Matthew 3: 1-2: "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"John the Baptist begins his ministry before the Lord Jesus Christ begins His public ministry. Both preached "repentance," as a necessary condition to becoming born again. Paul and Peter preached the same message. To repent has been described as a change of your mind about sin. However, it is more than that. To repent meant that you had not only had a change of mind about sin, but you also changed your behavior. If you lived in Virginia Beach, VA, you would shop at grocery stores in Virginia Beach and get your mail there. However, if you moved to Tampa, FL, you would shop at stores in Tampa. You would have a new way of life. The same is true when you repent from sin and turn to God. Your old way of life is gone. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says you are a "new creature" in Christ. This is a problem in many modern churches. They are afraid to preach repentance because it will offend people. That's right, it will offend the sinner! And that is required to become born again! Today, know that you can't do this on your own. It takes the grace of God. He will change you and you will follow. That's how salvation works.
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