Showing posts with label repent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repent. Show all posts

Monday, January 24, 2022

Don't Stop Now!

Guest post by uncleministry


"Jesus answered, 'Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.'" - Luke 13:2-3

 


Brothers and sisters, the church is in peril. No, not in the sense that it will "perish" as stated above, for Jesus said "the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). However, a recent disturbing study has shown that only 3 percent of "Christians" read their Bibles 4 or more times a week! I wonder how many are reading 7 days a week? This begs the question, "Would anybody intentionally not eat for a day or more for no reason?" Of course not. We all need physical food and water to live! But that apparently doesn't seem to connect with many when it comes to their spiritual lives. Did we forget that Jesus is "the bread of life" (John 6:35), and the source of "living water" (John 7:38)? How can ANY believer live without that?

Not only are believers not reading the Word of God, but they are also forsaking the true fellowship in the gathering of the church, which results in abandoning our corporate prayer, petitioning God to help us all not to fall into the "temptation" of neglect. We are in a serious battle, my friends. God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us, but if we don't keep our eyes on Him, we WILL sink, just like Peter did. The race is NOT over, but many are stopping short of Finish Line. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 


Satan knows his time is growing short (Revelation 12:12), and he is pulling out all the stops to prevent us from completing our mission. The time is now to turn back to what we all know is the most important thing. Yes, it's time to REPENT brothers and sisters. If we don't, we lose. Don't give up now. The finish line is in sight, if we take the time to look for it. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:9-10). "And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). So don't forget to, "Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28)!

Lord, we ask Your forgiveness for our sin of neglect, regardless of how small it may seem. All around us we see that the clock is coming closer each day to the time of Your return. Help us to keep our eyes on You and the work You have given us to do. Thank You for the great love You have shown us and the blessing of including us in Your Kingdom. You have never given up on us. Help us to not give up on You. May all we do be for Your glory and honor, on that Day when You appear. Amen!

God bless you all on our Mission every day as we walk in His love through the power of the Spirit for His glory!

U.N.C.L.E. HQ

We wish to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ without whom this ministry would not be possible.

U.N.C.L.E. Ministry is affiliated ONLY with Jesus Christ to build up the body of believers who comprise His church…for His glory!

 

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Repentance toward God

 

[…]I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ ~ Acts 20:20-21.

 


The word repentance is a commonly used word in Christianity, but it isn’t so common in today’s vernacular. What does it really mean? Better yet, when it comes to Scripture, what does it have to do with you? 

 

What does repentance mean?

Noah Webster’s 1828 definition of repentance is: “Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.” As a result of that renewed mind, we are to “produce fruit consistent with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). It is more than being sorry for our sins. Rather it is a godly sorrow that God works within us. This godly sorrow; this recognition of our fallen condition leads to belief that Jesus paid the price to cure that condition. When we believe, not just intellectually but in faith, we are saved.

Works of repentance

We can do nothing to “get” or “earn” salvation. In Acts 26:20, Paul says that he “preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.” If it isn’t about works, and we can’t do enough good things to earn our salvation, then what are works of repentance? Thinking that good works make us "good" is backward thinking. It is carnal thinking. The works of repentance mentioned in Scripture work from the inside out. They come about as a result of turning to God and the renewing of the mind through the washing of the Word. What we do reflects our change in thinking and motives. 

 

Repentance toward God and the indwelling Holy Spirit

When we turn away from our ways and turn toward God (repentance), it shows we agree with him about our spiritual condition. We believe He has made the sacrifice for our sin and accept His finished work on the cross. It is by His grace we receive that faith and are saved, though we are not forced to accept it. God leaves that choice for us. 

For those of us who accept what He has done, we become “believers” and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This seals us as children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. As such, one of the works worthy of repentance that we have the privilege of taking part in is to help others see God’s way so they too can turn from their way to His and receive eternal life.

Photo credits: Scripture As Art, pixabay,
Patrick Slaven, pixabay

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About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

When you read it, be sure to leave a review! Thanks for your support.