Make the Turn

Most of us want to be considered "fun" - at least on some level. Mister Bill (PopC) holds that title with our grandchildren! Something not heard from many pulpits across America today is the topic of repentance. It wasn't too popular when John the Baptist preached it either! Just because it isn't preached doesn't mean it isn't important. Jesus said, "unless you repent, you all will ... perish" (Luke 13:3). Repent means to "change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives" (Luke 13:3, AMP). Conditional living is something we all know about: IF we stay inside on a 90+ degree day, we stay cool; IF we put gas in our car, we don't run out of gas; IF we work hard to plant and tend a garden, we enjoy fresh vegetables. Redemption (salvation) is the free gift of God, however, repentance is required. We never know spiritual deliverance from sin and death - now and in eternity - unless we surrender to the conditions put forth by Holy God. "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from his sin will find compassion and mercy. Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, but he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster." (Proverbs 28:13-14, AMP). PopC is the fun-guy but he can be stern and tough when he needs to be. Let us never be so foolish to believe although God is altogether loving and compassionate, He is eternally just in His decrees. The only way to know God's kind and just reward is to repent ... make the turn.