What does it mean to repent and confess our sin?
June 16, 2019 Sermon Preview
Are you smarter than a third grader?
Prove it.
Answer this: what does it mean to repent and confess our sin?
Last week we heard the story of how the Holy Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost helped people hear and believe the good news of the Gospel in a language that they could understand. The story concludes this week as Peter invites the crowd to repent and confess their need for the forgiveness that Jesus has to offer.
Scripture
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
–Acts 2:38 (NRSV)
Sweet Truth #8
When we repent from our sins, it means that we turn around and go back to God, with a prayer that God will help us to do better next time. Another way to understand repentance is that we change our thinking and actions.
When we sin, we need forgiveness and the strength to be more loving and kind. Repentance takes us back to God who forgives us, cleanses us from sin, and strengthens us to share his love.
When we confess, we tell the truth aloud in the presence of others. It is important, the Bible says, to confess our belief in Jesus Christ–that he is the Christ, God’s special Son, our Lord and Savior.
Beginning today, will you repent and turn to God? And very soon, will you “confess your faith”–saying out loud that you believe in Jesus Christ? By the way, an opportunity for you to confess your faith comes every Sunday during our worship service.
Repentance is not only a one time thing. Christians repent very often over a lifetime! Again and again, we keep turning back to God.
A fourth grader taught me this chant abut what repentance means, “stop, repent, turn around and change your ways! Stop, repent, turn around and change your ways!”
From 16 Sweet Truths by Rev. David Nash
Pastor, First Christian Church (DOC), Sikeston, Missouri
Used with permission.
