Repent, Receive, Renew

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaming the Gospel of God and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Gospel. (Mark 1:14-15).

Repent:
The word, "Repent" literally means "to turn around." One could also say, "Reverse course, change your direction, turn 180 degrees from the path you are currently on."

In Christian circles, there is an additional layer of meaning. For what am I to repent? Why am I supposed to change direction?

The simple answer is, because the path that you are taking right now is sinful. It is against the will of God for you. If you stay on this path, you are disobeying God. And if you stay on this path, you will be walking your way right into hell.

Repent of your sins and be sure that "God, who is faithful and just, will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness." (1st John 1:9)

Receive:
After you repent, you are forgiven. And that is what you receive. 

God has forgiven you of your sins by means of the death of Jesus. His body that was broken and His blood that was shed, is the means by which God changes your life. It is a free gift to you from God. Take hold of it.

You have, by the power of the Holy Spirit, been broken. The grace of God in Jesus heals and restores you. Receive His grace and love. 

And when you receive and accept the gift of life, then you can...

Renew:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Through repentance, you receive God's grace and mercy. Once you have that, you are renewed. The Holy Spirit actively works in you to lead you to turn around (repent), receive His Grace, so that your life is made new.

Renewal is about living in the grace and mercy. It is about living transformation, about being different than you were. God changed you by Jesus' death and resurrection. Now live in His grace.

So that is our focus throughout the season of Lent. And you are invited to be a part of that focus every Sunday morning at 10:30 and every Wednesday at 6:30pm. Come and join with us.