Atos 26

Atos 26

Meyer - Acts 26:19 I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. To us, also, the heavenly visions come. On our summer holidays, rising between us and some soaring Alp, or meeting us in our walk beside the gently-breaking sea; on beds of pain and in chambers of watching; visions of the risen Lord; visions of his infinite grief and pain which we have caused; visions of the possibilities of our life as a minister and witness of the things which we have seen; visions of results far down the vista wherein dark souls should become light, slaves emancipated, the defiled saintly. Ah, visions of God! ye leave an indelible impression that moulds and ennobles all after-years! Pitiable the soul to which visions of a holier, sweeter life never come, or, if they come, are never seen. The one important matter is our treatment of them. We may indolently refuse to follow the beckoning hand and obey the voice that calls. We may return to our evil courses and follow the devices and desires of our own hearts. We may cling to the prison cell, instead of following the angel that strikes us on our side, and bids us go forth into freedom. And if so, like Balsam, we shall become spiritually blind, and fail to see visions that the dumb creatures recognize, and that would fain arrest us in our perilous career. On the other hand, if we will obey the vision, we shall not only retain the impression, and feel its prolonged and enthralling power, but shall receive still further manifestations of the will of God. “A witness both of the things wherein thou hast seen Me, and of the things wherein I will appear unto thee.” To those who love and obey Him, He is ever drawing near with fresh and deeper thoughts of the Father. Oswald Chambers - Vision I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. Acts 26:19. If we lose the vision, we alone are responsible, and the way we lose the vision is by spiritual leakage. If we do not run our belief about God into practical issues, it is all up with the vision God has given. The only way to be obedient to the heavenly vision is to give our utmost for God’s highest, and this can only be done by continually and resolutely recalling the vision. The test is the sixty seconds of every minute, and the sixty minutes of every hour, not our times of prayer and devotional meetings. “Though it tarry, wait for it.” We cannot attain to a vision, we must live in the inspiration of it until it accomplishes itself. We get so practical that we forget the vision. At the beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it; we rushed off into practical work, and when the vision was fulfilled, we did not see it. Waiting for the vision that tarries is the test of our loyalty to God. It is at the peril of our soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical work and miss the fulfilment of the vision. Watch God’s cyclones. The only way God sows His saints is by His whirlwind. Are you going to prove an empty pod? It will depend on whether or not you are actually living in the light of what you have seen. Let God fling you out, and do not go until He does. If you select your own spot, you will prove an empty pod. If God sows you, you will bring forth fruit. It is essential to practise the walk of the feet in the light of the vision. What God Has Done Read: Acts 26:6-23 King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. —Acts 26:19 In a debate at Boston College, Christian scholar William Craig Lane convincingly set forth the historical arguments for believing in Jesus’ resurrection, much as the apostle Paul did in Acts 26. Then Lane told the story of his conversion. As a child he never went to church, but in his teens he began to be plagued by questions about death and the meaning of life. He started going to church, but the sermons didn’t answer his questions. What he saw in his church-going classmates led him to conclude that most Christians were phonies. He became an angry loner. One day a girl who always seemed to be happy told him that her joy came from having Jesus in her life, and she assured him that Jesus wanted to live in him too. Lane spent the next 6 months soul-searching and reading the New Testament. “I came to the end of my rope and cried out to God,” he said. “I cried out all the bitterness and anger that was within me. And I felt this tremendous infusion of joy, and God became at that moment a living reality in my life—a reality that has never left me.” We tell others our logic for believing in Jesus, which is based on God’s Word. But it’s also important to tell them what He has done for us personally. You may be tempted to debate To change another's view, But nothing speaks with greater power Than what Christ does for you. —Sper When telling others what Jesus can do for them, tell them what He has done for you. By Herbert VanderLugt James Smith - WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN? Acts 26:19-28. ONE who has— 1. Seen a Vision. "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." 2. Received a Commission. "To open eyes and to turn from darkness to light." 3. Performed a Consecration. "I was not disobedient." Acts 26:20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. NET Acts 26:20 but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance. GNT Acts 26:20 ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἐν Δαμασκῷ πρῶτόν τε καὶ Ἱεροσολύμοις, πᾶσάν τε τὴν χώραν τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπήγγελλον μετανοεῖν καὶ ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν θεόν, ἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσοντας. NLT Acts 26:20 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God-- and prove they have changed by the good things they do. KJV Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. ESV Acts 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. CSB Acts 26:20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance. NIV Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. NKJ Acts 26:20 "but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. NRS Acts 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance. YLT Acts 26:20 but to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem, to all the region also of Judea, and to the nations, I was preaching to reform, and to turn back unto God, doing works worthy of reformation; NAB Acts 26:20 On the contrary, first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem and throughout the whole country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached the need to repent and turn to God, and to do works giving evidence of repentance. NJB Acts 26:20 On the contrary I started preaching, first to the people of Damascus, then to those of Jerusalem and all Judaean territory, and also to the gentiles, urging them to repent and turn to God, proving their change of heart by their deeds. GWN Acts 26:20 Instead, I spread the message that I first told to the Jewish people in Damascus and Jerusalem and throughout the whole country of Judea. I spread the same message to non-Jewish people. Both groups were expected to change the way they thought and acted and to turn to God. I told them to do things that prove they had changed their lives. BBE Acts 26:20 But I went about, first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, and through all the country of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, preaching a change of heart, so that they, being turned to God, might give, in their works, the fruits of a changed heart. declaring both to those of Damascus first, . Acts 9:19–22; 11:26, etc. and at. Acts 9:28, 29; 22:17, 18. And then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles - Acts 26:17; Acts 13:46–48. Acts 14:16–21; 22:21, 22. Ro. 11:18–20. That they should repent . Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21. Jer 31:19, 20. Ezek 18:30–32. Mt 3:2; 4:17; 9:13; 21:30–32. Mk 6:12. Lu. 13:3, 5; 15:7, 10; 24:46, 47. Ro. 2:4. 2 Co. 7:10. 2 Ti. 2:25, 26. Rev 2:5, 21; 3:3; 16:11. and turn to God. Acts 9:35; 14:15; 15:19. Ps 22:27. La. 3:40. Ho. 12:6; 14:2. Lu. 1:16. 2 Co. 3:16. 1 Th. 1:9. performing deeds appropriate to repentance Isa 55:7. Mt 3:8. Lu. 3:8–14; Lu 19:8, 9. Ep. 4:17–32; 5:1–25; 6:1–9. Titus 2:2–13. 1 Pe 1:14–16; 2:9–12; 4:2–5. 2 Pe 1:5-8. Paul Before Agrippa - Video - 7 minutes Acts 26 Resources - Multiple sermons and commentaries PAUL'S MESSAGE REPENT AND TURN TO GOD But kept declaring both to those of Damascus first - Note especially Luke's note that "Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 9:22+) And also at Jerusalem - Luke records that Paul was "moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. And he was talking and arguing (suzeteo) with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death." (Acts 9:28-29+) And then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles - See Acts 13:46, 47, 48+. Acts 14:15,16+; Acts 22:21, 22+. Declaring (telling, announcing, proclaiming) (518)(apaggello from apó = from + aggéllo = tell, declare from aggelos = messenger, one who speaks in place of one who has sent him) means to bring a message or tidings from a person relating what has occurred. The imperfect tense pictures Paul repeatedly declaring. That they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance - Note that repentance is not just a new mindset (a gift from God) but is shown to be authentic by subsequent deeds. Appropriate (514)(áxios) strictly speaking means bringing up the other beam of the scales. Having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much. Counterbalancing - weighing as much (of like value, worth as much). Is this not a beautiful picture of the supernatural work of repentance. From the picture above, imagine the deeds enabled by the Spirit and reflecting the person's repentance are in the pan on one side of the balance and the person's repentance is in the pan on the other side of the scales (yes, you have to use your "sanctified imagination!"). And what this passage says is that the two "balance pans" are "perfectly balanced." A balance with "repentance" on one side and no "deeds" on the other side would be a picture of false repentance, of making a profession of faith and repentance, but without demonstrating any supernatural fruit to validate or authenticate the profession. Does that make sense? NET Note on that they should repent and turn to God - This is the shortest summary of Paul’s message that he preached. How important is "repentance"? Is it a work man does? Is it something added to the gospel? Or is it part of the divinely ordained and bestowed "process" by which a man is saved? Look at a few examples: John the Baptist called for repentance "validated" by fruit - Mt 3:2,8 Jesus began His ministry preaching repent - Mt 4:17 Mk 1:15 Lu 15:4-5+ Peter preached repentance - Acts 2:38+ Acts 3:19+ Paul preached repentance - Acts 20:21+ Acts 26:20+ John preached repentance - Rev 2:5,21+, et al God desires for all to repent - Acts 17:30+ 2Pe 3:9+ Even to the Gentiles - Notice Paul went to Jews first and then to the Greeks (Gentiles) (Ro 1:16+). Repent (3340)(metanoeo from meta = with, among + noeo = to think, exercise the mind <> from nous = mind - see study = metanoia) means to have another mind. It is a change of mind that results in a change of behavior. The corollary = no change in one's behavior = no genuine repentance = no genuine salvation! Metanoeo means to change one's mind in respect to sin, God, and self. To turn to God and from sin (Luke 15:7,10+ = "one sinner who repents", 1Th 1:9+ = repentance demonstrated). It is not an intellectual decision but a change of mind that issues in a change of behavior. This change of mind may, especially in the case of Christians who have fallen into sin, be preceded by sorrow ( 2Cor 7:8, 9, 10, 11); but sorrow for sin, though it may cause repentance, is not repentance. Darrell Bock writes "the point is that repentance involves a reorientation of perspective, a fresh point of view. When dealing with God's plan, it means to see that plan in a new way and to orient oneself to it. Luke demonstrates the fruit of repentance expresses itself concretely (Lk 3:10-14). Repentance expresses itself in life, especially in how one treats others." (Gulp!) There can be NO genuine conversion without genuine repentance. Robertson astutely note that the "word (repent) was the message of the Baptist, of Jesus, of Peter, of Paul, this radical change of attitude and life." God uses at least four factors to prompt repentance - (1) The knowledge of God's Truth should prompt repentance (Mt 11:21-24 - where Chorazin, et al refused to repent at the Truth; cp Lk 16:30-31 which also illustrates the sufficiency of the Truth to prompt repentance.) Note the deadly deception - one can have Truth (as well as #2 sorrow) without true repentance! Beware! (2) Sorrow for sin can lead to repentance (2Cor 7:9-10), but the sorrow per se should NOT be confused with true repentance. E.g., Judas felt sorrow for betraying Jesus but did not repent. (3) God's kindness prompts (leads to) repentance (Ro 2:4). (4) Fear of final judgment (as discussed here in Acts 17:30-31) can motivate one to true repentance. Indeed, realization that there is no other way of escape but through Jesus, should cause any "rational" person to repent. Repentance is not an act separate from faith, but saving faith includes and implies the true change of mind which is called repentance. As noted in the use of the present imperative (see uses below), to repent is not just an event at the time of conversion, but represents an ongoing lifestyle -- we sin daily, and sometimes we get caught in a "rut" (habit) of sin, and so we are daily in desperate need of God's gracious gift of repentance. In the parable of the two sons, our Lord Jesus Christ gives a beautiful illustration of what true repentance looks like (Read Mt 21:28-31 = notice second son changed his mind and his behavior!). As Albert Barnes wisely said "False repentance dreads the consequences of sin; true repentance dreads sin itself." Turn to God - An about face! Luke's use of the related verb epistrepho serves to reinforce the call to repent. This is beautifully illustrated by the pagans who Paul describes in First Thessalonians... For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to (epistrepho) God from idols (NOTE: First to God, then from idols, not the converse - when you see the True, then you can recognize the counterfeit!) to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. (1 Th. 1:9, 10+) THOUGHT - Notice what happened after they were converted - they served God and and waited for His Son! Do you think those two things have any connection? Of course they do - their future "Looking" motivated their present "Living." This is why a healthy sense of the imminent return of Jesus is so important to cultivate and maintain! Is it any wonder that the Second Coming in mentioned directly or indirectly in every 20-30 verses of the NT? Who you are looking for will (should) radically impact Who you are living for. Are you living for Time or for eternity? The rewards for living for eternity are "out of this world!" Turn (1994) (epistrepho from epí = motion toward + strepho = twist, turn quite around or reverse) means to revert, to turn about, to turn around, to turn toward, to return and figuratively to convert. The idea is a definite turn to God in attitude and action, in heart and in conduct. Epistrepho is found in association with repentance in Acts 3:19. Epistrepho frequently describes sinners turning to God. See Lk 1:16-17+; Acts 9:35; Acts 11:21; Acts 14:15; 15:19; 2 Cor. 3:16; 1 Th. 1:9-note; 1 Pet. 2:25-note), A HARVEST OF GOOD DEEDS Performing deeds appropriate to repentance - Paul preached the gospel and the appropriate response side by side. Good deeds don't save us but they do demonstrate we are genuinely saved. Faith alone saves but the faith that saves is not alone in that it brings forth genuine fruit that testifies there is a genuine root (faith in Jesus and His Gospel). We see this principle in Ephesians 2:8-9-note where it is clear that faith alone saves but then Paul immediately explains "or we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, (DO YOU SEE YOUR PURPOSE NOW AS A BELIEVER IN CHRIST? IT IS FRUIT - WHY? BECAUSE FRUIT GLORIFIES THE FATHER - Mt 5:16-note AND PROVES US TO BE HIS DISCIPLES - John 15:7) which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them (HERE IS WHERE MANY BELIEVERS GO AWRY -- WE NEED TO SEEK GOD'S WILL AND WAY AND NOT JUST "DO" GOOD WORKS FOR THE SAKE OF DOING. GOD IS MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN US "BEING" THAN "DOING" AND IF WE ARE TRULY "BEING" HE WILL SHOW US THE "DOING" HE PREPARED FOR US IN ETERNITY PAST!)." (Eph 2:10-note). Here are other NT passages that associate good deeds (works, fruit) as a marker of genuine repentance (and genuine salvation): Matthew 3:8 “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; Matthew 7:16+ “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? Matthew 7:20+ “So then, you will know them by their fruits. Luke 3:8-14+ “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 9 “Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” Luke 19:8; 9+ Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. James 2:18+ But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Repentance (3341)(metanoia from meta = after + noéo = to understand) literally means "afterthought" or "to think after" and implies a change of mind. Related Resource: Great quotes on repentance primarily from Puritan writers What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? What does the Bible say about repentance? What does it mean to repent? Is repentance a change of mind or a turning from sin? What does it mean that God is not willing for any to perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)? What is cheap grace? (Excerpt - "The idea of carnal Christianity essentially teaches that as long as one makes a profession of faith in Christ, he or she is saved (Romans 10:9), even if there is no immediate obedience to the commands of Jesus and the apostles to live a life of holiness." What is free grace? What is Free Grace Theology? (Excerpt - Many Reformed theologians are appalled by the assertions of Free Grace theologians, accusing them of “easy believism” or even antinomianism.) From the NT uses, it is clear that metanoia means however much more than merely a change of one's mind but also includes a complete change of heart, attitude, interest, and direction. Metanoia is a conversion in every sense of the word. Jesus' teaching would support this conclusion for our Lord declared… I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (metanoeo), than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (metanoia). (Luke 15:7) Bishop Ryle offers this descriptive definition of repentance - Repentance is a thorough change of man's natural heart, upon the subject of sin. We are all born in sin. We naturally love sin. We take to sin, as soon as we can act and think—just as the bird takes to flying, and the fish takes to swimming. There never was a child that required schooling or education in order to learn deceitfulness, selfishness, passion, self-will, gluttony, pride, and foolishness. These things are not picked up from bad companions, or gradually learned by a long course of tedious instruction. They spring up of themselves, even when boys and girls are brought up alone. The seeds of them are evidently the natural product of the heart. The aptitude of all children to these evil things is an unanswerable proof of the corruption and fall of man. Now when this heart of ours is changed by the Holy Spirit, when this natural love of sin is cast out, then takes place that change which the Word of God calls "repentance." The man in whom the change is wrought is said to "repent." (Repentance) One of the best illustrations of genuine repentance is found in Paul's description of the saints at Thessalonica… For they themselves (other believers in Macedonia and Achaia) report about us (Paul, Silvanus and Timothy) what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1Thessalonians 1:9; 1:10-See notes 1Th 1:9; 1:10) C H Spurgeon in a sermon entitled The Plumbline (Amos 7:7, 8) wrote that… Side by side with that faith, God puts true repentance. When a man attempts to convert his fellow-man, he gives him a sham repentance, or perhaps he tells him that there is no need of any repentance at all. Certain preachers have been telling us, lately, that it is a very easy matter to obtain salvation, and that there is no need of repentance; or if repentance is needed, it is merely a change of mind. That is not the doctrine that our fathers used to preach, nor the doctrine that we have believed. That faith, which is not accompanied by repentance, will have to be repented of; so, whenever God builds, he builds repentance fair and square with faith. These two things go together; the man just as much regrets and grieves over the past as he sees that past obliterated by the precious blood of Jesus. He just as much hates all his sin as he believes that his sin has been all put away. (Amos 7:7-8 The Plumbline) What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation? - Many understand the term repentance (from the Greek word metanoia) to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action. What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior. Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ. It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4). While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.(Gotquestions) The Three Stages of the Spiritual Life are accurately noted: - Dean Plumptre. - Acts 26:19-23 1. The repentance for past sins, which is more than a regret for their consequences. 2. The "turning to God," which implies faith in Him, as far as He is known, and therefore justification. 3. The doing works meet for repentance (we note the reproduction of the Baptist's phrase; see Matthew 3:8), which are the elements of a progressive sanctification. Remorse vs. Repentance - Peter Kennedy (From Generation to Generation) "First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."—Acts 26:20 The Parthenon was the chief temple built by the Greeks honor their goddess Athena. Completed in 432 B.C, on the hill of the Acropolis in Athens, the marble edifice is 101 feet by 228 feet and is recognized as one of the most beautiful examples of classical Greek architecture. Though its exterior remains pretty much intact, its interior has been gutted through centuries of looting. Over the colonnades, high relief scenes of mythical battles were once seen. In the interior of the building there used to be ninety-two wall panels depicting the mythical birth and triumphs of the goddess Athena. At the gateway of the temple there was an altar. Called the Altar of Tears, this was not a place to offer sacrifices or offerings. It was a quiet, simple spot where worshipers could go to weep and relieve their hurt and guilt. Though their emotions were temporarily assuaged through remorse, the altar of tears could not provide forgiveness through repentance. John the Baptist preached repentance. So did Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul, and the other apostles. Repentance is more than remorse; it is a conscious decision for change. Do you feel a need to repent of anything, great or small? Today come to God and repent of your sin by faith in Jesus Christ. God waits for you with open arms. "Repentance is not something God demands of you before he will take you back, it is simply a description of what going back is like."—C. S. Lewis Acts 26:12-23 Change Your Mind By Julie Ackerman Link . . . repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. —Acts 26:20 One of my favorite Peanuts comic strips features Charlie Brown saying to Snoopy, “I hear you’re writing a book on theology. I hope you have a good title.” Snoopy responds, “I have the perfect title: Has It Ever Occurred To You That You Might Be Wrong?” Snoopy’s title reminds us that our understanding of God and what He requires of us is sometimes twisted. Because our wrong beliefs lead to wrong behavior, we need to “repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance” (Acts 26:20). The Greek word translated “repent” is metanoeo, which means “change your mind.” As Paul indicated, repentance does not mean just nodding in polite agreement with God, and continuing the same way we were going. When we turn our thoughts toward God—when we truly agree with Him about what is right—our behavior will follow. Like a car, we go in the direction we are pointed. So, when we truly turn our minds and hearts toward God, our actions change accordingly. We must acknowledge when we’re wrong, Confessing it as sin, If we would know God’s power to heal And cleanse us from within. —Fasick Either we conform our desires to the truth or we conform the truth to our desires. —Os Guinness Robert