How you can live a life of repentance

December 9, 2010

For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…

1 Thessalonians 1:9

One question I constantly hear from Christians and non-Christians alike is, "What is repentance?" It's really a good question because that's not a word that we really use outside of a spiritual context.

But in the original language of the New Testament, the word means "to change one's mind or purpose." And that's really what it means to ‘repent', to turn from going one way and change your route. It's as if you started to get on the highway and heard on the radio that there's a big traffic jam. So you change your mind, don't take the highway, and take the back roads instead.

And today's verse is a clear picture of true repentance. Now, it's important to really read closely here. Notice that the verse does not say, "they turned from idols to God." No, instead it says, "they turned to God from idols."

We don't just repent and turn from our old ways because God is the new flavor of the week. We turn to God from our idols because in the midst of our own sinfulness, he captivates everything we are and demands we turn to him.

Each day we live on this earth, we make small decisions of repentance when we deny ourselves because God is so much greater. So don't just repent once. Live a life of repentance and turning to God! 

TURN TO GOD FROM SIN EACH DAY BY CHOOSING HIS WAY OF LIVING! 


For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.org
and
Listen to Dr. Jack Graham's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

Watch Jack Graham and Powerpoint Ministries Video Online.

MY GIFT TO YOU!

Straight Up

Dear Friend,

I sincerely hope you will request my 10-message series called Straight Up, where I tackle 10 tough questions we all face. Like "When Does Life Begin?" and "Can Love Last a Lifetime?", "Can You Trust the Bible?", and "Are All Religions the Same?"

After listening, you'll be more equipped to live a confident life, knowing the truth and trusting the promises of Christ! 

Thank you for giving to help PowerPoint continue to share the transforming power of Jesus!!  --Jack Graham