“The Message of Christ”

April 17, 2012 (1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 NLT

Observation: When Jesus heard that John had been arrested He knew it was time to start His public ministry. So He did. He went first to Nazareth and then to Capernaum beside the sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. All of this was a fulfillment of what the prophet Isaiah had said. What was the message of Jesus? Repent of your sins and turn to God. Why? Because the Kingdom of Heaven is near!

Application: Although the religious community has changed the message of Christ into many different things, the message still remains the same. Repentance is not an option, it is a requirement. Repentance is still the focal point of why Christ came to earth and why He died in our place. This message may have been lost, distorted and ignored by many, however we are not excused from obeying the truth. In spite of popular belief, there will be no “free pass” issued to those who’ve chosen to reject Christ and remain in sin. The Kingdom of God is at hand and time will one day run out. We must realize the importance of repentance and respect the privilege He has given us to do so.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy that provides and protects me everyday! You are The Great and Only God! Help me walk in repentance and remember the message of Christ. Place the message of repentance in my mouth and enable me to proclaim it boldly with genuine love for all. In Jesus name, Amen!