"Renouncing" - an often missed practise.

Daily Discipler pp400

Ref: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

(www.biblegateway.com)

Today's reading reflects both 2 Cor 4 and also the early practises of the church. Renouncing.

Renouncing is not something you think, it is something you do. Out Loud. To God, and whomever else happens to be listening (it could be declaring your intentions to Satan, Demons, or the general public)

Prov 28:13 says "He who conceals his sin does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy"

The early church would turn to the west (satans country) and say "I renounce you, Satan, and all your works and all your ways", and then they would turn east and say "I follow you Christ and believe in you for salvation and everlasting life" (or words to that effect)

We have lost the point of "Public Confession", and made it all very private, as a result, no one really knows where we stand, often, we may not be entirely certain where we stand either.

And here is why - We may have tried to Tack on Christ, to our everyday lives, and as a result, are trying to live in both worlds.

It is not enough to say we believe something to be true, and at the same time continue to believe the lie.

There was a saying when I was growing up, If Christ is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. I believe in the ongoing sanctifying work of the spirit, but it begins with a heart that has "Repented" and "Wants to change".

Have you ever tried arguing with someone who is sold on their opinion, and isn't open to any other ideas ? the argument doesn't go very far. In fact, even if you win, by overwhelming them with your argument, you will come back a day later and they still hold the same opinion. Why ? because, they don't want to change. Repentance is the change of Mind and Heart, that turns towards Christ. Renouncing, is declaring this genuine heart change to God, Satan, Demons, and anyone else who cares to listen, it is a line in the sand that says "This is where I stand".

Thought for the Day: What happens if we trust in Christ but don't repent ?

Trusting in Christ without repentance is not truly trusting in Christ. Putting our whole life in His hands is "trusting in Christ", anything less is hedging your bets. We cannot pick and choose which parts of Gods redemptive plan to believe or agree with. It is all of Christ, and nought of me. Repentance is the door of "Coming to Christ" - God Grants us Repentance. So if we haven't repented, God hasn't granted it, and whatever else we think we are doing, we are living the Christian life, without Christ.

Acts 17:29-30

"God commands all people everywhere to repent"

Stand firm in "HIS GRACE" in which you stand. All of Christ - Nought of Me !