Is What I am doing now Bringing Contentment? (Entry #4)

Our church’s baptism site at the Genesee River with a beautiful sunrise.

Mark 1:4  And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1:14-15  After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

What is there not to like about having our sins forgiven?  We get a new beginning and no condemnation.

How did John the Baptist and Jesus begin their work on earth?  With a call to repentance.  Why is it that people tend to look at repentance as a negative?  In actuality, repentance is the doorway to God’s favor and blessing.  What is there not to like about forgiveness and freedom?

Repentance means to turn around, to change directions, and to turn to God.  It is a turning of the human will over to God.  We seek a new way of life.  We recognize our sins;  we start on a lifelong journey that changes the way we think and act.  Jesus becomes our Lord instead of Satan who deceives and destroys. 

We turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that we can receive forgiveness of sins. Acts 26:18.

We have so much to gain:

                from      Separated from God       to            Reconciled to God

                                Brokenness                                        Made whole

                                Discouragement                               Hope

                                Confused mind                                 Renewed mind

                                Violence                                              Peace

                                Condemnation                                  Clear conscience

                                Self-righteousness                          God’s righteousness

                                Chains                                                   Freedom

                                Drifting                                                 Purpose

                                Guilt                                                      Forgiveness

                                Blindness                                             Seeing 

We can choose to move toward the column on the right.  Forgiveness of sins.  And a baptism of repentance. Will we turn to God?  Jesus preached good news—not guilt and condemnation.

Matthew 3:1 reads, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”   When you and I repent, God enters the brokenness of our lives.  Believe the Good News, his kingdom has come near.

This is what leads to contentment;  the apostle Paul experienced it.  Phil 4:11-12  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.