Sermon from February 07, 2010
Speaker: Glenn Record

The Call to Repentance

Matthew 4:17

I.       Introduction

         A.    We often embrace “change” in our institutions

                1.    We like this change to revolve around us.

                2.    Ours is a consumer-focused, constituent-focused society.

                3.    Churches are beginning to respond in kind – acting as businesses, politicians would act.

          B.    We are experiencing a shift in our focus of “repentance,” change

                 1.    We have given up on the message of repentance.

                 2.    We have resigned ourselves to the church being the one to change.

                  3.    However, I believe we are losing perspective of an essential Biblical principle.

           C.    The church must understand, proclaim, and practice true repentance

II.     Who is it that is to repent?

         A.    The quest for relevance has led to this charge: “Repent, for the world is at hand!”

                1.    The assumption of the “emerging church”, “change agents” movement: we are irrelevant.

                      a.    The “Club” Church Mentality

                      b.    The “Business Marketing” Church Mentality

                      c.    The “Office Seeker” Church Mentality

           B.    We can and must be relevant (Acts 17:22,ff)

           C.    But such efforts are broadcasting the call to repent in the wrong direction.

III.   The Gospel Message: You, the world, must change.

           A.    “Repent” – The essence of the kingdom message

                  1.    At the core of the word spoken throughout the New Testament
(Mark 1:4; Matthew 3:1-2; Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30)

                  2.    Repentance is preparing for kingdom (Psalm 50:14-23; Rom. 8:29)

                  3.    Repentance was to be tangible, life-changing (Matt. 3:7; Acts 26:20)

           B.    An Uncompromising Message

                 1.    Wouldn’t a more “grace”-focused message have more appeal?

                 2.    Those who would not change could not be disciples (Mark 10:17-23)

                 3.    Jesus’ warning: Repent or perish (Luke 13:1-5)

           C.    The church must never turn back to the world for direction, focus

                 1.    It must always remain God-focused, not world-focused (Romans 12:2)

                 2.    As such, we will always be different – strangers and aliens (1 Peter 2:11)

                 3.    This may not make us a “popular” church

                 4.    But then, what is the value in the long run of such a church?

IV.  The consequences of a “repenting” church instead of a repented church

           A.    Worldly church whose focus is man-centered, not God-centered

                  1.    Instilling the wrong motivation

                  2.    Not truly glorifying God through righteousness (Matt 5:16; 1 Pet 2:12)

                  3.    Constantly changing the message to please men (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

           B.    Not preparing people for meeting God

                 1.    Jesus taught us about those who would meet God unprepared (Matthew 22:11-14)

                 2.    We must not declare “Peace” when there is no peace (Jer. 6:14)

V.    Conclusion

           A.    The church must truly embody the Called Out

           B.    Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

           C.    Heaven still rejoices over repentance. (Luke 15:7)

February 7, 2010