No. 348 - Surrendering Through Repentance

Responding to God's Gift of Salvation

Surrendering Through Repentance

Acts 2:38

"Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’"

Starting Prayer 

Father, as I think about what it means to surrender through repentance, help me to truly turn away from my sins and live a life that pleases You. Please guide my heart and mind to understand Your Word today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

Acts 2 describes the events of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel. In this chapter, Peter delivers a powerful sermon to the crowd, explaining that Jesus, whom they crucified, is both Lord and Christ. The people, feeling convicted, asked what they should do, and Peter’s response in Acts 2:38 was clear: they needed to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins. This verse emphasises the importance of repentance as the first step towards receiving salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Be Encouraged 

Repentance is a crucial part of our spiritual journey. It is not just about feeling sorry for our sins, but it involves a complete change of mind and heart. When Peter told the people to repent, he was calling them to turn away from their old ways and start living for Christ. This kind of change is not easy, but it is necessary if we want to be in a right relationship with God. True repentance leads to a transformed life, where we no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:15).

The decision to repent is a personal one, but its effects are visible to those around us. When we truly repent, we begin to bear "fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). Our actions, words, and even our thoughts start to align more with God’s will. Repentance brings about a new way of life, where we strive to do what is right and good. It’s like starting afresh with a new purpose and direction, following Christ and His teachings.

Application 

Repentance is more than just turning away from sin; it is also about turning towards God and embracing His will for our lives. In Luke 13:3, Jesus said, "unless you repent you will all likewise perish." This shows the seriousness of repentance in our walk with God. Take some time today to examine your life and ask yourself if there are areas where you need to repent. Remember that God is patient and wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Let today be the day you fully surrender to Him through repentance.

Invitation 

If you have not yet repented and committed your life to Christ, today is the day to make that decision. Visit any nearby church of Christ, where you can learn more about how to obey the gospel and surrender your life to Jesus. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can receive the gift of salvation. The Lord will add you to His church, where you can continue to grow in your faith and follow His commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Do not delay—make the decision today to turn away from sin and follow Christ wholeheartedly. Share this message with those you love, so they too can experience the joy of repentance and salvation.

Concluding Prayer 

Lord, I thank You for the gift of repentance and the chance to turn back to You. Help me to live a life that reflects true repentance, bearing fruits that please You. Thank You for Your patience and mercy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


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