Second Comes Repentance

We have been talking about being born again and how we retain salvation.
Today I want to talk about Repentance.

In The Bible we see first hand what repentance is and baptism. Let's look at the Book of Matthew staring in chapter 3:

Chapter 3  (KJV)

John preaches: his work, life, and baptism

1  In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

He reprimands the Pharisees, and baptizes Jesus in Jordan

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.  Here we see baptism (which is an outward action) showing our wish to turn from our sin through repentance. 

Andrew Wommack explains this further in his Living Commentary:

Matthew 3:2

Life For Today Study Bible Notes

Note 1 at Mt. 3:2: "Repent" comes from the Greek word "metanoeo" and literally means to have another mind. It is used 34 times in the New Testament. Repentance is a necessary part of salvation (Mt 4:17; Lu 13:3). Repentance may include godly sorrow (2Co 7:9), but sorrow does not always include repentance. Repentance is simply a change of mind accompanied by corresponding actions (Mt 3:8; Jas 2:17).
—Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary

So far we now know we must have faith the Jesus Christ is the son of God who came to pay the penalty for our sins through His death on the cross. Second we know we must then repent of our sinful ways and turn from the sins.
It is important to note that at our baptism or conversion, although we repent of our sins, our repentance doesn't end there.  In the Book of Luke Jesus is giving the disciple's an example of how to pray, notice in verse 4 the asking of forgiveness of  sins and forgiving others their sins against us.

Luke 11 (KJV)

Christ teaches how to pray

1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

We are to ask forgiveness of our sins daily, for we sin daily, and although we have salvation through our faith and belief we are still sinful people, and need to be washed clean every day.


These are very important things to dwell on, read and study The scriptures, read them out loud to your self so that you can burn them into you heart.  There are no doubts for those who know the promises of God inside their hearts.

 

 

Are You Born Again?

Are you a born again Christian?  Yet you sometines have doubts?  Do you wonder if you did it all right, if you are still saved, did you lose your salvation?

These are normal questions for those who have not studied The Scriptures.
Today we will look at the meaning of being born again.
 So lets take a look at some of those scriptures as we read a Bible Teachers notes:


Jn. 3:3: The new birth is essential for entering into the kingdom of God (v. 5). As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, this is not a second physical birth, but rather a spiritual birth. Our spiritual man became dead unto (separated from) God through sin (Ro 3:23; Ro 6:23; Ro 7:9, 11; Eph 2:1, 5). Just as we didn't accomplish our physical birth, we cannot produce this spiritual rebirth. We are totally incapable of saving ourselves (Jer 13:23; Ro 3:10-12; Ro 8:7-8; Eph 2:3); therefore, we need a Savior (Tit 1:4; Tit 2:13; Tit 3:4,6). We simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and we are saved (Ac 16:31). Faith is the only condition (Ro 3:28; Ro 10:6-9). Faith alone saves. However, saving faith is never alone. As stated in James 2:17-18, "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone . . . shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." Salvation is not a reformation, but rather a regeneration, a new birth, a new creation (2Co 5:17), that can only be accomplished by a creative miracle of the Holy Spirit (Joh 1:13; Joh 3:5).—Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary


I would quote all the scriptures, but you need to look them up.  I recommend that you use "The King James Version".  (If by chance you do not have a Bible, I recommend going to the book store and getting one, or you can look up scripture on many good websites, one is www.biblegateway.com, or Google "Bible").

Some simple scriptures are as follows (but please study them):

   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.   For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.    He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18 (KJV)

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:8-17 (KJV)


We have to have faith to believe, but we also need to hear the word of God, and act on it.  We have to believe that Jesus died for our sins, that is, we must  have faith in what we can not see; yet we have these testimonies from the Scriptures.  We need to study the Scriptures and pray. 
Today I will end with this last scripture:


7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Jesus)
Matt 7:7-8 (KJV)

 

 

Living a Christian Life in a non-believing World

How hard is your life?  Do you find yourself trying to live as a true follower of Jesus Christ but being shut down at every turn?
Welcome to the world of sin.
Now I do not wish to sound hard, but when you face deception and heartache at every turn, why do you think that is.
It is summed up in just a short passage from the Book of Ephesians and another from the Book of II Corinthians as followers:


"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  Ephesians 6:12  KJV

" For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
II Corinthians 10:3-6  KJV


I have been studying scripture a lot recently, and I have found more truths in The Bible than I realized were there.  I always thought I was smart, but I wasn't studying like I should have.  Now I am finding more and more truth in The Written Word than I knew was there.

So what I wanted to share besides the above is that I know that this has been an uncomfortable last few months with the election..  some words were said in the heat of the battle, and unfortunately some of those words came from we who should know better.
You see it doesn't matter who is in the government running things, but what does matter is that we are praying for them and asking God's guidance in their lives (and ours).  Also keeping in mind that we can not be good Christians if we slander, fight and yell.  For as Christians, we know what the word says, and if we don't, then shame on us.

 

 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;"  1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV

God has given us so much power and authority by His Word, through the blood of Jesus Christ.  It is time we claimed that power and used it in accordance with the instruction given us in The Word.  Time time is short, the harvest is white and we need to be reaping in these last days.


If these words peak your interest in The Word, and you want to know more, read and study.  If you want to know where, how or why my interest is so great, message me, call me (931-863-3936), write me.. I want to hear from you.

Now keeping in mind these things, remember to:

"....take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness:And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;   And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,"   Ephesians 6:13-19  KJV