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In Acts 2, the apostle Peter preached to Jews who were filled with guilt over what they had done to Jesus. These Jews asked Peter and the other apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37).

In response, “Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (verse 38).

In this verse, the Holy Spirit through Peter set forth commands that must be followed in order for one to become a Christian and receive forgiveness of sins. One thing commanded was “Repent.”

Later, in Acts 8, a man named Simon heard this same message, and became a Christian (verse 13). After becoming a Christian though, Simon sinned against God (verses 18-19). The inspired apostle then commanded him, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (verse 22).

Once again, “repent” was part of God’s requirement for sin to be forgiven.

The point is that whether we are a Christian or a non-Christian, in order to receive forgiveness of any sin, part of what we must do is repent (turn away from sin).

There are a number of excuses made to avoid repentance. Consider some attitudes that hinder repentance, and the answers to these provided in the Word:

Ignoring the Seriousness of Sin:

Some fail to repent because they do not recognize how serious sin is. Romans 6:23 says “the wages of sin is death.” Sin, if continued in, leads one to eternity in “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).

Some take sin lightly because they compare themselves to other people instead of comparing themselves to God’s will. The thought is, “Everybody sins and my sin is no worse than anyone else’s.”

While it is true that many people are living in sin, it is also true that “many” are following a broad path that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). If we desire to be the “few” who receive life, we must measure things by God’s will. When we do so, we will realize that sin is despicable.

“Sweeping Sin Under the Rug”:

Another pitfall some fall into is the idea that if “no one finds out” about a sin, it is not a big deal.

After David committed adultery with Bathsheba, instead of acknowledging his sin and repenting, David tried to “sweep it under the rug.” He told lies and eventually ordered an innocent man to be put to death, all in an attempt to “cover up” sin that could never really be “covered up.”

The end of 2 Samuel 11 states “the thing that David had done displeased the Lord” (verse 27). David learned that there is no such thing as a sin that nobody knows about (Heb. 4:13).

“Attacking the Messenger”:

Some fail to repent because their focus is on the faults of the messenger pointing out sin, rather than the message he proclaims.

Like those who sought to kill Jeremiah for giving them guidance that could lead them to safety (Jer. 38:4-6), many “attack the messenger” for speaking words that could lead them to eternal life (Gal. 4:16).

This is a surefire way to ensure that we will not allow ourselves to be helped when repentance is needed in our lives.

Fearing Rejection:

Some fail to repent for fear of rejection they might receive from others (Jn. 12:43).

Jesus stated “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37), implying that being His disciple often involves making choices that angers others. We must not fail to repent as needed for fear of what others will think.

Procrastinating:

Still others fail to repent because they do not have the sense of urgency needed to do so. Some believe that repentance is something they can do “down the road.”

This attitude pretends to know more about the future than God has revealed. None of us know how many more days we have on earth, or even how much longer the earth will exist as it does (Matt. 24:36).

When sin is in our lives, may we repent, and not be hindered by these attitudes.

– Michael Hickox

In the letter to the saints at Philippi, Paul spoke of his “bonds” in Christ (Phil. 1:7,13,14,16), referring to imprisonment. He spoke of uncertainty about his future (Phil. 1:20). Yet, through these trials, he spoke of joy, peace, and contentment.

In fact, in the King James Version of the Bible, the words joy, rejoice, and rejoiced are used a combined seventeen times in the short letter to the Philippians.

Paul realized that as an obedient Christian, he had great reason to rejoice.

The fourth chapter of the letter teaches about the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (verse 7), and the contentment that must be “learned” (verse 11).

One key reason for Paul’s joy, peace, and contentment through trials was his “attitude of gratitude.”

He began the letter by expressing his thanks for the Philippians (Phil. 1:3-5). He was thankful for the preaching of the Gospel (Phil. 1:18). He was joyful to make sacrifices for others (Phil. 2:17). He showed appreciation for Timothy (Phil. 2:22), Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:29), and other “fellowlabourers” (Phil. 4:3).

He prayed to God with trust and gratitude, and encouraged the Philippians to do likewise (Phil. 4:6). He thanked the Philippians for their benevolence and generosity (Phil. 4:14-19).

Just as Paul urged the Thessalonians to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), so he exemplified at a time his future was uncertain and his present circumstances were bleak.

Paul’s example of gratitude is one for all to follow. While most grumble and murmur when life does not “go their way” (cf. Num. 14:1-4), Paul recognized that even in difficult circumstances, he had much to be thankful for.

His focus on spiritual things caused him to see his circumstances as full of opportunities for serving God and others.

Paul remembered that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The wages of such sin is death (Rom. 6:23a). Eternal life is a gift of God (Rom. 6:23b), and those who receive it through obedience are blessed far better than we could ever deserve.

The circumstances through which we bring glory to the One who offers this gift may vary. Yet, no matter how “bright” or “dreary” things seem in this life, there are always opportunities to please God. This should make Christians thankful.

Paul’s “attitude of gratitude” was in many ways key to his joy, contentment, and peace. May we strive to have this attitude also, following Paul’s example in an important way in which he followed Christ’s will (1 Cor. 11:1).

– Michael Hickox

In John 9, Jesus healed a blind man. The man was brought to some Pharisees for questioning, as were his parents. His parents confirmed he was their son, yet said “by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself” (verse 21).

The parents were fearful to offer any suggestions as to how their son might have been healed “because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, he is of age; ask him” (verses 22-23).

They were fearful of fallible (and in this case, wrong) men. Such fear can hinder one from pleasing God.

Men, including religious men, are often wrong. Those who stand for the truth stand opposed not only to the “majority” of mankind (Jn. 15:19), but to many who think they are pleasing God (Matt. 7:21-23).

Instead of fearing the opposition that comes by standing for truth, we must fear what will come if we don’t stand for truth.

It is better to be opposed by men in our brief time on earth than to oppose God and be cast away from Him for eternity.

May we, like David, say “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

– Michael Hickox

In Luke 14, Jesus spoke of the commitment of being His disciple. Using illustrations such as one counting the cost before building a tower (verses 28-30), Jesus pointed out the need to “count the cost” of following Him (verses 26-27,33).

In a society where the extent of being a Christian is seen as “going to church” once or twice a week (and nothing more), now is a crucial time to consider what Jesus taught is the cost, or commitment, of being His disciple.

In Luke 14:26, Jesus said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

Jesus’ point in this verse is not to encourage hatred, but to teach that we must not allow anyone to come between us and pleasing God (cf. Matt. 10:37).

Being an obedient Christian often involves going against what someone we are close to desires of us. It may involve angering a parent, child, sibling, or close friend. Jesus does not want us to seek conflict for the sake of conflict (Rom. 12:18), but He desires us to follow Him, regardless of what conflicts may result (cf. Matt. 10:34-37). Facing rejection is an unfortunate but real part of following Christ’s footsteps (cf. 2 Tim. 4:16).

Jesus went on to say in Luke 14:33, “whoseover he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

Jesus’ point here is not that we must make ourselves miserable while on earth, but that we must not allow anything to come between us and pleasing God.

Developing the mindset Jesus is calling for requires us to see Christianity the way it is described in the New Testament.

Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” This speaks of a lifestyle of commitment to God.

When Paul was in prison and uncertain about his future, he said “For to me live is Christ, but to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Notice the phrase “for me to live is Christ.” Christ was not just a part of Paul’s life. He was the center of it.

Because of Paul’s dedication to the Lord, he was willing to make drastic changes. Imagine how uncomfortable it would have been for him to turn from zealously opposing Christ to zealously working for Christ. Making uncomfortable changes is part of the commitment of following Christ.

Much of what makes changing for Christ difficult is the reaction we receive from others. Friends who we once joined with in sinful activitives may think we are strange, and even speak badly of us (1 Pet. 4:4). We must accept this to follow Christ.

Those who follow Christ often face persecution. In fact, Paul told Timothy “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). The persecutions he faced included being stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19).

In our time and place, persecution may be mental. We might be treated harshly even if we are not physically harmed for our stand for truth (cf. Matt 5:44). We might be taken advantage of or hurt financially for doing what is right (cf. Rev. 13:17).

The point of all of this is that following Christ is not just about sacrificing a fishing trip on Sunday morning to assemble with saints. This could be included, but it only “scratches the surface” of the commitment of following Christ.

We must develop the character of Christ (2 Pet. 1:5-8). We must follow God’s pattern as spouses, parents, children, employees, and neighbors (Eph. 5:21-6:9). We must study diligently (Acts 17:11), and pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17), among other things.

If anyone or anything stands in the way of any part of God’s will for our lives, we must separate ourselves from it. This is the message of Luke 14:26-33.

May we all surrender totally to God’s will for our lives. May we not allow anything to come between us and submission to His will.

– Michael Hickox

Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

God commands us to assemble with saints. As with all New Testament commands, this is the first reason it must be obeyed. “God said it, and that settles it” (cf. 1 John 5:3). Yet, as with many commands, God not only tells us what to do, but gives reasons why to do it.

Notice the command in Hebrews 10 includes “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

A primary reason we must assemble is because we are thinking about (considering) the needs of others.

Considering one another should lead us to exhort one another and edify one another (cf. 1 Thess. 5:11).

Notice 1 Corinthians 14:12. The saints there were instructed concerning the use of miraculous gifts that were given prior to the completion of the written word. Though the context was different, the principle of edification still stands. “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

While assembling together builds up each other, the One we seek to obey and please in our assemblies is God.

To please God in worship, things must be done His way. Matthew 15:9 illustrates that it is possible to worship God in vain. Acts 17:23 illustrates that it is possible to worship God in ignorance. Neither of these is acceptable to God.

In John 4:23-24, Jesus taught how we must worship. A Samaritan woman asked Him whether one should worship in Jerusalem, as the Jews did, or at Mount Gerizim, as the Samaritans did. Jesus gave this answer: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

We must worship God from the heart while doing what He has commanded.

This opposes self-focused worship devised by man. Worship is about God.

As Christians come together to break bread (Acts 20:7), give (1 Cor. 16:1-2), pray (Acts 2:42), sing (Eph. 5:19), and study (Acts 20:7), it should be done to edify one another and please God.

As we assemble, may we remember that we are doing so for God’s glory and the benefit of one another.

– Michael Hickox