“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before” Acts 3:19-20 NKJV
“Repent” isn’t a real popular word. I have found it’s a word that is more blessed to give than receive. Know what I mean?
Peter said, “Repent therefore…” Why the word “therefore”?
“But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore…” Acts 3:18 ESV
Why repent? Why should we, everyone, change our mind about our lifestyle, our worldview, our beliefs, and who’s going to be the Lord of our life? Because all that God prophesied about the salvation he was bringing to man was fulfilled in and through his son, Jesus Christ.
The only thing keeping you and I from a drastic and complete change is us.
Our mother isn’t keeping us from God’s work in our life. Our father can’t stop God from working. Not having a father is no excuse for us not experiencing the wonderful, holy presence of the Lord.
Neither our social status or our Facebook status can keep God’s presence from flooding our life with his power and goodness.
Refreshment and revival have been given a set time by the Lord. A set time is a sure thing. It can be counted on to happen. One does not have to guess, and no one needs to ask a prophet, when God’s refreshing times are to come.
No, I’m not saying God can be manipulated into giving us an exciting and refreshing church service.
I’m not trying to deceive you into believing that all anyone needs to do to have a powerful service is simply declare it, advertise it, hire a nationally known charismatic preacher to draw the crowd and, POOF, it happens! No!
Even the best music played by the best musicians won’t guarantee a thing.
So how can I say refreshment and revival are a sure thing? How can I declare to know the set time for revival?
Refreshment and revival take place when we quit trying to run our lives, and God’s kingdom. In other words, when we repent.
Repent because there’s nothing left to do. Repent because God has done everything else through his son, Jesus Christ.
Repent. Change our mind, change our beliefs, change our world view, change our friends if necessary; but repent.
And times, set times, sure, certain times will come from the presence of the Lord. And when God shows up in person, everything changes.
This Sunday Evening, April 27th, we are setting aside time to search our hearts, pray and praise, and allow the presence of the Lord to work like only he can.
There are a number of things each of us could do instead of gather at church. Sure. But only very few things are more important.
Gathering to praise and worship the living God is one way of showing a “change of mind”, or revealing a repentant and contrite heart.
Which, may I remind you, is something God is wild about.
“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa 57:15 NKJV
So we’re going to gather, and each of you are invited as well.
Invited to repent, therefore and be changed; when the Lord sends times of refreshing from his presence.
The Place – New Life Center
Address – 1031 23rd Street
Des Moines, IA
Date/Time- April 27, 2014/6 p.m.
For more info call – 515-494-8833
Jan Grace 