Repentance (PT2)

The Beginning of Repentance

The other day while on a road trip I parked the car in a no parking zone.  At the time I parked I did not know that I was doing wrong.  But as soon as I found out I moved the car.  In a sense I repented.  So where does repentance begin? It starts with the Word.  

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:37-38 NIV

The first step is hearing the truth. God’s Word cuts to the heart of a matter.  Spiritual instruction brings knowledge.  For the lost it brings knowledge of our fallen state.  For the child of God it brings knowledge of divine things.

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Colossians 3:10 NIV

“It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.”

John 6:45 NIV

God’s Word is the hammer that breaks a hard heart.  But if we do not share the Word how will a person ever come to repentance?  WE are the instruments that God uses to share His knowledge.  It is the Holy Spirit moving through us that makes our words alive. The Spirit breathing in us is what makes our words effectual. At this time in the world I believe the harvest is riper then it has ever been before.  I pray that each of us would productive in helping bring in the harvest. 

“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.”

1 John 2:20 ESV