Repentance — Such a Positive Word!


Sunday at The Donelson Fellowship, we’re finishing our series of studies on Luke 24 entitled “The Greatest Day that Ever Was.” I kind of wish I had extended these studies for two more weeks to talk about our Lord’s words, “Peace be with you,” and with the phrase, “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” I guess I just don’t want to get out of this chapter. Nonetheless it’s time to move on. Here’s an excerpt from this weekend’s message. For the full manuscript, click here.

We may somehow think of repentance in negative terms, but it’s one of the most positive words in the English language. It means that you and I are not hopelessly pre-programmed to engage in behaviors over which we have no control. It means we do not have to self-destruct. It means we can change course. It means that the cross of Christ can give us the power to change. We have the capacity to make a 180-degree turn, and because of Christ to say, “I am not going to live this way any longer. I am not going to engage in this self-destructive, stubborn sin any longer. With God’s help, I’m going to renounce and turn from my faults and failures and I’m going to turn around my life.” That is repentance. You can make a decision like that today.