A BRAND NEW START...

Reading Assignment:  Isaiah 24-27


A good example of biblical repentance and faith is seen at Thessalonica, when the gospel came to them in such power that they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).   Paul could then conclude that they were the elect of God, because they had “received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (6).

No matter what the criticism, no matter what the opposition, the apostle Paul refused to compromise the core message of the gospel of grace: “repentence toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

To the church at Corinth he wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). 

The religious Jews stumbled at the message of Christ; the cultured Greeks considered the message to be foolishness. But to those who were called by the Spirit the message made sense and was joyfully received.

There may have been a time that the gospel meant nothing to you, was perhaps even foolish to you; but if it now makes sense and you have received it, you can give thanks for this great blessing of grace. If you have not repented of your sin, may you do so today. If you have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, may you trust him today.

And what a comfort then to read, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.”

Faith Confession:  Father I thank You for the free gift of grace. I repent of my sins and thank you for the blood that Jesus shed for me to receive the free gift of righteousness, in Jesus' name, Amen!