Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Repentance” – remember, Paul shared with us that Jesus is not “worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things… and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being… Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:25-30). In other words, Beloved, Paul is saying that God wants us to change our minds for the better, amend our ways, and abhor (detest) our past sins!! Why? Because God does not dwell in sin – sin will separate us from God. That’s why Paul explains that we “have our being” (our existence), only in the Kingdom of God – “in Him,” His statutes, commandments, and ordinances. The only way that “we live and move” forward is “in Him” – in His directives. Also, remember that Jesus is not “worshipped with men’s hands” (in human opinions or concepts). In God’s eyes, humanism is another form of idol worship! All of this teaches us that when God tells us to perform any task, we must be willing to change all of the plans we have made in our minds in order to carry out God’s will!

Precious Ones, this is the only logical thing to do! Seeing that there is nothing we can offer to God for our sins, is there any wonder that He demands REPENTANCE (a mind perpetually opened to His will)? Should our God not have what He demands? Isaiah taught us why we should always be willing to repent when He commands us to do so. “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) and must be discarded as such. Therefore, in order for us to be considered clean in God’s eyes, we must turn away from our own righteousness and turn to God. Then, He will clothe us in His righteousness. The song says that “He is all my righteousness, I stand complete in Him, and worship Him – worship Him, Jesus Christ our Lord” – not men’s hands or concepts!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, have a happy, blessed, prosperous, and healthy New Year, in Jesus’ Name.

I love you all SO very much,
In His love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Repentance”, from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series – remember what happened in Samaria, when Simon believed and was baptized. When it was later proven that Simon’s heart was not right, Peter said to him, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). This teaches us that as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, the greatest gift we can give Jesus is a heart ready to repent at any given time. Notice that at this point Simon had already been baptized, but he still had issues that he needed to change his mind about and be sorry for. This tells us that even after salvation, there are still issues in our lives for which we need forgiveness.

Precious Ones, Paul teaches us that he “was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:19-20). In other words, the gift of pure repentance that we should give unto Jesus Christ cannot just be mere words or good intentions. Paul covered every area in which he was lead to minister at that time. This means that in every area of our lives, we must offer to our God manifested evidence, or “works”, that prove to our acquaintances that we have truly changed or “repented” of any issue that is against God’s will.

Chosen Ones, this is important, because many Christians are ready to “repent” in the areas of their lives that require no sacrifice. For example, when someone’s feelings are hurt, when there is a misunderstanding, when you step on someone’s toe, it’s easy to say, “I’m sorry”. However, what about the areas of our lives that require sacrificial “repentance”? What about those times when someone has violated us, when someone has treated us wrong for no reason, or when someone has lied to us or lied about us? Will we be ready to “repent” of the evil that vindication and retaliation wants to bring upon us? It is a sacrifice to “repent” (change our minds) and forgive someone who has brought pain to us wrongfully, but are we willing to do it?

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…
I love you all so very much,

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Repentance” – In Jesus’ final message to his disciples, He said, “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Beloved, this can only mean that a person’s sins can only be corrected and removed through Jesus’ Name! That’s the first important bit of information a sinner or a repentant saint needs to know!

Precious Ones, Paul received the same message from Jesus after His resurrection. He said, “for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee [or reveal to you]; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:16-18). We learn from this that all of God’s children have a challenge from God to share their revelations from God with those who are outside of the ark of safety. What does the Lord Jesus want you to share? He wants you to share with those in sin how God “appeared to thee” when you were in sin and gave you the greatest gift when you were at your lowest point – how Jesus gave you salvation when you were in sin yourself. Why does Jesus want you to “minister and be a witness” of your redemption? It’s easy – so that when the world sees how your “Repentance” brought Jesus into your life, it will simply “open their eyes to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan (evil works)”.

Chosen Ones, the main reason why Christians should live a lifestyle of “Repentance” is to show others the value of “receiving (from God) forgiveness of (their) sins.” We must not only live repentance, but speak it also. For example, the disciples preached it from the Day of Pentecost until the day they died! The first of this preaching came through the lips of Peter, when the people asked him, “What shall we do [about our sinful condition]?” I’m sure you know by now Peter’s response – “Repent [change your mind about Jesus] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of [your] sins” (Acts 2:37-38).

I will write more on this subject later.

I love you all so very much
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (Part 1)

Beloved, as we get ready to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ this month, I want to minister from a new subject that will bring glory to Jesus, and is the best gift we can give Him. From the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ series, the most charitable principle to give to Jesus is Repentance. Repentance is a lesson that is so important to understand, especially in these days of religious tradition and false doctrine. Prayerfully, Beloved, we will teach about 7 basic principles from this series. We have already written about “Perfection”. After we look at the principle of “Repentance” (with the help of the Holy Spirit), I would like to teach about (3) Faith toward God, (4) Doctrines of Baptisms, (5) The Laying on of Hands, 6) Resurrection from the Dead, and finally, (7) Eternal Judgment. Of all of these principles, Repentance is the gift that brings the most pleasure to our God! Remember, John the Baptist taught us that we should “bring forth…FRUITS meet for repentance” (Matthew 3:8). In other words, God’s delicious apples and oranges, grapefruit and watermelon that he enjoys is called “Repentance”!

Precious Ones, the preaching of “repentance from dead works” began with John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). All those who received John’s message before Jesus atoned for men’s sins, were “baptized with the baptism of repentance” (Acts 19:4).

Chosen Ones, when Jesus began to preach, He taught the same, saying, “The time is fulfilled…repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). In other words, Jesus tells us, “You cannot receive the true revelations you need to receive from my (Jesus’) teachings, until you repent”. Beloved, as I have taught you several times, the word “repent” comes from the Greek word “metaneo”, which means “a change of mind”. In order to receive what you need from Jesus, you must be open to changing the way your mind thinks, and you must be apt to develop (with Jesus’ guidance) a new way of thinking! That’s why Jesus taught the concept of repentance in many parables, including “the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son” (Luke 15:4-32), and “the heathen sacrifices” (Luke 13:1-5).

I will write more on this subject next week.

I love you all so very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Perfection (conclusion)

Beloved, the time has come for me to conclude this series of letters on “Perfection” from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series. Next week, I feel led to address the subject of true “Repentance”, but, for now, let me start off by stating a fact that most Christians overlook – the purpose of Jesus’ ministry is to bring every man to a state of perfection. If you remember, it was Jesus who stated His opinion about “the Law” – the Old Testament Commandments. He said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law…I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill (to make the Law perfect).

Precious Ones, Jesus further explained this principle in His teaching. He said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery (see Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:18): But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). From this scripture we see that Jesus came to teach us the more perfect way to please Him, and that way is to obey Him in our hearts. The Psalmist teaches us how to get an audience with God. He wrote, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…” (Psalm 24:3-4).

Chosen Ones, we are all commissioned to walk according to the words of Jesus which He spoke to His apostles (read Philippians 3:12-16 and Colossians 1:28). The Church and its people must represent the “perfection” that comes from God. It is written that “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined” (Psalm 50:2). More importantly, the Church is supposed to be the “perfect” manifestation of the Truth of God. Beloved, the visible Church will lose her children and intended Husband (Jesus Christ) if we don’t bear in mind that He is calling for a Church that is “perfect”. Beloved, we must not be guilty of lowering our standards of obedience to God’s Word because of the times in which we live and the lifestyles of the people who surround us in this world. As your Pastor, I love you all too much to deceive you into thinking that our God will tolerate mediocrity! The Apostle Paul taught us that God will only reward a “perfect” group of individuals with eternal life. Paul puts it this way – God’s plan is “that he (Jesus) might present…to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it (the Church) should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27). That sounds like “perfection” to me!

I love you all so very much,
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy