Repentance: A Way of Life

By: American Decency Staff

Join us on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM for “Needed:  Genuine Prayer and Repentance” with Dr. Joel Beeke.

We NEED revival; we NEED repentance. We NEED God! This is America’s greatest need; it’s the churches greatest need, and it’s our own personal greatest need. Without genuine repentance we shall continue down this road of national division until we are no more. A conservative win has done much to move us in the right direction, but don’t be fooled. Without a revival of genuine repentance and a turning back to God, these things will mean nothing. Right, Left, or indifferent, we are in desperate need of national and personal repentance. Christian, atheist, or other, we are in need of continually seeking God’s face and favor. BECAUSE OF THESE TRUTHS—we are meeting at the American Decency Association building this Friday, February 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM. International speaker Dr. Joel Beeke will be bringing a passionate and instructive message entitled “Needed: Genuine Prayer and Repentance.” Join us at 203 E. Main Street in Fremont, Michigan at 7 PM this Friday.

“We are to walk in the Lord’s true way, and this means a life of repentance in which we seek to do what God commands and repent when we fail to do so (Ps. 86:11; 1 John 1:5–10).” (TABLETALK; January 26, 2017—a monthly devotional publication put out by Ligonier ministries)

“A life of repentance;” that’s quite a concept to consider. It’s much different than regular, or even daily, confession. “A life of repentance;” this would be a daily—moment by moment—turning from our own ways back to God, who rightly is the One to direct our paths, our lives. It’s taking to heart the words of David in Psalm 119:59-60.“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.”  There are precious few who know much of genuine repentance. (This is one reason we are so blessed to have Dr. Beeke join us this Friday.) Some may feel sorrow for an action, or even regret when punishment looms. Others may change while circumstances or incentives put pressure upon their life; but they quickly revert back to “normal” when the external pressure dissipates. 

Repentance isn’t something we do well; in part, because we try to do it in our own strength. Too many think of it as just an act of will; but it’s an act of God upon our heart. Too many others think it’s just an act of God; but we also are called to produce fruits that befit repentance. Genuine repentance deals with a heart change; it’s a way of life. Genuine repentance manifests itself in a life which desires living, walking, breathing holiness and strives for it. Puritan, Richard Baxter, sums up these seemingly contrary positions well: “Pray, meditate, hear, read, do your best, and expect his blessing. Though your ploughing and sowing will not give a harvest without the sun, and rain, and the blessing of God, yet the sun and rain will not bring a crop unless you plough and plant.”

Genuine repentance also changes our thoughts and expectations. True repentance primarily involves turning away from sin to God but it’s also turning away from trusting in our own goodness and good works. We must be careful to not even trust in our own repentance; we must only trust in the atoning work of Christ on the cross.

Most people haven’t seen genuine prayer and repentance lived out before them personally. It’s not something that happens naturally, but rather supernaturally, by the Hand of God and the power of His Spirit. Therefore, we are in need of BIBLICAL instruction on these matters. We need sound, divine teaching; so we look to God through the preaching His servants. Dr. Beeke is one such servant and we are truly blessed to have him bring this godly instruction which we so desperately need, both individually and as a nation. Don’t neglect this spiritually enriching opportunity. Approach this Friday prayerfully, bring family and friends, come expectantly, listen intently, and enjoy some fellowship and refreshments afterward. Dr. Beeke will also have a resource table available with good books and great deals. This Friday—February 3—at 7:00 PM, don’t miss out!

For more information, please call 231-924-4050.

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American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

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