(15- Minute Bible Study)

Fruit in Keeping with Repentance

   When the Lord anointed John the Baptist to pave for Jesus' earthly ministry, a central theme of his message was the call for repentanc. God was revealing His plan for reconciling the world to Himself through His Son-- His pasthe to salvation was based on humanity's need for a Savior. John's preaching prepared first-century hearts to hear the truth that:

1. Jesus of Nazareth was the long-awaited Messiah-- or Christ in Greek--through whom salvation would come. By offering a second birth into the kingdom of God.(John 3:16-17). he became our access to the miracle of salvation.
2. God desires that every sinner come to repentance, and He is faithful to forgive the transgressions of everyone who trusts Christ as Savior. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

    Repentance, or turning away from sin, is more than simply speaking the words "I'm Sorry." It is a firm resolve in the heart of the sorrowful person to turn the opposite direction from past sinful patterns and begin life anew. As John the Baptist taught, a new lifstyle and "fruits in keeping with repentance"(Luke 3:8) would be proof of true conversion. Godly sorrow produces:

1. Authentic repentance (2Cor 7:9-11)
2. A fruitful life (Luke 3:10-14 Matt. 3:8)

   For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

      But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end                       is to be burned. Godly sorrow produces:

1. Dedication to living in a manner that pleases the Lord (2Cor 5: 7-11).
2. Elimination of habitually sinful patterns (1 John 3:9).

Reflect on this if you will: Have you gone to the Lord in godly sorrow, asked Him to forgive your sins, and accepted the free gift of salvation? In light of the first question, can you identify ways that your life has changed since you became a Christian? Lastly what kinds of spiritual fruit do you see produced in your life? If you cannot think of any, ask the Lord to reveal how He is working in and through you.