One of the most difficult of God’s commands is repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). A simple definition of repentance is: A change of heart [attitude] resulting in a changed lifestyle. The man who would alter his lifestyle without altering his attitude faces an almost impossible task. On the other hand, changing the will helps and almost assures the outward change. Only the contrite heart is changeable (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 51:17), and even then, its sorrow must be of the “godly” variety (2 Corinthians 7:11).
Throughout the New Testament, we read of individuals apostatizing from the faith, i.e., Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10), Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:14), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17-18) and Demas (2 Timothy 4:10). These examples of apostasy should cause us to ask the following question: What precipitates apostasy?
Some leave the faith because of persecution. In one of His parables, Jesus spoke of the superficial person who endures for a while, but “when tribulation and persecution arise because of the word, straightway he stumbles” (Matthew 13:21). The Christian is charged to be faithful, even if it means the forfeiture of his life (Revelation 2:10).
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supplies moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and your knowledge, self-control, and your self-control, patience (perseverance), and in your patience, godliness, and your godliness, brotherly kindness, and your brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-8). Love begins with God. “God is love.” (1 John 4:16) Not – God loves – God is love. We were created out of love so that we love God in return and love everyone as we love ourselves. So, what is love? There are different human definitions, but what is the Bible's definition of love? “Love is a disposition of mind that leads one to act in the best interest of the one loved.” This definition is true as it describes God and Christ’s love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” (John 3:16) the Christ theme; is the most beautiful expression of love. “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8). 1 Corinthians 13 supports this concept. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
In performing our day-to-day tasks, there are days our computers help us to “fly like an eagle.” Other times, they bog us down like quicksand. On “eagle days” we’re grateful for our computers, but there are those “quicksand days” when we probably rue the day, we ever bought one. At one time or another, we’ve all had to contend with various viruses that invade our computers.
In the congregation that I was a part of growing up in the 60’s, we could often hear an “Amen” being audibly heard at the end of the preacher’s statements that gave emphasis to important declarations of God’s truth that was being proclaimed. The excitement generated by these “Amens” not only inspired the preacher, but also encouraged us as hearers to listen more intently. I could hear “Amens” flowing just as spontaneously at the end of prayers being offered as well as at the end of some of the hymns we sang.
One of the most difficult of God’s commands is repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). A simple definition of repentance is: A change of heart [attitude] resulting in a changed lifestyle. The man who would alter his lifestyle without altering his attitude faces an almost impossible task. On the other hand, changing the will helps and almost assures the outward change. Only the contrite heart is changeable (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 51:17), and even then, its
