Repentance: Turning From Sin and Turning to God

Listening to Timothy Keller Rediscovering Jonah, via oneplace.com and this week our doctrine is about repentance in BSF. I'm considering sharing the doctrine with my group via What's App polls

Repentance is the same as saving faith, they go hand in hand. Faith is a gift from God (Eph 2:8), not our working (Eph 2:9). Once received we experience the good work God has in store for us (Eph 2:10).

• Belief without repentance is not true saving faith, Demons’ belief: Matthew 8:29; James 2:19
• Repentance without belief in God’s right to be obeyed yields only sorrow over sin’s painful consequences: Matthew 27:3; Romans 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

This past weekend I hosted a healing night at MNTC, via Does God heal today. During our prayer time I didn't sit with anyone but stood and prayed for everyone for about 40 minutes. I realized this truth: The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, when we don't know what to pray - the Holy Spirit prays for us, the Father knows what the Spirit is saying, pleading for us believers in harmony with God's own will - and God cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:26-30).

Then on Sunday my friend Bruce K (marriage mentor) is going to India and I did walk over and pray for him. The Lord brought to mind Vijay who was miraculously found by a missionary, rescued and brought home - miraculously healed and his whole family became believers. I prayed that Bruce would see the opportunity and speak the truth of God to these people.  

• God’s work in repentance: John 16:8; Acts 2:38-41; 5:31; 11:18; Romans 2:4
• Sin against God: Psalm 51
• Cry for mercy: Luke 18:13-14
• Repentance brings change: Matthew 3:8; 5; Acts 26:20; 1 John 1:8-9
• God’s endless mercies: Lamentations 3:22-24
• God’s wrath: John 3:36
• Repentance and salvation: Romans 10:11-13

Jesus preached repentance as did the early church (Doctrine of Repentance)

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God uses prophecy to enact judgement and provide mercy (1 Kings 22-2 Kings 1:18)

Big Idea: God's judgment stands, prophets' message is mercy towards repentance. 

 1 Kings 22-2 Kings 1:18

A) Ahab's desire for glory brings condemnation to himself

22:1-9) 3 years no war, Jehoshaphat of Judah, Ahab of Israel want to take Ramoth-gilead but ask 400 prophets + 1 of the Lord Micaiah Imlah

10-14) Ahab's prophets "LORD says, iron horns gore Arameans to death" Micaiah "I will say only what Lord tells me to say"

15-16) Micaiah sarcastically to Ahab, "LORD will give victory", Ahab wants truth from the LORD.

17) Vision Israel scattered mountain, sheep without a shepherd, LORD master killed, send home peace.

 - sheep without a shepherd. Moses (Numbers 27:17), Babylon (Isaiah 13:14), Easy prey (Ezekiel 34:5), Confused and helpless (Matthew 9:36), So Jesus taught the crowds (Mark 6:34)

18-28) Micaiah "Listen to what the LORD says, LORD put a lying spirit in the mouth of prophets to judge Ahab. Prison but assurance. 

 - Application: God is Sovereign and calls everyone to repent from fortune tellers and evil ways or die.

29-40) Ahab disguise didn't work, hit by a random arrow, buried Samaria - dogs licked his blood, son Ahaziah next king

B) Jehoshaphat lived a life pleasing to the LORD though he failed

41-50) Jehoshaphat 25 years, good pleasing LORD's sight but failed to remove pagan shrines, people sinned, peace with Israel, banished prostitutes, ships not sailed, son Jehoram next king.

C) Ahaziah's evil lead many to sin, and never sought the LORD in his moments of need leading to death

51-53) Ahaziah, evil in LORD's sight who led Israel to sin, served Baal provoked anger

2 Kings 1:1-8) Elijah intercepts messengers about Ahaziah's injury - you'll never recover

9-15) 50 soldiers fire from heaven killed them x2, Humble captain + angel of LORD, go with him

 - Man of God - Gen 2: formed from dirt, God breathed life into him. Moses (Deut 33:1, Joshua 14:6), messenger for Samson's parents angel of the LORD ascended in flame (Judges 13:6,18,20,25), Samuel (1 Samuel 9), Elijah

 - Application: But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Tim 6:11

A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Titus 1:7

16-18) Elijah delivers same message, Ahaziah dies, brother Joram next king

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Rescued, kept.. so now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light (Psalm 56:13 Coram Deo))

I found Psalm 56:13 while thinking about what coram deo means. In my study of People of Promise part 2 kingdom divided, I'm seeing how kings did evil in the sight of the Lord. 

• The Lord is omnipresent and perceives our every action and thought (Psalm 139:1–4, 7–10)
• The purpose of God's people: created and formed by God for his glory (Isaiah 43:7), not to us but to your name be the glory (Psalm 115:1). 
• God is who we live for; not for others (Galatians 1:10) because God alone is the One who redeemed us from our sin, He alone deserves all the glory and praise (Acts 4:12; Titus 3:5)

God's purpose in rescuing people is eternal life after death

• to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of life. (Job 33:30)
• to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. (Psalm 33:19)
• But God will redeem my life from Sheol, for He will surely take me to Himself. Selah....(while unrighteous) will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of day. (Psalm 49:15,19)
• Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death. (Psalm 68:20)
• For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol. (Psalm 86:13)
• He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit. (Psalm 107:20)

What's it like to not live in God's purpose?

• Making idols of any kind (Deut 4:25)
• Serve other gods or worship the sun, the moon, or any of the stars—the forces of heaven (Deut 17:3), deserves the death penalty to purge evil among you. 
• Application: purge evil among you in a modern sense is to throw away your American Idols. Tear down pillars of Baal (2 Kings 3:2)
• Served the images of Baal...They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them (Judges 2:11-12) - result Lord fought against them, and people were in great distress (Judges 2:15), hand them over to oppressors (Judges 13:1)
• Forgot about the Lord their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles (Judges 3:7)

Baal, god worshipped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites, who apparently considered him a fertility deity and one of the most important gods in the pantheon. As a Semitic common noun baal (Hebrew baʿal) meant “owner” or “lord,” although it could be used more generally; for example, a baal of wings was a winged creature, and, in the plural, baalim of arrows indicated archers.Aug 24, 2022 - britannica.com/topic/Baal-ancient-deity

Looking at Baal in the Bible I came across Baal of Peor. Got Questions had this interesting insight: Balaam...could not curse Israel, he found another way to fulfill the wishes of Balaak, who was paying him. Balaam knew if the Israelite men could be seduced into idol worship, God Himself would curse them.

• This is the evil of pornography in our day. We are "worse than our ancestors" (1 Kings 14:22), leading a whole nation into sin (1 Kings 22:52)
• Application: don't refuse to turn from the sins handed down to us. Live as foreigners in reverent fear, the blood of Christ redeemed us from the empty way of life we inherited (1 Peter 1:17-19). It's through Jesus we believe in God who raised him from the dead, glorified Him so our faith and hope are in God. 
• I'm cleansed from my sins when I obeyed the truth, able to show sincere love to others, born again through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:20-23)
• Trinity: according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. (1 Peter 1:2)

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Elijah's 40 days brings victory, while Ahab and Jezebel bring self-destruction (1 Kings 19-21)

 1 Kings 19-21

A) Elijah's fear turns to encouragement, time with the LORD and clear instruction

19:1-4) Elijah's victory over false prophets brings persecution and deathly fear in the wilderness

19:5-8) Angel of the Lord encourages Elijah x2 "Get up and eat" - 40 days travel to Horeb, the mountain of God

 - 40 Days with God, fasting, Noah, and the end of time: Genesis 7:12, Luke 17:26,28,30

 - Jesus and Moses' life contrasted. 40 days versus 40 years. (Matthew 4:1-4, Deut 8:2-3), When you face temptation remember Jesus (Matt 4)

 - Jesus appeared to them 40 days after death proving he is alive - Acts 1:1-3

Application: Doing this reminded me that I haven't fasted with the Lord as he's directed me and sustained me. I've also been praying about calling new men into the ministry and the Lord reminded me of this truth from Acts 1:21-22) Ministry begins with the baptism of repentance. Just a few days ago did a study on the great commission which is what made this principle stick out.

9-18) LORD comes to Elijah, and he responds by casting his cares, "stand before me" windstorm, moves rocks, earthquake, fire, whisper - again the same prayer, "Go back, the wilderness of Damascus, anoint new kings and prophet, 7,000 preserved rest killed.

B) Elisha is anointed by Elijah and Ben-hadad starts a war with Ahad

19-21) Elisha called, slaughtered oxen, burned plow, and gave it to townspeople 

20:1-12) Ben-hadad, demands everything and more, and insults turn to battle

C) Ahab is given victory to know the LORD, yet ruins his life with bad choices. 

13-22) prophet tells Ahab LORD will hand over the enemies via 232 provincial commanders so he'll know LORD, 32 allied kings drunk at noon lose but Ben-hadad gets away to fight next spring

23-34) Ben-hadad's officers speculate about god and plans, but a man of God says LORD will defeat them so he'll know LORD 100k killed,  another 27k by the accidental wall, new treaty Ben-hadad lives.

35-43) Prophet goes to great lengths to condemn Ahab for a treaty with Ben-hadad 

21:1-7) Ahab wants Naboth vineyard that won't be sold, Jezebel vows to get it

8-16) Jezebel wrote in Ahab's name to create a false narrative about Naboth to have him killed

17-24) LORD through Elijah condemns Ahab for murder, theft, and evil - destruction for descendants.

25-29) Ahab influenced by Jezebel was awful to God, yet his mourning delayed judgment.

Prayer: Lord I repent of my independent attitude and lack of prioritization with you. I receive your corrective guidance and loving discipline. Thank you for not letting me go and setting me straight again. Today I receive your mercy and loving-kindness. Your yoke is easy and your burden is marvelous light. 

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Faith and repentance are made possible by Elijah's dedication to God (1 Kings 17-18)

 1 Kings 17-18

AIM: Being faithful with the small things, leads to faithfulness with the large things

Focus verse:

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. - 1 Kings 18:21 

A) God gives prophetic revelation and miracles to bring faith to those he calls

17:1) Elijah to Ahab, God of Israel lives, God I serve, no dew or rain for few years

 - Specific yet general revelation

2-7) LORD to Elijah, go east, hide water enter Jordan, drink, ravens bring food (bread and meat)

8-16) Go, live in a village Zarephath, Sidon, widow instructed yet called by Elijah for food and promised blessing

17-24) widow's son dies and blames Elijah, a man of God, he cries out to God, revived son, which results in faith

 - Specific personal revelation, instruction for faith

Personal testimony: I've encountered specific personal revelation and instruction that has helped many come to faith. 

B) Elijah and his friends obey God, helping Israel see the folly of false Gods and come to repentance

18:1-2) Lord to Elijah 3rd year of drought, present self to Ahab and he did

 - 2b-6) famine severe, Ahab to Obadiah find grass to save livestock, (Obadiah devoted follower of LORD, protected 100 prophets from Jezebel)

7-14) Obadiah sees Elijah, recognized him, and is troubled by the command to tell Ahab, fearing abandonment and death

15-21) Elijah under oath, confronts Ahab - you are the trouble maker, bring 850 false prophets and all Israel to Carmel, to people choose between God or Baal but they were silent

 - Application: Silence comes from ignorance which breeds indecision, which makes us susceptible to falling into the trap of evil people.  

22-40) One man of God outperforms all false prophets in a stunning turnaround. Israel comes to faith in God, face down, and cried out LORD is God.

41-46) Elijah to Ahab might rainstorm coming, seven times Go, look toward the sea a small cloud appears and Lord gave special strength to Elijah going ahead of Ahab to Jezreel

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Experience blessing for pleasing God or disaster for provoking his anger (1 Kings 15-16)

 1 Kings 15-18

Big Idea: We are held accountable for our actions regardless of our father's influence

AIM: Heart fidelity is proved by action God sees. 

15:1-8) Abijam, 3-year reign, same sins as father - for David's sake son Asa next king

9-23) Asa 41 years, pleasing in LORD's sight (Coram Deo), courageous deposed grandmother for obscene Asherah pole, made a wise treaty with Ben-hadad, distracting his attacker, Jehoshaphat next king

 - 14) heart remained completely faithful to the LORD, 23) old age feet became diseased

 - Principle: God creates and sustains a remnant. 

25-31) Nadab ruled Israel 2 years, evil example/sins of father Jeroboam, leading the nation to sin, Baasha killed all Jeroboam's descendants

15:32-16:7) constant war, 24 year reign, evil in LORD's sight, Jehu Hanani LORD's message "I made you ruler, you followed evil example, your legacy is destroyed"

 - LORD's anger provoked (1 Kings 15:30;16:7,13,26), Jeremiah 8:19

 - Consequences of provoking the LORD's anger Deuteronomy 32, Deut 32:19

8-14) Elah, 2 years, drunk Zimri killed him and killed all his family fulfilling Jehu prophecy 

15-20) Omri became king, Zimri burned himself, having done evil in Lord's sight

21-28) Omri killed rival Tibni, 12 year reign - bought Samaria from Shemer 150 pounds of silver, example of Jeroboam, evil, worthless idols

29-34) Omri, evil, worse than others, married Jezebel, worshiped Baal, setup Asherah pole, Jericho rebuilt costing life of oldest and youngest sons.

 - Application: Why am I thinking of rebuilding Jericho? Thank the Lord for the history lesson and for waking me up. Having lived foolishly it's right to turn away from the old me and start a new day in the presence of God, to do what is pleasing to him. 

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When given an evil inheritance prayer and fasting is the right response (1 Kings 11-14)

AIM: We prove discipline when we renounce the devil and trample his influence under our feet.

Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 1 Kings 12:11, 2 Chronicles 10:11

Lesson 2: 1 Kings 11-14; 2 Chronicles 10-12

A) Solomon's sinful life has horrible consequences on future generations

11:1-13) Solomon's many wives turned his heart from God, resulting in judgement, God promised a remnant for the sake David and Jerusalem.

14-25) Solomon's enemies raised up by God (v23)

26-40) Jeroboam talent to rebuild, encounters Ahijah 10 tribes for him, 2 for Solomon - Jeroboam fled until Solomon died

 - Application: 38) If you listen... follow my ways ... righteous, obedient..., as my servant David did, then I will always be with you. I will establish an enduring dynasty...

41-42) Not all Solomon's 40 year rule was kept in Bible, Rehoboam next king

B) Rehoboam and Jeroboam took God's promises of blessing with contempt, ruining their lives

12:1-20) Rehoboam rejects wise counselors, asks young men who follows way of Cain (scorpions v11), resulting in divided kingdom, Israel no longer under David/Jesse/Judah.

21-24) Shemaiah, man of God, "Don't fight, go home, Lord's doing" Rehoboam obeyed. 

25-33) Jeroboam makes Gold Calves in Bethel and Dan (who brought you from Egypt) to prevent people from going to David, pagan shrines, imitation Festival of Shelters

13:1-34) Prophet speaks against Jeroboam, who was paralyzed as prophecy was fulfilled, man of God prays mercy (love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you) Fasting

 - Applicaiton: I need to fast and pray and take the personal warning from the Lord - take my role seriously, not like Jeroboam who did not turn from his evil ways (v33).

14:1-20) Jeroboam didn't listen to God (12:38), more evil than all who came before (v9) - 22 years, son Nadab next king

21-31) Rehoboam's reign evil in LORD's sight (Coram Deo), pagan shrines, prostitues, imitated detestable practices, ransacked treasuries or LORD's Temple, gold replaced with bronze - constant war. 17 years, son Abijam next king

Application: What a picture of our world today. What will I do today? Listen, follow his righteousness and be obidient, resolve and follow through. Don't waste these promises. 

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God’s Word, His People, and His Plan

Weekly doctrine talks magnify God and matures people. As we study God's word every day, our goal is to know God more. As we encounter God as he has revealed Himself in the Bible and come to know His truth and His plan to redeem humanity our faith is matured, the fire in our hearts is stoked, and our cup is filled to overflowing. 

This is our prayer for ourselves and our members; that every morning they would seek to be with the Lord and come to know him better. It's when we live to this end that our lives are transformed, our work, our family, our churches, and our community. Will you make it point to ask God to reveal himself to you every morning? You don't even have to get out of bed...

You know some people wake up in the morning saying "good God it's morning!" others say "good morning God!" Consider starting your day this way. What impact do you think that might have on your heart? 

Today our Doctrine is on the Bible. Doctrine is just a fancy word for teaching. We have many versions of the Bible today but it's important to recognize they are translated from early manuscripts with different purposes. These translation purposes are known as "word for word" and "thought for thought." Each Bible version is on this spectrum. Generally in BSF, we use the NIV version but that's just the starting point. We encourage you to look at another version to build understanding and apply it.

I love how the NLT version brings the scripture to the modern way of speaking, Romans 15:4:

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.- Romans 15:4

To summarize I'd say that: Through the entire Bible, God has revealed Himself, His truth, and His plan to redeem humanity. 

God spoke through more than 40 human authors in more than 66 writings when He gave us the Bible. The unified message and inerrancy (in their original manuscripts) within the Scriptures testifies that God is the author. Listen to the NLT for 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• God reveals Himself through the Bible and declares essential truth. This written record given to us by God, our Creator, stabilizes our lives and gives us hope. 

• The trustworthiness of the Bible rests on the character and integrity of God Himself. 

• The Bible explains humanity’s fall into sin and God’s unfolding plan of redemption. God sent His Son to earth to die for sinners and call a redeemed people to Himself.

• The Holy Spirit awakens dead hearts and minds so people can recognize and embrace truth and put their faith in Christ and all that God’s Word declares. 

• Those who turn to Christ for salvation and build their lives on God’s Word experience His redemptive power in this life and anticipate a glorious eternity in God’s presence.

• When I do not believe in the truth within the Bible or fail to recognize its importance, I am left to interpret life with only limited human insight. I live without a firm foundation. I cannot explain the brokenness in the world and myself or find lasting hope. 

• When I believe that the Bible reveals God and explains the most important things I need to know, I have an unshakable source of truth and hope. The Bible leads me to Jesus for salvation, speaks help into daily life, and gives hope that nothing can destroy.

Applications: 

God speaks to us through His Word

• God’s Word unfolds needed truth; the Holy Spirit helps us apply that truth in practical ways in our daily lives.
• How are you training your ear to listen to God? Are you ready to hear Him speak through this study?

The Bible provides an anchor for our lives.

• The Word of God provides refuge through the joys and storms of life and prepares us for eternity.
• How quickly do you seek encouragement and guidance from the Bible when your life becomes challenging?

God has granted you a privilege and opportunity to lead people to know Him through His Word.

• Beyond the personal benefit of this study, you will help others meet Him through His Word? This commitment will require some work, but you can anticipate rich blessings as well?

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What my life will mean 200 years from now (Coram Deo)

So interesting how life cycles work, we started Alpha in the fall of 2017 at MNTC, where I met James and had the opportunity to mentor him briefly. At the TC annual choir event (at my church grace.church) he was reminded of a phrase: Coram Deo. That was four years ago and I've still struggled with living apart from Him in my old pattern of life. (Everyone's choice: sacrilege or Coram Deo). 

• Coram Deo: Presence of God, under His authority, for his glory, honor, and pleasure.
• Old pattern: Absence of God, in defiance of Him, paralyzed and frustrated 

Yesterday I got to participate in the first Alpha Weekend at TC Lakeside Academy. 

It was my friend Marty's first Alpha and we talked about EMAW. He was getting ready to lead and didn't want to get to stretch too thin with more work than is reasonable. Today I'm listening to R.C. Sproul, The Goal of Christian Living: Pleasing God

"in life, we tend to start all kinds of enterprises but then once we reach a plateau that requires perseverance we quit and say, 'I've reached the limit of my ability - I'll go no further'. But the only way to get to the next level is to persevere and as we do it gets easier."

He talks about this illustration:

Millions "start" piano lessons but very few make it to proficiency, where they can pick up and play. Arrested development, stuck in "second grade" for 5 years. Never achieving "concert pianist" level. 

Christian experience can be similar. I've met people who said, "I've tried it and decided to move on to something else." But more accurately, "I started but found it difficult and didn't continue." I've met many "Bonsai Christians" - good-looking but way smaller than their God-given potential.

I'm connecting that ministry is similar. We go from apprehensive and awkward, to understanding through practice and finally proficiency. 

Grateful to be starting People of the Promise 2: Kingdom Divided.

Perseverance + Purpose

Lord may we be curious and welcoming - making Bible Study accessible with our approachability.  

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