Importance of Repentance

Matthew 3:1-2

In those days John the Baptist  came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea   and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven  has come near.”

Mark 6:12

And forgive us our debts,

 as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,  every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:21

I have declared to both Jews  and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance  and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,  as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient  with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Luke 13:3

I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

The Authority of Jesus Questioned

Mark  11:27-33 — Mt 21:23-27; Lk 20:1-8

  They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.   “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”

      Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.   John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

    They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’   But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) 

    So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

 Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

[Message No: 7917]