What actions can we take to align with God's call to "turn and live"? God’s Compassionate Call “As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!” (Ezekiel 33:11) Recognize Our Need • Acknowledge the reality of personal sin (Romans 3:23) • Admit that sin brings death (Romans 6:23) • Humble yourself under God’s righteous standards (Psalm 51:3–4) Repentance: Turning from Sin • Change your mind and direction—leave known patterns of disobedience (Acts 3:19) • Confess specific sins to God and, when necessary, to those you’ve wronged (1 John 1:9; James 5:16) • Cast away anything that fuels rebellion—habits, influences, or relationships that entice you back (Ezekiel 18:31) Embracing New Life in Christ • Trust Jesus’ finished work on the cross for full pardon (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21) • Receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers holy living (Romans 8:11) • Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22–24) Daily Practices That Keep Us Turned • Scripture intake—read, meditate, memorize (Psalm 119:11) • Prayer—open dialogue that confesses, thanks, and seeks guidance (Philippians 4:6–7) • Obedient action—doers, not hearers only (James 1:22) • Worship and fellowship with believers for mutual strengthening (Hebrews 10:24–25) • Accountability—invite trusted brothers or sisters to speak truth in love (Proverbs 27:17) Bearing Fruit Worthy of Repentance • Pursue acts of mercy and justice (Micah 6:8) • Forgive as you have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14–15) • Share the good news so others may “turn and live” (2 Corinthians 5:20) Encouragement to Persevere “The Lord is…patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Keep responding to His patience with ongoing, wholehearted turning. Each day is another invitation to walk the path that leads to life. |
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