ONLINE CHURCH BULLETIN

Unrepentant

Acts 17.30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

Did you see "unrepentant" in the newspaper recently? This description of Timothy McVeigh's demeanor on the morning of his execution may suggest to some that repentance is only for those who commit heinous acts--that it is something to be done before one is taken to the execution chamber.

Such a view is consistent with the way many seem to consider only unlawful conduct as evil. God's standard is much higher than this...and when we accept His view as our own, we recognize our own need for repentance and His mercy.

Matthew 5.21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'

22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment....

Hebrews 10.26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,

27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 

31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Dear Father, we confess our sins and we are grateful for this hour of grace.  Forgive us and give us strength to overcome evil with good. May we show others the hope and joy of the redeemed. Help those who are hurting. We ask this in the name of Christ, the Beloved. Amen

1 John 5.14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Only God can know HOW our prayers WORK but we believe HE answers. Please write me to add names to the prayer list and to report changes in status.

Let us be thankful and prayerful!

Love
Brad Forgy