“John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4
As I’ve mentioned before, my comments are usually centered on a word or phrase that stands out in my Daily Reading. And,…if you’ve read my FB Posts, you know One that seems to catch my eye more than others is that of Repentance. Ever since my awareness of its absence in modern Gospel Preaching, I have been intrigued, since it is used prolifically throughout the Bible. Here, Mark says what was widely known about John the Baptist; he came “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. And as the Forerunner to the Savior, it is KEY to understanding Christ’s Ministry and the Gospel!
As you read through the New Testament, we’re also told that Jesus “and” His Disciples, preached “Repentance” in association with the Gospel. How is it then, a glaring missing ingredient today in Evangelism? Is it because the Law of God has been relegated to an obsolete Theme and aspect of Christianity? Jesus Himself said “do not think I have come to abolish the Law!” Paul said “through the Law comes the knowledge of Sin”. Without the Law being in the forefront of a Gospel Message (the Bad News), then there really is no Good News to embrace. Repentance is a Necessity to have Forgiveness. Faith in Christ can only come when a Sinner Repents! May God bring a Revival to this Absent Theme in preaching today!!!