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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