Repentance, the Doorway to Revival

What is revival? 

Simply put, revival is God in your life, experienced and enjoyed, after a period of indifference or decline. And the first step towards revival is repentance.

“Repent” was the word on the mouth of every Old Testament prophet, and that message didn’t stop with the Old Testament. John the Baptist began his ministry preaching "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt 3:2). And the mission that Jesus gave His disciples was "They went out and preached that people should repent” (Mark 6:12).

The first message preached by the apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost was “Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Then in Acts 3 Peter preaches his second message and says, “Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). How do those times of refreshing come? Repentance is the doorway!

What is repentance? Repentance is first a recognition of sin for what it is. That is followed by a heartfelt sorrow about your sin. And then that is followed by a true change of behavior that is obedient to God.

True repentance is evidenced by a changed behavior.  Acts 26:20 says, "Repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance." Luke 3:8 says, "Bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance." 

That is true repentance, and true repentance leads to revival. Like a river rushing down a mountainside, like a waterfall from a cool stream, God's mercy will begin to wash over your life, and there will be a renewing of joy and a restoration of your relationship with the Lord.  

Repentance never takes you to a bad place; it only takes you to a good place. You will be in a better place with others, and a better place with God, and grace will flow like a downpour into your life. Repentance is the doorway to Revival!

Pastor Gary