A GLORIOUS PROMISE
Next week I have been asked to preach on Acts 3:12-26 as part of a preaching series in our local church. Verses 19 -21 are very significant.
Now repent of your sins and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped away, then the times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord and he will again send you Jesus your appointed Messiah. For He must remain in heaven until the final restoration of all things as God promised long ago through His holy prophets. N.L.B.
Peter was preaching to the Jews, but there is a broader principle here, REPENTANCE is as much a word to Christians as to unbelievers. It must become a lifestyle.
REPENTANCE MEANS:
A CHANGE OF MIND
Our environment,our upbringing, influences our mind, we must seek to have the mind of Christ
A CHANGE OF DIRECTION
Because of the bias (our sinful nature) we want to go our own way and do our own thing.
A CHANGE OF ATTITUDE
We must develop the attitude , not my way, but your way, not my will but your will.
A CHANGE OF AFFECTION
Paul says the things he once loved he now hates, and the things he hated he now loves, we must keep falling in love with Jesus.
WHY MUST REPENTANCE MUST BE LIFESTYLE ?
We have a sinful nature, a bias towards sin, and must continually make an act of our will to repent and continually go God’s way.
Jeremiah says (17:9) The heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? I won’t speak for you, but I know my heart ok? I saw this statement today.
THE HEART OF REVIVAL IS THE REVIVAL OF THE HEART
The psalmist reminds us that if we have sin in our heart God is not listening. So every day we must clear the decks of any unconfessed son, the result then is an OPEN HEAVEN. Not only is God listening, but TIMES OF REFRESHING will come from the Lord, O how we need that refreshing every day.
Peter goes on and says that Jesus must remain in heaven until everything is restored again (Message).
WHAT ARE THE MAIN AREAS OF RESTORATION?
TRUTH. MINISTRIES,PEOPLE, WORSHIP, PATHS, YEARS, KINGDOM.
We may develop these areas later.
I think the “Times of Restoration” are almost over, and Jesus will return for His Church which will be without spot, or blemish, or wrinkle, or any such thing.
So what is the message today?
EVERY DAY MAINTAIN AN ATTITUDE OF REPENTANCE
THE RESULT ?
REGULAR TIMES OF REFRESHING.
I trust this simple devotional teaching is a blessing to you.
