Pastor Gary Gulbranson
(Mark 1:14-15)
Why is it so hard to admit that I’m wrong and to say “I’m sorry”? The ability to say, “I’m sorry,” and to mean it, is at the heart of our relationship to God and each other. The Bible calls this “repentance.”
The story of Christianity is about sinful people finding redemption. Sometimes our best witness for Christ begins with an admission of our own need for forgiveness. In our painful weakness, the power and light of God’s love shines the brightest.
- What is the foundation of repentance? – A clear conscience (Matthew 5:23-24)
A simple process…
- Confess your sin to God and repent.
- Seek forgiveness from those you’ve wronged.
- Where necessary, make restitution for any damage you have caused.
- Where possible, seek to restore the relationship.
- Go forward with a sense of urgency.
- Why do we fail to repent? – What’s your excuse?
III. What is the fruit of repentance? (II Corinthians 7:9-11)
- Repentance leads to grief over sin.
- Grief over sin leads to repulsion of sin.
- Repentance leads to restitution toward others.
- Repentance leads to revival toward God.
- Repentance leads to moving forward.
Conclusion: Seven words that can change your life…..”I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”