Change Is Necessary
I am sure most of us remember the battle cry of the past election. We heard the word *change* on numerous occasions. I am sure that many of you growing up thought you would change the way things are and not do the same things your parents have done. I am sure that some of you have asked for change and perhaps even protested for changes in some way or another. It seems that each generation that comes along thinks that it will change the things of the past. But as is written. *That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun*. Ecclesiastes 1:9
We want change in government, but we elect the same people to represent us? We want change in our workplace, but if we make waves, we may lose our job, so we just continue on even to the point of complaining every now and then. We may even consider that a change in lifestyle would benefit our heath and character, but getting around to it is another thing.
If you do not like what is going on around you, do not think that others will change to satisfy you. No, you have to do that yourself. The bartender is not going to refuse you a drink because you would be healthier without it. The storekeeper will still sell you want you want to buy whether you need it or not. The politicians will try to exercise their power over you as long as you let them.
Like I said, you are the one who is going to make a change if one is needed. One of the problems we face in life is in the spiritual realm. The Bible teaches that all have sinned before God (Romans 3:23) and have been separated from Him (Isaiah 59:2). There is only one remedy, and that is what is offered by and through Jesus Christ. One of the things that Jesus and the writers of the Bible have taught us is that one must repent (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30).
Most people think that repentance is just saying *I*m Sorry*. No. True repentance not only recognizes and acknowledges the sin involved in our lives, but makes the changes necessary to keep from sinning again in the same way. If you read any Bible Encyclopedia or word study of the words used for repentance, you will see that it means to *change direction*, *to turn away*, *to make anew*. Repentance means making a conscious decision to not live the way you lived in the past, but to put God first in your life, or once again if that is the case. In other words: STOP THE SIN IN YOUR LIFE. In order to stop the sin, you need to replace your activity. Why not choose Jesus and decide to live for Him, and stop living only for yourself.
If you are ready to make this change, let us help you and teach you what you must do. Learn that there are others going through your same problems and that together we can work it out to our soul*s benefit.
God is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins. (Acts 8:37). You must repent of your sins (Luke 13:3), you must confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32) and you must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then you must remain faithful and continue learning how to serve God (2 Peter 3:18). Let us help you on your spiritual journey. May God bless you in your study of His word.
By Carey Scott

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