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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
Some time ago, this writer asked the question, "whatever happened to repentance?"
Is it here yet?
There are times in every Christian's life when a self-analysis of spiritual status is not only advisable, but very necessary. Since that time, there continues to be a strange silence and reluctance to talk - or even to use the word repentance. But we all must give top priority to self-analysis concerning our spiritual condition and status with Jesus Christ.
We must realize that perhaps it is later than we think.
It's time.
It's time for individuals. It is time for the church of Jesus Christ, for governments, society, business.
Why should those of us who name the name of Jesus need to repent? Are we not already saved? So - what could we possibly need to repent of? Have we not already done that? We, hopefully all professing Christians were admonished prior to confessing belief in Jesus as our savior, to count the cost. Notice Jesus' words:
"Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple. or which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it?" - Luke 14:27-2
Perhaps we have misunderstood our calling.
We have been called to a life of overcoming and spiritual growth into the image of our Savior. Jesus also admonishes us to take up our individual cross, and follow Him. But we live in a time when many love to hear only "smooth things", how to have only happiness and prosperity. We are conditioned to think positive. To expect prosperity and ease as the only fruit of living for Jesus Christ. Never mind about that old three-letter word, sin.
It is easy to believe that everything that needs to be done was settled long ago when we professed faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. But when we professed that, Jesus expected us to grow more like Him through continuous self examination and yielding to the Holy Spirit's correction, as well as His guidance and His encouragement.
When Jesus paused and looked out over Jerusalem prior to His judgment and death, He wept - and said these words:
" Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."
For you and me, repentance is near. It is here.
There is still time. But it is here.
"Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored].
Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met]." - Joel 2:12-13
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