This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Matthew? The Gospel of Matthew is a testimony of Jesus’s life and ministry told from the eyewitness perspective of Matthew, a Jewish tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus. This Gospel affirms Jesus as the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, and the reigning King who inaugurated the kingdom of God on earth. It also describes Jesus coming to call His people to turn away from their sin and toward Him.
How Matthew Fits Into the Story: Our introduction to the New Testament, Matthew’s Gospel contains the greatest number of direct connections to the Old Testament while also looking forward to the Messiah’s future return. Matthew writes of Jesus as the climax of salvation history—the fulfillment of every prophecy and promise made to Israel, the incarnate presence and wisdom of God Himself, and the reigning sustainer of the Church.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is Jesus’s call to repent an invitation to follow Him?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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170 thoughts on "Matthew"
It’s such a good thing to be reminded of God’s mercy throughout the whole Bible. We do not have a split God. There is no “God of the OT, but not the new.” God has always been merciful, and this was the motivation for sending Jesus.
I want to be merciful like God. I want to be good like Him. Jesus, make my heart soft so that I can be merciful like you are.
God shows no partiality. For those who decide to repent, no matter where they come from or what they’ve done, he allows them into the kingdom of heaven. It’s not our place to judge others, it’s God’s place. Follow him and he’ll show us the way to become “fishers of men”.
To repent is to turn – to admit our wounding of God’s heart and turn towards him in full abandonment. He knows our shame and our guilt are some of the biggest obstacles to us walking towards him. Repentance removes these shackles and allows us to walk freely into his love and redemption.
To repent is to turn – to
Is there a study that goes along with this book?
His ability to die for us is the most selfless act a man can do for anyone and sometimes I think we as Christians take that for granted.
Jesus’s call to repent is an invitation to follow him because he has paid the ultimate price for our sins. He came to the Earth as a human just like us and experienced our trials and tribulations first hand and showed us a different path that we can take. A path to God. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. We are undeserving of it, but God loves us anyways. Repenting is giving up our control and admitting our inevitable sins to God. This brings us closer to God. It makes us more Jesus-like. I think that is how we can become closer to God. Redemption is being transformed from inevitable death to living fully with God by trusting his plan for us.
Really helpful seeing how others summarize this. Thank y’all for the extra insight. Sometimes I struggle to decipher scripture. ❤️
I think repentance is an invitation to follow God because we are saved by grace through faith as a gift from God. It cannot be earned and shouldn’t be abused so to repent is to be given an invitation to not only confess you sin but to turn away from it and in doing so turning toward God.
God redeems us, He pursues us and loves us so much that we can repent and be free from our guilt of our past sin and He will guide our paths to be straight when we accept His love.
When Jesus calls us to repent it allows for us to turn from our wicked ways and walk in the light. ❤️
His call to us to repent allows us to drop our old ways at his feet and turn towards a new life through his path! He gives a new, eternal life to those who follow him!
God is patient with us and others when we sin. Even though the consequences of sin is death He is patient for us to repent and turn our hearts towards Him. Jesus invites us to leave sin and the flesh behind and welcomes us to follow Him and live in truth and light.
His grace is so overwhelming, that though we sin again and again, He acknowledges that the penalty of sin is death, and yet he calls us to something greater. How wonderful is it that the God of the universe calls us His own, saved us from our wicked ways, and has called us to abundant life through Him? Hallelujah!
To repent is to turn away from our sins and do the exact opposite – to turn to Jesus and follow him. To pursue him and all that he calls us to do.
Jesus loves yoy
To confess our sins, turn from darkness and follow the true light of Jesus.
Jesus loves you❤️
M
You are called to put down the things of the world, pick up your cross and follow!!
…(thought was cut short!) an old life behind without turning toward a new life. Jesus’ call is such mercy!
…(thought was cut short!) an old life behind without turning toward a new life. Jesus’ call
When we turn away from something (repent), we turn our bodies toward something else. There is no leaving an old
life behind, without turning toward the new life Jesus gives. His call to repentance is a call to follow Him and have real life!
When we turn away from something (repent), we turn our bodies toward something else. There is no leaving an old
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Sin is not something God ever wanted for our lives and desires to be with everyone.
When Jesus calls us to repent, He is saying, “leave behind your wicked ways & your sin. You don’t need them. You never did. I am all you will ever need.”
If we do it repent, and remain in sin we cannot follow him in the paths of righteousness, sin and righteousness cannot co exist. We will be deaf to the voice of the Spirit and unable to truly follow Jesus. Choosing to remain in sin is so dangerous! So Grateful for these words as a reminder to ask for sin to be revealed and ask for help in repenting!
Jesus knows what’s best for us. Him calling us to repent is his way of not just showing us but supporting us in that journey
I love seeing all the comments and jotted down many similar things on my notes. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who shows me grace and mercy every minute of the day, but allow draws me to repentance.
His selflessness carrying the burdens we have done all because of His love for us.
His call to repent is Jesus saying I have a better way of living. He asks us to follow him to find redemption from our sins and old way of living and live in love with him.
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To repent is an invitation to follow Jesus because you are recognizing your own sins and flaws, simultaneously recognizing the grace of Jesus and his salvation for us. Our sin gives us something to be saved from, and by repenting, we are accepting Jesus grace and salvation.
Repenting destroys the wall between us and Jesus.
He asks us to come as we are, no more, no less, just to come, to be with him. What a love that is!
This first day of this reading plan has reminded me that our sin separates us from Jesus. We are called to put away our sin which leads to death, and be welcomed by Christ’s forgiving arms!!-now aiming to be holy and righteous!!
Amen
So happy to be apart of this community and learn about Gods forgiveness and love ❤️
He wants us to recognize our sin and our need for a savior – if we believe we havent sinned – we dont need a savior. The obly way to be saved from our sin and death is theough jesus and in order to follow jesus we must turn away from our sin.
God is patient and is always waiting for us to turn from our old ways and walk with Jesus instead – this is the beauty of redemption
Repent means to acknowledge that we are sinners. It’s the very first step. It’s like an alcoholic and admitting. You can’t move forward without acknowledging. And then ask for forgiveness for your sins. It’s the start with your life in Jesus.
The verses that stood out to me the most is Joel 2:12 “Return to me with ALL you heart with fasting and weeping and mourning.” And in verse 13, “Return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and compassionate slow to anger and abounding in love and he relents from sending calamity.” God loves me so much and he has so much compassion for me and wants me not to give him a part of my heart BUT He wants my whole heart.
This study is the first time I’ve cracked open my Bible to receive from it in three years. For the first time, I’m somehow more accepting of God’s mercy than cowering in fear of how He would wreck certain walls I had built up as a result of deep emotional pain. Reading Joel, where God “relents over disaster,” I’m sat here like, “Me! The disaster is me.” And I think God sees the hurt and the pain I’ve been through. I trust that He’s not ragging on me for waiting three years to come to Him, and I suspect that He’s been paving the way back to Him all this time. What a sweet comfort to know that it is never too late to turn back. The cycle of wicked-turned righteous-turned wicked again is nebulous and undefined for a reason, and God will forgive and demonstrate mercy and forgiveness over and over again. Not that we abuse it, and not that there are no dire consequences for having turned away after being under righteousness. But the Lord is abounding is mercy and slow to anger time and time again. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Vera amen! And don’t we know heaven is rejoicing over you sister! God is so good! Be blessed ❤️
Thank you for sharing this! I, also, have veered away unintentionally. This is my first devotional in years and I feel exactly what you wrote.
We’re here together, and I’m grateful to have a group of women who do not judge how long we’ve been gone but celebrate us returning. ❤️
Jesus says REPENT. Then He says FOLLOW. Our savior is so kind and good to lead. His yoke is easy, we (I) make it so hard.
1.In repenting, and turning from darkness and our broken ways, we are becoming more like Jesus. As God incarnate he is the full embodiment of glory, honor, and goodness; so when we seek to pursue those things, we are also in turn seeking Him!
2. As with each reading that we’ve done, today’s continues to affirm that Jesus has been there since the beginning. The affirmation of prophecy and the proof of miracle and healing that comes with Jesus is so reassuring. To know that there is redemption through repentance and grace for our “rebellious acts,” through the person of Jesus, gives each of us hope of our eternal future and reminds us of God’s abounding grace and just nature.
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What stood out to me: God does not have favorites, he loves us all equally. He calls us to “turn to him with all our hearts”, to repent and turn away from all our rebellious acts so that we can get ourselves a new heart and new spirit
“24But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die.”
This is the verse that stood out to me.
That your good works will be forgotten if you turn away. It makes me think of celebrities that aren’t able to come back from wrong doing.
And is another reminder that God knows the consequences of our sin, far more than we do. He sees all the way down the line. And that following His commands aren’t punishments, but freedom from the pain bad choices cause.
Repentance is an act of admitting our own sin and understanding our brokenness and need for a savior. Living in our own sin without the redeeming grace of our savior will lead to spiritual death. Jesus offers us life when we understand our sinfulness and can hand it over to Him. Only through Him can we lead righteous lives. There is nobody among us who is righteous on their own, we need Him. It is by handing our sinful natures over to God that we follow Him. By accepting the life that he offers us. He wants us to seek Him, to know Him, to love Him…so that we may become more like Him and have spiritual life. So what does it look like? Because we will not just live righteous lives because of one decision to follow Him. It takes surrending to Him each and every day and every moment. It is messy. It involves mess ups. But the beauty is that He is full of grace and is the strength in our weakness. Come to God daily and follow Him.
You are exactly right. It’s not enough to just repent. We have to turn from our sinful ways. If we do not follow Jesus on a daily, no hourly, basis we will fall back into our sin. It is important that we not only repent but try to live our lives more like Jesus.
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H
Lord you are good!
Am a few days behind -I feel like when you aren’t ready to take up your cross and follow him that’s when we struggle with repentance in our lives. Even though he says we die daily but there comes a time where we should seek righteousness more and always praying that he washes and cleanses us from the sins we commit unknowingly
I like how this reading reminds us that we are to actively participate in our relationship with God instead of being passive. It mentions fasting, weeping, mourning, turning from our sin, and tearing our hearts to let the Lord in. To be honest the Bible is very confusing to me still but this study has already helped to give me a more “academic” understanding of it as a literary work. For example, who wrote the book, who they were in relation to Jesus, was it a firsthand or secondhand account, what the genres actually mean. I didn’t know any of this. I feel like I have learned a lot in just a few days to make the Bible feel more comprehendable and less intimidating.
So glad I am able to catch up in time for this study! I have already learned that although we have fleshly desires and some of those are not good, to repent and focus our mindset on Jesus and how He would like us to represent Him. I am so excited to learn what the Lord will speak on to my heart.
Linda and Ashley , I am the same way, I seem to start strong and then three weeks in -life gets me down and I just never finish. Then I feel guilty for not making the time, May the Lord help and guide us strugglers in the struggle of trying to find the time learn and grow closer to you!
It awesome me as to how this redemption story is shown throughout the whole Bible. I teach Sunday School at my church for children and we use a curriculum called the Gospel Project and we go through the whole Bible and as part of the lesson it does a Chirst connection to shoe how each book points to Jesus. It is so neat to see Jesus throughout the whole of scripture.
You just need the passages shown above. You do not have to read the whole book.
❤️I’m just starting and I want to be closer to God
Hi just a question I was wondering do we read the whole book in the Bible before the study? I’m kinda confused how this works. Help please
Ada, the study just picked out a few verses from the book to highlight the theme of what the book is about and help us better understand how it all fits together.
I too a day behind, just came across the podcast not long ago but never listened until today.
One thing that stood out to me today was the circle of repentance. We sin, which by definition is a turning away from God. To repent from our sin we must turn to Jesus, actively choosing Him over self desires and will. As humans, we continually make this circle in our sinful flesh and God is ever calling to us in His merciful patience, accepting us back each and every time.
The call to repent is so beautifully likened to Jesus’ call to his disciples. They dropped what they were doing in order to follow this man who beckoned them. Likewise, as believers, we have this extraordinary opportunity to respond to the beckoning of our Savior by dropping what has burdened our souls and walking in the freedom of following Christ. “Immediately” as the disciples did – putting off the old man, putting on the new. Amazing.
So beautifully put! Thank you for sharing this!
That was so beautifully put! Thank you for sharing this!
I’m coming back to the bible after about 15 years. The way you have written this really helps me connect deeper with the meaning. Thank you ☺️
I’m so thrilled to have caught this study on day 2! I missed the Old Testament one when it was a community reading so I’ll go back to it after this one. I’m excited to grow in my faith and understanding, and establish scripture and truth over my insecurity, fear, and busyness!
He constantly reminds me that whenever I choose to repent and come to Him, He is there. He has His arms open wide, ready to receive me.
I’m overwhelmingly reminded of God’s compassion. Why do I forget how kind and compassionate He is? Over and over I forget and expect Him to scold and correct me. Instead He offers me “a light dawned”
It’s so easy to read these passages on repentance and living in righteousness and think “so and so should really read this…” and then I catch myself and say “right now, so and so is me!! I need to read this!!” If I spent more time holding myself accountable and praying for people rather than judging, things would go a lot better. It’s not always fun to read scriptures that step on our toes, but the beautiful thing about repentance is that when you turn from sin you end up walking in step with Jesus….who wouldn’t want that??
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Repentance is the first step in opening up and making space to learn who Christ is. Thankful that his grace is sufficient.
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Sometimes ego gets in the way of repenting. Judging others sometimes makes your own sin feel “not so bad”. Ugh it is hard sometimes to admit your sinful patterns and hand it over to God. — But it’s worth it. Not always easy. But worth it.
Lord, give me strength to repent and to trust you.
I’m just starting this study with the group. I tried doing the Ruth and Joshua on my own and of course it didn’t last. So many times life gets in the way now. I used to get up earlier than everyone else and do Bible study etc but I’m no longer able to do that. I would love to become part of this community. I have read all the posts so far and gained great insight and information. @Angie your post really spoke to my heart. I intend to copy it down and reread it.
Welcome! I struggle to keep up sometimes too – Sometimes a fresh start can help. I don’t post a lot but I saw your post and it reminded me of my own journey. The world makes it hard sometimes. I’ve found my anxiety has gotten the best of me the past month or so. I noticed it worsens when I don’t read my Bible. Here’s to a fresh start!
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Did we ever hear if church mouse was ok? Miss reading her thoughts! Worried about her!
To repent is to turn completely away from sin. This is the first step in following Jesus. We can’t follow Him while continuing down our own sinful path. When Jesus calls for us to repent, he is inviting us to leave our old life behind and follow him for an everlasting life. He asking us to make a change so that we can live with him for eternity.
My mom and I just did day 1! We loved how Jesus calls us to be near to him as we repent since he alone is the source of goodness and righteousness! Praise God for his faithfulness! Ezekiel 36:26, Hebrews 13:8
@HopeTrent- just checking in, how are you ?
Plz
Pray that my parents (Becky and Bill) would come to know Jesus!
Thank you for your kind comments. One of the things that is so beautiful about repentance is inviting community. I invited a handful of women to do this study with me this month – it felt vulnerable to do so – I usually just study alone – but I want the accountability, and I want the blessing that comes from increasingly doing real life with people. We repent and confess…to EACHOTHER, and all to God, because God wants us to be in community!
Jesus’s call to repentance shared that God wants ALL people to turn and repent. Even those who have not been following his ways. This offers hope to all.
God shows no favoritism and wants us all to live and act justly and fairly. Living in God’s ways leads us to eternal life in Heaven. I am so thankful God is so gracious and forgiving.
Hi all, for those of you who were in the OT study and recall the discussion last week on kneeling in prayer, I just came across the most interesting passage in CS Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” in which he (quoting a demon in charge of taking away from God’s family) says “at the very least they can be persuaded that the bodily position makes no difference to their prayers; for they constantly forget, what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls” (chapter 4). Interesting, right?
That’s very interesting.
Wow, notable, thanks
I love that anyone can walk in God’s forgiveness and grace.
Thank you ADB!
Lisa Emily and Pam C – praying
I’m scared I have exams Tuesday and Wednesday I would like God’s peace
There is only true freedom when we follow Christ. Following the ways of this world will only leave us trapped in the pain and destruction the devil brings.
When we repent and turn to follow God, we are admitting that living our lives for ourselves does not bring good and that God’s way is the only way to true life.
Melanie, I have been struggling with similar feelings lately. I want to share a verse I came across the day before yesterday that encouraged me. Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of Go”d, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” I am praying for you.
I didn’t realize that Matthew had the greatest references to the Old Testament. I so enjoy finding out new and interesting facts about the Bible either through SRT or you my sisters. I’m a history nerd and love to learn about history whether American, World or Biblical history. Matthew and John are my two favorite gospels. Matthew because of how it starts before the birth of Christ and John because of how John shows who Christ was and the resurrection story. Can’t wait to do this study.
I don’t remember who suggested the book, “Get Out of Your Head” but I’m loving it. I’m a slow reader so I’m listening to it on audio and will be listening to it a second time.
Have a blessed week my sisters and rejoice in the Lord.
Dorothy I love that book by Jennie Allen! She has an accompanying Bible study that is great.
I have this book, but haven’t read it yet! I will put it at the top of my pile!!
I’m reading that too and doing the study with a small group online. So good!
Teresa, this is a concept I really resonate with. I am at a point that I’m not so concerned with my sinful behavior but with the root cause of that behavior. For me, that plays out on suspicion in my marriage. My husband and I both fear being taken advantage of, because we had abusive fathers and patented our mothers. Sometimes we forget not to rely only on ourselves. We become tired thinking we give all day to one another, to our children, to our church but no one is giving to us. We build up so much resentment and we sin to self sooth, to release our anger etc.
Here on these passages, I am distinctly aware that I am to pray to God for healing from this bondage, rather than trying on my own to modify my behaviors. When I am healed from feeling like a used up orphan, I can take my place as a daughter of God. I can live in his abundance, safe and secure. I can need him and rely on him and not myself. Ultimately, my sin is turning away from God and relying on myself to meet my needs those of the people in my care. I need to turn to Jesus as “the river of life flowing out of me”. My river is a dry creek bed, and I keep using is up. I need to tap into God’s never ending, abundant, healing waters and live out of that!
Amen Katie B. Thank you for sharing.
HOPE – I copied down what you had to say. Thank you
MICHELLE – Thank you for the Crosswalk article.
This is from the article Michelle suggested on being a living sacrifice.
Living sacrifice – when we live our lives in service to God, we are simply returning love and respect to the one who has already given us everything.
Victoria E, Praying for you and your pregnancy.
PamC, praying for you now.
Taylor j am so glad to hear your move went well! I love all the comments about repentance here, I understand the work in Greek is “metanoeo” which I believe means to completely change the mind. In a sermon I heard this defined as completely changing your mind, agreeing with God that you are wrong and He is right. If I may ask for prayer for a healthy pregnancy and peace of mind that will be much appreciated! Thank you all! Have a wonderful day!
Yes Amen Ashley Taylor! This is so true about modern culture portraying God as indignant. I wonder if the ancient Israelites also felt this way in the reading from Ezekiel where they say “the ways of the Lord are not just”.
When Jesus called the disciples (and calls us) to repent, he’s not just telling us to stop what we’re doing in order to rebuke us. He invites us to leave behind our life of sin and follow him into everlasting life. It’s a call to make a change that will bless us and keep us from the harm we’ve experienced without him.
Love this
We are headed in one direction when we encounter Jesus Christ and his command to repent is his call to us to turn and follow him. We cannot continue in our direction. We must turn from our sin and go in the opposite direction following Christ. Lord, help us stay close to you and keep us from wandering, please, for your sake,Amen.
I’m off and running 1st thing y’all for ultrasounds on my kidneys and thyroid. I would appreciate prayers for clean outcomes, please.
I’ll be reading here & praying for everyone while I wait. Thanks.
Hugs & love
PamC I will pray for this right now.
That’s exactly it. Repent (turn away from our old life and sins ) AND Follow Jesus. HE waits with OPEN arms waiting to receive us.
To repent is to turn from our sinful ways. Repenting is the first step in following Jesus. The disciples, like we read today, dropped everything at their calling to follow him. That is what we should do. He won’t lead us astray, he is holding our hand and guiding us through this crazy thing we call life. When we repent we are admitting we were wrong in our ways, but that we recognize that Jesus is our loving savior, he came and bled and died in order to save us, and one day he will be coming back.
@Jennifer, I, too, feel a strong need to further the Kingdom of God! We never know how long we have before Jesus’ return, and I want to make sure those I know and love and those who are lost have heard and responded to the gift of salvation. I am entering a new season in my life. After homeschooling for 29 years, my youngest daughter will leave for college in the fall, and I will be done. Praying God leads me in the next season of my life and shows me how to share His love and salvation with those around me.
RAE-ANN LENTZ – Loved your comment, especially that fear is INDEED a liar…it is a struggle for me. Thanks
HOPE, I copied your entire comment down!!! So perfectly and convictingly (not a word) written…you can’t just turn your head / eyes. I love my Shepherd.
KATHY – YES! “He is the only One I can trust my heart to and He wants all of my heart – the good, the bad, the ugly, the messy, the confused…none of it scares Him. He wants it all.
(Please Jesus, give me a good heart…I believe You want it all. Please feel free to clean up whatever doesn’t honour You in there.)
ASHLEY TAYLOR – Yes! “Common culture likes to portray God as indignant towards those who don’t believe in him when in reality he mourns their loss.”
This is my first time posting. I did the Old Testament study and many of your comments really touched me and made think. I appreciate your willing to share your most intimate moments and I’m excited to be a part of this community.
I like to look at the same passages in different versions of the Bible to add to my understanding of what is being said and I want to share the Amp version of today’s key verse:
From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “ Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17 AMP
And even in repentance God gives so much grace. I got the image of doing an “about-face”. It’s time to put in the work, the long path you’ve been on away from me, turn around and come on back. He doesn’t say it’s easy or that we have to be perfect, but He tells us what to do while on this path back, seek His purpose for us, be on the lookout for ways to show Him we really want to be in relationship with Him, show Him we get it, we get the value of being in relationship with God and we share it with others. I believe that our purpose, though it comes in different varieties, is to showcase what it’s like to be in relationship with God so others will want that too.
@ GERIN THOMAS – I LOVE this “He sacrificed His only son to show he chose me. I sacrifice my old life/identity/wickedness/sin/selfishness to show I choose Him.”
@ MELANIE… Praying for you, my dear…All the tired, the weary, heavy-laden weighing down your body and spirit… Praying God would lift it.
Yesterday, my In-laws needed help and I asked him to go on his own (after calling my MIL to say “I love you so much but need a few hours at home”)…I BLASTED Lauren Daigle while I worked throughout the house listening to all the songs reminding me that He had got me, that He makes up for my lack, He is fighting my battles even when I don’t see it,…He is not surprised by my weakness and truly LOVES me (“You Say”, “Rescue”, “Everything”, “Hold On to Me”, etc…). I REALLY needed that!!
Now, without the worship music playing (and seeing that email I am nervous to read has popped into my inbox) I’m a bit less bold but, am trying to trust in the promises I belted out yesterday :). Pray for me please.
What a gracious, loving God we serve! No matter how sinful or wicked we (mankind)are – God loves us and does not want to see anyone die and suffer for all eternity. He loves the vilest of sinners, and He loves me & you! To all of us He has made a way of salvation, all have the opportunity but sadly some (many) will reject it, and that grieves God’s heart. That is why we must be the salt and the light. That is why we share our faith and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lord may we do our part to spread the gospel and proclaim all your wondrous works!
@ Melanie – yes! It’s that simple,it is our faith in Christ that saves us and – when you seek God’s forgiveness, He gives it! We all struggle in some area or another. The important thing is that we don’t give up! We keep on going because, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 May Ephesians 3:20 also be an encouragement to you today…praying that God will heal your pain and allow you sweet sleep and rest at night.
@Taylor – so glad the move went well and you have a nice room-mate! Will continue to pray that God will use you in her life to bring her to Jesus. Continuing to pray for you as you strive to know Christ more and live in obedience to Him.
@Jennifer – someone put it this way, “we are not advancing the Kingdom of God unless we are actively being salt and light in the world.” We advance the kingdom by letting the light of Christ shine through us. His kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy – this is how He calls us to live and in doing so, we are salt. Others see our faith, then we share with them why we live as we do. It’s spreading the gospel, and living a holy life (not perfect)and being the hands and feet of Jesus…hope this helps!
@Teresa – well said, thank you for your comments!
Blessings all!
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Kristine, Amen indeed.
John the Baptist came before Jesus to prepare hearts for repentance & new life.
Jesus came to exemplify the Way of salvation and to make it possible, as only the perfect Son of God could do. His disciples learned from Him personally, and continued the message through the indwelling Holy Spirit after Jesus had ascended to Heaven. We, Jesus followers, continue the message today.
God numbers our days before we are born. We are given the gift of life. This life we have been given will be “used” for something. Either God’s kingdom or our own. One is wheat, the other chaff. Later in chapter 3 John talks about the wheat and the chaff. The stalks are cut. The wheat is useful, the chaff is burned in the fire.
In chapter 24:46, Jesus says, “Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing his job when he comes.” That “job” (this life we have been given) like John the Baptist’s life may plant the seed of the gospel in someone’s heart to prepare the way for them to meet Jesus. It is daily becoming more like Him, choosing to honor and glorify Him in the minute by minute. Like the disciples it is spreading the message of salvation through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is all of these, at different times, and the same time.
It is the message of the kingdom. Repentance brings the death of sin, breaking the seed free to be planted, watered, and to burst forth with new life in the Son – purposeful life, the wheat life, head by head, grain by grain – useful, in the kingdom of God.
Loving the reminder in this week’s podcast episode that “scripture completes itself rather than contradicting itself”. I am seeing how this is really going to be evident as we read through the New Testament
1. I see repentance as coming back to God – confessing sin in my heart and coming to a right posture before Him. So Jesus’ call to repent is also an invitation to follow Him because in order to turn to God we must turn to His Son. Jesus is our way to the Father. To repent is to submit my heart to follow His way.
2. After being in the Old Testament for 7 weeks and hearing “He’s coming!” over and over, the arrival of Jesus and the beginning of His ministry seems like a BIG DEAL! It was for them, then, and it is for me, now! As we live on this side of the cross, not having existed in a time before Jesus, I think that I forget how monumental Jesus’ coming was! And I am reminded that God is good on His promises! A lot happened from Genesis to Matthew, but God kept His promise to save His people. He is faithful!
Today I was also struck by how John the Baptist’s message to “repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matt. 4:3) is the exact same message that a Jesus takes up once John is arrested! I don’t have any deep insight into what this means, but find it interesting
@TERESA – loved your comment! So much truth there! Release us from shame and restore us to the truth. Yes please!
Preaching to myself – we have to stop judging others and keep drawing near to God so HE can refine us. So thankful for God’s forgiveness!
“If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will FORGIVE our sins and PURIFY us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
We confess. He does the rest. My favorite part of this verse that a mentor taught me years ago is that He doesn’t just forgive our confessed sin, but He wants to purify ALL our unrighteousness! Awesome!
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
That is mind blowing! He does ALL the work.
Friends, (still preaching to myself) we can’t do it. We will never be able to do enough. I just heard in a sermon that it’s like we see the finished work of Jesus, and we want to help clean ourselves up. As I look at those who have seen miraculous redemption in their lives it’s like someone who didn’t know how to swim being rescued. They NEED a lifeguard. Me? I have known Jesus my whole life, so I know “how to swim.” But I am in an ocean of sin. I cannot save myself even if I could tread for a while. None of us can save ourselves, so we have got to stop trying (looking at myself here).
Excited to jump into the NT. Love to you all. And by the way, Mari V., my oldest girl went to camp yesterday too. I will pray for them both!
True repentance means turning completely away from our sin. We get down to the roots and with the help of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we tear it out. We have room to allow Jesus to fill that empty place left by that sin.
Jesus is the only way to true repentance. He is the only One I can trust my heart to and He wants all of my heart – the good, the bad, the ugly, the messy, the confused…none of it scares Him. He wants it all.
We really see a wide dynamic here that depicts free will and a clear definition of the rules but also compassion and mercy. We’re given two choices: repent and follow Christ or don’t. The pros and cons of each are then defined and we are given permission to make our choice. But God’s compassion shines through in his grief for those who are doomed to die. Common culture likes to portray God as indignant towards those who don’t believe in him when in reality he mourns their loss.
What stood out to me in today’s reading was Mathew 4:20
…they IMMEDIATELY got up, left what they were doing (& who they were with) and FOLLOWED Jesus, without really questioning or knowing!! That kind of action, faith and trust just BOGGLES my mind!!! I want to be more like this!! Not doubting or questioning God but immediately following Him and what He’s asking of me!! SO grateful for this/their example!!!
MAURA, I hope your weekend and time with your family is going well!! I am praying for you dear friend, may God’s BEST whatever that is/looks like come forth!!! May His presence be ever with you and each member of your family. Amen.
…I will wait to hear from you (whenever that is, no pressure at all) and we can tap in with each other and go from there.. much love to you. Xoxo
I always find that amazing. Like who just walks away from family and responsibility. I am in awe of His presence
PURPOSEFUL MOM and RAE-ANN LENTZ, I looooved your comments!!! And I agree & believe these things 100%!!! Thank you for sharing!!
JENNIFER COLLINGS, I love your heart and your willingness! I think the best way of furthering God’s Kingdom is by living exactly the way that God has called you to. Stay in-tune with Him, ask Him what He wants of you, go where/when and say/act only what He is asking of you. In this way your light (that is Him) shines brighter than anything other. In other words people see HIM through you and your faithfulness to Him. And this makes the biggest impact!! Hope this helps! Much love to you sister.
PAM BRANDENBURG, great observation and question!! I would say yes. Human beings (sinful by nature) tend to preserve their “selves” over anything else, it is only by God’s grace, love and forgiveness that we can choose to notice, repent and change. God sees the inward appearance, not the outward one! Hope this helps… Very happy to have you as a part of the Body and to have your wisdom and insights here!! Thank you for asking & sharing!!
MELANIE, I am praying that you will allow yourself to feel your worth, to feel and notice how very much God cherishes you. God sees your heart dear one.. He knows your struggles, your pain, your desires and He loves you ever so much!! Don’t do the work yourself, let God do it!! For when God does things, He does them completely!! Mark 11:24
Praying for all your requests, spoken and unspoken. So grateful for each of you!!
I am meditating on the word repent. To repent is to turn away from the world and towards God. To recognize that I am sinful and to feel remorse for my sin. To leave my ways behind and to follow after Jesus. It is a 180 degree turn. Not a side eye or just a turn of the head. To use the sheep analogy that Jesus favors. A sheep cannot follow its shepherd with just its ears or eyes. It must turn its entire body in order to follow after the shepherd. So too, I can’t repent and follow Jesus with one part of my life and follow my earthly desires and chase after the world in another. I must turn my whole life towards God in order to follow after Jesus. This is impossible on my own and I must depend on the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. I’m a sinner. I fail. I fall short. But, I turn towards my Shepherd.
I love this
I loved this verse in Joel 13b: Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and he relents over disaster. What a wonderful reminder that the Lord is always waiting for us with open arms.
I, too, made a special note of this verse. It is a reminder I definitely needed.
Melanie, I hope you see this! This revelation of what grace means came to me from the Lord about 9 days ago. I have struggled with feelings of failure ALL of my life. But this brings me freedom like I’ve never felt or believed I could have! Yes, when we ask for forgiveness with a truly repentant heart, we just receive it! And God KNOWS we are going to continue to struggle with sin while we are on this earth. I’m having to learn and accept that He knows, and is NOT disappointed in me, but wants to continue His holiness work in me. A friend told me after sharing the below on my FB page: Holiness, not perfection. Progress, not perfection. I hope this helps you!
Grace is the freedom from being perfect. It is releasing ourselves and others from the burden of being perfect. The burden of failure can leave. We are to be holy as God is holy and while Holiness is perfection it is God’s perfection not mine and only he can do it in me. Grace is freedom from pleasing out of fear of letting God down. Out of joy and love we now serve God. But it’s not perfection we’re after it’s his holiness. And since his Holiness is nothing we can achieve on our own the burden of trying to be perfect and always failing can leave.
YouVersion verse of the day is Romans 12:1 about being a living sacrifice. The article below is the best explanation I’ve ever seen. Being a living sacrifice is offering our lives to Christ to serve him and love him because of what he has done for us, because of his grace. It’s not trying to be perfect. It’s giving up ourselves out of love and a desire to serve him for the mercy and Grace he’s shown us.
https://www-crosswalk-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-living-sacrifice.html?amp_js_v=a6&_gsa=1&=1&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#aoh=16259093492109&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crosswalk.com%2Ffaith%2Fbible-study%2Fwhat-does-it-mean-to-be-a-living-sacrifice.html
Michelle thanks for sharing this. I know I needed this too!
Romans: 2 V 6 He will repay each one according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor,s and immortality; 8 but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness. 9 There will be affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek 10 but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no favoritism with God.
In the term oil of today’s world with all the hate and dividing, this is so important. We each will be accountable for our own sin, but judging others is judging ourself. Loving each other as God loves US. We are all created equal in God’s eyes, he does not see our color, race or culture, He see’s our hearts. Repent and let our hearts be full. God bless each of you and walk with Jesus in truth.
It is in the small, everyday moments where we walk out furthering the kingdom of God. Step by step in alignment with what He is doing in our lives at that moment. It’s not the striving to “be famous, write a book or have a million IG followers.” It’s the kindness shown, the time spent with someone who needs you, the prayer you pray for something or someone God nudges you to. Fear is a liar and in God there is none of that! You may be the only connection someone has to Jesus in their day. That’s an awesome furthering of God’s kingdom and I’m thankful He uses all of us, right where we are, in the middle of our messy, not quite together yet, lives!
Amen Rae-Ann
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As a fairly new follower of Christ, I find it comforting that Jesus forgives so easily when others will not…as long as we change our ways to reflect what He asks of us.
Somehow the word “righteousness” has devolved in our society to have such a negative connotation associated with it. Is it just because people want to live their lives unchallenged by thoughts of what is right & what is wrong?
@Jennifer; I have worried about furthering the kingdom too much. Should I take that mission trip? What should I do? I finally came to the realization that every day I teach, every grocery shopping trip, and even ordering a sweet tea at McDonald’s becomes my mission field. My life truly is the best reflection of those “shoes of peace.” People watch, co-workers watch, family watches…so when I just start every day with grace and give it our freely to those around me, I hope and pray that I plant the seed of “what does she have?” and how can I get it? Always choose joy (happiness is circumstantial but joy is eternal) and look for the divine appointment God has made for you today. That will further the kingdom! I have a long way to go, but I will continue to be in the Word and truth, I am too unstable without it. Happy Monday and looking froward to the next 34 days of how this all fits together!
I was a hairdresser for years. I had one client that was very involved in her church. I remember saying to myself that I wanted what she had!
Thank you for your comments. I needed to hear this sister. Struggling in my home life currently, the enemy is having a hay day In my game
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Sadly when I read this it bring me back to I’m not worthy of His Love and will I every be. I know my salvation is not by works but a gift from God. At times when I really think it seems like i am missing it. Is it really that simple? Do I ask for forgiveness and really get it? Even the sins i continue to struggle with? I love Jesus and I come everyday with expectation. I am struggling and I’m weak and tired. I love this group and reading the comments. I could use prayer for healing The pain and sleepless nights is wearing on me.
Melanie I am so sorry you feel this way and I completely understand! I struggle with perfectionism and the idea I must do good to make God love me more and yet I know this is completely nowhere in the Bible! If you have time I suggest Max Lucado’s in the grip of grace which is an excellent study on Romans. Reading through Romans with his commentary has really made me understand the concept that we are all justified freely and that nothing can separate us from the love of God! The enemy tries to lie to us to discourage us, don’t let him convince you of his lies ! You are so loved and so cherished that God sacrificed His only Son for you, fully knowing everything you would do in your life and doing it anyway! Sorry so long, this is also for me !
The call to REPENT is actually a command. We must repent before we can truly follow Him. I am blessed by all of these comments so far!
KRISTEN, our pastor used that R.C. Sproules quote in his sermon yesterday! I had not heard it before. Thanks for sharing that!
Continued prayers as we enter this new week and study. Praying especially for hearts to be softened as I had prayed that myself and then saw someone mention that in their comment.
Because we are still in this earthly realm, still in our carnal bodies, sin is ever present…but NOT the eternal consequences of sin because Jesus took care of that at the cross. Repentance is the constant reminder that I am nothing apart from Jesus – I need His grace and love each day, so my trust and faith is strengthened. As I confess my sins and fears to my Father, I feel the very breath that I take filled with peace – I am forgiven, I am loved. Amen!
Repentance is part of the process, of dying to self and and trusting God. We need to believe that God will forgive and transform
Jesus’ call to repent is an invitation to turn away from our sinful way of life and toward His grace, love, mercy, and the life He calls us to lead. I feel like I’m in a season of repentance and being refined through the fire – from turning away from old sinful habits and toward deeper dependence on Jesus. Someone mentioned in the comments last week (Malachi I think?) the connection of silver and being refined and how in order to be refined we have to go into the fire but God is holding onto us the whole time and a silversmith knows the refining process is over when He sees His own reflection. How amazing is our God?!
Also thank you for those who have been praying for my move :) I moved in Saturday and my new roommate moved in yesterday! We went out to dinner together last night and she is super nice! Continued prayers would be appreciated for our relationship to grow! Happy Monday everyone! So excited to continue this study together!
The call to repent is an invitation to follow Jesus because only He is the way, the truth, the life. There is no glory, honor, true life apart from him. There is no hope for me to seek goodness and doing the right things apart from him, because a part from Him, the source of true life, I can do nothing. Thank you Lord for loving us to invite us into the goodness that You are ❤️
The call to repent also reminds me of my part and choice in God’s
Redemption plan. He sacrificed His only son to show he chose me. I sacrifice my old life/identity/wickedness/sin/selfishness to show I choose Him.
I agree the reminder of repentance is helpful but I feel something else jumping out. I fear I’m not doing enough to further the kingdom of God. At the end I want God to look at my life and say, “well done my good and faithful servant” but now I wonder how to improve in this area. How can I further the kingdom?
Matthew writes of Jesus as the climax of salvation history—the fulfillment of every prophecy and promise made to Israel, the incarnate presence and wisdom of God Himself, and the reigning sustainer of the Church. Thank you for these truths She Reads Truth writers! Amazing!
I have prayed before to see the depths of my sins. You see, it is easy to do the comparison game and think that I’m not tat bad as others. However, my sin is still sin and God is Holy. R.C. Sproul talks about that being the only attribute of God that is repeated 3 times in the Bible. He said that the Bible does not say that God is love, love, love., but that He is Holy, Holy, Holy. Of course, God is love, but when he said that, this really stood out to me. When I see my sin rightly and my need for a Savior, this should make me marvel at Jesus and make Him the most precious to me. I grew up beating myself up for things and still can struggle with this. How astounding to me that I can repent and find forgiveness and don’t have to keep condemning myself or stand condemned. What amazing grace and love! My prayer is for all to be drawn to the Lord, to see Him rightly, humbly and sincerely repent, and also be undone by Jesus’ sacrifice and the price He paid and be saved for time and eternity. Amen.
Oh this is so good. I am SO thankful for the inclusion we have through Jesus & this scripture! God wants everyone to repent, turn and follow him fully. OT & NT that is what he desires. PRAISE GOD for a consistent and every present God.
The call to repentance is really obvious to me this morning and is giving me a lot to meditate on throughout my day. Help me to walk near to you Lord. Open my mind and soften my heart.
I love how you said this! Absolutely beautiful and it makes so much sense! Thank you!
I was once again reminded while reading these scriptures that repentance is more than just confessing our sin to God, but also turning from that sin. We cannot fully follow Christ unless like the disciples we are willing to leave our old lives, the things that defined us, to follow Him. Paul in his letter to the Romans is clear, those who are persistent in seeking His glory, honor and immortality by doing good will inherit eternal life. It is His goodness that leads us to repentance.
1. Repent – to turn 180 and go the opposite direction. To me it is turning from a life that led to destruction to Jesus that leads to life.
2. The Promised One, the promised King, has come bringing His kingdom to earth where those who turn from evil and follow Him will be called righteous.
I love that our Lord and Savior is so patient and allows us to come to Him all the time extending His love, kindness and forgiveness. He created and loves us so much and is more that willing to remind us through His loving Word.
After the Old Testament, the message did not change. It still is: repent, leave your unrighteous ways, turn to God with all your heart. Human nature did not change when Jesus came. We are as disobedient as Israel and keep forgetting God. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to acknowledge our selfish ways of living, and with His help, through His kindness, leave those behind. To follow Jesus is to repent, and to keep repenting.
We need to repent to draw near to God. To follow Jesus is to STAY near to him. Therefore we must keep on admitting we are sinners, keep on repenting (full in the glory of his forgiving grace!) so that we can follow him. Lord, never let me forget neither what a sinner I am nor how glorious your forgiving grace is!
“Even now” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.
Rend your heart and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God
I’m drawn back to the word “repentance” this year. As a counselor, I hear a lot of false “I am” statements all day long, (I am worthless, I am not enough, I am stupid, etc). The problem with sin is it gives the enemy a foothold to believe there is anything that could separate us from the grace of God. Guilt: “I did bad.” Shame, “I am bad.” There is not shame in Christ Jesus, that is, He wants us to confess our sin (guilt) so he can release us of the lie (shame) and restore us to the truth (love). I believe repentance is an opportunity to acknowledge a sinful behavior and (re)claim the grace of God’s love in our lives. As people heal, I hear new “I am” statements daily: “I am enough, I am loved/lovable, I am safe.” I feel Gods love in these statements. And I ask God, “I give you my sin. It is raw. Messy. Vulnerable. Hard. But….worth it. What do you have in return for me?”
Beautiful Teresa, thank you for sharing this morning.
I love this! Thank you,Teresa!
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