Repentance

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I have an idea that repentance is not clearly understood and practiced in 
a good part of the churches that are Jesus name. It seems that I have heard
of many of the old timers in pentecost preaching a strong message of 
repentance but don't hear it preached much anymore.  I can't think of any
other explanation for the lukewarmness in our midst.  

When someone truly repents there is a change in *attitude* toward the world
and toward sin.  There seems to be a large movement to incorporate the world
into our churches rather than to get it out. The bible tells us that we are
not to love the world or the things that are in the world, and if we do that
the love of the Father is not in us. There is nothing more discouraging to 
the true pastor than to have a congregation of stubborn, rebellious, worldly 
minded (s)aints.

2 Corinthians 7:8-12 tells us of Pauls first letter to the Corinthians and
the effect it had upon them.  It produced *GODLY SORROW* in their hearts.
It produced a different attitude in them toward sin.  It produced a
carefulness about being entangled in sinful thoughts and acts and a desire
to be clear from any deeds that could bring accusation against them.

In 2 Corinthians 8:12 Paul speaks of a willing mind.  This is the end result
of repentance.  A willingness to change our way. A willingness to give. A
willingness to obey. A willingness to submit. A willingness to admit error
and ask God for forgiveness. When we have a willing mind it is accepted 
according to those things we posess.  We will not find ourselves in the
place of *self* justification but in the place of being justified by the
blood of Christ.

Those who have a willing mind will not fight against holiness and separation
>from the world. Those who have a willing mind will not look at holiness as
bondage. Those who have a willing mind will perfect holiness and not cast
it away. Those who have a willing mind will truly love God and the lost and
seek to reconcile souls to Him. A willing mind will be in submission to the
word and to the leadership that God has placed over the local assembly. A
willing mind wants to be the best example for Christ that they can possibly
be. A willing mind will sacrifice self for the greater benefit to all.

Jesus who is the word manifest in flesh is our example of willingness. He
said,"I do always those things that please the Father".  They that are in
the flesh and doing the things of the flesh can never please God, only 
those who are willing and obedient will inherit the good land. Examine 
yourself today and prove yourself whether you are in the faith or not.
We will do well to preach this message of repentance. Mark chapter 1 tells
us that it is the beginning of the gospel. Repentance brings the blessings
of genuine salvation.

Those who are baptized in Jesus' name without repentance go down into the
water a dry sinner and come up a wet one. John the baptist refused to 
baptize those who did not bring forth fruits that were suitable for 
repentance. Why? Because he recognized that they did not have a willingness
in their heart. They were enemies of the gospel because they had never 
changed their mind about sinful deeds. If a soul still practices sin they
are the enemy of Christ and not His advocate. We have many enemies within
the walls of the church building because they have never repented of their
sins and become truly willing to serve the Lord with all of their heart,
soul, mind and strength. If we don't gather with Him we scatter abroad.
We are the servants of whom we obey, of sin unto death or obedience unto
righteousness.

Let us live a repentant lifestyle with a willingness to do whatever the
Lord may ask of us. Let us preach *The whole gospel to the whole world*
It is not the *whole gospel* if it doesn't include repentance!!!

In Christ,
MGS

--
Mark Strahan	 ac928@rgfn.epcc.edu    GENUINE JESUS' NAME BRAND SALVATION
___________________________________________________________________________
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under
heaven given among men whereby we *must* be saved.         Acts 4:12