From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 4:17 NIV
Repent
The witness protection program in Quebec, is part of a broader process that, as a rule, provides for the use of repentant witnesses in the fight against certain types of major crime, particularly organized crime and terrorism. Repentant witnesses are seen as a necessary tool for infiltrating criminal networks and their protection from their former relationships, an inevitable consequence of their participation in the administration of justice. Nothing in law prohibits negotiating various agreements for dropping or partially abandoning prosecution in exchange for information from a suspect or accused.
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There is a theology that is becoming more and more popular these days that Jesus was pure love and love wins. It is true that Jesus loves everyone – after all, for God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus, who by His death on the cross, would redeem all who put their faith and trust in Him as Saviour and Lord. But what is so often missed these days is that Jesus’ love does not gloss over sin. He loves us too much to leave us as we are. Jesus began His ministry immediately following his time of temptation in the wilderness. Matthew 4:17 records the first message that Jesus preached: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” The first message Jesus preached was one of radical transformation. He called His disciples to turn their backs on sin and turn to the Lord. Repentance is the decision to make a 180 degree change in direction, determining to live a life that honours and pleases the Lord, in line with His truth and holiness. Jesus’ love changes lives. He will never leave you in your sin – He will always change you.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley