WHOA to me if I DON'T Preach This! True Repentance

The written version of this teaching is on its way. In the meantime, watch it here.

It seems like a competition these days to find an individual bible verse that can be twisted to make repentance seem like a walk in the park, rather than the life-altering experience it is intended to be. If you read the whole bible, you will see Jesus is calling us to overcome our sins by the power of his Holy Spirit. Those who return to their sins after Jesus has freed them are likened to dogs returning to their vomit. Paul--whose teachings people often misinterpret to support a false "continue sinning all you want" point of view--stated, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Romans 6:1-2).

Some might raise concerns about the call to "be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect" (Matt 5:48). Afterall, we are still in the sinful flesh. Has anyone accepted Jesus and then lived a life without blemish? Are any of us innocent of having ever grieved the Spirit? Remember that the letter kills but the Spirit gives life (2 Corith 3:6). God knows what manner of heart you have and that is how He judges. If anyone sins, he has an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the righteous one (1 John 2:1). Our Father mercifully offers grace to His children, but be warned that those who abuse His grace will quickly find it in short supply. Just as you can discern an obedient child from a disobedient one, how much more can our Father--who sees to the heart--discern what manner of servant you are?