Building a Solid Foundation
There is only ONE way to believe in God; that is the Bible way.
The most basic building block in our foundation with God is faith. The Word of God tells us in Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”
Faith is taking God at His word. Faith is an action word; if you believe it, you will do it. Without words, faith is dead. James 2:20 Living faith produces results. Hebrews 11:1 states: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Without works, faith is dead. Faith always proves itself by its willingness to obey. Disobedience brought sin into the world; obedience brings salvation. Having true faith is being obedient. Grace is the basis by which salvation is provided. Faith is the condition by which salvation is applied.
Throughout the Bible, the Lord is constantly beckoning us to draw near to Him and to enter into an everlasting covenant with Him.
Isaiah 55:2-3 says “…Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you
Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near..”
In Matthew 11:28-29, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.…”
These are just a few references that illustrate how the Lord has always been reaching out to His people. The way that we respond to the call of God is through repentance.
Repentance comes from the Greek word “metanoia” Strong's G#3341. “Metanoia” means a reversal of a direction in life through words and actions, to think differently, or to reconsider the input of information; to repent, to change one’s mind.
Repentance is not just an emotion, but rather a decision. When we truly repent, we change our mind, our attitude, and purpose about sin.
Repentance is the process of making the decision to turn away from a life of sin and to turn to God. It is an entire change of mind resulting in a total change of life. Repentance is not optional; it is a direct command from God to everyone. Acts 17:30
Many other Scriptures deal with the subject of repentance.
• Jesus taught it Luke 13:3,
• John the Baptist taught it Matthew 3:1-2
• the Apostles taught it Acts 5:29-32
Jesus said in Mark 1:15, “…. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.””
Mark 6:7,12 tells how Jesus sent the disciples out to preach that men should repent.
Peter says in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Paul stated in Acts 20:20-21, “…. I have taught you publicly and from house to house repentance toward God.”
Jesus stated in Luke 24:27 “…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem….”.
The very first Gospel message ever preached over 2,000 years ago in the city of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost began with repentance. Acts 2:38 Repentance and remission are not the same.
They are totally different words with totally different meanings. Luke 24:47 Repentance is only the first step in the rebirth experience. Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus and receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the complete experience of being born again.
Paul said “to die daily” which means to repent every day. We must renew our commitment to the Lord on a daily basis. This keeps us strong and focused.
In Philippians 1:21, Paul said “...to live is Christ and to die is gain.” The Bible tells us in the Book of Romans that the fleshly carnal nature guides us away from God. Romans 8:17-21, 23, 25
This is why we must, as Paul stated, “die” daily. It is the Holy Spirit that guides us to God. John 16:13 Hebrews 6:1 tells us the repentance is foundational. Hebrews 6:1
The foundation of God stands sure. 2 Timothy 2:19, Ephesians 2:20 Jesus taught about building our house of faith on a solid foundation. Luke 6:46-48, Matthew 16:18 In the physical realm, the depth and strength of the foundation of a building will determine that building’s durability and strength.
So, it is with us; the foundation of repentance upon which we build our spiritual house will determine the strength and success of our spiritual life.
The prefix “re” means to do it again. We see so many examples of this prefix used in the Bible:
• regenerate
• redeem
• renew
• revive
• restore
• reconciliation
• remission
• rejoice
• return
• repent and so many others.
The prefix “re” attached to the word “repentance” means to do it again and again. Repentance represents death, death to our sinful nature.
As long as we remain in these carnal bodies, repentance is a way of life for us. Every day we must make the decision to devote our lives to God and to continue to turn our backs on sin.
Conclusion
Always remember that God so loved the world that He got involved with what the world needed most, that is a saviour. John 3:16, Luke 2:11
God shed His blood for you. Acts 20:28. He gave His life to save you. 1 Timothy 3:16
It is the goodness of His great heart that is leading you to a place called repentance. Romans 2:4 Repentance is not only the first step that we take as we come to the Lord, but I also that solid foundation upon which we must build our spiritual house.
