I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-
The Prayer Task Force
The Prayer Task Force is a group of people at the Evangelical Free Church of Willmar that are dedicated to prayer. Through e-mail communication with focused meditations and prayer request that can be prayed for during the week. There are also opportunities to gather for specific prayer ministry at the church.
If you would like to join please e-mail bgreen@efreewillmar.org
PRAYER BLOG
Prayer Task Force
Thu, Dec 10th, 2009 4:21:24 pm
By: Pastor Ben Green Repentance. Maybe we hear this word in church, but how often do talk about it with other people? How often do we talk about repentance when we share the Gospel? How often is it part of our prayer life? When I read Scripture, it is the starting place for a dynamic relationship with God. Look again at the central messages of those God used in the Scripture to awaken the world to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus- "Repent and believe the Good News" (Mark1:15)
Peter- "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38)
Paul- "But now He commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30)
This idea of repentance is woven throughout the writings of Paul, John, James and Peter. So what does repentance look like? I think Jesus' parable of the lost son is a treasure in so many ways, but most importantly that it gives an example of what repentance looks like. The youngest son in the midst of his sin, pride, and spiritual poverty 'comes to his senses'. Repentances is first of all an awaking to God's reality. We tend towards spiritual blindness, but when we see things from God's perspective our pride, selfishness, and rebellion take on a cheapness and emptiness in light of His glory, grace, riches, and humility.
Second the son 'got up and went to his father'. He was not only awakened, he also responded to his newfound sight of reality. Biblical repentance is always characterized by action. Our start in the Gospel began with this repentance, but should not end there. We walk as repentant people always remembering in the broken bread and the covenant cup our new life in Christ. We constantly call others to this new reality of new life in Christ found in repentance and belief in light of his cross. We now live awakened lives in the actual fruit of righteousness and joy in the Father's embrace.
Praying as a repentant people,
Pastor Ben Green
