It seems that when popular people start losing their fame, that all of a sudden, “The Found Faith!” Soon after that they make lots of money doing the same awful actions that they had done for years. You guess that was not real, because you know what it real. A Repentant Life Shows Repentant Actions.
It took the wild man to stir the pot!
1. John the Baptizer
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, v. 1
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
a. Nice old family – Zach and and Liz – Luke 1
b. John’s entry was foretold – Isaiah 40:1-5 c. Wild in Looks – v. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
That message of the Old Testament is still true today.
2. REPENTANCE is Admitting .
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. v. 2
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. v. 6
a. Open mouth – quote God
b. Examples
Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Leviticus 26:40 If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;
You know you’re ready for a new life.
3. REPENTANCE is Doing the Opposite
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: v.8
Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
a. REPENT means REPENT
b. Examples
Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Ezra 6:21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Ready to REPENT? from UNBELIEF
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Ready to REPENT? from DAILY SIN
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ready to REPENT? from AS A NATION
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
If you are alive because of Christ, your life MUST show the life of Christ in you.
