Attitude of Repentance
BY TONI SMOTHERS
Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-4
Scripture Quote: “And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:9-10 (NIV)
In larger cities, there are a number of destitute homeless. Many of these impoverished people suffer from variouos forms of mental illness, who often shout out weird remarks or talk to themselves, while they are mostly ignored and left to roam the streets. Anyway, it is quite unlikely that those who encounter these street people, take them seriously - Anymore seriously than we would today take the likes of John the Baptist, living his unconventional, locust-eating lifestyle, walking the streets shouting out his warnings to "repent!"
John’s ministry was that of preparing his people through repentance for the coming Messiah. Our current Pastors proclaim more than a formal repentance, but also an attitude, a way of living that bears fruit. Repenting of our sin keeps it from controling us, which will enable God free reign. But sometimes it seems that we don't take sin as seriously as we should – That’s foolish and dangerous. God does not desire that anyone be lost to Him, but sin won’t ever be tolerated.
Today’s meditation: Repent – God’s Kingdom is at hand!
Memory Verse: Mat 3:12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
BY TONI SMOTHERS
Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-4
Scripture Quote: “And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:9-10 (NIV)
In larger cities, there are a number of destitute homeless. Many of these impoverished people suffer from variouos forms of mental illness, who often shout out weird remarks or talk to themselves, while they are mostly ignored and left to roam the streets. Anyway, it is quite unlikely that those who encounter these street people, take them seriously - Anymore seriously than we would today take the likes of John the Baptist, living his unconventional, locust-eating lifestyle, walking the streets shouting out his warnings to "repent!"
John’s ministry was that of preparing his people through repentance for the coming Messiah. Our current Pastors proclaim more than a formal repentance, but also an attitude, a way of living that bears fruit. Repenting of our sin keeps it from controling us, which will enable God free reign. But sometimes it seems that we don't take sin as seriously as we should – That’s foolish and dangerous. God does not desire that anyone be lost to Him, but sin won’t ever be tolerated.
Today’s meditation: Repent – God’s Kingdom is at hand!
Memory Verse: Mat 3:12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
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