June 6, 2021 From Your Pastor

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

Today, we will learn more about “Right way Repenting” however for now let’s look at the ‘return’ mentioned above. Throughout Scripture God is calling His people to return. It seems to be a constant theme in the Old Testament and even found here in Acts of the New Testament.

Return implies that we have departed from someone, somewhere, or something. While our sin is what drives us away; it often happens that we do not feel or realize we are away. We do not see the separation as is described in Scripture. We still pray, still read our Bibles and still attend church. Our conscious may be bothered but most of us still perform our daily routine as if nothing has changed. If that sin is not dealt with, this can lead to a hardened conscious so that one does not deal with his sin. This is what God is telling us in v. 19. First repent, then return. Within our repentance we will discover a longing for the Lord was again. We will want to come home, to return.

This generally happens when we come to our senses. When we realize all our efforts of religion are simply that; efforts of religion. Religion has never been what the Lord is after in us. Religion is a dead-end road. Relationship is the goal. A close personal, one on one relationship. When our sin is not dealt with by confession and forgiveness then our fellowship with the Holy God is broken. We find ourselves alone. And if you’ve ever been alone you know it is not what we’re meant for. We were created for relationships. With one another and especially with our heavenly Father. Alone is a place of depression, regrets and despair. There is nothing good that comes from being separated from God. There is no satisfaction, no peace, no life.

For some this separation takes longer to sink in. For others it only takes a moment. In either case both parties realize something is missing. We find it in v.19 “refreshing” In fact “times of refreshing”, continual refreshing, refreshing upon refreshing. This is one if the many benefits of knowing and walking with God.

His refreshing!!! Looking up the definition I found the phrase “agreeably stimulating” What a great way to express our relationship and fellowship with Jesus. Agreeably stimulating.

Knowing Jesus now for about 30 years I can’t think of a better way to describe walking with Him. There is never a dull minute, hour or day. He always puts life before us with opportunities for service. You’ll never have to look for something to do in His kingdom. He supplies us daily with all that we need. And all that we need to do. Today we learn that the refreshing life begins with returning.

So will you?

From Your Pastor,

Bro. Clay Hicks