Christianity 101: Building a Firm FoundationSampel

Repentance: The Path of Transformation...

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…
Romans 12:2 NLT

The word repent has received a bad reputation. The world tells us that it means not having a good time and living a dull or boring life. Nothing could be further from the truth. When Jesus uses this word, He is talking about changing the course of our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit from darkness to light and from death to life. These are extraordinary U-turns!

As we learned yesterday, genuine repentance begins with a transformation or renewal in our thoughts and, consequently, our hearts and behaviors. It is the exchange of our carrying the burden and load of our lives and placing ourselves entirely in the Lord’s hands. This means the surrender of our will for His will. In truth, repentance is a U-turn from thinking and doing life in our brokenness and sin and turning 180° to go in the direction of the Lord’s abundant and extraordinary path of thinking and living.

The Holy Spirit is at the beginning, middle, and end of making life-positioning U-turns. Dwelling inside every Jesus-believer, He is the one who speaks to our hearts when a U-turn is needed, providing the power to transform us. The Holy Spirit keeps us going on the right and best road. You will see this in the early church throughout the Book of Acts.

We may find ourselves stuck in unhealthy patterns that we can’t seem to break free from, no matter how hard we have prayed and tried. These areas may be strongholds of our adversary, the devil, which need the Holy Spirit’s power, God’s Word, and the authority of Jesus’ name to overcome. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other Christians who are a bit further along in their faith journey—your friends, mentors, pastors, and professional Christian counselors (James 5:16). U-turns are always possible in Jesus’ Name.

Repentance is the gift of starting over, and we will make U-turns all along our journey. Jesus has beautiful scenery for us to see and experience, and He doesn’t want us to miss it by going down the wrong road. It is never too late to change direction with the Holy Spirit’s limitless power in our lives!

• Romans 12:1-2 will be go-to verses for your journey. What do they speak to your heart now?
• Galatians 5:16-25 reveals two ways to journey. How are you challenged and encouraged?
• The Holy Spirit is our strength. What do you learn from John 16:7-15?
• We learn so much from John 8:1-12. What is your biggest takeaway from it?
• We need others! What does James 5:16 mean for you?