Tag: repentance
Restoring a brother!
Scripture reading for October 29th: Philemon 1:1-25
Paul won a run-away slave, Onesimus, to faith in the Lord Jesus. He also knew this slave’s master, Philemon, who was a brother in the Lord and possibly won to the Lord under Paul’s ministry as well. (Philemon 1:19) Paul was in prison during this time. It is possible that they were in jail together and God used Paul to present the Gospel and then to disciple him. Now this slave was a brother in the Lord and serving Paul. Paul instructed him to return to Philemon and ask for mercy for running away. This short letter to Philemon was penned by Paul to accompany this new brother as he returned to His owner in repentance!
” I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon 1:4-7) Paul affectionately addressed Philemon as a “dear friend and fellow worker.” He cared about Philemon and prayed for him with a thankful heart. Paul’s pastoral heart shines through in this prayer for his ministry of sharing his faith. Paul prayed that he might be active in sharing his faith in order to have a full understanding of all good things we have in Christ! Perhaps failure to share faith is why many today lack a true understanding of their inheritance!
Paul could have simply commanded Philemon to take Onesimus back and forgive him for running away, but he appealed to him on the basis of love. (Philemon 1:8-10) God had shown mercy to Onesimus while he was away by saving him. Now Onesimus was a brother in the faith and useful to Paul and to Philemon in a different way. God had also shown this mercy to Philemon and to Paul. Since God’s love was shown to us while we were sinners, we must also show this love by forgiveness and restoration.
This story reminds us of God’s love and restoration of us. We were run-away slaves as well. When we heard the Gospel, we returned to our Master. He forgave us and restored us to ‘sonship’, not slavery! In His amazing love, He gave us the ministry of reconciliation! (2nd Corinthians 5:21)
Responding to correction!
Scripture reading for September 4th: 2nd Corinthians 7:8-16
According to Proverbs, the wise man loves discipline and receives knowledge from being corrected. Whoever hates discipline is just plain ‘stupid’. (Proverbs 12:1) In reality, most people don’t enjoy discipline and many don’t enjoy correcting others because it causes strife and conflict between people. Preachers have the task of correction and of teaching and preaching ‘truth’ from God’s word. This ‘truth’ is often not well received and brings anger to those who need the correction in their lives.
“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it–I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while–yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you be came sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2nd Corinthians 7:8-10) Paul’s letter to these Corinthians had brought correction in many matters. As a preacher, Paul felt bad that he made those who heard sorrowful about their actions and attitudes. He ended up happy because their sorrow led to repentance.
Repentance is the desire of God for His people. Paul had directed the Church at Corinth to put the immoral man out and turn him over to Satan. (1st Corinthians 5:3-5) His goal was that man’s salvation and the church’s purity. This instruction was hard and caused sorrow for many in that church, including Paul. However, this man was made sorry and brought to repentance. (2nd Corinthians 2:6-11) His repentance led to salvation and restoration back into the body! True repentance produces an eagerness to do what is right before God. This brings joy and encouragement to the whole church.
The church took this person back into the body and restored him. Paul was encouraged that they had listened to his wise counsel. (2nd Corinthians 7:12-13) Working through our problems by facing them God’s way is not always easy, but when we do it yields beautiful fruit.
Is there correction that God has given you that you need to respond to? Do you know a person who has responded by repentance that needs to be restored? Pray for God’s grace to obey!
Preparing the way!
Scripture reading for March 13th: Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8
Luke was a Greek doctor who became a follower of Jesus Christ. He wrote a detailed account of the life of Jesus that we now know as the Gospel of Luke. He followed this with Acts, a history of the early church from Pentecost through the spread of the Gospel to Rome by the Apostle Paul. Luke’s theme in his Gospel was: “Jesus the Son of Man”. (Luke 3:23-37) Luke knew mans physical needs from his life work. He wrote about the One who could heal not only bodies, but broken souls as well!
Luke begins his account with the supernatural announcement of a coming pregnancy and birth to a couple who had been barren but prayed for a child. Zechariah was a Levite who served in the temple and his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. They had served faithfully and were getting older. Zechariah was chosen by lot to offer incense before the Lord at the Altar of Incense in the temple. As he was performing this duty, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and spoke. “Do not be afraid, Zechariah: you prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Many people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous–to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Repentance prepares the way for Christ’s grace and rule! Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of sin. At that time, the world was filled with broken families, dead religion, and disobedience to the Lord. The first step back to God was awakening the people’s hearts to their desperate need to turn back to God. There is the same need today. Jesus is coming soon! Are you ready to see Him?
Responding to correction!
Scripture reading for September 4th: 2nd Corinthians 7:8-16
According to Proverbs, the wise man loves discipline and receives knowledge from being corrected. Whoever hates discipline is just plain ‘stupid’. (Proverbs 12:1) In reality, most people don’t enjoy discipline and many don’t enjoy correcting others because it causes strife and conflict between people. Preachers have the task of correction and of teaching and preaching ‘truth’ from God’s word. This ‘truth’ is often not well received and brings sorrow to those who need the correction in their lives.
“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it–I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while–yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you be came sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2nd Corinthians 7:8-10) Paul’s letter to these Corinthians had brought correction in many matters. As a preacher, Paul felt bad that he made those who heard sorrowful about their actions and attitudes. He ended up happy because their sorrow led to repentance.
Repentance is the desire of God for His people. Paul had directed the Church at Corinth to put the immoral man out and turn him over to Satan. (1st Corinthians 5:3-5) His goal was that man’s salvation and the church’s purity. This instruction was hard and caused sorrow for many in that church, including Paul. However, this man was made sorry and brought to repentance. (2nd Corinthians 2:6-11) His repentance led to salvation and restoration back into the body! True repentance produces an eagerness to do what is right before God. This brings joy and encouragement to the whole church.
The church now was to take this person back into the body and restore him. They had done this and Paul was encouraged that they had listened to his wise counsel. (2nd Corinthians 7:12-13) Working through our problems by facing them God’s way is not always easy, but when we do it yields beautiful fruit.
Is there correction that God has given you that you need to respond to? Do you know a person who has responded by repentance that needs to be restored? Pray for God’s grace to obey!
The Holy Spirit and Fire!
Scripture reading for January 3rd: Matthew 3, Psalms 2:7-12, Proverbs 1:15-19
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:11-12)
John the Baptist was the last prophet in the Old Testament who came in the spirit and mold of Elijah. (Malachi 4:5-6) Malachi had spoken of him in his last word over 400 years earlier. John came calling people to repentance and insisting that everyone needed to be baptized. Baptism was something that new converts to Judaism were called to do, but John insisted that all needed it. This angered the religious establishment but drew huge crowds of hungry people who were hoping to prepare themselves spiritually for the coming Messiah.
John told of the One coming after him! This One would bring a new baptism, the Holy Spirit and fire! As we seek to prepare ourselves for this new year, we would do well to seek Jesus for a fresh baptism or filling with the precious Holy Spirit! The fire was a symbol of the presence of God. Natural fire brought heat, light, and energy to those close to it; the fire of the Holy Spirit brings a holy energy to be a witness for the Lord. The fire of God’s amazing love will burn hot in those so baptized and they will share their love of Jesus and God’s love in them with those who have not heard!
It is interesting to note that Jesus is pictured by John with an instrument of harvest in his hands. His purpose is to gather His wheat into the barn. The wheat represents those who are believers in Christ and have the kernel of the Holy Spirit and God’s life in them. The barn represents God’s Kingdom and rule. Those who are “chaff”, have no life in them and are only fit for the unquenchable fire! The baptism of Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Fire is ours for the asking! (Luke 11:9-13) Don’t go another day without this precious gift!
God’s Patience!
Scripture reading for December 19th: 2nd Peter 1-3
In the last days, people will mock and scoff at God, accusing Him of not being there at all. “God is dead” was popular some time back among the scoffers in America. Others claim to be agnostics, not sure if there is a God at all and skeptical that man can even know Him. Others, having the desire to completely eliminate God from their thinking, ignore history and the Bible and degrade anyone who would believe in the Creator and the prophetic warnings of coming judgment on those who refuse to believe.
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years , and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2nd Peter 3:8-9) God’s not hung up on time like we humans are. He has always been and will always be. Time for Him is not limited, but limitless! God is not slow in keeping His promise to come back for us, but He is patient with all mankind. He wants all to have opportunity to be saved. He knows that all who fail to repent will perish in the Lake of Fire. (Revelation 20:14-15)
God has great patience, even with those who are mocking Him and scoffing at His word. He is working out His plans, which are established forever. He has told mankind of His plans through the prophets of Old Testament time and in these last days through His own Son, Jesus Christ. We can trust the word of God and should be living as if what God has said will come to pass!
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people out you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” (2nd Peter 3:10-12) God’s patience will eventually give way to fulfillment of His promises. Will you be found ready and living for Him or among the scoffers?
“Let us reason together.”
Scripture reading for July 17th: Isaiah 1-4
The book of Isaiah is a rich resource of prophesy and New Testament truth. Jesus Christ said of Isaiah that he “saw my glory and spoke about it.” (John 12:41) Jesus quoted from Isaiah a number of times and began His ministry quoting from Isaiah 61:1-2 as recorded in Luke 4:18-19. Isaiah was a faithful prophet of the Lord during over 50 years of ministry under four different kings of Judah. His book is considered by some to be a miniature of the Bible as a whole. The first 39 chapters record Isaiah’s messages of judgment on the sins of a backslidden and lost people. The last 27 chapters contain a message of hope and consolation to those God has disciplined. It is said that Isaiah was sawn asunder by Manasseh, the wicked son of good king Hezekiah. As we study this amazing book of prophesy, ask the Lord to show you His glory as well!
The first chapter contain a pattern of preaching that many of the prophets used and one that Isaiah used repeatedly as well. He had a four-point sermon outline that goes something like this: (A) Charges of accusation of sins, (B) Threats of coming judgment, (C) Call to repent and return to God, and (D), Promises of healing and restoration if they repented.
The charges against Judah sound familiar with other prophets and in the church today! The people of Judah were raised and delivered by God himself, but willfully did not know God. They were sinful people who had actually turned their backs on God and rebelled against their own Maker! (Isaiah 1:2-9) The results were sores and infection, a land under judgment and drought, and cities burned with fire! God likened them to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities He had destroyed by fire because of their gross wickedness.
God was fed up and threatened judgment! He was sick of their hollow religious meetings and meaningless offerings. He hated their festivals and was burdened by their show with no substance. He promised to hide his face from them and would not respond to their prayers. (Isaiah 1:10-15)
God asked them to turn from their sins while there was still time. Their hands were full of blood and needed washing. They needed to turn from evil and learn to do right. They should seek justice and righteousness and begin to encourage the oppressed and help the fatherless and widow. God was concerned with social justice and particularly with the needy and weak who were being exploited. (Isaiah 1:16-17) He tried to reason with them about the stain of their sins. As red blood stains a white garment and is difficult to remove, God promised to blot out the stain of their sin and make them white as snow or white like a clean wool garment! (Isaiah 1:18-19)
The final section promises more blessings and healing. He promised that if they were willing and obedient, they would eat the best of the land, but if they refused and rebelled against His advice they would be devoured by the sword. What a deal! God will get revenge on the wicked rebels and afterward He will restore the godly judges and counselors. He will have mercy on those who are penitent but will punish those who are evil!
Exodus 20:20 Vision–Fear of the Lord!
Scripture reading for January 24: Exodus 19-20
Have you ever been afraid of God? God carried the whole nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt with a display of His power in the plagues. The Israelites were protected and experienced God’s deliverance as they walked out of Egypt, laden down with silver and gold and other valuables. God’s presence guided them in the Pillar of Fire and in the Cloud. God was in their midst and provided miraculously for them again and again in sending the manna and quail and then providing water from the Rock. These children understood the mercy of God, but the fear of God was not what it needed to be! This holy fear or respect is a foundation for wisdom and life. (Proverbs 1:7)
God led the children of Israel to Mt. Sinai where He gave instructions through Moses to the people. They were to refrain from sexual relations, wash their clothes, and consecrate themselves to hear God’s voice speaking to them. (Exodus 19:10-16) On the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud, and a loud trumpet blast. When the trumpet sounded, everyone in the camp trembled with fear! (Exodus 20:18-19) The people begged Moses to speak to them, but did not want God to speak for they feared death if they heard Him speaking! This must have been a very fearful encounter with God. Fire and smoke, clouds, thunder and lightning, and a very loud trumpet created a atmosphere where people felt uncomfortable and under conviction. Why would God bring these special people out of slavery to do this to them?
God’s stated purpose was to instill in them the “fear of God to keep them from sinning.” (Exodus 20:20) He wanted them to have 20:20 vision and understanding that sin brings death. God’s Word is holy and forever settled in Heaven. It cannot fail or be changed! (Matthew 24:35) The ten commandments that Moses received revealed sin in the heart of man. They are the mirror of our soul showing our need of mercy and forgiveness. They drive us to God for mercy through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is only by grace that we are saved from the penalty of sin. (Ephesians 2:8-10) Our own efforts cannot keep the law because sin is ingrained in us through Adam. (Romans 5:12-14) When we understand that God’s holy Word is truth, we can repent and be forgiven.
As you read Exodus 20:1-17 today, ask the Lord to reveal his holiness to you and open your eyes to your need for holy fear. Look at each commandment and see how these commands help us to love God and love our neighbor. If you are breaking any of them, take time and confess with repentance. This is the only way to perfect vision! May you see clearly today and each day till you see Him face to face!
“Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Exodus 20:20
Don’t Quarrel on the way!
Scripture reading for January 16th: Genesis 45-47
Families and churches are sometimes prone to conflict! I know because I live in a family, have attended churches for many years, and have pastored for twenty years in three different churches. I have experienced conflict in family and church settings and sometimes been responsible for it myself. Sometimes conflict comes from misunderstanding and poor communication. Other times it comes from jealousy or envy. Sometimes it comes from sin and wrong-doing. Everybody wants to blame somebody else and arguments ensue about who is at fault! Have you experienced that to?
In our reading today, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers after a series of encounters with them. The brothers still had guilt from what they did and when Joseph revealed himself to them, they were astonished, speechless, and terrified! (Genesis 45:1-7) Joseph had to reassure them that it was truly him. He understood their feelings. He had probably had to work through these same kinds of feelings himself over the years. God gave him understanding of the greater purpose that was being worked out. Joseph shares this with his brothers to encourage them. “It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
As Joseph sent them away to bring Israel and the rest of the family down to Egypt to save them during the next 5 years of famine, he warned them not to quarrel on the way! It doesn’t appear that repentance had yet taken place. Feelings of guilt and shame are no longer able to control us when we truly repent. He forgives and forgets our sins. (Psalm 103:11-12) Blaming others never helps either. We can only take responsibility for our own sins and forgive others of theirs. When we do that, quarreling is greatly reduced and peace in the family results. God is working out his purposes in our families and homes even amidst the conflict and sin so prevalent in our lives. Often it’s hard to see the big picture.
Jesus Christ was sent before us to save us! He saw God’s big picture and died for our sins. If we confess our sins and repent of them, he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all guilt and shame. He came to bring peace in our own hearts and he says that peacemakers are blessed! (Matthew 5:9) May we be able to heed the ancient warning of Joseph and receive the blessing of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. “Don’t quarrel on the way!” (Genesis 45:24)