Repentance

Trial Before Annas

It is evident that two of Jesus’ disciples had followed the Lord and His enemies across the Kidron Valley into the city of Jerusalem and into the courtyard of the High Priest. One of these disciples was Simon Peter and the other one is unknown. Many think it was John (v. 15). It has been …

The Greatness of God

The Feast of the Tabernacles ended, but the people lingered to hear the Word of God. The events of this chapter occurred two days after the end of the Feast of the Tabernacles. It was a day of fasting and mourning (v. 1). The wearing of sackcloth and the placing of earth on their …

The Preaching of John the Baptist

In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life here on earth he skips over the next 30 years or so and picks up with an introduction of John the Baptist (vv. 1-6). John is presented as the prophet sent in the spirit of Elijah “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). He was …

The Message of John

This passage gives us precise historical information about the secular leaders of that day and specifically brings before us the baptism of John the Baptist and his message of repentance (vv. 1- 6). Luke tells us exactly when John began his ministry. It was in the fifteenth …

The People of Nineveh Believe

In these verses we see the consequence of obedience. Repentance (vv. 5-9) – These verses record the response that Jonah’s message received. The people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth. When the message came to the king’s attention he even …

The Blessing Of a Repentant Generation

God is faithful to His Covenant even though Israel broke their covenant with Him. Although God will chasten His rebellious people, He does not utterly cast them off. When they repent of their sin, God remembers his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and they are delivered fr …

Jeremiah Pleads For The People

Jeremiah pleads for the people and excuses their actions on the basis of the false prophets who cried for peace (v.13). God answers that the prophets will be judged, but that still does not excuse the people (v. 14). He says that by sword and famine those prophets shall be consum …

Turning Back to The Lord

Hosea called for repentance (vv. 1-3) and God promised restoration (vv. 4-8). God had to punish Israel for its gross and repeated violation of His law, but He would do so with a heavy heart. The preceding chapters have painted a very drab picture (v. l). Now the prophet instructs them to return …

A Prayer For General Prosperity

The sin question needs to be dealt with on spiritual and not ceremonial terms. With his sin confessed and forgiven, David is ready to live a changed life for his Lord. His first responsibility is to teach transgressors the ways of God so as to prevent their making the same mistak …

The Repentance of Israel

Under heavy persecution from the Ammonites, the tribes of Israel began to pray for grace and confessing their wrong doings (v. 10). They put away all the foreign idols to serve the Lord. The Lord spoke sternly to His people (vv. 11-14). He reminded them of how He had granted them seven …