A God of Details
When it comes to my relationship with God, I don't shy away from the details. Whether I'm cut off in traffic or dealing with life's challenges, I strive to respond in a way that honors Him. You see, God is a God of details, and He understands every little thing we do. There is no such thing as a "little" sin in His eyes. As it says in Proverbs 23:7, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." The small things matter because they reflect the state of our hearts.
The Weight of Sin: No Such Thing as a Little Sin
It's easy to downplay our wrongdoings by labeling them as "little sins." But the real question we must ask ourselves is whether holding onto these sins is worth risking our place in heaven. I never chose to preach; this wasn't my plan. But God called me to stand up and preach repentance, not to teach the doctrine of a particular church but to teach the Gospel He gave me. And that Gospel is simple: "The Kingdom of Heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). Jesus preached the Kingdom throughout His time on earth, and He called others to preach repentance.
Preaching Repentance: The Unpopular Message
John the Baptist preached repentance, and Jesus Himself said there was no greater man born of women than John (Matthew 11:11). Yet, people often ignore this message. They turn away, not wanting to hear about their need for repentance. But the Bible is clear: "For since the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21). God chose the "foolishness" of preaching to bring people to repentance, and as preachers, we must be bold enough to deliver this message.
The Call to Please God
Do I get tired? Absolutely. But my goal in life is to please God. And if pleasing Him means preaching a message that makes people uncomfortable, then so be it. Romans 10:14 asks, "How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" We are called to preach, even when the message is hard. It's not about making people feel good; it's about leading them to the truth.
The Power of Unity: Standing Together
When Peter stood up to preach on the day of Pentecost, he wasn't alone. Eleven others stood with him (Acts 2:14). There's power in unity. As preachers and believers, we must stand together in preaching repentance and living lives that honor God. It's not just about the one who speaks loudly; it's about the community that supports the message.
A Life of Repentance: Daily Renewal
Repentance isn't a one-time event; it's a daily practice. Every day, God shows me something new about myself that needs to change. He takes us from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18), and with each new level, there's a new understanding and accountability. Some people spend years in church without changing, and that's a tragedy. We should be growing, changing, and seeking God more deeply with each passing day.
The Reality of the Spirit: Conviction and Change
When the Holy Spirit falls, it brings conviction. I remember as a child feeling the weight of conviction during church services. It wasn't because someone told me I was wrong; it was because the Spirit moved in such a powerful way that I couldn't ignore it. We need that kind of Holy Ghost-filled preaching today. We need to feel the weight of our sins and the need for repentance. It's not about participation trophies; it's about real transformation.
The Urgency of the Hour: The Kingdom of Heaven is Near
We've heard our whole lives that Jesus is coming back, and it's easy to become complacent. But look around—signs of His return are everywhere. The Bible tells us that Jesus will return when the Kingdom has been preached to its fullness (Matthew 24:14). The time is now for us to preach repentance and prepare for His return.
A Challenge to Leaders: Preach the Truth
As leaders, we must stand up and preach the truth, regardless of the consequences. The government may try to control what we say, but we answer to a higher authority. We need to preach love, not doctrine, and live by the Word of God. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We must stand firm in our faith and preach repentance without fear.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In closing, I challenge you to live a life of repentance and to preach repentance. Don't just tell people to repent—show them through your actions. Stand up, like Peter, and proclaim the truth with boldness. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and we must be ready.
If you're watching this and you're unsure of your relationship with Christ, I urge you to take this moment to repent and ask Jesus into your heart. Let Him be your Lord and Savior. Surrender to Him and let His blood cover you, making you new. The time is now; don't wait.
Comments