The Way Back to blessing "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land," 2 Chronicles 7:14. (Preached in Kilskeery FPC) * This text featured large in the pulpits, pews and prayer meetings of the FPC during the 50s and 60s. It was, as it were, the guiding star of those looking earnestly to the Lord to return amongst His people in power. * I have heard it said, by one who in those early days clung to this verse and preached its truths to God's people, that it has nothing to do with the New Testament church but is for Israel alone. * Surely this could be said of nearly all of the OT and thereby making the OT irrelevant today? But has not Paul told us that "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope," Romans 15:4? We may take comfort and hope from what is written in the OT. * Here is a sweet lesson in how we may learn from and lean upon that which God has recorded in the OT, and that most certainly goes for our text. * As we turn to this verse, may the Lord be pleased to bless it to our souls as He did to a generation now almost gone from us. The verse divides into two parts: 1. The solemn responsibilities of backsliding saints. "If my people." 2. The sure response of the Lord. "Then will I."