Repentance: Breaking Free From Past Failures Series

IS THERE A H.E.R.O. IN THE HOUSE? SERIES

Repentance: Breaking Free From Past Failures

3 OF 4 Exodus 20.5-6

February 15, 2009 Chester FBC, Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker

Introduction:

A The last few weeks we have seen our share of airplanes in the news.

1 First it was US Airways flight 1549, the miracle on the Hudson.

a Shortly after take off on their way to Charlotte, NC, hit some geese and wound up in the Hudson river. All 155 passengers were saved thanks to a skilled pilot & crew (Heros)

b This week, the story of Continental flight 3407 didn’t have a happy ending.

aa On a routine flight from Newark, NJ to Buffalo, NY, apparently ice developed on it wings and it slammed into a house just miles from the airport.

bb 49 souls on board died, and one soul in the house that the plane landed on.

2 In the movies, Superman would have swooped in and saved the day. (But in real life, sadly, sometimes we crash. Miss the runway.)

a An average flight from Miami to New York, spends 93% of it’s flight off-course.

aa The cockpit crew is making adjustments for head winds, tail winds, turbulence, storms, etc.

bb They adjust speed, pitch, roll accordingly to get back on course.

(Think about when you’re driving.)

b We spend much of life just trying to stay on course (Loving God, doing His Will, doing the right thing, etc.)

aa I believe if we do it right, it takes many daily adjustments to stay on the right course.

bb If we only make adjustments on Sunday, we can get way off course over a six day period.

B We’ve talked about Humility (Everything we have in the natural/spiritual is all because of Jesus, see ourselves as children), Endurance (length/lessons), this morning I want to teach you about Repentance.

1 I believe that the adjustments we make daily to stay on course are wrapped up in repentance.

2 I do not think that the devil can stand a chance against a repentant heart.

a When he comes against someone who wants to do everything in his/her power to look more like Jesus, I believe it torments him.

b Let’s look this morning at how repentance can help us break free.

c Pray

I Repentance is not just for Sunday’s.

A Many Christians see repentance as a two time a year event. (Spring & Fall revival)

1 This isn’t God’s idea of repentance. (Not God’s way; Not on course)

2 "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Ex 20:5-6 (NASB)

B the phrase “I . . . am a jealous God” threw Oprah for a theological loop per a statement she made in a video we have shown at the church.

1 God is a jealous God.

a Jealous, not in the sense that He’s envious of other gods. (There are no other gods other than the figments of men’s imaginations. No Buddha, No Krishna, No Allah)

aa The word “Jealous” expresses His love for His people because He wants the very best for them.

bb The very best He has from His people is Him. (His will, purpose, love, grace, mercy)

b Let me help you understand.

aa Parents are jealous over their children. (I feel furious thinking about someone else raising my children.)

bb Spouses are jealous over their mates. (I feel enraged thinking about someone else caring for my wife.)

cc God is jealous over His children and will not tolerate competition.

c Nobody loves us like our heavenly Father.

2 God speaks of repentance as a way of life for His people.

a Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.

7 Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7 (NASB)

3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines." 1 Sam 7:3 (NASB)

2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt 3:2 (NASB) (cf. Mk 1.15)

19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19