From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 4:17 NIV
Repent
On the Canada International Student Magazine website, Neha Bhattacharya, who moved to Canada a couple of years ago, writes this: “Canadians apologize for coming to work early, for squeezing past you in a crowded area, for asking for a napkin in a restaurant, for entering the elevator before you, for feeding you more than they should and sometimes to even themselves! … it is safe to say if there’s a Canadian book of conduct somewhere, saying sorry would be the first thing and the last thing it talks about.”
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I once heard someone testify that the Lord had completely changed their life and they were living 180 degrees from how they used to live. That is the true definition of repentance. When we repent, we not only feel sorry for our sin, we determine by God’s power to quit going in the same direction and turn completely around. Jesus speaks about repentance in Matthew 4:17: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” The world and the kingdom of God are going in exactly opposite directions – the world to destruction, the kingdom of God to eternal life. The principles of the kingdom of God stand in opposition to the world, and so must our lives as we turn to Jesus in faith. It begins with repentance, turning our backs on our sin and turning towards Jesus. As we do, we enter the kingdom of heaven.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley