Re: Verse reading–Acts 3:1-20 (day one)
“Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”–v 19
It was not something I heard when I first followed Christ. Still recovering what was lost by this partial gospel. Jesus preached repentance and faith. (See Mark 1:15) Peter, in Acts 3, faithfully repeated the wisdom.
The word meant to “change your mind” (metanoia). Referred to all thoughts in a person’s mind. About God, about self, about priorities and values. Unconscious ideas, mainly, but vitally important.
As we believe in God, these ideas have to change. They are abandoned. Rejected. Repented. Without it, the head is so full of false that True cannot take root.
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”–Proverbs 23:7.
“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”–Romans 12:1.
What thought do you have in your mind that is not true?
I totally agreed that without repentance and faith “the head is so full of false that True cannot take root”. If God is a priority in one’s life, and if His principles are used in guiding our decisions, actions, behaviors, and attitudes on a daily basis, one has come closer to God.
When we are motivated by love for God, by turning away from Satan’s influences, and a sincere desire heart to obey His commandments, a repentance has occurred. Life is full of earthy influences that would keep us far away from God. Repetence and faith do help move us closer to God! God or Satan? Our choice and consequences!
My parents had a family system in place that forced us to repent at the end of each day, before going to bed in early childhood. My Mother made us ask for God’s forgiveness if we made earthy mistakes that day. I grew up with a belief that I must act righteously so I would be able to come to Heaven, not Hell when I die. My parents shaped our behaviors long before I started following Jesus! It helped us stay away from troubles and please our parents.
Our actions, behaviors and attitudes as followers of Jesus Christ will be seen by others. Repentence and faith go hand-in-hand. Repentance will bring us closer to God by denying Satan’s influences and will help us find a long-lasting peace, joy, and happiness.
Good question, “what thought do you have in your mind that is not true?” Everyone should ask this question at both personal and professional level. One can use this question for organizational development and change in organizational life as well.
I would end by adding the following question, “what thought do you have in your mind that is not true and unfair to others?” God bless!
It is good to know that Jesus’ first demand is Repentance! It makes perfect sense!
Thoughts on Jesus’s Demand to Repent | Desiring God
http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/thoughts-on-jesus-demand-to-repent
Hope this article will explain why repentance is important in our walk with Christ!