The Absolute Necessity Of Repentance Series

Have you ever been truly lost?

Most people, especially men, are funny; we rarely admit we are lost. It would be easier to get a root canal!

It doesn’t matter what we think. If I want to go to Florida, I take I-75 S. If I want to go to Florida but take I-75 N., I’m not going to Florida, but to Detroit, then Canada.

Illustration: The point is, it doesn't matter what I think, wrong way-wrong destination.

How does our sense of direction pertain to where we spend eternity?

According to Barna Res, 76% of people think they’re going to heaven.

Out of the 1,000 people surveyed, only 1% say they are going to hell.

So most people think they are going to heaven.

Read Matthew 7:13-14 Wide way-destruction-many, Narrow-life-few.

75% of Americans claim to be Christians: If so, why is there still so much evil?

No matter what we believe about heaven, if it doesn’t align with the words of Jesus, we are heading to the wrong destination…for eternity!

Reasons people think they are going to heaven:

I try to do good things. - Like filthy rags before a holy God.

I try to volunteer and do good works. - You can't earn it.

I try to live a better life than most people. - Wrong measure

The God I know shouldn't send anyone to hell. - False god.

My uncle was a Pastor, and I went to his church. - Experience

My mom prayed for me, and I felt good about myself. - This is between you and God. You'll have to stand before Him alone.

People presume upon the love of God when they have no right to. Read - Romans 2:4.

Again, people are having some sort of religious experience. Not saved

What must we do to be saved? REPENT - Where does it say that?

Luke 13:3 Unless you repent, you will all likewise.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized.”

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore that your sins may be blotted out.

Acts 11:18 God granted repentance that leads to life. See a pattern?

What does repent mean? It means to change one’s mind.

You can't just repent; repentance is something God gives, John 6:44

Repentance is necessary for salvation because we see our sin as God sees it. “You can’t fool Jesus.”

So, if repentance is so important, why is it being largely ignored?

Read 2 Timothy 4:3. I believe we are seeing this happen right now.

Question: What do you think are the main signs of Jesus' return?

Read - Matthew 24:3 When will these things be? Everyone asks!

Read - Matthew 24:4-8 What is the 1st warning? Lead astray.

Read - Matthew 24:11 Lead many astray.

Read - Matthew 24-24-26 Lead astray, false prophets, great signs*

Read - Revelation 13:13-14 (The) False Prophet, signs to deceive.

Level of deception will be unprecedented, and it’s here now!

Read Matthew 24:42:44

Read Matthew 25:12-1.3 Be alert, sober, stay awake, ready, faithful.

How do we respond? - Be ready! What exactly does that mean?

How do you know you are saved? Wrong and right answer.

Can you think back to a time you repented and came to Jesus?

Is Jesus your Lord? Did you make him yours?

Many people know about and some even like Jesus, but he has to be (your) Lord.

Did you ever get to the end of yourself and repent?

The good news is just that, because each day, God’s mercy is new.

You are alive and woke up this morning: Today is the day of salvation.

Application: It doesn’t matter what you did in the past: Jesus can make you new.

David - murderer & adulterer, Thief on the cross - Paul - persecution

Look: Satan might accuse you of not being good enough for heaven. He's actually correct, because you'll never make it there on your own. but Jesus made a way because of His goodness, not ours!

But he’s the deceiver and wants you to stop right there.

If we come to the end ourselves, repent, and see our sin as God sees it, and call out to Jesus to cleanse us, he will save us.

We talked about Jesus’ voice: What is the Spirit of the Lord saying to you? “Forgive people.” “Come back to me.” “Repent!” “Go and sin no more!” “I love you and died to cleanse your sins!” “I will never leave you!”

Dear friends - Today, if you hear His voice, please don't harden your heart. I'm pleading with you to come to saving faith in Jesus while there's still time. No one is guaranteed another chance, one more day to saving faith in Him.

**End with prayer and invitation**