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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 NIV). 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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Current Sermon Series
Bible scholar, A.W. Pink once began a sermon by saying, "I am going to speak tonight on one of the most hated doctrines of the Bible, namely that of God’s sovereign election." He later wrote: "Let it be plainly announced that salvation originated not in the will of man, but in the will of God." We will be covering this doctrine of election over the next few weeks.
Last Week:
We looked at the Condition of God's Elect (a special people, mission, problem, and solution), the Source of God's Election (foreknowledge), and the Sphere of God's Election (salvation). Election is a challenging doctrine of God.
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series on Chosen by God.
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Upcoming Events
November 5 - NO Carry In Fellowship Dinner
November 8 - Special Speaker - Bill Hoving, our missionary to Great Britain, will be with us for our Wednesday Night Service.
November 11 - Trustee Meeting at 8 AM
November 12 - Deacon's Meeting at 8 AM
Special Veteran's Day Service & Dinner
November 14 - Dartball Game at Hickory Presbyterian Church. Be there by 7:30 PM
November 21 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM
November 22 - No Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
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