Repentance

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On Sun, 24 Sep 1995 21:01:02 -0500 (CDT), you wrote:

>I have an idea that repentance is not clearly understood and practiced in 
>a good part of the churches that are Jesus name. 

You get that idea too? Nowadays, we are afriad that someone is going
to have a nervous breakdown if they hear reproof. It's new definition
is "criticism".  Or, better yet, "judgementalism".

>IIt 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.  

C'mon over here friend. As I was told, "our churches are small"
because of the "finger pointing". I'm bragging and speaking foolishly,
actually. 

Sincerely, to tell you the truth, it is a difficult call with the
present generation

>I can't think of anyother explanation for the lukewarmness in our midst.  

You get what you pay for.

>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. 

Put simply, yes. This is our greatest challenge in meeting the demands
of ministry in this last generation. We must incorporate new methods
on one hand, and fight the spirit of the world with all fervor with
the other. People are tempted to redefine the experience as a result
of the differing conditions (compared to 50 years ago). However, you
called the shot right. There is an enormous pressure to become
"interdenominational" and decry Bible standards and absolutes as the
pulp of out-of-date traditionalists.

>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.

It amazes me what some me of sterling character have been through,
when you learn of their REAL experiences.

(ah -(s)aints - I get it :)

>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.

The fact is Brother, I must personally push myself hard to retain the
same mindset from day to day. It takes work and this is something
which is a very weak point for the present generation. I think poor
self-image has something to do with it, but it is difficult to cause a
congrgation to simply RETAIN as sense of value concerning the things
of God. There is a very large sense of spirituality, but there is also
a great need for the truely broken condition and contriteness which is
so essential to intimacy with God. As a pastor you know that "we go
first" if there is to be revival. I don't know any other answer Bro.,
but on very positive conclusory note, the results are guarenteed.

>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.

Good teaching - all true, all of the highest caliber of instruction,
and ALL of it MUST preceede evangelism, for evangelism to result in
valid growth.

>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!!!

Beautiful!

--
The Whole Gospel to the Whole World    -   Life Tabernacle UPC
"Preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ,
with all confidence, no man forbidding ... " - Acts 28:31