By Senior Pastor Gama | Jun 14, 2025
Text: Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, there is a word that has been misunderstood, neglected, and at times even avoided — and that word is repentance. Yet, it is one of the most vital messages in the entire Bible. It is not a word of condemnation; it is a word of hope, of healing, and of restoration.
From the lips of John the Baptist, to Jesus, to Peter, and to Paul — the call has always been: Repent and turn to God.
1. What is Repentance?
Repentance is more than just feeling sorry. It is more than crying over our sins. True repentance means a change of heart, a change of mind, and a change of direction.
The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, literally means “a change of mind.” But not just an intellectual shift — it’s a turning of the whole self away from sin, and toward God.
It’s like a U-turn on the road of life. You were heading one way — toward sin, pride, addiction, unforgiveness — and then you stop, turn around, and walk toward holiness, humility, obedience, and love.
2. Why Must We Repent?
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
We repent because sin separates us from God, and only through repentance can we be made clean. No one can enter heaven with unrepented sin. That’s not judgment — that’s the truth of God’s righteousness.
Jesus didn’t die so we could continue in sin — He died so we could be set free from it.
Repentance is not punishment — it is God’s gift to us. Through it, He wipes away our sins like a chalkboard wiped clean. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
3. The Fruit of Repentance
The verse continues: “…that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Oh, what a promise! Repentance is not just about guilt — it is about refreshing. When we repent:
Our hearts are made clean.
Our burdens are lifted.
Our relationship with God is restored.
We receive peace that surpasses understanding.
We are filled again with the joy of salvation.
Repentance doesn’t bring shame — it brings freedom. The enemy wants you to hide in your sin, but Jesus invites you to bring it into the light and receive grace.
4. A Call to Return
Beloved, maybe you’ve been walking with God, but you've grown cold in your heart. Or maybe there's a sin you have been ignoring, justifying, or hiding.
Today, the Holy Spirit is calling you: Return to your first love. Come home. Repent and be refreshed.
Joel 2:13 says,
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love..
He is not waiting to punish you — He is waiting to embrace you.
5. How to Repent
Confess your sin honestly before God.
Turn away from it — don’t entertain it any longer.
Surrender your heart again to Jesus.
Ask for grace to walk in obedience.
Renew your mind daily through the Word and prayer.
You don’t have to fix yourself first. Come just as you are, and let God begin the work in you.
Conclusion
The message of repentance is a message of love. God does not call you to repent because He is angry — He calls you because He wants you close again.
So today, do not harden your heart. If there is any area where you need to turn around, do it now. His arms are open. His grace is sufficient.
Let us return to the Lord — and times of refreshing will surely come.
May God bless His Word in your heart today.