The Gospel of Luke 3:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;” (Luke 3:3 KJV).

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. He went around the area of Jordan River, calling out people to be baptized in affirmation that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven (John 3:3 NLT).

For that to happen in people's lives, they had to reorient their priorities and values, especially those consumed with their religious customs and traditions, like the Jews were. In other words, they need to make a full U-turn in their lives and go in the opposite direction — no longer living by their own instincts, values and non biblical beliefs, but to live based and with consciousness on God's grace and will. One of the biggest problems in this post-modern society is that people are arrogant. They believe they can decide their own way and choose their own path based upon what seems right to them.

For true conversion to take place, for real salvation to come, there has to be both a surrender of this personal arrogance and a genuine yielding to God. John the Baptist preached this message with personal integrity. The questions to confront are: Do you live based upon God's will for you? Are you committed to rest in His grace? Or, are you still trying to live by your self effort based on what seems right to you? or, are you trying hard by self-effort to be just by the "law" that no one can, except the Lord? (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:11; Matthew 5:17-20).  You see, repentance isn't just about remorse for the mistakes, wrongs, transgressions, sins, or hurtful things you've done. It is about turning from them to God and living by God's divine grace in total dependence in the Holy Spirit. Our own ways are flawed and destructive. Without surrendering to God, we will find ourselves doing things that are hurtful both to others and ourselves. Let's turn our hearts and lives fully to the sovereignty of God! Not to creed nor religion!!!

Apostle Peter, addressing his fellow Israelites who have been consumed with religion, called on them and us all. It is written: “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:17-19 NIV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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