Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Repentence Repentance is far more than just an arbitrary “step” in the plan of salvation. It is, in many ways, the key that unlocks the door of conversion. In Acts 17:30 we learn that “all men everywhere must repent.” This command, in the gospel age, began to be preached in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38). Even though we shall perish unless we do repent (Luke 13:3) and even though proper obedience enjoins upon us due penitence (Acts 3:19), still so many people do not understand the scriptural definition of repentance. What is repentance? How is repentance brought about? What is the result of true repentance? What about “death-bed repentance”? We shall strive to answer scripturally these important questions immediately. Matthew 21:28-30 gives us the best clear-cut example and definition of repentance in the Bible. “A certain man had two sons: and he came to the first and said, Son go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.” A Change of Decision What is penitence according to the Bible? Think of a man who has decided to serve Satan and Sin. He then learns of the love of God, the terrible nature of sin, the hopeless condition he is in and the joys of serving the Lord. He changes his mind (decision) in regard to sin. He thus repents. No wonder we believe repentance is the real obstacle in the scheme of redemption. Show me a man who will truly repent and I’ll show you a man who will not quibble over baptism. Repentance is brought about by the love of God, the wrath of God, and godly sorrow for sin. In Romans 2:4 we learn that “the goodness of God leadeth us to repentance.” In Romans 11:22 and 2 Corinthians 5:11 we learn that the wrath of God should cause us to obey Him in this as well as other commands. In Luke 15 the prodigal repented when “he came to himself.” He realized just how sinful he was and how wonderful his father was. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation not to be repented of,” 2 Corinthians 7:10. What is the result of true repentance? Acts 2:38 and 3:19 show us that the result is a reformed life. Repentance is not turning from sin. It is the decision to turn. Repentance is not a reformation of life but it produces such! Faith changes our affections; repentance changes our will; baptism changes our relationship. Deathbed repentance upon the part of an erring Christian – if genuine – would be acceptable. Only God knows, however. It takes more than repentance on the part of one out of Christ to remit sins (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16). Too many people squander a lifetime of opportunities and then call on God when it is too late. We read in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Have you complied with this command yet? John the Immerser would not baptize men until they manifested their repentance (Matthew 3). This thought magnifies the importance of a genuine attitude toward God’s holy will. May we always strive to have a humble, penitent nature. The preaching of John the Immerser was glorious because he put truth ahead of responses. In our age of emphasis upon numerical growth instead of spiritual strength we need to remember that Jeremiah bewailed the fact that Judah went into Babylonian Captivity because they were “strong in the land – but not for truth” (Jeremiah 9:3). What a tragedy it is when brethren today get caught up in shallow concepts that put a premium upon external show rather than spirituality. When we remain loyal to the Scriptures and allow God to give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:1-7), we will be wise. The great forerunner of Jesus was so discerning that he even refused to baptize some who would not “bring forth fruit worthy of repentance.” Is it possible that we have over-emphasized baptism to the exclusion of proper stress upon repentance? Unless one sincerely changes his mind in regard to sin (Matthew 21:28-30), it is mockery to immerse him (Acts 2:38, 3:19). Nothing was so valuable to the heart of John as folk honestly taught who would thoroughly embrace the powerful message he set forth. Johnny Ramsey

“Of all the gifts I crave, if I had my wish, the first would be that I might have the power to bring men to repentance by my preaching.” J. W. McGarvey, 1910 “Many use mighty thin thread when mending their ways.” Anonymous

What If? How many of us ever find ourselves saying “What if…?” We often wonder how our lives would be different based on choices we have made in the past. Today, many individuals face problems of anxiety, which can lead to depression. Individuals worry about things that have not even happened yet, and they worry about things over which they have no control. In an article, “How to Eliminate Worry,” Tom Pryor lists ten suggestions to eliminate worry. Add structure…disorganization is the source of many worries. Get the facts…confusion is a root cause of worry. Seek simplicity…simplicity means singleness of purpose. Complain more…complaining is a better activity than worrying. Think, talk and act cheerfully…author John Maxwell says, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Focus on purpose – not position. Exercise…crowd worry out of your mind by keeping busy. View crisis as an opening door. Be a person of integrity…If you are living a life of integrity, you eliminate a source of worry. Pray. Prayer is the number one eliminator of worry. We may have questions or concerns regarding this author’s suggestions, but I am confident we can all agree on the number one eliminator of worry. The apostle Paul tells us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God,” Philippians 4:6. Paul exhorted the Philippians to pray about their circumstances and not to worry about them. Instead, we are to commit our problems to our heavenly Father, trusting that He will provide deliverance. God provides for us in a number of ways, but He expects us to work diligently. We may be faced with certain trials in our lives, including a loss of a job, a loss of a loved one, or an illness. It is the fear of the possibilities of what could happen in the future that tempts us to worry and forget about trusting in God. “Why depend on Him”, we think, “if He can’t keep us from troubles like these?” During such times, we must remember God never promised that we would not face hard times. Jesus asked the question, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27). At the age of 78 Henry Ford was asked if he ever worried. He answered, “No. I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn’t need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe that everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?” It is proper to acknowledge the issues of the future but if we lose sight of what we have today, we have begun to worry. We must keep in mind that worrying does not fix anything but only adds to the burden. We must always put our trust in the Lord. Randy Scott, 2nd year student at SWSBS