In Christ's final instructions on earth, He told His followers to go and make disciples “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-20
- Not converts, disciples.
- Not simply knowing His commands, but obeying them.
- Not part of His teachings, but everything.
Unless we help people understand sin, they won't fully understand God's sacrificial love and His undeserved grace.
Acknowledging and repenting of sin is the first step in becoming a disciple. Without it, a person is merely a shallow convert.
If we want to learn the biblical focus on sin, we can pull out a concordance and see how many times Christ said "Repent!" (e.g. Matthew 4:17).
In fact, Jesus summed up the gospel as preaching "repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Luke 24:44-49).
So let's make sure that when we're teaching others, we teach it all.
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"Repent" in the New Testament
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
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another print-out for the fridge. thank-you!
ReplyDelete: )
DeleteI'm glad it was helpful, Janet.
Gail
I like to read this but i think you make a mis spelt...luke 25 :44-49 must be luke 24 instead
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mavis. It's linked to Luke 24, but I wrote Luke 25 in the devotion. I will correct it. Thanks for letting me know.
DeleteGod bless,
Gail
I found you on Pinterest. I just subscribed to your Bible Love Notes. Reading along side of this webpage, I saw something about Joel Olsteen, and I just want you to know that I have thought the very same thing about his "ministry". Thank you for agreeing with me.
ReplyDeleteImpressive notes
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus ❤
And thank you sir
For this knoledge of Truth.��
"Acknowledging and repenting of sin is the first step in becoming a disciple. Without it, a person is merely a shallow convert." I'd say Acknowledging our sin and need of a savior and trusting Jesus to be that Savior and giving up our life to His is the first step. Repentance of being our own god.
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