PRACTICAL REPENTANCE UNTO SALVATION

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 26, 2011

PRACTICAL REPENTANCE UNTO SALVATION

Have any ideas or experiences on PRACTICAL REPENTANCE?
Please share them in this thread. Below is a sample list of ideas to
think and comment on ...

Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life

Some thoughts on Conservation and General Repentance for us all:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19

To save ourselves and to save a nation we must conserve and repent.

* Why hassle over Housing shortages, a 50 percent divorce rate, Bad Government Run
Schools, and Medical Industry and Forced Insurance Issues to cover Religio-Medical-
Terrorism with media propaganda. We can overcome social ills, disease, energy, food
supply and other problems.

* We can't rely on the government or fake religions to help save us from the sufferings
that they created, and we let happen -- let us choose instead to be wise, live right, avoid
pain and trouble. Obey the higher natural laws .

* For those who choose -- Why not consider living at home, getting a roommate(s),
moving down, taking in a relative or friend, living with a grandparent or elderly family
member saving them from a nursing home. One example web site to help is:
(Link)-->> Roommates, roommate finder and roommate search service

* For those who choose -- Not marrying means Absolutely No Divorce, no remorse, no
anger, no lawyers and judges, no fatherless children, no alimony and no child support. One
site to look at: (Link)-->>Purposeful Singleness - for Christian Singles

* For those who choose -- Not marrying means no children to subject to government run
schools and Unionized Teachers in a world of 50 percent divorce. Pre-Marital preparation
guidance and principles for marital living at this web site: (Link)-->>CBMW » Core Beliefs

* For those who choose -- Home Schooling and its support systems are now mature and
a realistic alternative for a thinking family with your two children. Help here;
(Link)-->>Alpha Omega Publications - We Equip The Future and
(Link)-->>A Beka Book :: Excellence in Education from a Christian Perspective

* Avoiding Fornication, the club and party scene, and the alcohol, can prevent Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STD's), teen and unplanned pregnancies and Mithra. It may also
save you DWI and injury related to such accidents. See -
(Link)-->>Healthy Living: MedlinePlus

* Start out by being Vegetarian 3 or 4 days a week (half the meat), later giving up the
dairy & staying out of the fast-food places. That leaves some days to have meat, -- while
saving the environment, the animals & your health. Later move to vegan (meat and dairy
free). Buy and support organic, free-range, non-genetically modified (non-GMO) products.
Juice-Fast and be in your height-weight proportion:
(Link)-->>Christian Vegetarian Association &
(Link)-->>Health.gov | Your Portal to Health Information from the U.S. Government

* Avoid/boycott illegally picked fruits, vegetables & packaged meats. Buy Local, Buy
American, Buy less, & By God - let's not go Global & World Trade. Buy necessities in bulk &
when on sale.
(Link)-->>Local Harvest / Farmers Markets / Family Farms / CSA / Organic Food

* Clean out the attic, basement, closets, garage, and storage areas. Don't store up,
instead, recycle, donate to and patronize the thrift shops.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to
think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven
by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked
at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:29-30

* Launder less, and dry with a clothesline. Mow the lawn only as needed.

* Save money on, and the earth from Funeral Expenses, Burial Plots, Cemeteries, Coffins,
and Headstones. Cremate and pour the ashes into the water. Put the spirit into the water,
honor Jesus, the living water. Today, more than 25 percent of the people in the U.S.
cremate, we can too, and it is wisdom. For more information - See:
(Link)-->>Cremation Association of North America (CANA)

* Cut back on travel, take the bus or other mass transit, ride share / car pool, bike,
telecommute, walking school bus -- go to the mall and stores less (consolidate), shop and
school online, walk and bike more, no need to spend gas or energy heating, cooling and
lighting a church etc. Some ideas for action here:
(Link)-->>The Rideshare Company | Car Pool, Van Pool, Fleet Maintenance, Commuter and
(Link)-->>House Church Network

* We can't marry 10 divorcees, adopt 10 children, build 10 houses, heal 10 injured from
DWI Accidents or Cure 10 AIDS or STD cases. We can't all visit 10 people in jail or the
hospital, we can't alone stop the excess use of 1000's of MegaWatts or a BILLION gallons
of gasoline/cubic feet of natural gas every week. WE CAN help prevent such things from
occurring, by being conservative and telling others. Help create a social order apart from
governments and false 501c religions of man - so let it be - in Jesus' name. See
(Link)-->>www.thepetitionsite.com, and
(Link)-->>Yahoo! Health

* Sell the boat, SUV, swimming pool, gadgets, golf clubs, etc.; dump the Music & Sports;
turn the heat down, the A/C Up (or off), cut back; Holidays, Birthdays, long travel
Vacations; having; doing; going; talking. Spay and neuter the pets, don't get a new pet.
Use Natural Soap & Shampoo, Detergent, lawn chemicals & Cleaning Supplies. Come out
and call others out of false religions.
(Link)-->>National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy

* This is a call to general repentance. A time to give back 10 percent or more in all things;
housing, gas, heating fuel, illegitimacy, abortion, Sexual & other Diseases (to live healthy)!
Cut the Drinking, Salt, Fat, Sugar, Bottled Beverages, Medications, Meat, Fish & Dairy -
Stop Pigs & Shellfish, Coffee, Tobacco, Junk Mail, Junk Books, Candy, Scents & Jewelry. We
can and we must cut these things and more by at least 10% to start. It will get noticed.
We save ourselves by right living and calling others to also - TELL EVERYONE! See;
(Link)-->> NRDC: Natural Resources Defense Council - The Earth's Best Defense and
(Link)-->>US Environmental Protection Agency

* Reduce Stress; give up activities, add relaxation. Make time for light exercise,
inspirational reading, walks, meditation, fasting. Keep faith in doing right, & love of others.
See: (Link)-->>Stress management: Information from Answers.com
and: (Link)-->>Stress management - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

* OTHER WEB SITES:
Environment:
· (Link)-->>EarthSave - Food intervention programs to achieve health independence
· (Link)-->>News, Blogs, and Tools for Living Green | Yahoo! Green
Health:
· (Link)-->>WebMD - Better information. Better health.
· (Link)-->>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
·(Link)-->>Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) - Neal Barnard, M.D., president
Scripture:
· (Link)-->>e-Sword - the Sword of the LORD with an electronic edge
· (Link)-->>BibleWise
Government:
· (Link)-->>Email the Congress
· (Link)-->>U.S. Senate
· (Link)-->>www.senate.gov/~levin/services/junkmail/ReducingJunkMail.pdf

And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:12

foundthetruth · Jul 26, 2011

I am not sure of your intentions, but I agree with some of the statements. We should stop living in excess and give up this greed, this vanity that swells the hearts of man.

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 27, 2011

Everybody Walk, Walking School Bus

A walking [school]bus is a form of student transport for schoolchildren who, chaperoned
by two adults (a "Driver" leads and a "conductor" follows) walk to school, in much the
same way a school bus would drive them to school. Like a traditional bus, walking buses
have a fixed route with designated "bus stops" and "pick up times" in which they pick up
children.

Proponents of walking buses say that its aims are to:

* Encourage physical activity by teaching children the skills to walk safely,
how to identify safe routes to school, and the benefits of walking
* Raise awareness of how walkable a community is and where improvements can be made
* Raise concern for the environment
* Reduce crime and take back neighbourhoods for people on foot
* Reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools
* Share valuable time with local community leaders, parents, and children

(Link) -->> Walking bus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What is a walking school bus? (From WalkingSchoolBus.org)

A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults. If
that sounds simple, it is, and that's part of the beauty of the walking school bus. It can be
as informal as two families taking turns walking their children to school to as structured
as a route with meeting points, a timetable and a regularly rotated schedule of trained
volunteers.

A variation on the walking school bus is the bicycle train, in which adults supervise
children riding their bikes to school. The flexibility of the walking school bus makes it
appealing to communities of all sizes with varying needs.

Walk all year long with Safe Routes to School

Go beyond your Walk to School event to support safe walking and bicycling all year long
with Safe Routes to School programs. New Federal legislation has recognized the value of
ongoing walking and bicycling and is providing funding for states to establish programs.

Why Promote Walking and Bicycling?

Communities are using the walk or bike to school as the first step to change community
culture and create environments that are more inviting for everyone, young and old. Here
are some reasons to support walking and biking to school:

* To enhance the health of kids
* Increased physical activity can combat a host of health problems facing kids today.
* To improve air quality and the environment
* Replacing car trips to school with walking or bicycling can help reduce air pollution.
* To create safer routes for walking and bicycling. Sidewalks, education
programs and traffic calming measures are some of the ways to improve
conditions.

Now it's a priority

In 2005, new legislation recognized the value of Safe Routes to School programs and is
providing funding for States to establish programs. Politicians and other government
officials are paying attention to the importance of safe walking and biking to school.
Obesity, concern for the environment and the effects of urban sprawl on communities has
led to the joining of efforts among those that care about these and other related issues
like school siting and traffic congestion.

***********************************************************************
SAFE ROUTES:

In the search for ways to make walking to school safer, more fun and more convenient,
communities are finding that walking school buses can make a real difference. Safe
Routes to School programs, which encourage and enable children to safely walk and
bicycle to school, often include walking school buses in their activities. For more
information about these programs, see the National Center for Safe Routes to School
website: (Link) -->> (National Center for Safe Routes to School).

Web Links for Walking School Bus Information and Resources:
1) Walking School Bus
2) International Walk to School in the USA
3) http://www.saferoutesinfo.org
4) SRTS Guide: The Walking School Bus: Combining Safety, Fun and the Walk to School
5) Walking bus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
***************************************************************
A CBS NEW ARTICLE (Excerpted below)

INDIANA, Pa., Dec. 24, 2003
Take The Walking School Bus - A New Program To Get Kids Moving

By Tatiana Morales

(CBS) "In in my day, we had to walk a mile to school - uphill, both ways."

There may be some truth - and a lesson - to that old joke.

Today, only 13 percent of kids walk to school, down from 66 percent 30 years ago.

(Link) -->> Take The Walking School Bus - CBS News

*****************************************************************
FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:

October 6, 2010

It is such a pleasure to send my warmest greetings to all those participating in
International Walk to School Day. By walking or biking to school, students, parents,
teachers, and administrators all across America are getting active. As you know, Let's
Move! aims to end childhood obesity within a generation, and encouraging our children to
be more physically active is a cornerstone of this ambitious goal. Walking or biking to
school also helps kids get a head start on being active for 60 minutes each day, the goal
set by the Presidential Active Lifestyle program.

I know that by getting students moving, we can help ensure they will live full and healthy
lives, and that is why I am so encouraged by all the events going on across our country
this month. To stay connected to our efforts, and share your success stories, please visit
Let's Move! . I hope you know how much I appreciate your participation in this effort, and
I wish you the best for a successful Walk to School Day.

Signed,
Michelle Obama

YouTube Videos on Walking School Bus:

1) Every Body Walk - Walking School Bus: A Community Solution (3:23)
‪Walking School Bus: A Community Solution (Every Body Walk!)‬&rlm; - YouTube

2) Walking School Bus 2010 (2:22)
‪Walking School Bus 2010‬&rlm; - YouTube

3) America's Walking | A Call to Action | Walking School Bus (5:40)
‪America's Walking | A Call to Action | Walking School Bus‬&rlm; - YouTube

Consumed · Jul 27, 2011

I always thought it was a gift, gift of repentance by God revealing us to Himself that breaks our heart and awakens us to the life of rebellion we had been leading. Don't think it's a formula, liturgy or something we can actually do without God. we can preach love mercy grace or fire and brimstone all we like, unless God does it we are just sowing and watering the seed for Him to bring forth the increase.
My 2cents

Laodicea · Jul 27, 2011

Matthew 3:1-2
(1) In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
(2) And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17
(17) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Acts 2:37-38
(37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2 Timothy 2:25
(25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

The first word of John the baptist was repent, the first word of Jesus was repent, the first word of Peter was repent, repentance is a gift of God and is the first step to Christ

AnandaHya · Jul 27, 2011

Consumed said:

yeah and I think God made us to be caretakers of His garden, the Earth and all the creature there in. However out of pride and self-absorption most people do not think about the world around us except to learn what they can use and exploit.

we have news bulletins telling us that it not safe to go outside to breathe and no one really seems to be concerned with the slow poison we pour into the world around us with our man-made products, roads, houses, factories, etc.

everyone says how wonderful plastic is but most don't think about the ecological impact. then we have oil and how it takes hundreds of years to create naturally but we as a society will eventually deplete it. there are alternatives like electric cars and such but due to money and who is in control and not wanting to lose that power we don't see it as a world until all patents are bought up by the big oil companies so they do not lose the power they now have when they let the world be switched to electric....

i could go on with the list of the world's sins and my own but I'd rather go play with the kids and pray that God show me ways I can every day live for His glory and trust that HE will take care of the bigger picture.

practical ways I have found:

1. teach children the importance of the world and how God's creation should be treasured and cared for
2. use reusable coffee cups and avoid products that have excessive packaging
3. buy organic and locally grown food,
4. walk or ride your bike to places instead of driving all the time, car pool with people
5. be aware of the issues and vote for people who listen to your concerns at least on a local political level.

truthfully we need to spend time in prayer and ask GOD what HE wants us to do and ask Him to reveal to us our sins that we might not be aware of.

I found a lot of common sin is that most of the west takes things for granted: air conditioning, access to a grocery store, running water, etc. I think its a sin to not thank God for His providence and help others as God has helped us, for all things in Heaven and Earth belong to God not us. it is just on loan from our Heavenly Father. Even our own bodies don't really belong to us but we are made to praise and glorify HIM.

So we should in our hearts continually praise His Holy name. Hallejuh thank You Jesus!

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 27, 2011

AnandaHya said:

I agree -- Thanks for sharing!

But what about a call to repentance? I understand some churches have a "Green
Ministry" or "Green Deacons/Deaconesses" for example. Without becoming or being
labeled "tree hugger christians", is there a biblical approach to redeeming creation,
curbing excesses, self denial, moderation, self control? How do we get a message to the
'gentiles' if we can't start in the churches- religious or church-proper?

eternally-gratefull · Jul 27, 2011

Repent means to change ones thinking or mind.

before we come to christ. our minds are at enmity with God. We Are Gods enemy. we despise God. we think we are our own God and do not need him. We are fine just the way we are. and how dare God say otherwise.

true repentance is a change of this attitude.

God says we are sinners. The things he calls sin are against him, contrary to him, and damaging to us -we agree with him (repent)
God says we are rightly judged and condemned - we agree with him (repent)
God says he has a plan, which goes against our plan (we are able to save ourselves or do not need saved) - we agree with him (repent)
God says he is real. and he came to do what we can never do, died in our place, took our penalty for us. and because of this and only this, we can be restored to fellowship with him. he is offering us this gift, all we need to do is take it. We agree with him (repent)

This is true repentance which leads to salvation.

after we are saved, we still may need to repent on issues, as we learn doctrines which we did not agree with. learn things we di dnot know were sin are sin. and many other things, we agree with God on these things (repent) and in doing so we work toward maturity.

eternally-gratefull · Jul 27, 2011

what repentance is not.

1. When we sin, asking Gods forgiveness so he can restore us to eternal life
2. feeling sorry for ourselves, and our sin
3. a thing which we must continually do until the day we die or we will not be saved.

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 27, 2011

Consumed said:

Thanks for sharing -- I agree.

It is written, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Do you believe
that sometimes we get caught up in religious debate, jots and tittles, comparing verses
and worrying over Greek and Hebrew syntax (not 'sin-tax')? Is there a practical call to
repentance. I see Laodicea posted a few good verses calling to repentance, but I think
believe people means that is for others, or it's ONLY about personal sin. Is it a sin to go to
McDonalds, is it a sin to drink bottled beverages, is it a sin to use the clothes dryer, is it a
sin to drive to Disney World, etc.?

I agree with AnandaHya that in the west, we have taken for granted so many things,
water, electricity, food, transportation and such like as if it is infinite and a civil right. Yet,
these very fundamental things are quite limited, run by huge corporations or the
Government and the people do not know how tenuous these things are.

Is it improper to point such things out? Is it unbiblical to call to practical repentance? If
not, how do we begin a call to repent, for literal salvation, from these very serious
excesses of the west?

AnandaHya · Jul 27, 2011

I'm a old fashion, change one mind and one person at a time, starting with myself and allowing that to overflow to those around me type of person.

I have no power over others, I have no power over myself or what happens around me except what God has given me.

" is there a biblical approach to redeeming creation,
curbing excesses, self denial, moderation, self control? "

complete submission to the will of Jesus Christ, diligent study of His Holy Words, transformation of the mind, heart and spirit through following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

conviction and revelations of sins brings repentance and heartfelt prayer to God to ask Him to help a believer overcome that sin and trust and faith and diligence to accomplish that end of removing the bondage chains of sins and tear down strongholds in our minds that war against the knowledge of God.

Our lives are testimony for God. we are to love others not force our wills upon them. we are to help them learn and guide them into a closer relationship with God, not add more chains and man made laws but work together to learn God's commandments and through His Holy Spirit learn how to keep them as a united body in Christ.

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 27, 2011

eternally-gratefull said:

I agree in concept and principle (though we could have another discussion, in another
thread on 'saved, conviction, free gift' and such concepts). Perhaps we could do a word
study on 'repent' / 'repentance' in another thread also - a good thought.

But what brings 'conviction' that changes one's heart? Do we need to see people in China
and Japan walking around in public with face-masks because the air is so filthy? That is
not enough yet, do we need to see children unable to breath in the US without an inhaler
because of the increased incidence of Asthma in Children? Do we not see the causes of
Cancer and Heart Disease and repent? -- NO, we make a drug company a god, a doctor a
god, a Pharmacist a god. We want, we demand, a magic pill, or that "The government do
something about it". We imply or state directly, we have a right, an entitlement. We say
... I did nothing wrong ... perhaps we need to start to wake up and say ... I DID NOTHING ...

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 27, 2011

* Not calling for a "Laundry List" of do's and don'ts
* Not calling for a spiritual boy scout badge
* Certainly not calling for a legalism or legalistic approach to what the secular world calls
"conservation", "self control", "moderation" that the church calls "repentance" (wait,
isnt self control and temperance a fruit of the spirit?)
* The Secular world seems to be much more aware, much more involved than run of the
mill McReligion and Churchianity -- Be it Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" or Zoe Weil's
School Presentation Ministry and such like.

Dr. Seuss -- The Lorax

Dr. Seuss - The Lorax, Movie in 3-D Coming in 2012
(links below):

... And all that the Lorax Left here in this mess
was a small pile of rocks, with one word ...
"UNLESS"

UNLESS -- someone like you
cares a whole awful lot

Nothing is going to get better.
It's Not.

OUTLINE:
* 1) The Lorax: (summary from Captioned Media Program)
* 2) A Review from Dauntless Media
* 3) Amazon.com Review
* 4) LORAX -- YouTube Links: (trailer, summaries (2), E-book)
* 5) About the Author:

* 1) The Lorax: (summary from Captioned Media Program)
(Link) -->> DCMP.org :: Home (CMP))

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not,"
proclaims the Lorax in this cautionary tale of greed and environmental destruction.
Narrated by the villain of the story, the Once-ler, the tale recounts how the Lorax tried to
save the Truffula Forest and its inhabitants from disaster at the hands of the insatiable
factory owner. The Lorax's pleas are ignored and tragedy follows. A Dr. Seuss classic, it
also serves as an ecological warning that still rings true today.
From: The Lorax - A guide for high school students
(Link) -->> http://csc.gallaudet.edu/soarhigh/Lorax.html

* 2) A Review from Dauntless Media:

Dr. Seuss is a master of story telling. As a case in point, take some time to google what
Yertle the Turtle is *really* about. The Lorax is a bit more straightforward in terms of its
message. But it is in how the show portrays that message that matters most.

What resonates are how industry and economics conflict with the need to protect and
safeguard our environment. It's something of a tragedy that the world "environmentalism"
has grown to take on negative connotations. But as "The Lorax" demonstrates, concerns
about our planet become trivialized when there is profit to be had. A particularly poignant
scene comes from an internal dialogue from the Onceler. It provides the kind of excuses
that arise in the name of progress and industry at the expense of the environment.

"The Lorax" effectively conveys its message not just through song and story, but also
visually. When we first see the Truffula forest its vibrantly colored against the backdrop
of a sapphire blue sky. But as the Onceler builds his Thneed business not only are the
Truffula trees systematically decimated, but as the industrial pollutants infect the land,
the colors change from vibrant to grey and brown. In the end, the lesson for the industrial
and economically inclined: without taking precautions for protecting the environment
industry will consume everything and eventually destroy itself.
(Link) -->> The Lorax – Review and Analysis | DauntlessMedia.net

* 3) Amazon.com Review

When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and
perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an
ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting,
pollution, and disregard for the earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've
come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully
original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something
more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

The now remorseful Once-ler--our faceless, bodiless narrator--tells the story himself.
Long ago this enterprising villain chances upon a place filled with wondrous Truffula Trees,
Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba- loots, and Humming-Fishes. Bewitched by the beauty of
the Truffula Tree tufts, he greedily chops them down to produce and mass-market
Thneeds. ("It's a shirt. It's a sock. It's a glove. It's a hat.") As the trees swiftly disappear
and the denizens leave for greener pastures, the fuzzy yellow Lorax (who speaks for the
trees "for the trees have no tongues") repeatedly warns the Once-ler, but his words of
wisdom are for naught. Finally the Lorax extricates himself from the scorched earth (by
the seat of his own furry pants), leaving only a rock engraved "UNLESS." Thus, with his
own colorful version of a compelling morality play, Dr. Seuss teaches readers not to fool
with Mother Nature.

But as you might expect from Seuss, all hope is not lost--the Once-ler has saved a single
Truffula Tree seed! Our fate now rests in the hands of a caring child, who becomes our last
chance for a clean, green future.

* 4) LORAX -- YouTube Links:

a) LORAX 2012 Movie Trailer (0:43)
(Link) -->> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMPA5IP62Uo&feature=related

[youtubesmall]FMPA5IP62Uo&feature=related[/youtubesmall]

b) Simple Summary (1:11):
(Link) -->> ‪The Lorax‬&rlm; - YouTube

c) Good Summary (3:30):
(Link) -->> ‪The Lorax Movie‬&rlm; - YouTube

d) Lorax E-Book - Reading with Text and Illustrations (17:57):
(Link) -->> ‪The Lorax (ebook)‬&rlm; - YouTube

* 5) About the Author:

Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. After
attending Dartmouth College and Oxford University, he began a career in advertising.

Brilliant, playful, and always respectful of children, Dr. Seuss charmed his way into the
consciousness of four generations of youngsters and parents. In the process, he helped
kids learn to read.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and three Academy Awards, Seuss was the author and
illustrator of 44 children's books, some of which have been made into audiocassettes,
animated television specials, and videos for children of all ages. Even after his death in
1991, Dr. Seuss continues to be the best-selling author of children's books in the world.

Laodicea · Jul 27, 2011

Ezekiel 14:6
(6) Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

Repent means to turn away, we turn away from our sins and turn to God and surrender to him. That is why to repent is the first step to Christ.

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 28, 2011

Laodicea said:

I agree. The focus here though is on PRACTICAL (call it life application if you will)
REPENTANCE.

Tell us some of these IDOLS, what an Idol is, when do we begin to idolize a thing. The idea
here is to share approaches to common place errors in lifestyle that we ALL may have
been by TRADITION or BRAINWASHING, led in to.

Consciousness raising unto conviction, unto repentance

ONE EXAMPLE:
I once had a discussion with a person from Ohio who exhorted unto repentance of keeping
any forms of medications in the house. This person had run ins with legalism as well as an
awareness of practical abuse of household/common name/place medications available
over the counter. He pointed out the rise in popularity among teens and other groups, of
abuse of say various cough and cold medicines. Things our parents may have taken for
granted, but are now marked for abuse. I want to raise the sensitivity level of such
things. Today, many states have laws preventing teens from purchasing even over the
counter (really 'off the shelf') medications because of such abuses. I was not even aware
of these issues (this was about 5 years ago), but being made aware, began to see the
stories of many abuses. This consciousness raising is what Paul referred to in asking, --
by being under grace do we do away with the law, no - rather we ESTABLISH THE LAW (in
hearts and minds, behaviors, practices, lifestyle changes).

LAODICEA, can you share some common behaviors, traits, actions, that we might need to
increase our awareness of.

What about Ellen Gould White prohibitions of caffeine for example, and what we have seen
with McDonald's, StarBuck's, Dunkin Donuts and such other Powerful, Influential, and
Moneyed Organizations. It is not against any LAW to partake of such things ... do we
somehow then re-ESTABLISH the law (of common sense, self control, moderation -- fruits
of the spirit)

Consumed · Jul 28, 2011

2 chron 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

eternally-gratefull · Jul 28, 2011

Consumed said:

Amazing passage still in affect today. If Israel repents. God WILL heal their land. and give it to them.

Digital_Angel_316 · Jul 28, 2011

Consumed said:

But what again in a PRACTICAL REPENTANCE sense? What about the Christmas Tree for
example?

Jeremiah 10:2-4
Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs
of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are
vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with
the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with
hammers, that it move not.

Jeremiah 8:6
I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his
wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse
rusheth into the battle.

Care to share the figures on the multi-BILLION Dollar Christmas Industry for example?

Digital_Angel_316 · Aug 10, 2011

A Sermon - Delivered on Sabbath Morning, September 23,
1855,by the REV. C. H. Spurgeon - At New Park Street Chapel,
Southwark. - Sermon #44

"Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."—Acts 11:18.

Spurgeon Says ...

"Repentance unto life "is the act of salvation of the soul, the germ
which contains all the essentials of salvation, which secures them to us,
and prepares us for them.

I. First, then, we will consider certain FALSE REPENTANCES. I will
begin with this remark—that trembling beneath the sound of the gospel
is not "repentance."

II. Now, having thus warned you that there are many false kinds of
repentance, I propose to occupy a short time by some remarks on TRUE
REPENTANCE, and the signs whereby we may discern whether we have
that "repentance" which is "unto life."

There must be in this repentance, I think, not only sorrow, but there
must be practice—practical repentance.

"'Tis not enough to say we're sorry, and repent,
And then go on from day to day just as we always went"

III. Now comes the concluding and third point, and that "THE BLESSED
BENEFICENCE OF GOD in granting to men "repentance unto life."
"Repentance," my dear friends, is the gift of God.

I think the same thing happens with regard to "repentance." If a man
says, "I want to believe," and tries by some mechanical means to work
himself into repentance, it is an absurdity, and he will never accomplish
it. But the way for him to repent is by God's grace to believe, to believe
and think on Jesus.

Then beloved, if you would have "repentance," this is my best advice to
you—look to Jesus. And may the blessed Giver of all "repentance unto
salvation" guard you from the false repentances which I have
described, and give you that "repentance," which existeth unto life.

Excerpted from SPURGEONS SERMON #44
Link -->> Repentance Unto Life

Digital_Angel_316 · Aug 10, 2011

Repentance: According to 2 Corinthians 7:11 - By John Calvin

Institutes of the Christian Religion
Vol 3 pages 76-86

15. REPENTANCE ACCORDING TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7:11
16. OUTWARD AND INWARD REPENTANCE
17. THE OUTWARD PRACTICE OF PENANCE MUST NOT BECOME THE CHIEF THING

Next Post:

18. CONFESSION OF SIN BEFORE GOD AND BEFORE MEN

19. REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS ARE INTERRELATED

20. IN WHAT SENSE IS REPENTANCE THE PRIOR CONDITION OF FORGIVENESS?

21. REPENTANCE AS GOD'S FREE GIFT

THE SERMON:

15. REPENTANCE ACCORDING TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7:11
It is for a very good reason that the apostle enumerates seven
causes, effects, or parts in his description of repentance. They are
earnestness or carefulness, excuse, indignation,fear, longing, zeal, and
avenging [ 2 Corinthians 7:11]. It should not seem absurd that I dare not
determine whether they ought to be accounted causes or effects, for
either is debatable. And they can also be called inclinations joined with
repentance. But because,leaving out those questions, we can
understand what Paul means, we shall be content with a simple
exposition.

Therefore, he says that from "sorrow…according to God" [2 Corinthians
7:10] careful nessarises. For he who is touched with a lively feeling of
dissatisfaction with self because he has sinned against his God is at the
same time aroused to diligence and attention, that he may escape from
the devil's snares, that he may better take precaution against his
wiles,and that he may not afterward fall away from the governance of
the Holy Spirit, nor be lulled into a sense of security.

Next is "excuse," which in this passage does not signify a defense
whereby the sinner, in order to escape God's judgment, either denies
that he has offended or extenuates his fault; but rather purification,
which relies more on asking pardon than on confidence in one's own
cause. Just as children who are not froward, while they recognize and
confess their errors, plead for pardon, and to obtain it, testify in
whatever way they can that they have not at all abandoned that
reverence which they owe their parents. In short, they so excuse
themselves not to prove themselves righteous and innocent, but only
to obtain pardon. There follows indignation, when the sinner moans
inwardly with himself, finds fault with himself, and is angry with himself,
while recognizing his own perversity and his own ungratefulness
toward God.

By the word "fear" Paul means that trembling which is produced in our
minds as often as we consider both what we deserve and how dreadful
is the severity of God's wrath toward sinners. We must then be troubled
with an extraordinary disquiet, which both teaches us humility and
renders us more cautious thereafter. But if that carefulness of which we
have previously spoken arises from fear, we see the bond by which
these two are joined together.

It seems to me that he has used the word "longing" to express that
diligence in doing our duty and that readiness to obey to which
recognition of our sins ought especially to summon us. To this also
pertains the "zeal" that he joins directly to it, for it signifies an ardor by
which we are aroused when those spurs are applied to us. What have I
done? Whither had I plunged if God's mercy had not succored me?

Lastly, there is "avenging." For the more severe we are toward
ourselves, and the more sharply we examine our own sins, the more we
ought to hope that God is favorable and merciful toward us. And truly, it
could not happen otherwise than that the soul itself,stricken by dread of
divine judgment, should act the part of an avenger in carrying out its
own punishment. Those who are really religious experience what sort
of punishments are shame, confusion, groaning, displeasure with self,
and other emotions that arise out of a lively recognition of sin. Yet we
must remember to exercise restraint, lest sorrow engulf us. For nothing
more readily happens to fearful consciences than falling into despair.
And also by this stratagem, whomever Satan sees overwhelmed by the
fear of God he more and more submerges in that deep whirlpool of
sorrow that they may never rise again.

That fear cannot, indeed, be too great which ends in humility, and does
not depart from the hope of pardon. Nevertheless, in accordance with
the apostle's injunction the sinner ought always to beware lest, while he
worries himself into dissatisfaction weighed down by excessive fear, he
become faint [Hebrews 12:3]. For in this way we flee from God, who calls
us to himself through repentance. On this matter Bernard's admonition
is also useful:

"Sorrow for sins is necessary if it be not unremitting. I beg
you to turn your steps back sometimes from troubled and
anxious remembering of your ways, and to go forth to the
tableland of serene remembrance of God's benefits. Let us
mingle honey with wormwood that its wholesome bitterness
may bring health when it is drunk tempered with sweetness.
If you take thought upon yourselves in your humility, take
thought likewise upon the Lord in his goodness." (The fruits
of repentance: holiness of life, confession and remission of
sins; repentance is lifelong, 16-20)

16. OUTWARD AND INWARD REPENTANCE
Now we can understand the nature of the fruits of repentance: the
duties of piety toward God, of charity toward men, and in the whole of
life, holiness and purity. Briefly, the more earnestly any man measures
his life by the standard of God's law, the surer are the signs of
repentance that he shows. Therefore, the Spirit, while he urges us to
repentance, often recalls us now to the individual precepts of the law,
now to the duties of the Second Table. Yet in other passages the Spirit
has first condemned uncleanness in the very wellspring of the heart,
and then proceeded to the external evidences that mark sincere
repentance. I will soon set before my readers' eyes a table of this matter
in a description of the life of the Christian. I will not gather evidences
from the prophets, wherein they sometimes scorn the follies of those
who strive to appease God with ceremonies and show them to be mere
laughingstocks, and at other times teach that outward uprightness of
life is not the chief point of repentance, for God looks into men's
hearts.

Whoever is moderately versed in Scripture will understand by himself,
without the admonition of another, that when we have to deal with God
nothing is achieved unless we begin from the inner disposition of
the heart. And the passage from Joel will contribute no little to the
understanding of the rest:

"Rend your hearts and not your garments" [Joel 2:13].

Both of these exhortations also are briefly expressed in
these words of James,

"Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts,
you men of double mind" [James 4:8],

where there is indeed an addition in the first clause; yet the source and
origin is then shown: namely, that men must cleanse away secret filth in
order that an altar may be erected to God in the heart itself.

Besides, there are certain outward exercises that we use privately as
remedies, either to humble ourselves or to tame our flesh, but publicly
as testimony of repentance [2Corinthians 7:11]. Moreover, they arise
from that "avenging" of which Paul speaks [IBID]. For these are the
characteristics of an afflicted mind: to be in squalor, groaning, and
tears; to flee splendor and any sort of trappings; to depart from all
delights. Then he who feels what a great evil rebellion of the flesh is
seeks every remedy to restrain it. Moreover, he who well considers
how serious it is to have run counter to God's justice cannot rest until,
in his humility, he has given glory to God.

The old writers often mention exercises of this sort when they discuss
the fruits of repentance. But although they do not place the force
of repentance in them - my readers will pardon me if I say what I think - it
seems to me that they depend too much upon such exercises. And if
any man will wisely weigh this matter, he will agree with me, I trust, that
they have in two respects gone beyond measure. For when they urged
so much and commended with such immoderate praises that bodily
discipline, they succeeded in making the people embrace it with greater
zeal; but they somewhat obscured what ought to have been of far
greater importance. Secondly, in inflicting punishments they were
somewhat more rigid than the gentleness of the church would call for,
as we shall have occasion to show in another place.

17. THE OUTWARD PRACTICE OF PENANCE MUST NOT BECOME THE CHIEF THING
Some persons, when they hear weeping, fasting, and ashes spoken of
in various passages,and especially in Joel [ Joel 2:12], consider that
repentance consists chiefly of fasting and weeping. This delusion of
theirs must be removed. What is there said concerning the conversion
of the entire heart to the Lord, and concerning the rending not of
garments but of the heart, belongs properly to repentance. But weeping
and fasting are not subjoined as perpetual or necessary effects of this,
but have their special occasion. Because he had prophesied that the
Jews were threatened with a very great disaster, he counseled them to
forestall the wrath of God; not only by repenting, but also by manifesting
their sorrow. For just as an accused man is wont to present himself as a
suppliant with long beard, uncombed hair, and mourner's clothing to
move the judge to mercy; so it behooved them when arraigned before
the judgment seat of God to beg, in their miserable condition, that his
severity be averted. But although perhaps sackcloth and ashes better
fitted those times, it is certain that there will be a very suitable use
among us for weeping and fasting whenever the Lord seems to
threaten us with any ruin or calamity.

When he causes some danger to appear, he announces that he is ready
and,after a manner, armed for revenge. Therefore, the prophet does
well to exhort his people to weeping and fasting - that is, to the sorrow
of accused persons, for he had just stated that their evil deeds were
brought to trial. In like manner, the pastors of the church would not be
doing ill today if, when they see ruin hanging over the necks of their
people, they were to cry out to them to hasten to fasting and weeping;
provided - and this is the principal point - they always urge with greater
and more intent care and effort that "they should rend their hearts and
not their garments" [ Joel 2:13]. There is no doubt whatsoever that
fasting is not always closely connected with repentance, but is
especially intended for times of calamity. Accordingly, Christ links it with
mourning when he releases the apostles from need of it, until, deprived
of his presence, they should be overwhelmed with grief [ Matthew 9:15].
I am speaking concerning a public fast, for the life of the godly ought to
be tempered with frugality and sobriety that throughout its course a sort
of perpetual fasting may appear. But because that whole matter is to be
investigated again where we discuss the discipline of the church, I now
touch upon it rather sparingly.

Link -->> Repentance: According to 2 Corinthians 7:11 by John Calvin

PRACTICAL REPENTANCE UNTO SALVATION

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