Godly Sorry — Contestable?

Many years ago, preachers of the Word mainly focused on people's inner experiences. They preached sermons and wrote books about the condition of repentant sinners and what they felt before finding peace with God. They were strict in identifying true repentance and evidence of regeneration but didn't directly say, "Believe and live." As a result, many awakened individuals remained in bondage and didn't experience the freedom Christ offers. However, this preaching style produced sturdy Christians but often caused people to focus too much on themselves instead of Christ.

Nowadays, ministers of the Gospel more openly declare to sinners the message, "Believe and live." This declaration is widely heard in many parts of the land but only in some places. There is a concern that there may be too much preaching of the remedy without acknowledging the disease or that "Believe and live" may replace the important Truth, "You must be born again." It's not right for people to think they're healed without realizing they're sick or to trust Christ without recognizing their need for Him. Ideally, preaching would combine the deep experimental teaching of the past with the straightforward delivery of the Gospel.

The two Truths of God, "Believe and live" and "You must be born again," are in Scripture and don't conflict. It'sPreaching both to avoid running the train on a single rail is essential. Often, there are multiple Truths closely connected, like a trinity. It's challenging to reconcile them, but they both should be preached.

Sorrow for sin is often misunderstood and is often mistaken for repentance. However, it is important to note that mere sorrow for sin is not repentance but an agent employed in producing repentance. Some may have sorrow for sin due to its temporal or eternal consequences, but this is not genuine repentance. True repentance involves a complete change of mind, a deep hatred of sin, and the thought of ever committing it again. There must be sincere sorrow for transgressing against God and the possibility of doing so again. Some may think that a certain level of wretchedness must be reached to be considered apologetic, but this is not true. There is no set measure for the level of sorrow or brokenness of the heart required for repentance. It is important to understand the genuine nature of repentance, which involves a thorough change of mind and deep sorrow for sin.

A Christian should be grieved by sin and continue grieving until it's gone. This sorrow for sin is not a miserable feeling but a sweet one that lasts a lifetime. The source of sorrow could be anything from neglecting to read the Word to mixing with bad company to not forgiving others. A Christian who is not joyful is not true to himself or his Master. A backslidden Christian can regain joy and gladness by confessing their sin and returning to Christ. Confessing sin does not spoil happiness but leads to it.

Godly sorrow leads to salvation from sin, according to the text. Salvation means freedom from the power of sin, the temptation to sin, and punishment for sin. This type of sorrow leads to a change of mind, resulting in freedom from the bonds of sin. It leads to perpetual perseverance in God's ways and repentance that will never be regretted. This is the kind of sorrow we should cultivate. It is a salvation that cannot be regretted and leads to eternal life within us, kept there by the Spirit of God.

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to enable us to indulge in godly sorrow for sin. Our sin is already forgiven and forgotten forever. How could we have sinned against such a forgiving God? Let us ask ourselves this question and burst into tears, realizing the love and forgiveness of God. This thought can cause us to feel godly sorrow.

"Godly sorrow" is a term used to describe a type of repentance or regret that is characterized by a deep, heartfelt sense of remorse for one's actions, along with a sincere desire to make things right. This sorrow is often seen as a spiritual experience in which the individual realises their wrongdoing and feels a deep sense of guilt and shame. Here are a few biblical examples of godly sorrow:

1. David's repentance in Psalm 51: "Create a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit."
2. Peter's repentance in Matthew 26: "And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly."
3. The prodigal son's repentance in Luke 15: "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father and say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you."

These are just a few examples, but the Bible contains many more instances of individuals experiencing godly sorrow and turning back to God in repentance.

Paul’s Transformation

Saul was once the most fierce opponent of early Christians, entering homes, arresting and imprisoning both men and women. But God chose to show him mercy instead of judgment. This is a testament to God's love and grace that He extends to both sinners and saints. We, too, are alive today only through the grace of God.

As Saul travelled to Damascus with letters from the high priest to destroy the church there, he was struck down by a blinding light and heard a voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He replied, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Saul asked, "Lord, what would you have me to do?" and was led to Damascus, where he encountered a disciple who was open to the Lord's voice. It was through this encounter that Saul was brought to repentance.

Ananias, a man in Damascus, received a vision from the Lord to go and find Saul, who was seen praying in a vision by the Lord. The Lord assured Ananias that Saul was a chosen vessel, and Ananias, obedient, went to pray for Saul's sight to be restored. Repentant prayer is always heard in heaven, and the Lord never despises a broken and contrite heart.

The Lord wants to save all sinners and will use all means necessary for their salvation. Ananias went to Saul and laid his hands on him, calling him "brother" and reminding him of the Lord Jesus' appearance to him. The gospel of love endures.

Saul was transformed and became Paul, a vessel of mercy and a witness of the gospel. His experience on the road to Damascus demonstrates the grace and mercy of God and His willingness to save even the greatest of sinners. Paul's story serves as a reminder that God is eager to hear our repentant prayers and that He can use even our weaknesses and failures to achieve His good purposes. May we, like Ananias, be willing to listen to the voice of God and follow His leading, no matter how unexpected it may be, and in doing so, share the gospel of love with those around us.

Have faith in the living Word of God

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to delve into God's word and learn about the power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us read from Matthew 16, where the Pharisees and Sadducees asked for a sign from heaven to prove the divinity of Jesus. Jesus told them they missed the signs, and instead of giving a sign, he mentioned the story of Jonah as a prophet's sign. This wicked and adulterous generation seek after a sign, but it was only through faith that we could see the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus in the story of Jonah.

In this chapter, Jesus also warned His disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. However, despite spending so much time with Jesus, the disciples still needed more comprehension and faith. They were only concerned with their lack of bread. And to this, Jesus said, "O ye of little faith!" But He reminded them of the times He had fed thousands with just a few loaves and fishes.

And this is the point of faith, to obey without reasoning things out. Jesus asked Peter to cast a hook into the sea and catch a fish with a piece of money in its mouth. And with obedience, Peter caught the fish just as Jesus had promised. Similarly, faith in God's Word can heal, as it did for the woman filled with ulceration which was healed instantly after a rebuke of evil powers in the name of Jesus.

Faith comes from hearing and feeding on the Word of God. And as we become more consumed with the glorious fact and the significant presence of the living Christ, our faith in God will grow. Jesus asked His disciples, "Whom say ye that I am?" And Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." So, we too must ask ourselves, who do we say Jesus is?

In conclusion, let us not be like the Pharisees and Sadducees, seeking signs, but instead, let us have faith in the living Word of God. Let us feed on the living Christ and let the faithfulness of God spring up within us. May the power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with us always. Amen.

Precious faith is available to us all

Beloved brothers and sisters, today we read from 2 Peter 1:1–8 and are reminded of how easily we can become blinded by the worries of this world. But, if we open our hearts to God, we will see He has a more excellent plan for us than we could ever imagine. God desires to make the impossible possible for us, and when we allow God to have complete control over our lives, all the things that were once confusing and mysterious become clear.

This precious faith that Peter writes about is a gift from God that is available to each one of us. And I believe God wants us to receive this gift so that we may conquer kingdoms, do righteousness, and even silence the lions if the time comes. We can triumph in all circumstances with faith because our confidence is not in ourselves but in God alone. Those who are full of faith always have a good reputation, never complain, and are always in a place of victory because they are not following human order but divine order, as God dwells within them.

However, there may be some hindrances in our lives that God needs to address before we can fully embrace this precious faith. I know I've felt like I've gone through a thousand roadblocks in mylife. But there is no other way to reach the deep things of God than through a broken spirit. And, once we are broken, God can do more for us than we could ever ask or imagine because we allow Christ to take control.

We understand God through His Word. We cannot understand God through feelings or impressions. To honestly know God, we must know Him through His Word. We know we will be in heaven, not because of our emotions, but because of what God's Word says, and we believe it. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17.

In Mark 11:24, we read, "Whatsoever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive it, and you shall have it." Mountains will be moved, and difficulties will be cleared, and this can only happen when we have a real and working relationship with God. We must know God, be able to converse with Him and understand His will for us so that our prayers are always in line with it.

When this precious faith becomes a part of us, it will give us the courage to do anything. God wants daring people who are strong in Him and willing to take risks. So, how do we reach this level of faith? Letting go of our thoughts and embracing the views of God, the Word of God. If we build our foundation on our imaginations, we will be led astray. But with the Word of God, we have everything we need.

A man once said, "Never compare this book to other books. Comparisons are dangerous. Never think or say that this book contains the Word of God. It is the Word of God. It is supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, priceless in value, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, inspired in its entirety." So, let us read it, write it down, pray it, live it, and pass it on.

When we fully embrace the Word of God and receive the Spirit who inspired it, it will transform us. Our minds will be changed, our character will be converted, and we will move from grace to grace, becoming inheritors of the very nature of God. God will come to dwell within us, walk with us, and talk through us.

My dear friends, the like precious faith is available to us all. It's a gift from God, and all we have to do is receive it by faith. And when we do, it will change our lives forever, making us inheritors of the nature of God, and giving us the power to do exploits for His kingdom. So let us open our hearts to receive this gift and dare to do great things for God. Amen.

Relying on God’s Power

In these challenging times, we must deepen our trust in God. He wants us to live a life of faith. Regardless of our limitations, anyone can be transformed through faith. The power of God's word is something I strongly believe in. A single word from God has the power to change the course of a nation. God's word is eternal and unchanging. Through this word, we are given new life and find salvation.

Our faith cannot solely rely on material sustenance. We must live on every word from God's mouth, which is what truly sustains our faith. "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God." Despite efforts to discredit the Bible and diminish its miraculous qualities, I firmly believe that God can arrange everything without physically intervening. When God has a plan for us, all things fall into place. All things are possible with faith.

Some may argue that the miracles in the Bible, such as Jesus feeding the people with five loaves, were easier to accomplish in ancient times because the loaves were larger. However, this overlooks the fact that a young boy brought the five loaves as his lunch. Nothing is impossible with God. The only impossible lies within us when we limit God with our lack of faith.