Tag Archives: repentance

How To Deal With Grievous Sin

Kent and Barbara Hughes, in their book on ministry, tell of a gifted young preacher who had experienced a moral failure in his ministry.

He borrowed a pickup truck and wheeled in the church parking lot. Everyone watched as he backed across the church lawn to his study door. Refusing any assistance from the members and without any comments, he began emptying his office upon the truck bed. First, he emptied the content of his desk draws. Then His files. And finally his books. “He tossed them carelessly into a heap, many of them flopping askew like slain birds.” Continue reading

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“When He Came To Himself”

“You cannot enjoy the things money can buy if you ignore the things money cannot buy.”

We have all seen the above quote reflected in the lives of many people. Some famous. Others ordinary folks. Some wealthy. Others with average means. But none more dramatic in terms of his lifestyle change than the “Prodigal Son” in Jesus’ famous parable recorded in Luke 15. Continue reading

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6 Stages of Radical Repentance

Repentance radical

Last night Norma Jean and I visited the Lenexa church and heard Bruce Reeves preach on Radical Repentance. His lesson planted a seed for some thoughts for today’s post.

The word repent literally means “to perceive afterwards.” It is a change of mind that results in a change of life. Repentance is fundamental in primary obedience. When the Jews who crucified Christ were convicted by Peter’s sermon they asked, What shall we do?” Peter’s first word was, “Repent.” (Ax 2:38) Continue reading

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Admission of Wrong or Change of Heart?

CharlieBrown.FootballIt was a classic every football season for several years in the Peanuts comic strip. Charlie Brown practicing his place kicking and Lucy holding the football.

Every time Lucy held the ball for Charlie the same thing would happen.  Charlie would approach the ball and with all his might was ready to kick the ball out of the end zone.  But at the exact moment, the point of no return, Lucy would pick up the ball.  Charlie would kick and his unchecked momentum would cause him to fall flat on his back.

One strip opened with Lucy holding the ball, but Charlie Brown wouldn’t kick it.  Lucy begged.  But Charlie wouldn’t budge. Continue reading

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Was He Really Sorry?

Armstron g“I’m deeply sorry for what I did.  I can say that thousands of times, and it might never be enough.” said Lance Armstrong to Oprah Winfrey.

If you didn’t watch the two-part interview that Oprah had with the famous cyclist, you’ve probably heard about it.  Armstrong finally admitted to doping.  To using performance enhancing drugs.  To lying.  Covering up.  To being a bully.  To cheating.  To hurting his family, friends and fans.

Following the first telecast, Norma Jean turned to me and said, “Do you think he’s sorry he sinned?  Or just sorry he got caught?” Continue reading

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