Backsliding

I thought I could do it!  We were combining wheat on a dry summer’s evening on the farm.  Dad was driving the Super M Farmall tractor pulling our McCormick International Harvester combine.  I was driving our Farmall BN pulling our flatbed wagon with side-boards full of wheat.  We had just dumped another load of wheat from the combine into the wagon adding to its weight.  I thought I could make it up the hill in third gear.  But as the tractor reached the top, it bogged down.

I tried to shift to a lower gear but before I could, the weight of the wagon full of wheat dragged me back down the hill.  I had my foot on the brake the whole way, but the weight of the wheat plus gravity was too much.  I even broke the tie rod on the wagon when the tractor slid the tongue of the wagon over beyond it’s limit.  Dad was not happy about that.  As a teenage boy, I had no idea that the weight of a wagon full of wheat would cause me and the tractor to backslide all the way down the hill.

It seems rather comical now.  But the truth is that backsliding in our faith is no laughing matter.  The gravity of this world with all its temptations, distractions, and allure can easily pull one backwards and further away from God.  Believe it or not, Peter – that great disciple of Jesus and apostle to the resurrection – backslid in his faith too.  Paul was not happy about it.  “Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone” must be defended.  Paul does just that in this Sunday’s passage.

Worship begins at 10:00 AM this Sunday, May 17.  My message is entitled “Symphony of Grace” and highlights the moving chorus of grace that emerges from Galatians 2:11-21.  Our worship will be a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.  Children Church is offered for 3-year-olds through those in 2nd grade.  Refreshments will be served for all following worship.  The Discovery Class will meet.  Men will gather for prayer.  Visitors and newcomers are expected and welcome.  Please join us and be blessed!