If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 14:7
Usually when a Christian speaks against sin or calls for repentance, some folk’s, including other Christians, protest it. “This doesn’t sound like Jesus.” “Jesus loves everyone” or “Jesus welcomed sinners.”
We do not disagree with this fact. We know that Jesus did welcome sinners, but He also told them to turn from their sins, to live a transformed life, and to be saved.
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 4:17
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:46-48
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 5:31-32
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord
Acts 3:19
The reason pastors and evangelists preach repentance from sin and the reasons teachers teach about it and the reason prophets call out sin, is because of the consequences it brings to those abiding in it. And those consequences are eternal.
I’ve said this before.. I am fully aware that there are people out there that claim to be Christians that are hypocrites. I’m aware of that. But even so, why would you choose to stay in sin and potentially be separated from God for all eternity, all because your “friend, neighbor or coworker“ was a hypocrite. It makes no sense.
Jesus spoke the truth with grace. That’s how we, as believers, should proceed. Yelling, arguing and being hateful, that’s not going to work.
So, we speak the truth in love.
[Love] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
Speaking out on repentance and sin is not as easy as some may think. The days of “cancel culture” where there is so much pressure to conform to the pattern of this world and the consequences from social media bullies (who scream, cry and talk loudly over you) makes it hard to speak freely on this important issue.
That’s Satan’s agenda though. He is a liar and has no new tricks. He’s also a thief. When the leaders were with Jesus, things were the same.
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.”
John 12:42
They stayed silent due to the repercussions they feared and nothing has changed, we’re still silent today, Fearing backlash.
I’m blessed to be surrounded by believers who God has called to expose sin and refute the false doctrine being taught.
On the other hand, I have also been around those that mistreat, misused, misquote and act foolish, also using scripture to do it. I disassociate from the latter ones. I walk away, fast.
You see, time is of the essence and there is no time to waste. Every second counts, because people are dying and going to a Godless eternity. This should not be so!
So, Christ calls us.
“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians 1:17
Ultimately we answer to God. We spread the gospel and we continue fulfilling the Great Commission. We pray for God’s guidance and strength, especially as things get worse.
Lord, give us the courage and strength to endure as we continue preaching your message of repentance, hope and salvation.
Open hearts and minds to see your goodness. Soften hearts and open closed ears. Hold at bay, those that are interfering with your message and deceiving your people.
In Jesus name! Amen
Many blessings,
Connie
