Repent!
This Sunday during the early Java with Jesus service we will be looking at John the Baptist. JtB is a popular figure to study during Lent because he is all about preparing people for the coming of the Lord. Advent means coming and the Advent season is the time of the year when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
In Matthew 3:3 JtB gets on his soap box and preaches one of his favorite themes: repent! We hear the word ‘repent’ a lot inside the church (outside the church not so much). Anyway, that word repent has a lot of negative connotations.
When you hear that word: ‘repent’ what do you think about? What does that word mean to you? What do you think it mean to Jesus and JtB?
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6 Comments
by Tina Reynolds
On December 14, 2011
I like what happens AFTER the word repent is applied in my life. I don’t like what happens before repent has to be a verb in my life or even when it is a verb in my life. Having said that it’s no wonder the word repent has negative connotations.
So repent is the best thing I can ever do when I need to. I like it a lot and thank God that He provides this option. Otherwise…shweeeew! …No Way Out!
by Andrea Matheny
On December 16, 2011
Well, being an Elder and staff person I have learned what repent means about 4 years ago. I dont want to give it away to some of you bloggers if it is a word that has been miss used for you. This word reminds me of predestination – they are both miss used and many do not know the true meaning.
by Adam Ashcraft
On December 17, 2011
Repent or as I like to hear it on TV or at a good old fashioned tent revival Reeepent! I think of over the top slicked up preachers telling me if I don’t repent I am going to hell!
To me it’s a “do over”. I am forgiven for my sins. I am preparing for the Lord.
by Kelley Ashcraft
On December 17, 2011
I agree that when we repent we understand and feel sorrowful for our sins. One definition in Dictionary.com defines it as “to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one’s life for the better”. I think JtB warns people about pretending to be sorrowful for fear of the consequences without being willing to change.
by Tina Reynolds
On December 17, 2011
I kinda like cliff hangers Andrea but doesn’t “repent” simply mean to change direction in a better way?
For me that’s been HUGE! For most people – maybe not such a big deal.
Regardless, it’s a word to love when it’s a verb in your life.
by Andrea Matheny
On December 19, 2011
Hi Tina! YOU GO GIRL! Whenever I heard the word repent, the person using the word used it as if they were to say stop. I should stop doing this or that. After learning that it to change my way of thinking or change direction it made so much more sense to me. I love the word too because it reminds me of a change of mind, which leads to a change of heart and ultimitly a change of life. It reminds me of my life before a had a relationship with Jesus to having a relationship with Him. Talk about a change of life!
Thanks Tina! I enjoy reading your posts!