Repent!

[RedOctober]

As some of you know I was in Sedona-Flagstaff over New Year's. We went to see the Pine Cone drop in Flagstaff for New Years eve. While we were waiting there was a small group of people hollering, screaming and holding up signs....saying to "Repent". I just shook my head....they don't get it.

Definition of Repent from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind

transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

So another words, when someone tells you to repent they are saying you are a sinner and there not. And perhaps holier than you. It takes a lot of audacity and self righteous pride to yell, proclaim, etc. this to others. Does the Bible use this word? Of course, but it also tells you how to use it.

2 Timothy, Chapter 2:
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

What a lot of people miss, the growth of the early church was due to the example they lived, not how "holy" they looked or sounded. Christ spoke against people sitting in public wearing sack-cloth and ashes, but instead said to go into your closet. A modern day Molokan example may be someone who publicly states they are going to fast for three days and then has a huge dzela inviting virtually everyone....whereas the correct way would be fast three days and don't tell anyone. Of course this isn't limited to Molokans, Protestants are famous for this, talking up publicly how they volunteered in a soup line, incessantly speaking how they were saved (while not realizing they are discouraging others and not listening to their issues), etc.

A parable Christ states also applies to repentance. Luke 18:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

People telling others to repent are no different than the Pharisee in this Parable from Christ.

[somebody]

(02-10-2010 10:35 AM)RedOctober Wrote:  As some of you know I was in Sedona-Flagstaff over New Year's. We went to see the Pine Cone drop in Flagstaff for New Years eve. While we were waiting there was a small group of people hollering, screaming and holding up signs....saying to "Repent". I just shook my head....they don't get it.

Definition of Repent from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind

transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

So another words, when someone tells you to repent they are saying you are a sinner and there not. And perhaps holier than you. It takes a lot of audacity and self righteous pride to yell, proclaim, etc. this to others. Does the Bible use this word? Of course, but it also tells you how to use it.

2 Timothy, Chapter 2:
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

What a lot of people miss, the growth of the early church was due to the example they lived, not how "holy" they looked or sounded. Christ spoke against people sitting in public wearing sack-cloth and ashes, but instead said to go into your closet. A modern day Molokan example may be someone who publicly states they are going to fast for three days and then has a huge dzela inviting virtually everyone....whereas the correct way would be fast three days and don't tell anyone. Of course this isn't limited to Molokans, Protestants are famous for this, talking up publicly how they volunteered in a soup line, incessantly speaking how they were saved (while not realizing they are discouraging others and not listening to their issues), etc.

A parable Christ states also applies to repentance. Luke 18:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

People telling others to repent are no different than the Pharisee in this Parable from Christ.

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

I dont recollect anybody besides God, Christ, the apostles and prophets that ever demanded that people repent.

For someone to tell someone to repent, he must be in the Spirit of our Lord, its not a word that can just be thrown around to make the person saying demanding repentance feel warm and bubbly inside. Its a self satisfaction thing that false Christianity thrives on. I mean if you think about it, the more people who repent is how much more money you'll make from the repentance booth.

[GreatDay]

(02-11-2010 12:20 AM)somebody Wrote:  

(02-10-2010 10:35 AM)RedOctober Wrote:  As some of you know I was in Sedona-Flagstaff over New Year's. We went to see the Pine Cone drop in Flagstaff for New Years eve. While we were waiting there was a small group of people hollering, screaming and holding up signs....saying to "Repent". I just shook my head....they don't get it.

Definition of Repent from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind

transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

So another words, when someone tells you to repent they are saying you are a sinner and there not. And perhaps holier than you. It takes a lot of audacity and self righteous pride to yell, proclaim, etc. this to others. Does the Bible use this word? Of course, but it also tells you how to use it.

2 Timothy, Chapter 2:
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

What a lot of people miss, the growth of the early church was due to the example they lived, not how "holy" they looked or sounded. Christ spoke against people sitting in public wearing sack-cloth and ashes, but instead said to go into your closet. A modern day Molokan example may be someone who publicly states they are going to fast for three days and then has a huge dzela inviting virtually everyone....whereas the correct way would be fast three days and don't tell anyone. Of course this isn't limited to Molokans, Protestants are famous for this, talking up publicly how they volunteered in a soup line, incessantly speaking how they were saved (while not realizing they are discouraging others and not listening to their issues), etc.

A parable Christ states also applies to repentance. Luke 18:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

People telling others to repent are no different than the Pharisee in this Parable from Christ.

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

I dont recollect anybody besides God, Christ, the apostles and prophets that ever demanded that people repent.

For someone to tell someone to repent, he must be in the Spirit of our Lord, its not a word that can just be thrown around to make the person saying demanding repentance feel warm and bubbly inside. Its a self satisfaction thing that false Christianity thrives on. I mean if you think about it, the more people who repent is how much more money you'll make from the repentance booth.

[Guest]

Here in the Books of Acts is found;
Read verse 38-

It shouldn't bother a Beleiver-That may be conviction, Or it was meant for others.

22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25David said about him:
" 'I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope,
27because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
28You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.'[e]

29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,[f] that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
35until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet." '[g]

36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38Peter replied, "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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

(02-11-2010 12:20 AM)somebody Wrote:  

(02-10-2010 10:35 AM)RedOctober Wrote:  As some of you know I was in Sedona-Flagstaff over New Year's. We went to see the Pine Cone drop in Flagstaff for New Years eve. While we were waiting there was a small group of people hollering, screaming and holding up signs....saying to "Repent". I just shook my head....they don't get it.

Definition of Repent from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind

transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

So another words, when someone tells you to repent they are saying you are a sinner and there not. And perhaps holier than you. It takes a lot of audacity and self righteous pride to yell, proclaim, etc. this to others. Does the Bible use this word? Of course, but it also tells you how to use it.

2 Timothy, Chapter 2:
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

What a lot of people miss, the growth of the early church was due to the example they lived, not how "holy" they looked or sounded. Christ spoke against people sitting in public wearing sack-cloth and ashes, but instead said to go into your closet. A modern day Molokan example may be someone who publicly states they are going to fast for three days and then has a huge dzela inviting virtually everyone....whereas the correct way would be fast three days and don't tell anyone. Of course this isn't limited to Molokans, Protestants are famous for this, talking up publicly how they volunteered in a soup line, incessantly speaking how they were saved (while not realizing they are discouraging others and not listening to their issues), etc.

A parable Christ states also applies to repentance. Luke 18:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

People telling others to repent are no different than the Pharisee in this Parable from Christ.

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

I dont recollect anybody besides God, Christ, the apostles and prophets that ever demanded that people repent.

For someone to tell someone to repent, he must be in the Spirit of our Lord, its not a word that can just be thrown around to make the person saying demanding repentance feel warm and bubbly inside. Its a self satisfaction thing that false Christianity thrives on. I mean if you think about it, the more people who repent is how much more money you'll make from the repentance booth.

[GreatDay]

In The book of Acts, people would hate the word "repent," because it would cut to the heart and convict them

Read Acts 2
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38Peter replied, "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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

(02-11-2010 12:20 AM)somebody Wrote:  

(02-10-2010 10:35 AM)RedOctober Wrote:  As some of you know I was in Sedona-Flagstaff over New Year's. We went to see the Pine Cone drop in Flagstaff for New Years eve. While we were waiting there was a small group of people hollering, screaming and holding up signs....saying to "Repent". I just shook my head....they don't get it.

Definition of Repent from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind

transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

So another words, when someone tells you to repent they are saying you are a sinner and there not. And perhaps holier than you. It takes a lot of audacity and self righteous pride to yell, proclaim, etc. this to others. Does the Bible use this word? Of course, but it also tells you how to use it.

2 Timothy, Chapter 2:
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

What a lot of people miss, the growth of the early church was due to the example they lived, not how "holy" they looked or sounded. Christ spoke against people sitting in public wearing sack-cloth and ashes, but instead said to go into your closet. A modern day Molokan example may be someone who publicly states they are going to fast for three days and then has a huge dzela inviting virtually everyone....whereas the correct way would be fast three days and don't tell anyone. Of course this isn't limited to Molokans, Protestants are famous for this, talking up publicly how they volunteered in a soup line, incessantly speaking how they were saved (while not realizing they are discouraging others and not listening to their issues), etc.

A parable Christ states also applies to repentance. Luke 18:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

People telling others to repent are no different than the Pharisee in this Parable from Christ.

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

I dont recollect anybody besides God, Christ, the apostles and prophets that ever demanded that people repent.

For someone to tell someone to repent, he must be in the Spirit of our Lord, its not a word that can just be thrown around to make the person saying demanding repentance feel warm and bubbly inside. Its a self satisfaction thing that false Christianity thrives on. I mean if you think about it, the more people who repent is how much more money you'll make from the repentance booth.

[RedOctober]

That's funny, nowhere does it say they hated the word repent...oh that's right...it doesn't, its your own personal opinion. And an opinion that goes contrary to scripture. The part where it says "Brothers, what shall we do?" sure doesn't sound like they disliked the word...as matter of fact, it seems to coincide with 2 Timothy Chapter 2, particularly verse 25, did you not read it? Or just glossed over it as it doesn't fit your new found mantra?

Finally you do know that 2 Timothy Chapter 2 is telling you how to rebuke, right? The dictionary defines rebuke as "criticize sharply" yes, however, you can criticize sharply and still be gentle....a concept many who scream that they "found Jesus" and walk as if their posterior does not reek always fail to grasp. As it is written in Matthew 7 "Thus you will know them by their fruits."

(02-25-2010 12:30 PM)GreatDay Wrote:  In The book of Acts, people would hate the word "repent," because it would cut to the heart and convict them

Read Acts 2
36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38Peter replied, "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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

[RedOctober]

On re-reading Acts, its interesting to note, Peter did not tell them to repent until interestingly enough, they seemed ready to do so, when they felt sorry for the deeds they committed. Once again, something many so-called Christians ignore.

But no, most today want swing that word around like its a baseball bat.....

[GreatDay]

This is the first post of mine that did go through.

Red, Read all the speeches from Acts 1 through chapter 8 when Stephen gets martyered. Look at the ones who hated it and the ones who accepted. Who did not like it when reptentance was preached and why?

At the Harvest Crusades and other Christian events and on your vacation sometimes people are doing that. It's better than signs for a concert or something. It's a great time to talk to them and see where they are coming from. It's a good way to meet other brothers and sisters out there. Pray and God, may have a message for them to hear. Somtimes someone 50 feet behind you may have needed to see and hear that-Who knows? It's best to talk to them. We find it easy to talk about non-sense stuff but sometimes shy away from life and death issues, repentance being part of it. God speaks to us and others through many ways and through others and lots of ways.

To use the Scripture you quoted. It's better to read both of Paul's letters to Timothy to see what it's whole content is and why he was writing; encouragement etc, Where Timothy was going and what he needed advice from his Elder Paul.But still, if you have time to have a conversation with a evangalist, chapter 2 in Timothy is great. If the person is allready a believer you have the right to use Scripture to show his error. Continue on to Chapter 3, same letter;
[color]All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,[/color][color]

Also fellowship works well with others it's good to get together with others away from church when possible. Read Hebrew 10


24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.


And;
2 Timothy 4;


[color] [color]1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.[/color][/color]

Some get really passinate on thier Journey, maybe too much? Improper motives, Well, at least repentance is getting preaced as well as the Gospel;
Read Pauls letter to Phillipi Chapter 1
[/color]



Personally I love to hear Jesus Christ coming from anywhere. The world is filled with garbage coming out of every speaker around. A time may come when we lose the right to speak openly at all about Jesus Christ as in some other countries. If ALL were open with their faith as with other stuff, amazing things could happen. Many keep thier beliefs to themselves or think that thier Saviour is not the same one that died on the cross for others too. It's against our old nature and can be hard.

Speaking about food Kitchens etc... is a great thing! It's a great way to find others who have the same passion etc.. Many people keep 90% of thier deed between God and themselves and them being helped and 10% shared with everyone to hear. Eventually others open up to it and see that serving God as according to Matthew 25:31-46 is a great way to pull nearer to the Love of Jesus Christ and to get to know Him better. reading can only do so much. People only see tiny peices of our deeds and works and what we do for the Lord and the Lord sees them all because he knows of them before time.
Read Ephesians 2:8-10

(02-25-2010 12:00 PM)Guest Wrote:  Here in the Books of Acts is found;
Read verse 38-

It shouldn't bother a Beleiver-That may be conviction, Or it was meant for others.

22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25David said about him:
" 'I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope,
27because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
28You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.'[e]

29"Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,[f] that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
35until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet." '[g]

36"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38Peter replied, "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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

(02-11-2010 12:20 AM)somebody Wrote:  

(02-10-2010 10:35 AM)RedOctober Wrote:  As some of you know I was in Sedona-Flagstaff over New Year's. We went to see the Pine Cone drop in Flagstaff for New Years eve. While we were waiting there was a small group of people hollering, screaming and holding up signs....saying to "Repent". I just shook my head....they don't get it.

Definition of Repent from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mind

transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

So another words, when someone tells you to repent they are saying you are a sinner and there not. And perhaps holier than you. It takes a lot of audacity and self righteous pride to yell, proclaim, etc. this to others. Does the Bible use this word? Of course, but it also tells you how to use it.

2 Timothy, Chapter 2:
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

What a lot of people miss, the growth of the early church was due to the example they lived, not how "holy" they looked or sounded. Christ spoke against people sitting in public wearing sack-cloth and ashes, but instead said to go into your closet. A modern day Molokan example may be someone who publicly states they are going to fast for three days and then has a huge dzela inviting virtually everyone....whereas the correct way would be fast three days and don't tell anyone. Of course this isn't limited to Molokans, Protestants are famous for this, talking up publicly how they volunteered in a soup line, incessantly speaking how they were saved (while not realizing they are discouraging others and not listening to their issues), etc.

A parable Christ states also applies to repentance. Luke 18:

[10] "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
[12] I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.'
[13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!'
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

People telling others to repent are no different than the Pharisee in this Parable from Christ.

Luke 17:3-4

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

I dont recollect anybody besides God, Christ, the apostles and prophets that ever demanded that people repent.

For someone to tell someone to repent, he must be in the Spirit of our Lord, its not a word that can just be thrown around to make the person saying demanding repentance feel warm and bubbly inside. Its a self satisfaction thing that false Christianity thrives on. I mean if you think about it, the more people who repent is how much more money you'll make from the repentance booth.

[GreatDay]

I apologize as I was in error for posting that speech. It's the wrong one
Thanks for bringing that out for my correction! They were waiting and willing.

(02-25-2010 03:35 PM)RedOctober Wrote:  On re-reading Acts, its interesting to note, Peter did not tell them to repent until interestingly enough, they seemed ready to do so, when they felt sorry for the deeds they committed. Once again, something many so-called Christians ignore.

But no, most today want swing that word around like its a baseball bat.....

[RedOctober]

Red, Read all the speeches from Acts 1 through chapter 8 when Stephen gets martyered. Look at the ones who hated it and the ones who accepted. Who did not like it when reptentance was preached and why?

Exactly!!!! But you made one mistake, you threw in a false Protestant teaching that this was all about repentance. The Apostles were preaching the message of Christ (all his teachings) and Grace, yes, but you are missing one key element here. Prior to Christ, how did one repent of their sins? They had to make an offering to the Temple. And who got very wealthy with all these offerings? The Temple Priests. And who decided whose offering was worthy? The Temple Priests. Who stood to lose the most with Christ’s message? The Temple Priests. And who persecuted the Apostles? The Temple Priests. See a pattern here? No more would the people be subject to their authority.

But why were so many Jews willing to accept Christ? Three things really, one they knew the Priesthood had become corrupt. Two, many of them were there when Christ was crucified and thus saw all the events that unfolded, that would make someone who was doubting on the sidelines to become a willing convert. And finally the miracles the Apostles performed were good convincing. Why couldn’t the Priesthood stop them? Crucifying Christ backfired and the Priesthood feared a violent movement toward against them. If you note, it isn’t too much later though that jealousy…let me say it again…jealousy finally got to them and they arrested the Apostles. And of course they did not fight back which eventually emboldened them and resulted in the stoning of Stephen.

At the Harvest Crusades and other Christian events and on your vacation sometimes people are doing that. It's better than signs for a concert or something. It's a great time to talk to them and see where they are coming from. It's a good way to meet other brothers and sisters out there. Pray and God, may have a message for them to hear. Somtimes someone 50 feet behind you may have needed to see and hear that-Who knows? It's best to talk to them. We find it easy to talk about non-sense stuff but sometimes shy away from life and death issues, repentance being part of it. God speaks to us and others through many ways and through others and lots of ways.

Worship of God is not a rock concert, protest or mass convention. Also take note, that this is most certainly not the first time I’ve seen such a display and don’t assume I have never talked to them. The whole point of these charades is for proselytizing, which may not seem harmful, but you got to ask, why do they always do so in areas where people are spending their discretionary income? Hmmmm? Furthermore, these public displays do more harm than good. It pushes people AWAY…so is it for the edification of others or themselves? Nothing wrong with fellowship, but to do so in a way that pushes others away? Oh and I’m not buying the person 50 ft. away needing to hear “Jesus is Lord”. You have to be living in a cave not to have heard that by now. The Apostles didn’t force their message on anyone only to those that wanted to hear it or felt need. And walking around with a bunch of signs and screaming “Jesus is Lord” is forcing it in a militant way….exact opposite of what they did.

To use the Scripture you quoted. It's better to read both of Paul's letters to Timothy to see what it's whole content is and why he was writing; encouragement etc, Where Timothy was going and what he needed advice from his Elder Paul.But still, if you have time to have a conversation with a evangalist, chapter 2 in Timothy is great. If the person is allready a believer you have the right to use Scripture to show his error

Don’t patronize me and tell me how to use or read scripture, I don’t subscribe to BSF poison. I will continue to allow the Holy Spirit instruct me on scripture, thank you. Not approved man-made doctrine. Telling people how they are to read scripture and what they are to interpret from it is no different than what the Orthodox Church tried to do. Furthermore, to sit there and dismiss Paul’s letter to Timothy as being advice for his particular mission and not relevant to everyone else is a feeble attempt to excuse belligerent and spiteful false rebukes done out of anger and hatred. Belligerent and spitefulness are not Fruits of the Spirit and sure don’t come out of love.

Personally I love to hear Jesus Christ coming from anywhere. The world is filled with garbage coming out of every speaker around. A time may come when we lose the right to speak openly at all about Jesus Christ as in some other countries. If ALL were open with their faith as with other stuff, amazing things could happen. Many keep thier beliefs to themselves or think that thier Saviour is not the same one that died on the cross for others too. It's against our old nature and can be hard.

Have no problem if you like to hear about Jesus the Christ, and even agree there is a lot of garbage. What I don’t like hearing, blatant false lies about Christ..such as Jesus is God (implying he is co-equal to the Father), just believe…and then using that as an excuse to still commit wrong, etc. A time may come we may lose the right to speak openly? Molokans just came from such a time and ex-Molokans are trying silence and condemn them once more…is it any wonder most would rather not openly talk about it when they don’t know if the other person is a wolf?

Speaking about food Kitchens etc... is a great thing! It's a great way to find others who have the same passion etc.. Many people keep 90% of thier deed between God and themselves and them being helped and 10% shared with everyone to hear. Eventually others open up to it and see that serving God as according to Matthew 25:31-46 is a great way to pull nearer to the Love of Jesus Christ and to get to know Him better. reading can only do so much. People only see tiny peices of our deeds and works and what we do for the Lord and the Lord sees them all because he knows of them before time.

Then as Christ said “They have received their reward”.