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by Bible League International,
Narrated by Artificial Intelligence,
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Scripture
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” – Mark 1:15 ESV
Devotion
Jesus begins His ministry on earth with these powerful words from our verse of the day. These words are words of life—repent and believe. But what are we repenting of and believing in? Ultimately, He is telling mankind to repent of our rebellion against God and believe in the Savior who makes repentance possible. The problem is that man wants to be in charge, and pride sits in the driver’s seat. We suffer from self-deception and we struggle in this world’s system. The enemy, Satan, is running the system.
When we believe in the Gospel, the Good News that Jesus Christ died for our personal sin and rose on the third day, we have the weaponry to fight the war within and the war out in the world. Now this may sound radical, but every born-again Christian will experience this warfare (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18).
Before we are in relationship with Him, we are going in the wrong direction. We are going against God’s principles, His holiness, and His Word. Through repentance—a humble and contrite heart—we are agreeing with God about our sin and crying out for His help. He not only forgives us but He enables us to turn from our sin and back to Him (see 2 Corinthians 7:9,10). Faith in Christ and repentance of sin are in unison in salvation and sanctification. Repentance is not a negative word; it is God’s great gift to us!
The reluctant Jonah preached that destruction was the consequence of refusing to repent, and through that message, the whole wicked city of Nineveh turned around through repentance. “…for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here” (Luke 11:32 ESV).
Daniel prays a heartfelt prayer of repentance for Israel in Daniel 9. God sends warrior angels to battle with demonic forces in the heavenlies.
Church, it is time to fast, pray, and ingest His Word so that we may hear the Spirit’s voice and obey. We are called for such a time as this. Brothers and sisters, if there is any sin harboring in your heart, repent! God is willing and able to give you a clean heart, one ready for His mission. God is still a miracle-working God. While it is still day, there is work to be done.
This whole story is really not about us. It is about God. The One who created us for His glory. The One who chose to love us unconditionally and redeem us to reign with Him for eternity.
May we glorify Him together! The kingdom of God is at hand.
Inspirational Image of the Day
