CCBC

Repentance – 26 May 2019

I recently came across this quote by my (earthly) hero Charles Spurgeon: “Repentance is as much a mark of a Christian, as faith is.”  You may be aware that the word “repentance” in the Bible means to change one’s mind for the better, with this change primarily involving turning from sin and turning to God.  It is often linked to a 180° change in direction – in marching parlance an ‘about turn’.

All this sharply contrasts with Lance Armstrong’s statement a couple of days ago that he “wouldn’t change a thing” about the doping that helped him win – and then subsequently led to him being stripped of seven Tour de France titles between 1999 and 2005.

It is a real joy to meet this morning to witness the baptism of Chloe and Louie.  They have both truly repented of their sin, trusted Jesus for forgiveness and are now seeking to follow Him day by day.  Their baptism is a wonderful picture of their repentance – the water symbolises the washing clean / forgiveness of their sin; as they go under the water we will have a dramatic illustration of their dying to lives lived purely for themselves; as they are (hopefully!) raised back up from the water so their new lives as Christians will be clearly seen.

Do pray for Chloe and Louie – and seek to live a life of repentance and faith.

Peace and Grace

Paul