Category: Training

The Gospel of Repentance by Bishop Edward Brink

The Gospel of Repentance: The First Word of Salvation

Text:
“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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” – Acts 2:38-39 (KJV)

Opening Scripture sets the stage for our discussion on the Gospel of Repentance. Repentance, the act of turning away from sin and toward God, is not only the first word of the Gospel but also the foundational step for every believer. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous instances where repentance is emphasized as an essential element of salvation. Let’s explore what, why, and how of repentance.

The Gospel of Repentance:

1) What is Repentance?

The first word preached by John the Baptist and Jesus Himself was “Repent.” (Matthew 3:2, 4:17) Repentance involves a radical change of heart and mind, a recognition and confession of our sins, and a turning away from them. It is a deliberate choice to submit to God’s will, forsaking our old ways, and seeking a new life in Him.

2) Why Repentance is Crucial?

Repentance is crucial for several reasons:

2.1) The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand:

The call to repentance signifies that God’s Kingdom is near, and we must prepare our hearts to receive it. Repentance opens the door to God’s grace and forgiveness, enabling us to enter into a new relationship with Him.

2.2) Remission of sins:

Through repentance, we receive forgiveness for our sins. Acts 2:38 highlights the connection between repentance, baptism, and the remission of sins. When we repent, confessing our sins before God, He is faithful to cleanse us and grant us a fresh start.

2.3) Judgment and Salvation:

Acts 17:30-31 and 2 Peter 3:9 emphasize that repentance is essential because it leads to salvation and prepares us for the judgment to come. God desires that all people turn to Him in repentance, experiencing His love and mercy, and avoiding the consequences of eternal separation from Him.

3) How to Embrace Repentance?

3.1) Acknowledge your sin:

The first step toward repentance is acknowledging our sinfulness before God. We must recognize that we have fallen short of His perfect standard and need His forgiveness.

3.2) Confess and repent:

Confess your sins honestly and genuinely to God, expressing sincere remorse for the ways in which you have offended Him. Repentance involves a heartfelt decision to turn away from sin and surrender to God’s will.

3.3) Seek forgiveness:

Believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. Trust in His sacrifice as the means of obtaining forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Repentance is inseparable from faith in Jesus Christ.

3.4) Follow Jesus:

Repentance involves a complete change of direction. As disciples of Christ, we must follow His teachings, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our lives from the inside out. Actively pursue righteousness, love, and obedience, relying on God’s strength to walk in His ways.

Conclusion:
The Gospel of Repentance is the foundational message of salvation. It is the call to turn away from sin, embrace forgiveness, and enter into a life-transforming relationship with God. Repentance is not merely a one-time event but a lifelong journey of walking in obedience to God’s Word. Let us boldly proclaim the importance of repentance in our evangelistic efforts,

knowing that it is through genuine repentance that souls find true salvation and the assurance of eternal life. May we never diminish the significance of repentance, for it is the first step toward experiencing the abundant life God has prepared for us.

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Unlocking the Power of the Holy Ghost by Bishop Edward Brink

Welcome to today’s Bible lesson, where we will delve into the extraordinary event that took place on the Day of Pentecost. This event marked a pivotal moment in the early Christian Church—a moment when the power of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon believers, forever changing their lives. In this lesson, we will explore what happened, why it happened, and how we can draw power from the Holy Ghost in our own lives.

Unlocking the Power of the Holy Ghost: Lessons from the Day of Pentecost.

1) What happened on the Day of Pentecost?

(Acts 2:1-4 KJV)
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, like a rushing mighty wind, filling the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, which sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2) Why did it happen?

(Acts 2:36-39 KJV)
After witnessing this extraordinary manifestation, the Apostle Peter stood up and addressed the crowd. He boldly proclaimed that Jesus, whom they had crucified, was both Lord and Christ. The people were deeply convicted and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded, saying, “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.” The outpouring of the Holy Ghost was a demonstration of God’s power and a fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to empower His followers to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

3) How can we draw power from the Holy Ghost?

(Acts 2:41 KJV)
The impact of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost was astounding. About three thousand souls were added to the Church that day. But this powerful experience is not limited to that historical event. We can still draw power from the Holy Ghost today by:

1) Seeking God’s presence:

Just as the disciples gathered in one accord, we must earnestly seek God’s presence through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.

2) Repentance and baptism:

Peter’s call to repent and be baptized is relevant to us as well. We must acknowledge our sins, turn away from them, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This act symbolizes our identification with Christ and opens the door for the Holy Ghost to work in our lives.

3) Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost:

Just as the early disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues, we too can receive this precious gift. We must have faith and ask God to fill us with His Spirit, empowering us to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Unlocking the Power of the Holy Ghost: Lessons from the Day of Pentecost.

Conclusion:
The Day of Pentecost was a remarkable event that unleashed the power of the Holy Ghost upon the early Church. It was a fulfillment of God’s promise to empower His followers for effective ministry. Today, we can experience that same power by seeking God’s presence, repenting of our sins, being baptized, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, drawing power from Him to impact our lives and the lives of those around us. May we be transformed and become bold witnesses for Jesus Christ, just as the early disciples were on that extraordinary day.

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Living a Life of Holiness: Strive for Perfection in God’s Eyes by Bishop Edward Brink

Are you tired of living a life that is filled with sin and shame? Do you long to live a life that pleases God and brings you peace? If so, then it’s time to pursue a life of holiness. The Bible tells us that we are called to be holy, just as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). But what does it mean to live a life of holiness, and how can we achieve it?

Living a life of holiness means striving for perfection in God’s eyes. It means living a life that is set apart from the world and its sinful ways. It means living a life that reflects the character of Christ. This may sound like a lofty goal, but it is not impossible. With God’s help, we can achieve holiness.

One way to achieve holiness is by setting our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). We must focus our minds on God and His Word, and not on the distractions and temptations of this world. This requires discipline and a commitment to spending time with God through prayer and Bible study.

Another way to achieve holiness is by putting off our old self and putting on the new self in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24). We must rid ourselves of our old sinful ways and put on the righteousness of Christ. This requires a willingness to change and a desire to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Living a life of holiness also means obeying God’s commandments. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We must strive to obey God’s commandments not out of obligation, but out of love for Him. This includes loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), forgiving others as we have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13), and abstaining from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

But why should we strive for holiness? Why is it important? The Bible tells us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Living a life of holiness is not just about pleasing God, but it is also about our own salvation. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), and this includes striving for holiness.

Living a life of holiness is not easy, but it is worth it. We must set our minds on things above, put off our old self, obey God’s commandments, and strive for perfection in God’s eyes. With God’s help, we can achieve holiness and live a life that is pleasing to Him. So, dear reader, will you commit to living a life of holiness today?

Remember, “Ye shall be holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is not just a suggestion; it is a commandment from God. Let us strive for holiness with all of our hearts and minds and let us allow God to work in us to achieve His perfect will. May we live a life that reflects the character of Christ and brings glory to our Heavenly Father.

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