DCLM Sincere Milk 7 April 2023 — Genuine repentance

DCLM Sincere Milk  7 April 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Genuine repentance

TOPIC: GENUINE REPENTANCE

TEXT: 1 JOHN 1:5-10

5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Key Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

MESSAGE:

Jesus once told a story of two men, one was a very proud man who went into the temple completely certain that he was much better than everyone else. The second man entered the temple so aware of his guilt that he hoped nobody would notice him. The man was so ashamed of his sinfulness that he could not lift up his eyes to heaven.

While the proud one was busy beating his chest and telling God all his achievements, the second person told God he was sorry for his wrongdoings. He genuinely repented and received pardon and cleansing for his sins. He then went back home rejoicing. This is the only way to receive the salvation that guarantees eternal life with Jesus.

Are you a sinner? Do not be a proud sinner. There is nothing to be proud of in doing evil. No one will give you a prize or trophy for doing evil. You must make up your mind to sincerely repent so as to receive forgiveness. Now bow your head before God. Tell Him you are sorry for doing bad things. Confess to Him everything you have done wrong. Ask for forgiveness and cleansing of your heart and life with the blood of Jesus. Ask Jesus into your heart as your personal Saviour and Lord.

Prayer: Lord, forgive all my sins and help me to live a holy life.

Further Reading: Luke 18:9-14

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)