How can we implement the call to "preach that people should repent" today? The Original Mandate in Mark 6:12 “So they went out and preached that the people should repent.” (Mark 6:12) Jesus literally sent the Twelve with a clear, uncomplicated assignment: announce that every hearer must turn from sin to God. That commission has never been recalled or revised. Why Repentance Remains Central • Luke 24:47 — “and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in His name to all nations.” • Acts 17:30 – 31 — God “now commands all people everywhere to repent.” • 2 Peter 3:9 — He is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Repentance is the doorway to forgiveness, the proof of faith, and the prelude to genuine discipleship. The Unchanging Message We Proclaim 1. God is holy and worthy of all obedience (Isaiah 6:3). 2. Every person has sinned and stands guilty (Romans 3:23). 3. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 4. Jesus died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 5. He now commands, “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38). The call is not self-improvement but a decisive, Spirit-empowered turn from sin to Christ. Practical Ways to Preach Repentance Today • Everyday conversations – Share your own story of turning to Christ. – Use plain language: “I realized my sin, asked Jesus to forgive me, and He changed me.” – Gently invite others: “That same forgiveness is offered to you if you’ll turn to Him.” • Public proclamation – Faithful exposition from pulpits must include the summons to repent (2 Timothy 4:2). – Street preaching, campus outreach, or community events can carry the message beyond church walls. • Digital witness – Post short testimonies, Scriptures, and gospel summaries on social media. – Start a blog, podcast, or video channel that explains repentance and faith. • Gospel-driven acts of mercy – Meet tangible needs (food, tutoring, disaster relief) while clearly stating the call to turn to Christ (James 2:15-17). • Discipleship pathways – In small groups or one-on-one mentoring, continually define and model repentance (Acts 26:20). • Global missions – Support and send workers who explicitly preach repentance among unreached peoples (Matthew 28:19-20). Cultivating a Life That Confirms Our Words • Daily self-examination and confession (1 John 1:9). • Quick, humble repentance when we sin, showing the very response we urge others to make. • A lifestyle marked by the fruit of repentance—love, integrity, generosity (Luke 3:8-14). Speaking With Grace and Truth • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • “Always be ready to make a defense…yet with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). • Correct opponents “with gentleness,” trusting God to grant repentance (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Depending on the Spirit’s Power • “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). • The Spirit convicts “of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). Our role is to speak; His role is to pierce hearts. Taking the Next Step Begin by renewing your own commitment to live repentantly, then open your mouth wherever God places you—home, workplace, neighborhood, or the farthest nation—confident that the unchanged gospel of repentance still has divine power to save (Romans 1:16). |
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