By Gordon P. Robertson, CEO, The Christian Broadcasting Network
Jesus’ first message was, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The Greek word for “repent,” metanous, simply means to change your mind. He wants us to change our thinking and believe the good news. What is the good news? God is not mad at us. He poured all of His wrath for our sins on Jesus, and we enter His kingdom through faith.
Yet changing our minds can be a spiritual battle. We must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Have you ever made a vow that is not of God and not good news? If you have said something like, “I will never trust again,” you have set up an idol in your life and bound yourself with fear. Perhaps someone hurt you, even years ago. If you are still angry or bitter, there are crooked places in your life that need to be made straight.
We will all be offended in our lives. The question is: What will we choose to do about it? Men nailed Christ to the cross, yet He prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34).
When we forgive others, we set them free, and we also set ourselves free to walk in Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to search and cleanse your heart, because Jesus wants to set you free.
Ask God to reveal your innermost desires, and what your heart is truly set on. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The Lord isn’t looking at outward appearances; He is looking at our hearts.
When we pray, “Father, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” we clear the ground. As Isaiah 40:4-5 promises, Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.
This is how we prepare the way of the Lord into our hearts. The only vow we should make is, “I will live for You.” And when we say, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done in my life,” we experience His glorious presence, His complete acceptance, and His infinite love.
Scripture is quoted from the NKJV.
This teaching was given during a CBN staff chapel meeting.
