let sin and shame create a rift between ourselves and the only one that can see us through the dark season; God. We must learn to live out the concept, " In spite of sin..let Him in."
	Second, we also must look at how our attitudes, character and actions have made believers feel judged, unworthy, even condemned. We must take a deep and brutally honest moral and spiritual inventory to be sure we are not creating or contributing to an environment that makes struggling believers feel less welcomed or loved. Some believers are so busy focusing on the sins and outward appearances of backsliders that we end up making a place of hostility in a sense to those struggling. Nobody is without sin, and its time we stopped allowing a person's failings to dictate how we treat them. In spite of sin let him in! Jesus said he came to heal the sick..not those who were well; and those struggling to stay the course are sick, spiritually wounded, under malicious and merciless attack. Yet instead of showing the patience, love, long suffering, grace, compassion and forgiveness we should; we give way to bitterness, judgment, even hatred as we ignore, push away, and abandon God's children to the enemy. Look beyond the shell, and see the soul; in spite of sin...let him in.

2). BREAKING THE STAINED GLASS: We are told in 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 that the treasure we have; the light and power, are from God, not us. Yet we worry about how our "glass container," looks more than we worry about where we are actually at spiritually. We fear judgment, so we cover the stains on our glass with whitewash so we may appear clean, righteous and faithful. We paint on smiles when we are filled with sorrow; we present a bold front when we are frightened; and we cover up anything that may bring our faith or integrity into question. As the song stained glass masquerade illustrates; we are shiny, happy people on our shiny plastic steeples...looking down upon the backslider as though we ourselves are without sin or struggle. 
	This topical study is dedicated to breaking the chains of self condemnation  so believers may feel free to let the stains on their glasses show, until they are washed and renewed. When we go to the doctor, we are honest about what is wrong; so the physician can properly diagnose and treat what needs to be treated. Yet when we go to church, are we as quick to divulge exactly whats wrong? There is no way we can receive the help we need if we deny that there is a lack or need. Until we are willing to wear our sin and struggle in the open; we are no more than whitewashed tombs greatly deceived. WE MUST BREAK THE STAINED GLASS, so that the light of Christ may shine through brightly, never hindered again. 

3). BATTLE READY: This study from JUDGES 7:1-22 has great symbolism that teaches us about the nature of spiritual warfare, how to guard against attacks, and the weapons we have to use. The nature of the battle is spiritual, and we must be able to recognize an attack before it hits; we must be on guard for ourselves and believers around us; we must not be overcome by fear, pride, hate, or hasty judgment. We must know how to wage war, and what weapons will be effective. These that are lured away from God are under attack, and the enemy won't think twice about blindsiding us to derail the movement of God in the person's life. We must be prepared, equipped, and armored. Our greatest offense to combat falling away is love, but we must also have patience, humility and commitment. It is the light and life of Jesus that can restore, and we must be shiny enough that folks see more of God and his love than man and man's judgment. 

+ IN CONCLUSION +

	Ever since Adam and Eve took the first fatal bite in the garden, mankind has been repeatedly backsliding. For countless years Father stood by, letting our free will lead us into darkness, sin, and death. Though we as God's people repeated the same mistakes too many times to count; God didn't give up, didn't stop loving us. When we were unable or unwilling to turn back to God...He set aside his throne to come suffer as we have, seeking all of us who were lost. Not only that, but he didn't give up until he had restored EVERYONE'S right standing with God. He carried every one of us on his shoulders back to the heavenly flock in Father's courts. So how is it that we leave His children to fall away, suffer, and die alone in the wilderness? Why are we not out following Christ's example and seeking those who stray...bringing them home?
	We are the body of Christ, so let us be the hand that helps a believer up when they fall. Let us be the feet that meet a sinner or backslider where they are..when they don't know the way back. Let us be the eyes that see the incredible, priceless worth of each and every soul..rather than being obsessed with the sin and failures that are apparent. Let us be the ears that hear Father pleading for us to help his children...the ears that hear the cries of the broken. Let us be the heart that loves and forgives without relent..even when a believer fights against the grain. Let us not simply claim to be the body of Christ...but also live out what the body should do.
	If you took your family camping, and your child ran off, would you simply cast judgment and leave the child to fend for himself? Would you say that it was the child's own fault and gets what he or she deserves? Or would you immediately go in search and not give up until your child was safe? I'd wager no parent would be so casual with their child's life; so how is it we are that casual regarding the lives of God's children? Gut check time.
	 I for one, don't want to have to explain to God why I abandoned his son or daughter to die in the wilderness; when He came down to the wilderness to save my unworthy soul. He gave up everything, took upon himself everything, so that we who least deserved it could share in literally everything as joint heir with Jesus to the heavenly throne. So if He wants me to go to his child and help them find their way home; it is the very least I can do. 
	Its written that we should not give Satan a foothold, yet we have surrendered ground again and again with little fight at all. When the enemy draws our sheep away...all too often we simply surrender that soul and move on; content in the confines of our own faith. Its time to not only stop surrendering to the enemy, but to take the fight to him; and regain the ground and souls he has been allowed to take easily. Its time to wage war, gather to arms and touch the heart of God. Its time to seek the fallen and show them how they too can Return to Grace. 

Praise God Almighty, thank you Lord Jesus, and..AMEN!

*note: Worship music- Stained Glass Masquerade; Casting crowns.
			      Only Grace; Matthew West
			     If We are The Body; Mercy Me