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Introduction: A.
Previously, we looked at a fundamental question regarding
Christ’s church: How are people added to it? B.
A great demonstration of that can be seen and followed as
recorded in the Book of Acts.
What you get is … the pure and simple Gospel.
The Question for Today: What does repentance have to
do with the Great Commission? Discussion: I.
Repentance and the Gospels A.
John’s
Baptism/Message:
Repent. Matt.
3:2 B.
Jesus’
Message:
Repent. Matt.
4:17 C.
Why
Repent?
“the kingdom of God was at hand.” D.
A
proper reaction:
fruit worthy of repentance. Matt.
3:9-14 E.
If
you want eternal life (aka ‘into the kingdom of God’) 1.
You must be born again. Jn.
3:3ff 2.
You must be converted (humbled). Matt.
18:1-4 3.
You must die to self and follow Christ. Matt.
16:24-26 In
other words, to enter the kingdom Repentance is Required II.
Repentance and The Great Commission A.
Jesus commissioned repentance (and forgiveness) to
be proclaimed. Lk.
24:47 B.
The apostles proclaimed it: Acts
2:38; 5:31; 26:18 C.
Notice the varied reactions: 1.
Acts
2:40-41:
3,000 gladly received the message. 2.
Acts
5:33:
they intended to kill the apostles. 3.
Acts
26:28:
does nothing with the message. Only
those who humbled themselves were added to the saved. III.
Practical Questions Regarding Repentance A.
Must
I Repent of All Sins Before Becoming a Christian? 1.
If
you know you’re in sin … remove it from you. 2.
Practically, this may be immediately. 3.
Practically, this may also take time (for the mind to be
renewed) and maturity in Christ… to make that change. Rom.
12:1-2 Practically, however,
no Christian has ever repented of ALL sins (arrogance, lust,
hatred, etc.) BEFORE becoming a Christian. B.
Can
I be saved without repentance? 1.
No,
unless you repent you will die in your sins. Lk.
13:1-5 2.
The mind, however, must be changed for true repentance to
take place … time needed. 3.
Faithful brethren will do well to follow the Lord’s
teaching and use patience, cultivation, and nourishment. Lk.
13:6-9; Jas. 5:19-20 Conclusion: A.
Repentance is our response to Christ’s forgiveness. B.
He has graciously invited us into His kingdom … we need
to live like citizens in His kingdom That is why when added to the Church: Repentance Required
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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