Genuine Repentance 11.19.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are beginning our studies on the book of Romans, please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201-3&version=9

Today we will read about Paul's desire to speak with the Christians in Rome; God is not a respector of Jew or Gentila; and righteousness through faith. Today's message focuses on the importance of true repentance. Regardless of where we come from we are all sinners and no one is exempt from the judgement that comes along with it. Genuine repentance is the only way to have a right relationship with God.

The book of Romans is the 6th book and also the first epistle (letter) of the New Testament and contains 16 chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the people in Rome. The purpose of the book is to present the meaning of the Gospel in relation to law, prophecy, and the universal need of man for justification by faith. What we are to learn is that the just shall live my faith alone.

Sin has cut off our relationship with God, we are indeed saved by the blood of Jesus, but it is genuine repentance that is fundamental to having that right relationship with Him. Paul speaks to the Romans and warned them about every sin that they need to be aware of, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:28-32). Sadly, today there are many who continue to commit some of theses sins, and some even say they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but their lives show no evidence of genuine repentance.

The confession of one's personal sinfulness is the first step to all true repentance. The sincere believer never seeks to excuse himself or blame or compare himself with others but, sees himself like everyone else, a sinner. Paul reminded the people that regardless of who they were God is not a respector of persons and treats every person who sins the same way. "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (2:7-13).

There was only one person on the earth that was perfect and that was the Lord, Jesus Christ. Believer's may occasionally sin, but their repentance and calling on Jesus sets them free. There is a disturbing and growing ignorance of the Bible, the only Book which reveals sin for what it is, rebellion against God. He alone has the right to set the standard for righteousness and we as believers are to be examples of that righteousness. It is one thing to sin and not realize it, we do it everyday, but to do it knowingly only brings more judgement upon us. However, the good news is that God helps us, step by step, inch by inch, God transforms us into righteous beings, but it is only genuine repentance that brings forgiveness.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray for a sincere heart that is sensitive to Biblical truths as they apply to our lives. We invite You to arrange the circumstances of our lives that will keep us patiently looking to You and asking for Your divine guidance. We earnestly seek You for spiritual revival. A revival for those who claim to live for You, but are unyielded to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Revive both the messenger and listener so that our lives are a demonstration of the reality of a vibrant walk with You. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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