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| Because we desire to be more like Jesus, we make resolutions, ask Him to help us, and try to behave differently. Yet despite our best efforts to do things God's way, we slide back into old habits. Frustrated, we may ask Him, "Why can't I change?" The reason is, overcoming sinful attitudes and behaviors starts with genuine repentance, which has three aspects.
Conviction. The Holy Spirit will reveal the areas in which we've sinned and convict us of wrongdoing. Through Scripture, the Spirit shows us God's standard and what needs to change. Repentance begins with understanding where we have gone astray.
Contrition. The next step--grieving over our iniquity--is followed by confession to the Lord. Genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we've sinned against Him. In contrast, human unhappiness often comes from being caught misbehaving. Other times we are miserable because of where our choices led us, or feel shame that people know about our sin. True contrition is followed by humble confession.
Commitment to act. Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old behavior and move toward righteous ways. God knows we won't live perfectly, but He looks for a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.
Paul used strong language when telling us to turn from iniquity: "Put to death... whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:5). What sin are you struggling to overcome? Have you genuinely repented, committing to turn from it permanently? Let the Holy Spirit empower you to change.
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Upcoming Sermon Series
Whether we’re nostalgic or overscheduled, this season can find us longing for a simpler time... when the world seemed full of wonder, when joy was wholehearted and love was unrestrained. Let’s re-discover what it means to live and believe Like a Child.
This sermon series will begin on November 27, 2016.
Last Week:
The final message in #Struggles have to do with resting our soul. We have to rest our souls, by taking a break from social media. We can do so by learning to be still, and making a defensive and offensive plan to rest. .
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
Lord willing, we are going to be looking into the Psalms and learn that the Scripture Is Sufficient.
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Upcoming Events
October 30, 2016 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering
November 6, 2016 - Thanksgiving Carry-in Fellowship Dinner
November 10, 2016 - Men's Small Group at 7 PM at the church
November 12, 2016 - Trustee Meeting at 8 AM
November 13, 2016 - Deacon Meeting at 8 AM
November 22, 2016 - Special Thanksgiving Service
November 23, 2016 - No Wednesday Night Service
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