God molds and judges nations based on how they respond to the hands of the potter. Throughout history, nations have fallen, and God has restored others. Nations that are disobedient to God eventually find themselves on the scrap heap of history. In God’s mercy, He continually calls nations back to Himself to look up and …
Simon’s actions give an example of a false heart. He had said and done all the right things that seemed to show that he had repented of his former life and turned to Jesus. Acts 8: 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by …
As Peter preached at the Temple, he told the people to repent and experience refreshing. These are also words for us today! The people had just witnessed the healing of a lame and were astounded. Peter explained to the crowd that Jesus, who was crucified and resurrected, was the Messiah they had waited for. Even …
People were drawn to John the Baptist because they sensed a move of God. Even John’s message about the need for repentance drew people into the wilderness of Judea. Matthew 3:5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed …
Why was Jesus baptized by John the Baptist? The incredible story of Jesus’ baptism by John in the River Jordan reveals a God of love who came to earth as a human being and connected with the people He created. If our Savior offered salvation to sinners like us, He needed to identify with the …
Why does God bring judgment if He is loving? The Lord is like a parent; to correct us, the Lord must bring judgment in this lifetime. Although it makes Him sad to do so. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living …
Repentance changes our hearts because we turn away from our sins and toward God. Because of our sinful nature, every person struggles with sin. Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.[1] Turning away from our sin is not returning to the broad road that leads to destruction but choosing …
Many times, God brings transformation in the wilderness in Scripture. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness as the Lord prepared him to lead Israel. He had no idea the Lord was teaching and preparing him for forty years as a simple shepherd. When the Israelites disobeyed the Lord after being freed from Egypt, they …
When we fail to repent, it lets the weeds of sin grow in our hearts. Our hearts are like a garden; weeds naturally grow in a garden, and because of our sinful nature, they also grow in our hearts. Each day, we sin and must continually come to the Lord and confess our sins so …
Turning to God is the Lord’s desire for every person. Some people turn to the Lord with the slightest whisper by the Holy Spirit, and others in desperation. Our sinful nature is not to turn to God but to pursue a selfish course in life. Like sheep, we need a Shepherd to care for, guide, …