The purpose of There is Hope Radio is not to attack, condemn, judge, or shame anyone. The purpose is to speak truth and love. The purpose is to address issues that most churches, most pastors, most Christians will not speak on or are afraid to speak on. The purpose for There is Hope Radio is to look at issues of the day and find solutions. I believe the word of God has solutions. I believe there are biblical principles, if followed, that will transform individuals, communities, and nations. I absolutely believe the word of God and applying biblical principles can create an atmosphere for creating positive futures in the lives of individuals and the world around us.

True Repentance
If you identify as a Christian, you should absolutely love the word repentance. True repentance leads to true freedom. If you're the one who claims to be a Christ follower, and you have a dislike for the word repentance, you either do not understand the concept of repentance, or you may not be truly born again. It is because of repentance you have the ability to spend eternity in heaven.

Because of repentance, you can have a relationship with your creator. Because of repentance, you are a child of God. By the way, only Christ followers are children of God. That's another topic to cover at a later day. Because of repentance, you have the spirit of God. His spirit is living within you. Because of repentance, you have the power to say no to sin and yes to God. Because of repentance, your life is different than what it was before repentance. Because of repentance, you are living in more freedom than bondage. Because of repentance, you have a more fruitful life. Because of repentance, you're becoming transformed and have the ability to live out a life of sanctification. So why would we ever not want to take a look at the topic of repentance? But before I go any further, I should define what repentance is.

What is Repentance?
The Greek word for repentance is metanoia. Metanoia is a verb that means to change one's mind. It does not literally mean to turn around, which you hear many times individuals say that. Why is that important? Because unless a person does metanoia, to change their mind, they will not turn around to a different direction. The first step to repentance is to meditate, to think about, and put one's mind to.

The Hebrew word for repentance is teshuvah, which does mean to return, to turn back, to turn.

The English definition of the word repentance is to fill or express sincere regret, remorse about one's wrongdoing.

So, if we combine the Greek, Hebrew, and English meaning the word of repentance, the best translation is to mentally change your mind that leads to changing one's attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors. Thus, if there is true repentance, there will be evidence of true repentance. There will be fruit.

Acts 3.19 says, Repent therefore and turn back, be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. So, true repentance is us changing our minds and God bringing the change, the conversion process. Why is this so important? Because if we are left alone, we will not repent.

God has given us the grace to repent. He has empowered us to repent and it comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. So, now I want to share some good news about repentance.
Unless God puts it into our heart, we will not have any desire to truly repent. So, if we feel conviction, guilt, sorrow for our words, actions, or behavior, it is coming from God and He will give us the will, the ability, the strength, and the power to repent. That is truly good news.

So, if you are reading this and God is speaking to your heart that there is something you need to repent of, just know that He will give you the grace and the ability to do it because you are not wanting to repent based upon your own desire. It is something that God has put in you. Because we have free will, we can harden our hearts to the things of God. We can become callous, hard-hearted, close-minded, and reject the tugging of the Holy Spirit. That is a dangerous place to be. So, if God is tugging on your heart to repent for something you have done, something you are doing, or is tugging on your heart to get right with Him or to come to Christ, make the decision to repent and trust His Holy Spirit right now. His Holy Spirit will empower you the ability to change your mind and turn a different direction. So, if the Holy Spirit speaks to you, tugs on your heart that you need to change, you need to go a different direction, that you need to change the way you think, then right now would be a good time to say, God, help me to repent. Help me to turn around.

Through repentance you can have eternal life. If you truly confess your sins to God, ask Him to remove them from you, ask for is forgiveness, and receive Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior you can be forgiven and have eternal life.
Acts 3 19 in the Bible says, Repent therefore and turn back, be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.

Acts 2 38 says, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Father God will send the spirit of repentance upon the hearts of mothers and fathers and children. Will you send the spirit of repentance upon our communities, upon our leaders, upon our churches, upon our nation. May it start with us. Show us what we need to repent of and give us the grace to fully acknowledge our shortcomings/sinful ways, confess them, ask forgiveness, and the grace to turn from them to become transformed.

True Repentance Podbean Podcast

True Repentance Podcast Transcript