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Posts Tagged ‘repent’

Light Reflection-Acts 2:37 Pentecost

November 7th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – This week’s Light Reflections examine some of the bright spots in the book of Acts when God was on the move in the hearts of people.

One of those places was Acts chapter 2, as the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church. Peter preached a sermon to explain what was happening.

Acts 2:37 says, “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words, he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

This Light Reflection inspires us to turn from sinful ways and follow Jesus faithfully in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Remove Idols

March 16th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to Remove Idols.

An idol is anything that takes priority over God in our lives. An idol that stands in the way of our worship is a hindrance to our view of the living God, who made us. Removing that idol opens the way for us to replace false worship with true worship.

In Ezekiel’s day, the LORD said to the people of Israel, “Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices.”

In Acts 19:18, we see how revival can sweep across a city when people confess their sins and remove their idols. In Ephesus, the name of Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly….In this way, the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Removing idols from our lives is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Direct Evangelism

February 26th, 2015 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In our Relationship-Building Principles, we are examining some of the ways Jesus’ followers can be effective witnesses for the Gospel.

One way is to take the direct approach.

We see that in a number of places in the book of Acts. On the day of Pentecost, Peter gave a sermon where he talked about Jesus, and what He had accomplished when He was on the earth-how He died on a cross, rose from the dead, and was exalted at the right hand of God.

The people asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 3,000 people were added to the church that day.

On another occasion, a desperate jailer asked Paul and Silas, “what must I do to be saved?” Paul’s response was direct: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.” That man came to believe in God and was filled with joy.

When someone asks how they can be saved, that is a good time to explain that Jesus is the answer.

Taking the direct approach of sharing the Gospel is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com