Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of this series from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Repentance” – I must say that God requires “repentance” from members of His church in order to bring restoration if they should fail of the grace of God or if they offend one another. Remember, the scripture says that “those who were once enlightened…and have tasted the good word of God… (will) renew them(selves) again unto repentance” (Hebrews 6:4-6). In other words, saints who read, study and digest the “Word of God” will renew their minds through repentance on a daily basis. Yes, repentance renews our minds daily. A repentant heart is always open for correction that will make the soul better.

Precious Ones, it is our prayer that the Anointed Harvest ministry be faithful and longsuffering, “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves (those who don’t repent or who refuse correction); if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who (has) taken (the unrepentant) captive by him at his will” (II Timothy 2:25-26). Beloved, all men who refuse to say “I’m sorry” or “It’s my fault” or “I’ll take the blame for this one” are held captive under the devil’s deceit through their feelings of self-righteousness!

Chosen Ones, there are many examples of repentance in the scriptures. When you have time, don’t just read these references of scripture; but I invite you to study them for yourself. For example; (1) the Israelites were called upon many times to “repent” – one of them you’ll find in Judges 10:15-16; (2) Job had to “repent” – see Job 42:6; (3) The city of Nineveh had to “repent” – Jonah 3:5-8; (4) Peter had to “repent” – Luke 22:60-62; (5) the disciples preached that all men should “repent” – Mark 6:12.

Children of God, in closing, I hope that this series has shed new light on the value and importance of “repentance”. Beloved, God has placed so much value on this principle hat it is included in all 66 books of the Bible. So, we should adhere to this principle in order to escape eternal damnation. Beloved, “repentance” is the solution to forgiveness. If you repent, God will forgive you of any and all transgression.

I will write on a new theme next week. Until then, know this,

I love you all so very much, and am grateful to be selected as your Pastor.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Repentance (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of the theme from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “Repentance”, let me say that our thoughts blind us to the righteousness of God, and cause us to hold to our ways rather than to prefer His ways. Beloved, our opinions and our righteousness are not useful in the eyes of the Lord. When you get the time, re-visit Matthew 3:9, Acts 2:22 and Acts 26:9). Beloved, genuine “repentance” will cause us to turn to God for deliverance from the things we find to be against His will, whether we agree or not. For example, you may not agree that when you get involved in someone’s life and tell them the right way to live, that it will have an effect on their future with God. If you think that “people aught to mind their own business, and let everyone live the way they desire”, you need to repent of that opinion. God’s Word tells us that “he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). In other words, Beloved, when you get involved enough to offer words of encouragement to the wayward person, you can deliver that person from the grip of spiritual death, and cause his sins, however many, to be covered by God, so that he could receive eternal life! Now, that’s not my opinion – you read it. That’s the Word of God.

Precious Ones, the scripture says that only “godly sorrow worketh repentance”. This teaches us to be careful to clear ourselves from any fear of being a help to another person. We are also taught that we need to “repent…from dead works” (Hebrews 6:1). Beloved, “dead works” refer to “unprofitable works”. What profit is a Christian to God if God cannot depend on him to get involved and tell someone, “Cheating is wrong, honesty is right”, “Hate and bigotry are wrong, love and relationships are right”, “Jesus is the only true and living God, and all other gods are false”, “The greatest gift is the Holy Spirit, and all other gifts pale in comparison” – just to name a few.

Chosen Ones, if we don’t “repent” and place the priorities of God’s Kingdom first, we can’t change the world! Just as it is impossible for anyone to be saved from sin without “repentance”, likewise, it is impossible for the world to correct its wrongs if no one has the boldness to get involved and show them what is right. Beloved, I like what David vowed unto the Lord when he “repented”. I believe we should follow his pattern. David said to the Lord, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors (those who fail to do God’s will) thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:12-13).

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – it is my pleasure to serve you as a Pastor.

I love you all SO very much.

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” – Paul’s final message to the saints of Ephesus was 20/20 vision. He said, “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:20-21). Beloved, I’m glad God left a record of what true men of God preached in the Bible, as opposed to the messages that are taught from pulpits across the world today! Paul’s teaching was not shallow – it was not about material things that eventually will corrupt. On the contrary, Paul taught the Ephesians how to “repent” – a principle that will usher them into eternal life. Beloved, a penitent heart is “profitable” to anyone, whether you are a “Greek” Ephesian or a Jerusalem “Jew”. Anyone who “repents” and turns to God places himself in the hands of God, to do whatsoever He wills. In the book of Exodus, God shared His will with Moses. God said, “it shall come to pass, when he (that) crieth unto me (shall cry), that I will hear; for I am gracious.

Precious Ones, the scripture teaches us that “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of (in other words, godly grief and pain are permitted in order to produce in us a repentance that leads to salvation)” (II Corinthians 7:10). Paul teaches us that it is in the challenges and obstacles of everyday life that we will discern the goodness of God which leads us to repentance. Paul goes on to say that if we, by a “hardness (of) heart” refuse to repent, then we “treasurest up (store up)…wrath…unto (ourselves)” (Romans 2:5). This means that any of us would prefer to go our own way, and be deceived by our own thoughts, rather than turning from our self-righteous ways. Beloved, let me tell you that true “wrath” comes when your mind plays tricks on you, persuading you to believe that you have done nothing wrong, when in reality you have sinned! Many souls are lost today because they thought they were right, but a penitent heart will always be open to be directed by the Lord, and thus will “never die”. Jesus said, “whosoever…believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:26).

I will write more on this subject next week. My love for this congregation grows stronger every year.

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 – Paul teaches us that “when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness” (Romans 6:20). This teaches us that neither you nor I could ever be considered “righteous” if we live a lifestyle of sin. We will all fall victim to transgressions from time to time, but we must “repent” every time we sin in order to be declared “righteous” in the eyes of the Lord. There is a teaching that is perverted in doctrine, which has deceived many Christians. According to this teaching, the moment a soul is baptized with water in the Name of the Lord, there is no need to “repent” again, ever, because their sins are forever removed! Consequently, the message of “repentance” is rejected today because of what men think, as in the days of John the Baptist (see Matthew 3:8-9) and of Simon (Acts 8:22). Beloved, we must learn the “fundamentals of the Doctrine of Christ” in order to help the world, rather than steering it in the wrong direction.

Precious Ones, baptism in Jesus’ Name does free one from the penalty of God’s judgment on all who are born of human descent through Adam; but baptism does not free us from the responsibility to “repent” every time we mess up! To say that one act of baptism frees one from a lifestyle of saying “I’m sorry” to God, is to say that if someone violates you one time and “repents,” they are covered for the next 490 times they violate you again! As ignorant as that sounds, it is just as ignorant to believe that a baptized believer never has to “repent”!

Chosen Ones, the Word of God is against this teaching. What are you going to do with the scripture that says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon [forgive]” (Isaiah 55:7)? We are commanded not only to “repent” of our offenses, but also of any thoughts that are not pleasing to the Lord! Beloved, to receive God’s “pardon,” we must turn from ourselves and all of our thoughts about Him, and learn His ways and His thoughts concerning us. In addition, Jesus taught Peter that “if [a brother] trespass against thee seven times in [the same] day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:4). According to scripture, we are only obligated to forgive each other when we repent. So, don’t believe the “hype,” Beloved; we will always be responsible to say “I’m sorry” – to repent.

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