Posted on December 7, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
Question: Are you willing to repent?
There it is. Right between the eyes. Sounds so simple, so fundamental, so basic.
Answer: Of course. That’s the right answer, right? What genuine believer of Jesus Christ would say no?
Stop.
I don’t want the “right” answer from your head. I want the answer you know is deep in your heart.
Are you willing to repent?
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Feeling bad about our sin is not the same as repentance. Feeling bad doesn’t result in change. Feeling bad without appropriate change of behavior, attitude, and action is simply feeling bad and, according to 2 Corinthians 7:10, leads to death.
Merriam Webster on-line defines REPENT : “to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right”
According to this definition – feeling sorry for something bad or wrong you did and that you want to do what is right is sufficient to qualify as repentance.
I don’t want to nitpick but feeling and wanting are not the same as actually repenting – changing, making new choices, saying no to temptation, resisting, fighting, turning away from sin and turning towards God.
Are you willing to repent?
Sometimes we feel bad about our sin because we know it is wrong and yet we continue in it because we’re not quite ready to give it up yet. Any of this sound familiar?
Easton’s Bible Dictionary expresses the distinction between feeling bad and true repentance.
“The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). (2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.”
I ask again. Are you willing to repent?
Repentance is much more than a change in our behavior – although it includes that – it is a change of heart that results in a determined fleeing from sin and a passionate, intentional, determined, unwavering pursuit towards God.
Will we do it perfectly? No. Will we fail at times? Yes. Do we give up in despair? No. No. We get up, confess our sin, ask for and receive God’s forgiveness, remind our self of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the cross, the Blood, His love, His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness and move forward.
I have heard it said, “For every one look at our sin, take ten looks at Jesus and the cross.” A good practice to develop.
“The first of Martin Luther’s famous Ninety-five Theses was this: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent.’ He willed that the whole life of believers should be one of repentance. Each day we turn afresh in faith and repentance toward God. We rediscover our first love all over again so that we’re not tempted to engage in spiritual adultery. The key to continual and deeper spiritual renewal and revival is the continual re-discovery of the gospel. ”
I was preaching to myself today and thought I’d let you listen in.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “The next time you stumble, remember the powerful hand of God is holding your hand and walking you through life – all the way home.” – Joe Stowell
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.” Psalm 133:2
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 420 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
Christan true and very clean and good food and speaker blessed bmy soul love it my home and will always come back again again for ever in the lord. Room was so beautiful . They work so hard to make you happy. Will try to bring family member to be... blessed hear also. I support all that they do to help men and woman find god. When I come to Keswick I didn't want to go home . That how happy and blessed I'm. Always pray for all of them daily. So glad I found this blessed placeread more
Ross Fichter
1710505821
Stayed here while we were visiting my in-laws at The Pines Living Facility. Exactly what we needed for lodging -- inexpensive compared to most motels without any loss of accommodations, and very Christ-centered environment. Plus they serve a great... breakfast every morning. No TV in the room, but that was not an issue for us, since there is nothing worth watching anyway. Staff were extremely friendly and did their jobs well. This place is a gem and a blessing to all who walk on their beautiful property.read more
Manuel Chávez Martínez
1709498094
Es un lugar maravilloso para disfrutar la palabra de Dios
Pianista Benjamín Arias
1708802888
Bien
William Dundas
1708697460
This place holds a special place in my life journey. I was Baptised there as I RE-DEDICATED myself. It was Febuary at night, so my review may not give it the right justice. What I can say, there were a ton of relaxing, peaceful locations to... re-connect with JESUS. Obviously, there was a pool, several lake's with benches. Gathering locations to celebrate, and break bread. A very wholesome Resort.read more
Adrian Obrien
1707934719
Spontaneous invite to girl talk! Loved it! Speaker was on point, fellowship and food , how better to start Valentines?
Ivelisse Romero
1707021027
Beautiful place to separate yourself for the Lord. Soo peaceful no technology which I love. Just you nature and God. I was there for a women's retreat.
Jennifer Crabtree
1706843166
A wonderful Christ- and family-oriented place! Beautiful grounds and welcoming staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the conference we attended as well as the community hymn-sing. Highly recommend.
Jason Zimolong
1706837733
They've been a 5 star treatment and resort...doing God's work!
Patricia Simpson
1705193514
Peaceful little spot, so close to home 🩵
James Kolchin
1704151396
It's A Good Place To Have Retreats And They Have GREAT FOOD AND GREAT MUSIC
Kaia Leeds
1703475382
This was a very nice place!! I sang here with my school!!
Geoffrey Brewster
1702920475
You can see GOD work in and throughAll that go there.
Sharon Bielski
1702502928
Went today early for Girl talk, it was great 👍
Pat Jacoby
1701871657
This is a wonderful place for family vacations, retreats, and conferences. They share a solid biblical view.