Walking After Paul’s Example

Temple Baptist Church - 8-29-2012

 

Philippians 3:15-4:9

 

 

Introduction:

A. In verse 15, Paul spoke of the mature Christian being “thus minded.” In the verses preceding verse 15, he set forth some things that need to be sought after:

1. To Win Christ

2. To Be Found In Christ

3. To Know Christ

4. To Fellowship With Christ

5. To Suffer For Christ

6. To Be Resurrected With Christ

B. In Verse 16, we find the unity of desire in God’s children that are mature:

1. Walk By The Same Rule – a principle or regulation governing conduct or action. Laying aside our differences of opinion, likes and dislikes, we walk in agreement in the local church. Too many people are divided by things that do not matter. We are all different but on the things that Paul listed above, we are to be “thus minded.”

2. Mind The Same Things – In verse 17, Paul said, “Be followers together of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

C. I want to encourage and exhort every one of us to be the very best that we can be for Christ. In today’s “Christianity,” we have very few godly examples to pattern ourselves after. One of the greatest Christians of all time was the former Saul of Tarsus or the Apostle Paul as we know him.

1. He was great in his conversion – From Saul to Paul

2. He was great in his desire – He preached Christ at the risk of his life.

3. He was great in his fervency – He was bold and Spirit filled.

4. He was great in his walk with God – He said “For to me to live is Christ.”

5. He was great in his finishing – He fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

D. Paul was great in his example – Here, we come to Philippians 3:17.

1. The mature child of God is marked by a walk of obedience. We are to mark those who walk in obedience and walk with them.

2. The disobedient are also marked by their walk of disobedience. 3:18-19

E. The disobedient walk of the lost exposed in verses 18-19:

1. They are the enemies of the cross of Christ – vs. 18

2. Their god is their belly – vs. 19

3. Their glory is their shame – vs. 19

4. They mind earthly things – vs. 19

5. Their end is destruction – vs. 19

F. He told the Philippians believers to “be followers together of me.” Not just to follow Paul’s walk personally but corporately. The strength of the local church is the unity of the believers. “United we stand; divided we fall.” Let us look at what should be the rule or measure of our Corporate Walk.

1. The Rule of Faithfulness – When faithfulness is almost a think of the past.

2. The Rule of Fellowship – Fervent love that shows forth discipleship.

3. The Rule of Labor – In the same yoke doing the same work in unison.

4. The Rule of Worship –Rejoicing in both the good and the bad times.

5. The Rule of Actions – Let your light so shine among men!

6. The Rule of Faith – Remaining in the Old Paths wherein is the good way, finding rest for our souls in these last days.

7. The Rule of Prayers - For each other, family, friends, missionaries, souls.

8. The Rule of Holiness – If you think right, you do right!

9. The Rule of Obedience – Follow God’s man as he follows Christ.

Hell: The Hidden Truth

Temple Baptist Church - 8-26-2012

 

Luke 16:19-31

 

Introduction:

A. The Earth’s core is app. 11,000 degrees at the center as far as scientists can determine. Little is actually know (though scientists may disagree) about our inner Earth, so fact and fiction often run hand-in-hand. On the Science channel the other day I saw an hour program on the Earth’s mantle and inner core. They showed the molten liquid and told of the intense heat; they showed the inner core which is said to be solid where the most intense heat is but I saw nothing about hell. You see, they cannot see the inner Earth. It is impossible for man to send an instrument into heat that would liquefy the metal immediately so they have to give you their idea of what is there through animation. If they could see the mantle and core, they would see in to hell!

1. Most references to hell, outside of the Bible, are made in a jokingly or nonchalant manner. When I think of the world’s view of hell, I think of the verse that says, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan has done a good job of hiding the fact of a literal burning hell and many of his preachers have denied it for years.

 

2. As saved people, you and I also think little about hell. The reason is this: I’m not going there! Since I got saved, I have not dreamed of hell nor given much thought to it. We need to come back to the reality of hell because sinners are going there.

B. I am sure that the rich man in this story did not spend much time thinking about either hell or eternity and neither did those who attended his funeral. “and was buried.” I often pass our two mortuaries while going into town and see long lines of people waiting to get in to view the deceased and say some words of comfort to the family. While the 3 days of funeral activities are ongoing, the deceased is either in heaven or hell. While the people “buried” the rich man, he “lift” up his eyes in hell, being in torments.” Hell had become an eternal reality! The word “lift” has always caught my attention. If the Bible said “lifted,” then it may have been that the rich man, after a while, dropped his eyes but the word “lift” leads me to believe that his eyes may still be “lift.”

C. The subject of Hell is one that is rarely preached these days. For several reasons:

1. Because of the subject matter: no one likes to think of anyone going to hell. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy. It is not that we do not believe in hell because we know that it is as real as heaven. It is a horrible reality so we do not think of it often.

 

2. Because of the disturbing nature of the place. Hell needs to be preached upon but it is not my favorite subject. 

 

3. Because it is one subject that my finite mind cannot fathom. I cannot grasp either heaven or hell. They are subjects that are beyond the realm of human experience with repercussions that cannot be measured.

 

4. Because many preachers like their “jobs” and preaching on hell is not conducive to longevity in some pulpits. Many people do not believe in hell because God is a God of love. He is also a God of holiness and justice! Preaching on hell is not popular with the masses but is a necessity. Jesus said more about hell than He did heaven!

D. In our text, we find to real people. One is named and one is not. I am glad that I do not know who is saved or lost and do not know the name of this man who died without Christ.

E. I want to look at his place called Hell for a few minutes because we need to keep its reality fresh in our minds. Hell made a soul winner out of the rich man in this chapter and it should make soul winners out of us.

1. Hell is a Real Place. Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Jesus mentioned hell in our passage as a statement of fact. As “In the beginning God” was a truth to be proclaimed, not argued, so was the doctrine of hell. He did not ask us to believe in it, He just stated the fact of its existence.

a. Hell is not the fantasy of some religionist’s mind.

b. Hell is not a fear factor used by preachers to manipulate people.

c. Hell is not something to be joked about or made fun of.

d. Hell is a fact to accept. The One who said, “I am the truth” declared it.

2. Hell is an Eternal Place. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

a. There is no possible escape.

b. There are no second chances.

c. There is no time limit.

3. Hell is a Terrible Place. Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

1. A lake of fire - Revelation 20:15

2. A bottomless pit - Revelation 20:1

3. A horrible tempest - Psalm 11:6

4. A place of everlasting burning - Isaiah 33:14

5. A furnace of fire - Matthew 13:41, 42

6. A devouring fire - Isaiah 33:14

7. A place of torments - Luke 16:23

8. A place of everlasting punishments - Matthew 25:46

9. A place where people pray - Luke 16:27

10. A place where they cry for mercy - Luke 16:24

11. A place where they wail - Matthew 13:42

12. A place where they curse God - Revelation 16:11

13. A place where they never repent - Matthew 12:32

14. A place of filthiness - Revelation 22:10,11

15. A place of weeping - Matthew 8:12

16. A place of sorrow - Psalm 18:5

17. A place of outer darkness - Matthew 8:12

18. A place of where they have no rest - Revelation 14:11

19. A place where they gnaw their tongues - Revelation 16:10

20. A place of blackness and darkness forever - Jude 13

21. A place where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched - Mark 9:48

22. A place where they are tormented with brimstone - Revelation 14:10

23. A place from which the smoke of their torments ascendeth up forever - Revelation 14:11

24. A place where they do not want their loved ones to come - Luke 16:28

4. Hell is an incomprehensible place but our lack of comprehension does not detract from its reality and ignoring its fact will not make it go away. Someone once said, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” I am glad that I will not have to go there but hell’s reality should be a motivating factor in all of our lives. Family, friends, acquaintances, and a multitude of people we will never meet are heading in the same direction as the rich man in Luke 16.

5. Hell is a Place to be Shunned. Mark 9:43-48 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: (44) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (45) And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: (46) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (47) And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: (48) Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Apprehended

Temple Baptist Church - 8-22-2012

 

Philippians 3:12-16

 

Introduction:

 

A. There are several things in this passage that can be a wonderful help to us if we will apply them to our lives. Paul, once again, is giving us some insight into his personal life. We often think of men like Paul as the epitome of Christianity and do not realize that they are just men with all of their “down sittings” and “uprisings.”

B. Paul stated in the preceding verses his perspective concerning the things that he had lost verses the things that he hoped to gain. God may allow you to lose some things because of your conversion, but the things that he replaces them with will outshine the ones lost. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth!”

C. Paul counted those things that were lost as nothing compared to the new life that he had found in Christ. To Paul, to live was now Christ and his gain was future. The most important thing in his life was his Lord and Saviour.

D. I want to look at these “essentials” for living our lives for Christ.

1. The Essential of Apprehension – “I am apprehended of Christ Jesus” The word apprehend is one that we hear on a regular basis. Normally, it has to do with the apprehension and arrest of a law breaker. The news media will say, “He has been apprehended.” That means that he was a suspected law breaker; he had been running freely to that point; he had been sought; and he had been taken captive. We can take the use of the word and make a practical application to our salvation. We were lawbreakers, we were running loose; we were sought and apprehended. You will never live for Christ until you have been apprehended by Christ. In Acts 9, we see Paul’s Calling, Confrontation, Conviction, Choice, Confession, and Conversion.

2. The Essential of Accomplishment – “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect” The child of God has been created in Christ Jesus unto good works. It is the responsibility of every believer to strive to do their best for the One who died for them. We are to grow in the Lord; we are to conform to the image of the Lord; we are to be light and salt in the presence of the unsaved; we are to be faithful to the things of God because we have been bought with a price and are not our own. We get glimpses of Paul’s faults and failures all through the New Testament: Roman’s 7 we find his Failures, with John Mark we find his Harshness in Acts 15, with his return to Jerusalem in Acts 21 where he took a vow and would have done sacrifice. Paul was possibly the greatest Christian mentioned in the New Testament but we find a flawed man of flesh.

3. The Essential of Advancement – “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind” Those things which are behind can relate to a couple of things. 1) Paul’s past life – he was injurious and a blasphemer before the Lord saved him. There are some people who get saved but never get past their past. If a man ever had a right to feel unworthy, it was Saul of Tarsus! He almost single handedly destroyed the church! Thank God for His forgiveness. 2) Paul’s “loss” – the Bible speaks of the man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, as not being fit for the Kingdom of God. The Bible also says that Abraham might have returned to his homeland if he had looked back. Our life for Christ allows us to get right with the Lord and put our faults and failures behind us.

4. The Essential of Attainment – “And reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Our best is ahead of us, not behind us. I often tell people, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” It is so easy to allow the past to dictate the future and many of us are guilty. No, we cannot undo the past nor can we always see the hand of God in it but we can learn from it and put it in a proper perspective: it is PAST! Paul stated the driving force in his life in Philippians 1 when he said, “For to me to live is Christ!” Christ first and me last! Christ ever and me never!

a. It is essential that we remain faithful to God’s Word

b. It is essential that we remain dedicated to Soul Winning in our Jerusalem

c. It is essential that we remain committed to World-Wide Missions

d. It is essential that we remain separate from Worldliness And Ungodliness

e. It is essential that we remain Unified In Love Within The Body Of Christ

f. It is essential that we resolve to Withstand And, Having Done All, Just STAND!

The Role of Men and Women in the Church

Temple Baptist Church - 8-19-2012

 

1 Timothy 2:7-15

 

Introduction:

A. Tonight, I will begin dealing with an unfortunately controversial subject found in the churches of our day. We will examine what the Bible says on the subject, not what man thinks and the truth will be evident.

B. 1 Timothy is the first of the Pastoral Epistles which were written to establish biblical behavior and define different roles in the local church. It is written by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. A major part of 2 chapters are given to this potential problem concerning the roles of men and women as well as church authority.

C. In verse 7, Paul states his biblical authority:

1. His appointment– ordained

2. His position – preacher

3. His authority – apostle

4. His trustworthiness – speak truth…lie not

5. His spiritual ability – teacher … in faith and verity

D. Tonight, I will look at the roles of men and women in the church. By interpretation, Paul wrote this epistle to stave off problems but we use it to correct problems by application. The Women’s Liberation Movement of the past half century has brought women to the forefront in a very unbiblical manner.

 

Roles have reversed, especially over the past60 years or so. The women now rule in the homes, run the churches, sit in authority in our government, and fight in the military. Not one of these afore mentioned roles are what God intended for woman to be. Many women and all “hen pecked” men will get angry at this message but all I can say is, “Take the Bible and prove me wrong!”

1. The role of men and women in the home: I often refer to the First Mention Principle of Bible Interpretation when seeking God’s intentions concerning any subject. First Mention of Bible roles of men and women set the standard for their biblical roles throughout the Bible.

a) Before the Fall - Genesis 2:18, 21-22 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. … And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; (22) And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

1) She was to be his Companion – he was alone.

2) She was to be his helper – he was in need.

b) After the Fall - Genesis 3:16-19 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (17) And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; (18) Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; (19) In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

1) She was to Bear Children

2) She was to Care for her Husband

3) She was to be in Submission to her Husband

c) In the New Testament - 1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Ephesians 5:23-24 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (Why would God say “every thing” and then change His mind concerning the local church? If the man is the head of the woman and her place is a place of submission in the home, then why would the two roles reverse in the local church? The woman was made for the man; she was subordinate to the man; she was a companion for the man; and she was a helper to the man. )

2. The role of men and women in government:

a) God set men over government - Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

b) God set no women over government – There are no verses in the Bible that either advocate or condone women in authority in the government.

3. The role of men and women in the military:

a) Men went to war - Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

b) Women did not go to war – There are no verses in the Bible where God sent women to the battle front.

E. Now, let us look at our passage in 1 Timothy 2.

1. The Role of the Man in the Church. 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

a. Men are to pray everywhere. This praying is included within the church’s worship. I call upon men to pray publicly in the church service, not the women. Some use the “in like manner also” in verse 9 to include the women in leading in prayer but that would violate the principles that follow verse 9. In verse 8, Paul is establishing the leadership of men in worship within the church. Therefore, we find the authority of men re-established. As he is to lead the home, he is to lead the church.

b. Men are to pray in submission within the church. “lifting up holy hands” Men are to be submissive to their head which is Jesus Christ. We often see the signs, “Real men pray!” In order to lead properly, men must follow properly. Paul said to follow him as he followed Christ. Spiritual men who lead the church should be submissive to the Lord.

c. Men are to pray in holiness. “holy hands” Our men in the church should have confessed and forsaken their sins before ever entering into the church house to worship. As men lead in prayer, they are to lead in holiness.

d. Men are to pray in a right manner. “without wrath” As the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, men of wrath will not seek the ways of God. Not praying in anger or with vengeance in mind, but praying in the will of God. Seeking the Lord, not personal gratification or gain.

e. Men are to pray in faith. “doubting” As the double minded man is unstable in all his way, the doubting man will have his prayers hindered through his lack of faith. Men are to pray expecting!

As in the family structure, the role of the man in the church is that of leadership! The man rules and directs the church.

2. The Role of the Woman in the Church. 1 Timothy 2:9-15 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (10) But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (11) Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. (12) But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (13) For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (14) And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (15) Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

a. She is to be modestly adorned. “modest apparel” A woman is to dress is such a way as not to draw attention to her physical assets. “Modest apparel” means to be orderly or well arranged. Her clothing is not to be physically conforming nor is it to be physically revealing. This is a far cry to the attire of the modern woman as she enters church.

b. She is to subdued. “shamefacedness and sobriety” “Shamefacedness” means “down cast eyes” or “bashfulness.” “Sobriety” means “soundness of mind” or “controlled.” The godly woman is neither bold nor out of control. I guess a good way to say this in our day would be that a godly woman is neither controlling nor is she out of control. She is not to be loud or braggadocios.

c. She is not to bring attention to self. “not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” Her controlling purpose of coming to church is to glorify God, not self. Her attitude and outward demeanor is to be such as to bring attention to God, not self.

d. She is to learn in silence. “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.” She is to listen attentively to instruction while remaining in subjection to those who are in authority. She can ask questions in private but is to learn in silence during public instruction.

e. She is not to teach, preach, or to usurp authority over a man within the church! “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” Now the question may be asked by some, “Does this mean that a woman cannot preach, teach men, or lead in worship when men are present?” The answer is “yes” to all three. A woman is not to preach! Read the last few verses of the chapter to explain why. A woman heart creature and allows her heart to overrule her thinking. The qualifications of the preacher are found in chapter 3 and they do not pertain to women. Many cults have been started by women. She cannot teach or instruct men in the church. She cannot “usurp authority” over men in worship. A woman is not to lead the choir! Choir music and specials are a vital part of worship and the choir leader is just that: IN authority over part of the worship service.

As in the family structure, the woman’s role in the church is that of submissiveness to authority.

Can a woman be place in authority over men in a church in any aspect? The answer is no!

The Except of Repentance

Temple Baptist Church - 8-19-2012

 

Luke 13:3

 

Introduction:

A. Over the past few decades, the doctrine of repentance has become a battlefield. Many preachers deny the necessity of repentance while others remind me of President Bill Clinton as he tried to define the word “is.”

1. You cannot deny repentance and make it go away!

2. You cannot redefine repentance and change its meaning!

B. Few pastors or evangelists even preach on repentance anymore. Like the doctrine of hell, repentance has become forgotten or ignored.

1. Because many of these preachers have never experienced the reality of repentance: a changed life.

2. Because most sinners do not want to hear it preached. They want to go to heaven; they want to miss hell; and they want to live in their sinfulness.

C. It is a shame when preachers are:

1. More interested in numbers and offerings than they are the souls of men, women, and children. I once asked a children’s evangelist how he preached to children. He replied, “Like they were a bunch of convicts.” He smiled when he said that but I understood his mindset: except these children repent of sin and come to Christ, they may grow up in church but will spend an eternity in hell. That may sound harsh to the church people of today but God does not have one way of salvation for adults and another for children.

2. More interested in popularity with men than popularity with God. Preachers who have stood for anything over the centuries have paid a price for standing. Paul said, “I have suffered the loss of all things,” and yet—most preachers have more than the average saint in the pew.

3. More interested in outlining a sermon than they are in preaching the Word! Homiletics and Hermeneutics are wonderful tools to be used but I have found many preachers that get a good outline and then spend much time trying to find a verse to preach it from rather than finding a good verse and expounding upon it. Paul said, “Preach the WORD!”

D. Denial of biblical repentance is to deny:

1. The message of John the Baptist - Matthew 3:1-3 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, (2) And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (3) For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (The straight path of the Lord is found in repentance.)

2. The message of our Lord Jesus Christ - Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

3. The message of the apostles - Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

 

Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. The message of the Bible - Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent. (To deny repentance is to deny the clear message of salvation found in the Bible.)

5. God taught Solomon about repentance: 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Repent or perish! What is Biblical Repentance?

1. Biblical Repentance is a Gift granted by God.

a. To Israel - Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

 

b. To The Gentiles - Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

2. Biblical Repentance is the Acknowledgement of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

3. Biblical Repentance is a Godly Sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

4. Biblical Repentance is a Change of Mind that brings about a Change of Heart which brings about a Change of Life. 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. (9) Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

5. Biblical Repentance is the Foundation of Saving Faith. Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.

6. Biblical Repentance is God’s Will for Fallen Man. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

7. Biblical Repentance is the Call of the Spirit. John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

8. Biblical Repentance is the only Way to God. Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

What has a lack of biblical repentance produced?

1. A Sinfulness With No Godly Sorrow – people continue in sin because they love it!

2. A Salvation With No Conversion – People continue in their old life of sin while claiming to be saved.

3. A “Saint” With No Heart For God – People fill the churches but have no desire for the things of God. (I put The word Saint in quotation marks!)