| BIBLE
STUDIES ARCHIVE.....Repentance: Luke 3:3-15
Repentance: to change with regret accompanied by a true
change of heart toward God. It is a changing, or turning,
of one’s mind from evil to good; or from worse to better.
Repentance is a result of reflection on the past and determining
to turn from it to better things. Repentance is not regret
or remorse; it is an action of turning. I TURN
Remission: forgiveness; comes from the verb meaning “to
cause to stand away, to release sins from the sinner. It is
achieved by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Man cannot forgive
sin, it is done by the blood and is an act of grace. HE FORGIVES
1. I must choose to change, to turn – and when I do,
God is there to meet me with the provision of forgiveness that was
secured on a cross by the blood of Jesus Christ. The prodigal
son repented when he turned around and went back home.
2. When I choose to turn, the word says: “every valley
(HUMILITY) shall be exalted (FILLED); every mountain and hill (PRIDE)
shall be brought low (HUMBLED); the crooked (DECEITFUL) shall be
made straight (UPRIGHT); and the rough ways (UNEVENESS OF WAYS)
shall be made a plain place (BALANCED).” I RECEIVE MY
VOICE
3. The people, tax collectors and soldiers lined up and asked
John, “What shall we do?” He said: turn
from greed to giving; turn from false accusation to contentment;
turn from violence to peace. This is the practical application
of repentance. John said TURN.
4. Then the people’s expectation and excitement was
stirred! The same holds true for us. The question remains,
as in verse 8, is there fruit worthy of repentance? Are you
holding onto something, said I’m sorry more times that you
can remember, but not changed? Are you sorry you got caught,
stuck at regret, unaware that the great I AM stands ready to transform
you? You may be asking today, Lord, what shall I do?
He would say to you, “Turn, choose to change, ‘come
unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.’” THE INVITATION
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