Tag: repent
Gospel truth declared!
Scripture reading for May 28: Acts 17
“Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man Whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”” Acts 17:29-32
Paul confronted the idol worshipers in Athens, a city full of idols. He first reasoned with them every day. Part of this reasoning was to have them look at themselves and listen to their own poets who declared that they were ‘God’s offspring’. Their bodies were fearfully and wonderfully made. They were not made of gold or silver or precious stones like the idols that their artisans had crafted. Worship of idols was a sign of great ignorance about the nature of God and His offspring.
Paul went on to call them all to repent–change their mind and dispel ignorance by believing the Truth. Worshiping idols broke God’s law and was not loving God with all heart, soul, mind and strength. God had appointed a Man–Jesus Christ, as the standard of judgment for all men, Jew or Gentile. In Jesus was perfect righteousness which God demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead. This Gospel declaration brought two responses initially. Some mocked in unbelief and refusal to repent. Others were drawn to want to hear more, knowing that there was something that they wanted.
How did you respond when someone who believed in Jesus Christ shared truth with you of your need to repent? When we share with others, are we responsible for the outcome? Knowing Jesus had warned them that they would be rejected, mocked and even killed, what motivated them to speak boldly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for bold witnesses who are fearless and full of faith to share the Good News. Thank You for sending them to me in my youth. My love for You and others who are lost moves me to ask You daily for open doors and for boldness to share, even with those opposing truth. Amen.
Fishing for men?
Scripture reading for January 6: Matthew 4
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:17-20
Jesus loved to challenge the world-views of those He came in contact with. His preaching message was a call to change minds, hearts, and actions: “Repent!” This was not something in the future Jesus was speaking about. In His own Life was the immediate presence of the kingdom of heaven and He was the King! Matthew, who himself had repented and followed Jesus, recorded Jesus’ call to follow given to two ordinary fishermen who were busy casting a net in a family fishing business. These young men heard the call of Jesus and had to adjust their thinking from catching fish to catching men with a Gospel net! I am sure that they did not understand all that would be required of them. But child-like faith to fearlessly respond to Jesus’ new challenge to their calling brought them into a new life and eternal rewards!
I had this call in my life as well. I was a successful farmer raising crops, cattle and pigs when Jesus reaffirmed His call to me to preach His Word. I chose to ‘repent’ and follow, not knowing all that would be required. My ‘immediate’ response took several years, but following Jesus Christ has totally expanded my world and enriched my life beyond measure! I am thankful for His patience and gentleness!
Have you heard the call of Jesus to repent and follow? What response have you given Him? How does your present world-view help or hinder you from responding immediately?
Prayer: Father, thank You for expanding my world-view from my own selfish interests to see Your plan tor reach all people with the Good News of a Savior Jesus Christ and eternal life. Teach me how to fish for men and guide me each day to the best fishing spots. Amen.
Preaching at the church door!
Scripture reading for August 5: Jeremiah 7-10
Jeremiah was sent to preach to God’s people and told that they would not listen! (Jeremiah 7:27) He was told on several occasions not to pray for these people because their sins had removed them from God’s grace, but he wept rivers of tears for them anyway! (Jeremiah 7:16) (Jeremiah 9:22-23) His preaching was straight and he used interesting object lessons to get the people’s attention! He was told by God to go to the gate of the temple of the Lord and preach to the people as they arrived for worship and sacrifice. (Jeremiah 7:2-7) “Hear the Word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, The God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, and in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.”
God’s people were going through the motions of religion and were deceived! Jeremiah’s words struck to the heart of the matter. We can use our religious activities to justify our own selfish lifestyles. God is not interested in religious activities unless they come from a heart that is humble, repentant and willing to listen to Him. Their trust was in their attendance at the temple. God called them to change attitudes and actions. He cared about orphans and widows, the alien and the poor. His heart was broken when innocent blood was shed and people dealt unjustly with one another. He hated adultery and lying. God wanted His people to reflect His heart of love.
God was and is watching over His Word and His people’s response to His Word! When He sees hypocrisy, He desires repentance and faith. Jesus Christ went into the temple of the Lord and saw the same things with the money changers and traders. He quoted from Jeremiah: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a ‘den of robbers’.” (Mark 11:17) (Jeremiah 7:11) After preaching, He then cleansed the temple! Maybe we need more preaching at the church door!
The Father’s will to save!
Scripture reading for October 31st: Ezekiel 16-18, John 6
John 6:35-40 “Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him Who sent Me. And this is the will of Him Who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Jesus, talking to a crowd of people, declared that He was the ‘Bread of Life’ that God sent down from heaven to satisfy those that were hungry and the true drink. He could do this because He Himself had fully obeyed His Father and did His will fully. Jesus explained that through Himself, the Father was drawing all men and women to salvation that would include resurrection from death. The Father would draw all men and women to Himself through the Son by raising Him from the dead! As people would look upon the crucified, buried, and resurrected Son, they too would believe and receive Life Eternal through the “Living Bread”.
John 6:44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.”
Prayer: Father God, Thank You for sending true Bread of Life in the person of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for drawing me and all men to repent and believe in Him and receive Your promise of Life eternal. Thank You for Your call to repentance and faith and that You do not desire anyone to die or perish, but all to have life. Jesus is truly the Way to You, the Truth, and Life Eternal.
Ezekiel 18:30-31 “”Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.””
Receiving the Holy Spirit
Scripture reading for April 25th: 1st Samuel 9-10, Acts 8
Acts 8: 14-17 “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
The world, and some in the church, often think that the things of God can be earned through good works or bought by money. Simon the former sorcerer, appeared to be converted, but still had a love for money and control. His heart was not right with God and as a result, he offered money to be able to lay hands on people to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. The unspoken evidence was most likely speaking in other tongues. Peter immediately rebuked him for this display of flesh and wickedness and called him to repentance and God’s grace for forgiveness. Money is worthless in purchasing anything from God or His people!
Acts 8:18-23 “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing grace, even towards those like Simon who appear to be in the church but have not repented of wickedness. Help me as a servant to be alert for those who have wrong hearts and to gently call them to repentance and life. Give discernment to Your church to guard against such attacks on Your salvation by grace through faith.
1st Samuel 10:6 “Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy and be turned into another man.”
The promised Holy Spirit
Scripture reading for April 15th: Judges 19-21, Acts 2
Acts 2: 37-41 “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Jesus had told His disciples before He ascended to heaven to wait in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high. (Acts 1:8) After the visitation of wind and tongues of fire resting on the 120 disciples in the Upper Room, Peter began to preach to the crowd that had gathered for the celebration of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost. They fell under conviction of the Holy Spirit at the preaching of the Gospel and asked Peter what to do. He gave them the simple command to repent and then to be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. He encouraged them to receive the gift of the Father, the Holy Spirit, Who was available to everyone! About three thousand responded in faith!
Acts 2:46-47 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their home, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and adoption into Your forever family. I thank You that this promise is all-inclusive and for all nations and peoples. Thank You that it is by grace through faith as we repent and believe. I am full of gratitude and want to give away Your gift to all You send me to. Day by day, add to Your Church those who are being saved! Not my will, but Yours be done!
Judges 21:25 “In those days thee was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
The ‘last-day’ church?
Scripture reading for December 6th: Revelation 3
Key Scriptures: Revelation 3:14-17 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The Words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.”
The final church Jesus addressed was found in Laodicea, a town known for its riches and mineral springs and its water supply–made lukewarm by routing through the aqueducts on the way to the city. . The church there had been affected by its culture and now reflected the culture more than the Savior. Jesus, in love, plainly called this church to address this problem through repentance and rededication. He even told them that He stood outside of their church at their door–knocking to gain an entrance! Those who would respond would be restored to table fellowship with their Lord and also obtain rulership in the age to come!
Revelation 3:19-20 “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for a life-giving rebuke and for loving us enough to warn us about compromising with the culture of this world. Forgive me for complacency and a lukewarm attitude concerning my own life and Your mission. I need Your grace and zeal to finish well in this lukewarm culture of the last days.
Revelation 3:21-22 “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Jesus speaks to His Church
Scripture reading for December 3rd: Revelation 2
Key Scriptures: Revelation 2:1-3 “”To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of Him Who holds the seven stars in His right hand, Who walks among the golden lampstands. “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for My Name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.””
Jesus personally dictated to John the seven messages to the churches John was an overseer at. These are the things that are now in the general outline given to John. This first message, to Ephesus, has a pattern repeated for each church. There is a greeting to the ‘angel’ of the church, probably the pastor or overseer along with a title or description of Jesus Christ in His present ministry. Then there was a commendation of the church with encouragement for what they were doing right. This was followed by a rebuke or warning concerning needed repentance and growth. The last element was a promise of reward for those who would listen, learn and overcome. Some teach that these seven letters apply to dispensations of time leading up to the return of Jesus for His church. I believe that they all speak to various churches during the church age.
Revelation 2:4-6 “But I have this against you that you have abandoned the love that you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for clearly addressing the Church You love. Give me ears to hear and a heart to apply what You reveal. Forgive me for a lack of love for You and for Your church and restore my love and zeal to do Your will. Let the lampstand and light of Your love and Gospel radiated from Your church reach into the world in darkness. We want to be among those that conquer!
Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
Preaching in the land of darkness!
Scripture reading for July 2nd: Matthew 4
Key Scriptures: Matthew 4:12-17 “Now when He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth He went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, and in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles–the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and the shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.””
Jesus Christ heard that John the Baptist had been arrested by King Herod for preaching repentance and confronting Herod’s sinful sexual life. Jesus withdrew to His own childhood region of Israel but moved to another town from Nazareth, Capernaum by the sea. This area was on a trade route where peoples from all over the world would visit on their way to trade in other parts of the world. It was known as “Galilee of the Gentiles” but had been the home property given to Zebulun and Naphtali, tribes of Israel. Isaiah the Prophet had spoken about this area in Isaiah 9:1-2, about 700 years before Christ’s birth. Jesus began preaching right where John the Baptist left off. He began where the land of the Jews was particularly darkened by the shadow of death and brought great light by preaching the Word of God. God’s Word would bring deliverance from death and its dark shadow and the dawning of a new day! Herod’s kingdom of darkness and death would be overcome by the kingdom of Light!
Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon You, and His glory will be seen upon You. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of Your rising.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to light up my world of darkness! Thank You for loving Gentiles as You loved Jews. Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Your light shines through me. Let the preaching of repentance, faith and miracles of healing flow through my life and today’s ministry opportunities.
Matthew 4:23-24 “And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and He healed them.”
“Hearing something new!”
Scripture reading for April 28th: Acts 17
Key Scriptures: Acts 17:16-21 “Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”–because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean. Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.”
Driven to Athens by the persecution and death threats, Paul was vexed in his spirit as he saw that this city was full of idols. His remedy was to present the truth of Jesus Christ to whoever would hear him. He first went to the Jews in the local synagogue. He started there because they were his own people and the Old Testament Scriptures were a great opening to preach from. He then went to the marketplace and shared with whoever God put in his path. There he ran into the intellectuals of the city who invited him to come to what was the town square or people’s university and to share his new teaching. This group was always out for something new, just for the sake of being “woke” in their day. Oh that God’s people today would engage with our time and culture with Christ’s Gospel and reveal the true and living God Who supplies all our needs!
Acts 17:29-30 “Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, . .”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with the Holy Spirit and boldness to confront in love the idolatry of our time and culture with the truth of Your Gospel of Jesus death and resurrection. May all people everywhere repent as You have commanded and avoid eternal death!
Luke 13:3 “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”