3 Repentance Misconceptions

Repentance involves the acknowledgment of sin, sorrow for sin, and turning from sin with resolve to follow Christ. Yet, three common misconceptions of repentance are those that focus on each element as the whole of repentance. This leads to repenting by saying, “I was wrong,” “I am very sorry” or “I will never do it again.” 

Reassessment: I was Wrong

The first misconception is that repentance in simply changing one’s mind about a sin. Whereas earlier it wasn’t considered sinful, now having reconsidered matters and seen the truth, one revises one’s option and agrees with God and His Word that it is indeed a sin.

However, we all know how shallow and disingenuous this kind of repentance can be. Even in rethinking, we don’t understand enough. Simply changing our mind will not bring about lasting change of action. We do not feel deeply enough that we have offended God and His holiness, or that we have wronged others. Our hope cannot be placed in the power of our reasoning. Repentance is more than a change of mind.

Matthew 3:8 ESV [John the Baptizer proclaimed] “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” 

Acts 26:20 ESV [The Apostle Paul explained his mission] “[I] 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.”

Remorse: I am Very Very Sorry

The second misconception is similar to the first but it involves the emotions more than the mind. It is feeling bad about sin, really bad. Often there are tears and pleading with God and others for forgiveness.

However, we have all known how fleeting this kind of repentance can be. Again, no real plans are made to change the course of one’s thoughts and behaviors. As long as we remember how sin made us feel before God and others, we hope to stay clean. Our hope cannot be placed in the power of our emotions. Repentance is more than extreme sorrow.

Hebrews 12:17 ESV “For you know that afterward, when he [Esau] desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.”

Resolve: I Will Never Do That Again

The third misconception is the most dangerous of the three. We can be overwhelmed with remorse for our sin, and see and agree with what Scripture says about our sin, and then make the mistake of vowing never to do it again.

However, we all know that this is not possible; we are not this strong. We will succumb to the flesh and the trick of the devil in the future, certainly. Denying this reality may sound super spiritual, but in it is super stupid. Our hope cannot be placed in ourselves and the power of our will. Repentance is itself a grace gift of God.

Acts 11:18 ESV [The Apostle Peter reported to the church leaders what God did in Caesarea] “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”” 

2 Timothy 2:25–26 ESV [The Apostle Paul on dealing with opponents] “. . . God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

True Repentance Realizes that Christ is Our Only Hope

Don’t get tripped up by these three common misconceptions about repentance. And don’t be led astray into yet another misconception that combining all three of these leads to true repentance. A simple combination doesn’t work if we are relying upon ourselves for the transformation desired in repentance.

Even if all three elements are combined, without faith in Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, such repentance will be insufficient and powerless. True repentance is always connected with faith in the Crucified and Risen Christ; when we attempt to repent without faith, it doesn’t work.

True repentance begins by apprehending in our soul that we really are much more sinful people than we originally thought, and then that we really have no other hope than in Christ! Then, we turn from sin by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in faith embrace Christ, our Lord and Savior, as our only hope. 

1 John 1:9 ESV “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

It takes our whole lifetime of faith in Christ, and under the power of the Holy Spirit, to completely renew our minds, emotions and wills. We rejoice in this encouragement for real transformation in our lives here and now, while we anticipate the final Day of Christ and the fulness of our salvation!

The Pulpit Bully

Have you ever cringed while listening to a sermon and afterward felt that your spirit was harmed rather than helped? If so, it might be because the preacher is a bully.

These types of preachers are aggressive in seeking to dominate others. They are often strident in their pronouncements. But, just as many of them are sly and secretly persuasive.

Preaching bullies do not preach the Bible properly, nor usually accurately. They confuse their role of faithful persuasive application with the Holy Spirit’s role of conviction and changing the heart.

There are at least three indicators of bullying from the pulpit, corresponding to their designs upon others’ thoughts, feeling and behaviors.

Control Thoughts

A pulpit bully uses his position of power and his knowledge to impose his viewpoint as the only option when there are other options. He draws unnecessary lines in the sand, mocks other viewpoints and casts suspicion on those who hold other views than his own. He prefers that people don’t think for themselves.

Instead, the preacher should help us think well biblically. He should respect other legitimate Christian viewpoints. He should take the opportunity to model for us how to rejoice in the richness of God’s Word and the glory of Christ.

Manipulate Feelings

A pulpit bully uses his platform to push people around until they feel the way he does about things. He moves people’s passions into conviction on some matters and not on others, until their emotions match his own. He defines the fruits of the Spirit in terms of his own character development, and denies and chides the experience of others.

Instead, the preacher should acknowledge the valid range of human emotions. He should respect people and the working of the Holy Spirit in His People. He should take the opportunity to celebrate the powerful purifying presence of the Spirit working Christlikeness in us.

Conform Behaviors

A pulpit bully uses his privilege to relentlessly advance his agenda and pressure others to get his way. He criticizes misbehavior at length, persists in addressing the same set of life issues and coerce our choices by fear. He works people over so they all look, speak and behave in a prescribed manner.

Instead, the preacher should trust his congregation and their spiritual judgment. He should not be afraid of disagreement or diversity. He should be patient with people as our heavenly Father is patient. He should take the opportunity to honor the lifelong process of Christian growth.

Advice to the Battered Ones

The Apostle Paul instructs pastors to pursue a different path: 1 Timothy 1:5 ESV “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

Bullying is using one’s position and power to intimidate and keep others in a position of weakness. Pulpit bullies do this through preaching. They do not respect the Word of God, the People of God, not really even God Himself!

If you face a bully in the pulpit week after week, just leave and find a preacher who thinks more highly of the calling of preaching. If not, you could end up destined to live life as a weak and abused Christian. Find a healthy godly church with a preacher that brings blessing and healing into your soul through the true Word of God.

Five Themes Of Consolation

While recently reading Martin Luther’s letters of spiritual counsel to the sick, dying and bereaved I was struck by the helpfulness of his simple and spiritual method.

Luther was comforting and guiding those with severe illnesses, chronic conditions, and sudden tragedies. The recipients were relatives, colleagues, friends and politicians even. He wrote to those who had lost husband or wife, and many whose children had died. 

Five themes from Luther’s letters stood out to me that can help us better help one another through difficult times.

The Sovereignty of God and the Reality of His Goodness

God orchestrates both good events and evil events in our lives, Luther said. He is wise and inscrutable in His purposes, and trustworthy and good as our Father. We must humbly submit to His sovereign rule and will, while at the same time rest in His goodness and faithfulness. We can worship at all times.

Today, we tend to think God only sends us good and that bad just sort of happens. Bad things may come from ourselves or others, or even the devil, but not from God. This faulty reasoning causes much unnecessary pain and confusion. Instead, we should learn to trust Him who rules over all and ultimately will bring good to His children.


The Activity of Satan and the Reality of His Evil

Satan is very active in our world and in our lives to destroy our faith in Christ, to bring doubt and despair and to stir up many other forms of evil. Not only does he use our circumstances against us, but also works through other people and his army of demons. Spiritual warfare is a major part of the story of our lives.

Today, we rarely admit his influence or dare to talk about it. We chose instead to offer secular and naturalistic explanations almost exclusively. This avoidance of the truth weakens our spiritual resolve. Instead, we should learn to make full use of biblical terms, categories and reasonings to fight the good fight of faith. 

The Frailty of Humanity and Our Mutual Compassion

We live as weak people in a broken world. We should extend compassion to others when they are suffering, even if that is all we can do. Tragedy is a part of life and our lives will only be free from it later in heaven and the coming Kingdom. We need to help one another see the larger picture of life and death, and Christ and eternal life.

Today, we are mistaken in thinking that we can change or prevent most troubles in our lives. Consequently, we tolerate too much grief or we allow too little of it. Our grief should be moderated by the hope of the Gospel; and yet, we should give people space and time to grieve appropriately to our common human condition. Instead, we should accept the hard realities of life, and in the midst of them grant people dignity and offer them compassion that directs them to Christ.

The Power of Christ, the Gospel and Faith

Christ is alive! And He meets the needs of His people in their pain, suffering and heartache. The Gospel message brings truth, peace and hope into our life stories. Our faith will be strengthened by meditating upon the Word of Christ and pouring out our affirmation of faith in the Gospel in prayer to God. We will make it through safely and powerfully to the end.

Today, we look too quickly to man-made solutions to solve our physical condition and even our spiritual condition. We explain too much, when what we need to do is recognize that in reality it is Christ who heals both body and soul through His gifts. Instead, we should encourage one another to go to Christ as the healer and find His Gospel and our faith powerful in our circumstances.

Joy and Glory in the Larger History of Redemption

Joy and excitement overtake us when we spend time reviewing the larger history of God’s work in the world and for our redemption. Believe it or not, some of the most comforting passages of Scripture are historical narratives precisely because they lift our heads and hearts to what God is doing.

Today, we look for isolated Bible passages that might apply in a deeply personal way. We are way too introspective and focused on personal meaning in our personal pain. Our story is not the only story, nor is it the most important story in the universe. Instead, we need to find our proper place in His story and rejoice in Him and His glory.

One final observation from Luther’s letters that stands out and one that will help us help others is this. He uses one, two or three Bible verses in each letter, or he refers to a Bible story. He finds examples that are stronger than a person’s current crisis to encourage him or her. He will sometimes share his own experience to identify with another’s pain. Most importantly, in the majority of the letters he reminds the sufferer of the greater sufferings of Christ and His greater victory in the end. 

This is how Luther models for us pastoral care that will help us help others better.

The Seven Deadly Sins Get More Deadly

There are many lists and many sins.  But one of the earliest and famous is that of the seven deadly sins. Pride. Envy. Gluttony. Lust. Wrath. Greed. Sloth.

Their prevalence in all societies and people (though to varying degrees) testifies to the depravity of humanity and its need of Christ our Savior.  These seven sins are certainly dangerous paths to follow, and can lead to places that are difficult from which to escape.  

Stories of Great Failure and Sometimes Recovery

We all have the stories or know those who can tell them. We have read about them. They are lived out in our churches year after year, even if they never make the evangelical news sources. They are the stories of great failure and sometimes recovery.

Recently, I was reading a book entitled Sanctification: Explorations in Theology and Practice.  Oliver O’Donovan opened his essay on “Sanctification and Ethics” with this fascinating statement, “The doctrine that the elect commit no post-baptismal sin is generally known as heresy; why, one wonders, has indulgence been accorded to the doctrine that the elect commit only venial [lesser forgivable] sins after age fifty?”

Sometimes we think that older Christians have less of a struggle with sin. I am not quite fifty, but I can see from here that this is not true. I have made many observations from my own life and others’ lives. And I have many friends who have told me many stories about how life’s changes bring new and often intensified temptations.

Seven Sins in Stages

Let’s take a quick look at the seven deadly sins, contrasting our experience as younger believers and older believers.

Pride for the young man or woman is obvious to all while often not to themselves. This is the time of life to learn to deal with pride. However, pride for those further along often takes the form of pride in their experience and expertise, learning when sharing it is relevant and when it is not.

Envy for those who don’t yet have much in material possessions seems like a simple problem to avoid, but it is in fact real, although on a smaller scale. Those who are older look around at their contemporaries’ possessions and can wonder why they don’t have more by this point in their lives, and realize they may not be able to do much about it.

Gluttony is a matter of self-control. Youthful over indulgence in eating, drinking and frivolity can be handled situation by situation. But later on in life the typical reasons to avoid such behavior can become less motivating because of boredom, giving up on our image not caring what others think.

Lust early on is based upon what you see and anticipate, often driven by emerging passions. Later on in life, past lusts can become a haunt, lustful habits have solidified and we are involved in many more relationships that offer many more opportunities.

Wrath in youth centers primarily on controlling angry outbursts, and making sure our expression of emotion properly fits the situation. As experience builds we can see deeper into systems and patterns of behavior and likewise anger can run deeper.

Greed starts out as acquiring things upon things, and maybe hoarding our resources. But, when the worries of life increase with time it can be even easier to deny others our practical generosity.

Sloth hides under the name of relaxation quite often, but it also can be seen early in our adult lives by failing to be diligent in the basics of life and work. As years go by, the appeal to give up shows up and we may find it hard to stay focused on our purpose and calling.

These comments were brief one sentence incomplete observations. Certainly there is a lot more to add, explore and even research.

Real Danger that Gets More Dangerous

This real and growing danger requires real perseverance in real faith, great faith, deeper faith and just plain more faith in Christ.

Our lives are not lived in a straight line, and our sanctification is not experienced as a straight line either. There is no guarantee that spiritual maturity will develop as rapidly as we age. In fact, our lives often become harder in new and surprising ways, demanding from us a much greater faith in Christ and the Gospel.  

On the other hand, we have been strengthened by God’s grace in the past, and as a result we are often stronger than we think. We most likely have become even more sanctified than we realize or feel. 

The classic virtues contrasting with the seven deadly sins are these:  humility, kindness, temperance, chastity, patience, generosity, diligence. The Scriptures teach us to pursue them by faith in Christ and prayerful reliance upon the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:1–4,17 ESV “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. . . . [The Apostle Paul next lists vices to “put off” and virtues to “put on” and then concludes with verse 17.] . . . And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control . . .” 

Romans 8:1–6 ESV “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

My guess is that O’Donovan’s statement about the age of fifty applies at each of the following decades, as well. Our lives in this world and our journeys of faith in Christ are fascinating! I’ll have to revisit this topic in another 25 years.

Have You Seen The Invisible Man?

After a church member has an affair with a colleague we ask ourselves if we could have known. Outsiders ask us why we did not know, or if we have learned what we should have known in hindsight.

We are straining to see the invisible man who can not be seen.

Don’t Blame the Victim

After a violent crime we have a saying “don’t blame the victim” and it applies here as well. Did she lure him or ask for it (the rape)? Did he say something offensive or racist and provoke it (the shooting)? The guilty are the guilty ones and the victims are the victims, let’s keep this much straight!

I have many experiences with this in my 25 years of experience in pastoral and mission ministry. Certainly, you have your own set of stories. Such things are common to fallen humanity.

Don’t blame yourself for not knowing in advance.  Don’t look down on others who were duped; it is not their fault! And don’t let others scrutinize you as some naive person to be pitied and better educated.

Usually we are not missing anything. We are supposed to be charitable toward others, while at the same time wise in our assessments. But, those who live an invisible life are good at it, often perfecting their duplicity over the years.  


Don’t be Suspicious or Surprised


It is not our job to be suspicious of everyone around us and uncover their secret moral failings. When people move into this intense surveillance mode it is sad and scary at the same time. I have seen this happen to people in churches, and it can get very ugly.

Sometimes we see things and we should take action by asking some questions and talking to leadership. And truthfully, sometimes we see them in hindsight and we learn for the future. However, this is not the usual turn of events. 

Jesus told us it would happen, that people would fall away, so we wouldn’t be surprised when it happens and we suffer. So, let’s obey Jesus and not be surprised. The New Testament is filled with examples of such people and further warnings and instructions.

Whose fault is it? Keep it simple. It is the sinner’s fault. Let the guilty be condemned and the innocent be set free. Stop trying to see what can’t be seen and focus on what is visible.

They Kept A Record Of Wrongs

Have you ever been asked to solve other people’s relational problems?

Sometimes you can help people, and other times once you get into a conversation you discover first-hand why they have the relational problems they have.

Sharing the Notepad

Eager to meet, this couple arrived early for their appointment. They wanted help from me in resolving their relationship problems with another couple. Wonderful! Getting help from others, even your pastor, when having relational troubles is an excellent choice.

Their problem was mainly between the wives, and all four of them had apparently met a number of times to work out their difficulties. The husband and wife in my office were deeply troubled because, in their view, they had tried everything to find resolution but were unable to get there.

Then he opened the folder. They were more than troubled, they were greatly offended. He mentioned to me that he had a list of all their interactions with the other couple, the offenses and their discussions with dates and notations. He wanted to review all three to four pages in his notepad with me, along with some biblical references.

I have never seen such a thing before. My first thought was that they were crazy—who does that?! My second thought was 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV “[Love] keeps no record of wrongs.” I didn’t think the Apostle Paul was indicating that people would literally keep lists! The most disturbing observation however was that they didn’t seem to see anything wrong with their recording of others’ wrongs against them.

I refused to look at it or hear any of it, which baffled them. They kept insisting I examine the evidence and I kept resisting, trying to move to conversation in a more positive and productive direction to help them find better biblical resolution to their grievances. Their ire got the best of them and I just put a stop to the whole meeting.

Giving Departing Advice

Maybe I was too direct at this point, but I honestly felt very little compassion for them and was disgusted by their unbiblical approach of keeping an actual list of wrongs along with gross bitterness toward others. And this is because I loved them.

I knew both couples very well and was actually surprised that they couldn’t work out matters. Yet, I never heard a thing from the supposed offending couple. Later, when I mentioned my experience to them they seemed surprised to learn that their relationship with that couple was that bad. And they confirmed my conclusion that this other couple was emotionally unhealthy and spiritually immature.

Back to my office. They were beyond taking any counsel, but I thought it best that they hear some truth from me as their pastor before they left, and as I knew at this point, they would also leave the church.

So, I tried to gently point out to them that it seemed to me that they have had troubles with a number of other people in the congregation over the years, as well. They acknowledged it but were defensive about it. They demanded to know who and when and all the facts about each every situation—apparently I was supposed to keep such lists!

A second time I tried to help them see that they themselves were the common denominator in all my examples. Often when there were relational problems in the church, they were involved. They were confused. I further pointed out that others were able to get beyond disagreements because they didn’t keep lists. Lists will destroy the list-keepers and cause them to hate instead of love their brothers and sister, to keep grudges rather than forgive.

They were intent on leaving the church anyway, which was probably best for us all.  So I gave them some parting advice to work on their issue, because it would follow them wherever they went. It was not our church’s problem, but theirs and their future church experiences would be the same, if they didn’t face it and work on it. In fact, they could damage other churches, and continue to hurt others and themselves.

The meeting didn’t end well at the time. But, as the years have passed, I am more hopeful that it actually ended very well. It spared our church from divisive people and it has likely helped this couple heal and grow over the years. I still pray for them every time I remember this story and our uncomfortable conversation.

My Worst Enemy Became My Best Friend

He probably wasn’t my worst enemy, but it sure felt like it at the time.  

He really didn’t become my best friend either, though after being so strongly against me, by comparison it felt like he had become my best friend.

The Worst Enemy

He was always the loudmouth contrarian at every business meeting, so it was only a matter of time before my ministry was his next project, and me.

Most of the trash talk was behind my back. He would put questions into people’s minds about my effectiveness. He would come up with ministry suggestions that he knew I wouldn’t support and were outside our mission as a church.  

He knew what he was doing and I knew what he was doing and he knew that I knew what he was doing. The worst part was that he would question my motives, slandering me before others in the church.  

It wasn’t long before I couldn’t do anything right. I suspect that he was even part of group, probably the leader or instigator, that anonymously tried to stop my ministerial credentialing and get me fired or get me to quit.

The Best Friend

I have no idea what I ever did to get on his bad side. At first it was frustrating and I tried in vain to answer all the questions people and my supervisor would ask. But after a number of months it turned into a church politics game that I learned to enjoy and became fairly good at myself!

Actually, I learned a lot during this time about how to pray for my enemies! I have attempted to put my thoughts together on this subject here: O Lord Smite My Enemies, But In A Loving Sort Of Way!

Nevertheless, humanly speakng, I have no idea what I ever did to get on his good side. One day he snapped. All of a sudden he supported me in everything I did.  He praised me and my work publicly. He would speak encouragingly to me and tell me how much he was praying for me. It was a weird relief.

We started connecting and enjoying one another. I suspect that the Lord used my prayers (and maybe his), that the senior leader got through to him, that his wife got through to him or that he finally saw that we were on the same side for the spiritual health and growth of the church. People are oh so interesting! And God is oh so powerful!

We started working on ministry plans together, and he started to love on my family and children.  My new “best friend” would move on to glory about 20 years after this. Someday I hope to get the full story of how God healed our relationship.

Here is both a prayer list and a to do list in these situations.

Romans 12:9–21 ESV “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Do not give up on those who oppose you, for you never know if God might turn your worst enemy into your best friend.

If Prayer Works There, It Must Work Here Too

If you want to change your prayer life go on a mission to a difficult location.

Even within one week you will learn to pray in new ways for new things, and see God at work as you have never seen Him before.

Different Lives, Different Prayers

Our teams from our church prayed for safety from militants, healing for suffering children and freedom from demons and their influence.  And we do have our stories of favor with powerful leaders, healings that led to salvation and spiritual warfare that brought glory to Christ and the Gospel.

It was very important for us to learn, that although those seemed like exotic prayer requests to us at the time, they are normal prayer requests for most Christians in the world today.

But, we also prayed for more normal things to us like unity on the team, success with the Gospel, general health and safety, Spirit inspired words to speak, stamina, love for all kinds of people, and the list goes on.  These are just as spiritual of requests.

God answered what we considered unusual requests in ways that changed our thinking.  But He answered our more usual requests so immediately and palpably that we were just as amazed!

We would return home from these mission campaigns having learned that prayer works, that our faith works.  Actually, we learned that God is mightily at work in the world to bring glory to His Name through Jesus Christ and crush His opponents in the spiritual realm!

Now, Different Prayers in Our Lives

We learned that not only does prayer really work, but how to pray more according to His will.  Our Lord Jesus taught us about His Mission, our role in it and the place of prayer.

John 14:12–14 ESV ““Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

To pray in Jesus’ name means that we are praying for His honor and glory to increase, for the Gospel to advance, and with confident trust in Him for the details.

We started to pray very differently, more fervently and focused. We learned to pray for more important things in people’s lives and with greater confidence and simplicity.   Prayer meetings became lively encouraging and visionary experiences, not the dull and poorly attended ones you might avoid.

1 John 5:14–15 ESV “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

Prayer worked there, so it must work here as well.  It is not that God didn’t answer our prayers before we went.  But, we became more observant, concerned for the answers that would advance the name of Jesus Christ.  We became more faithful, sensitive to the true needs, especially the spiritual needs, of those around us.  We became more faith-filled, praying like we meant it and that we believed God cared.

Even more importantly we learned how best to be praying four our national partners and our missionaries.  Many have returned often; and some have signed up for a new life and Gospel mission in a different part of the world!

Going After The Other Nine

Many people cry out to God in their distress and ask for relief, even those who do not know Him.  God is a merciful God, and so He often answers their requests, and even in the very manner they asked from Him!

Thanks, But No Thanks

But what thanks does He most frequently get?  Is the thanks only a simple prayer, “thank you very much, God?”  Maybe He gets a good deed or two out of it, or a check for a few dollars sometimes.  Perhaps, a little more, as long as the feeling or memory lingers.  But, is that all God deserves?

Would not the proper response include a seeking hard after God, to know Him and serve Him?  God is constantly merciful to so many people.  But, so often, once people get what they want from Him, they discard whatever faith they had.

Why then is He still so merciful?  It is because God really is a very merciful, patient, kind, and forbearing God!

God’s acts of general mercy should point people to see the glory of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and worship Him, receiving from Him the best mercy of all—eternal salvation!

A Story from Luke

Luke shows us that God still acts mercifully today, and tells this story of the Ten Lepers hoping to lead many who have received God’s mercy to a true faith in Christ Jesus.

Luke 17:11–19 ESV “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.””

The Tragedy of Getting Too Little

Luke challenges unbelievers to return to God like the Samaritan and receive more than just a few met needs, like the other nine lepers.  He challenges them to receive salvation in Jesus Christ the Lord.

When people get want they want from God, they mistakenly think it to be enough.  This might be a miraculous escape from danger, or special help for their sick child, or relief from intense financial pressures, or a myriad of other needs.  This is tragic, because there is so much more available to them from Jesus Christ.

We see such behavior all around us today.  People get healed or rescued, but never go to church to praise God and learn about Him.  Some of them even had made a vow to do this very thing if God answered their prayers!

Challenge the Unbelieving

Feel free to challenge people on how lightly thy may have treated God’s gifts of mercy, especially if you know their situation was recent.  This is yet another way to begin what might turn out to be a spiritually profitable conversation.  This obligates people to look back and see their ingratitude and hopefully their need for true faith in Christ.

Don’t let people abscond with God’s mercies without an engaging Gospel conversation!  Follow Luke’s example and go after those who act like the nine lepers.

God responds mercifully to so many who cry out to Him.  It is good to cry out to God in Jesus’ name for healing and for whatever one needs.  Jesus still responds to calls for mercy and then He still expects faith as the proper response.  

Pray with the Unbelieving

Almost everyone has cried out to God and received mercy from Him at some point in their life.  And we should encourage them to do so.  

Sometimes we shy away from this because we have a strange notion that unbelievers shouldn’t be praying to a God they don’t know or don’t really believe in, or that God doesn’t hear them or act on their behalf.  

Times of distress and crisis and weakness are wonderful opportunities to minister to people. We should display the same general compassion of our Lord Jesus.  Of course, we will also desire more than this for them – a faith leading to salvation.  And so, we will follow up with them with the specifics of the Gospel message.

Pray with unconverted and for them, for acts of mercy from God.  God is really a generous God, and people need to know this and see this.  Many people respond to this kind of ministry, and many actually come to a true God-glorifying faith in Jesus Christ!

Words For Weary Souls

We all know the suspense and worry associated with having a loved one living far away, wondering how they are doing and not able to receive much communication.  This Proverb uses this common human experience.

Proverbs 25:25–26 ESV “Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.  Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”

That was in a time when communication took a while and was infrequent.  Yet, we today, still share this human concern and burden for loved ones.  A good report is a remedy for the soul, whether it arrives as an email, photo, call, letter, or report from a friend who visited.

Encouragement Keeps Us Going


This Proverb is about much more.  It is intended as a metaphor for the spiritual value of encouragement, and how we all greatly need it because we all face uncertain futures. 

Good words, promising words, hopeful words place encouragement and freedom into a person’s soul.  These words help one another persevere in faithfully living life and serving God.  Encouraging words are “like cold water to a thirsty soul.”

Such words are especially valuable when people are facing new challenges at new stages of life, or in the onset of new faith adventures with God.  We need to keep on refreshing one another with the ministry of encouraging words.

Encouragement Prevents Disasters

We all need encouragement so that we don’t waver and “give way to the wicked.”  This can happen to any of us.  We can begin to waver, that is give in to weariness of the soul, and consider compromising with wicked.  

We might surrender our moral position and make a false peace with the those who do not know God and His ways.  When such disasters happen it is disheartening for all those who rely upon those “righteous ones” to do what is right.  

A concession might be relatively minor, or it might be significant.  It might have only short-term effects, or have implications for a long time.   It doesn’t make much difference because now it is like a fresh spring becoming muddied, or a fountain becoming polluted.  

Such a person used to be a reliable place of refreshment and life, but now this person does not and cannot provide this any longer.  Sadly, Solomon himself would serve as his own example here at the end of his life, if you know the story.

Maybe you yourself have served as the fouled water illustration and you sense your need to return to the Lord and be strong in His truth and righteousness.  Let the mud settle, and find your restoration in the refreshing “cold water” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Surely we all have our own life examples of encouragement and discouragement, even of disillusionment and restoration.  Let us keep ourselves and one another encouraged in the Lord, so we don’t give way before the wicked.  Let us meet one another’s weariness with encouragement, and provide real help for real life.

Hebrews 10:35–36 ESV “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

Christians Have 7 Lives

You might have met some Christians who seem to have seven lives.

Proverbs 24:15–16 ESV “Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

The Righteous Often Targeted

This situation is a clear reference back to the beginning and the father’s first lecture in chapter one.   The admonition there was not to get involved with the criminal element of society, leading to a life and lifestyle of crime.  It may seem like a quick and easy way to prosper in this world, but as this Proverb points out, the righteous will win in the end.

In spite of the warning, many still plot to take advantage of others, even involving violence.  As noted in this Proverb, very often it is the followers of God who are looked at as easy targets.  They are targeted because have many blessings, because of the wicked’s hatred of God and of those more righteous than he.  Added to this is the devil himself who is also interested in afflicting and distracting those loved by Christ.

Have you been such a target?  Have you seen and heard about astounding situations in other parts of the world?  Or, maybe you were the criminal now transformed Jesus’ Gospel?

Psalms 20:7-8 ESV “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.”

The Righteous Always Rise

Those who follow the Wisdom of God do recover, no matter how much they suffer.  This recovery often takes place in their soul before it takes place physically in this life.  And this is not all.  We know it will be made eternally permanent at the Resurrection and in the New Heavens and New Earth.

Falling “seven” times is a poetic way of saying innumerable times, too many to count.  If it is said that a cat has “nine lives,” we might say that a follower of Yahweh has “seven lives,” which is more than nine.   Somehow we mange to escape from so many severe situations, seemingly unharmed.  As we are told all over Proverbs in a variety of ways, “our Redeemer is strong” (23:11) on behalf of His own.

This repeated falling and rising is also a way of speaking about our sufferings as holy and purposeful by God.  He is watching over His own, giving grace for increased faith, hope and love.  And the vindication of glory will come in His time and in His way.

Those who do not follow Wisdom (that is, the wicked), easily stumble and fall in times of calamity.  Surely you have seen such fragile lives unravel, and feeble souls shrivel.  It doesn’t take much to destroy a life, dishearten a person, and leave one isolated.  The wicked will not turn to God in these times, but continue in rebellion.

Hear Their Stories & Tell Your Own

Do you know Christians like this who suffer a lot but keep coming back?  There are probably a few in your church who seen to have seven lives; have you met them and heard their stories yet?

My mother was one of those Christians who suffered a lot but somehow kept coming back from dead.  She wasn’t always so resilient though.  This was a transformation God worked in her life after she became a Christian.  She would always be praising the Lord and spreading happiness, regardless of what was pain was going on in her life, even to the very end.

How are you doing with attacks of enemies, whether they are personal, as a result of the world and its system, due to illness, or from the devil?  Here is a prayer of confidence.

Micah 7:8 ESV “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.”

Keep looking for God’s rescue in the present, and keep looking into the future to the final resurrection just like our author of Proverbs would have us do.

The Post-Suicidal Hitchhiker

About seven years ago our team chartered a mini-bus for a remote mission in a southeast Asian country.

Shortly after we got on the road that morning our driver stopped to pick up a man.  When the man found out that this vehicle was not for hire, he asked to ride with us anyway to a certain town.  We agreed to the hitchhiker’s request, but informed him that we had a couple of stops to make first.

A Discarded but Well-Placed Tract

We continued eagerly planning our mission strategy for the day.  The hitchhiker heard us talking and could sense that we were Christians.  He pulled out of his jacket a well-worn Gospel tract and excitedly told us his story.

He was a hopeless alcoholic, his life was full of tragedies and pain, he was estranged from his family and snubbed by his small community.  A few months ago he was going to commit suicide because of his shame and pain.  But, on that particularly day he saw a booklet on the side of the road and picked it up to read it, and it changed his life!

That booklet was filled with Bible passages explaining how to have a personal relationship with the One True God who created the universe.  He grew up in an atheistic society, yet a society that still held on to ancestor worship and animistic practices.  This was part of his story of despair.  But this small booklet gave him hope and told him what he knew deep down was the truth—that there was a God.

It carefully and clearly explained the holy character of God the Father of All, and how through Adam’s sin all mankind is in rebellion and estranged from God.  Likewise it compassionately explained how the Lord Jesus Christ, being the Son of God who became man, was the perfect mediator for reconciliation with God.  He died upon the Cross as the propitiation for our sins and was raised from the dead for our justification and peace with God.  And that He would come again in glory.

Our new friend had put his trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from his sin, his shameful past, and for hope of eternal life.  His life was under a radical transformation these past few months.  That discarded tract ended up being a well-placed tract, Divinely placed.

More Mission than Planned

He didn’t have a Bible, so he had just been reading his treasured pamphlet and the Bible verses in it, over and over, many times a day.  That is why the paper was so worn and hardly legible any longer.  The Holy Spirit used these dozen passages of Scripture to sustain and renew this man daily, to give him hope and to direct his prayers.

He didn’t know any Christians either.  He was rejected by his friends and family earlier because of his anti-social behavior, and now he was further rejected because of his faith in Christ.  Although, he was now a radically different person, and filled with joy in the midst of it all!

And so, he was praying that God would introduce him to some other Christians if there were any near him.  And here we were on the bus!  A handful of foreigners and a handful of Asian mission partners.

We had him ride with us the whole day.  We told him some of our stories of salvation and redemption from life’s trials, personal struggles and temptations.  We prayed with him and encouraged him that the Lord would continue to bring healing to him and his relationships.

We spent time reviewing the Gospel in greater detail than he knew up to that point.  We sang worship songs together.  We gave him a Bible, showed him how to use it and studied Scripture together.  We had him observe as we shared the Gospel at a few different mission points throughout the day.

The Day Had to Come to an End

We circled back at the end of the day and dropped him at his originally desired destination.  He was bursting with encouragement, amazed at what God had done in his life that day on the bus!  So were we.  And we still are.

The next day, we were headed in a different direction, and for other reasons, we couldn’t take our friend with us any of the following days.  But, we obtained his contact information, and our friends who knew the area were able to follow up with him and find him a local group of believers for worship and fellowship.

This passage of Scripture forever holds new meaning for our team and for our brother we met on the bus that day:

Romans 5:6–11 ESV “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Hostile Speech, Healing Speech

Truth can be spoken with gentleness or harshness.  Truth can also be spoken with knowledge or foolishness.

Proverbs 15:1–2 ESV “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

Handling Delicate Situations

When we find ourselves in situations charged with the potential for conflict, having emotional restraint and self-control in speaking is crucial.

We must speak thoughtful words, and with judicious timing.  Sometimes even starting a difficult conversation with words of comfort will be a good strategy to restore people to proper reason.

Harsh words are quick and careless and incite people to anger.  More literally here, it is “a word of pain.”  Notice it only takes one word to inflame emotions in contrast with the carefully worded longer response of the “soft answer.”

Delicate situations require spiritual diplomacy for resolution.  In addition, further wisdom is required in order to know in which situation this proverb will apply.  For not all difficult situations need or will benefit from conversations.

Adding Knowledge Helps

Notice that the wise person speaks into problematic situations in such a way as to commend knowledge.  This involves attaching knowledge to the truth spoken so that it is satisfying.  The wise person uses knowledge of life, people and Scripture rightly and effectively to help others and improve everyone’s situations.

Of course, we still can not control how others will respond to truth spoken calmly and reasonably.  But, the next verse declares that Yahweh watches, Proverbs 15:3 ESV “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”  And so as the wise, we will have a vision much larger than immediate solutions and harmony.

The fool simply gushes forth words because the foolish person is not interested in knowledge, or greater understanding.  This person is the same as the one speaking the harsh words earlier, not considering what is being said in the conversation, or how it is being said.

The words of the foolish person may indeed contain some truth, but without knowledge they sound more like folly and end up as foolishness.  There will be significant loss to everyone involved because a greater conflict is now inevitable.  Handling sensitive situations with recklessness often results is ruined reputations, damaged relationships and even material loss.

Society is Unhelpful Much of the Time

Hostile speech abounds in our society these days.  Simply listen to talk radio, watch opinion television or read internet chatter.  But do not listen to these too much, because they will dramatically impact your own attitudes and behaviors, and eventually your relationships.  This is not how we are to speak.

Instead, we are called to bring life and healing to the world.  As the next verse states in Proverbs 15:4 ESV “A gentle tongue is a tree of life.”  The Hebrew for “gentle tongue” is more literally a “healing tongue.”

Surely, we all have numerous examples from our lives to illustrate both of the approaches to sticky situations.  It is good to review our real life examples and learn from them, so we can grow in the Gospel of grace.  Ephesians 4:15 ESV “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

So, what about those emotionally charged conversations that you have been pressing without much success?  Maybe Proverbs 15:1-2 can give you a new perspective and tactics you might try?  Ask the Lord for greater wisdom, courage, insightful action and thoughtful speech.

The God Who Heals: Our Church’s Annual Healing Prayer Service

It is normative Christianity to minister to the sick, including praying for their healing. 

Even so, some of us might not think of this as a corporate activity.  That’s where we were as a congregation, until four years ago. Since then, each January we hold an annual healing prayer service.  

At first, this service was attended with curiosity, mild suspicion and some concern.  To be honest, every one of us was nervous to some degree.  But the reasons we felt compelled to start were two: (1) We had recently been preaching through Exodus and had encountered Yahweh Rapha (“the God who heals”); and (2) we took note of just how many people were suffering with illness in our congregation.

So we simply decided that we should ask the Lord to extend His hand and heal.

What Does Our Healing Prayer Service Look Like?

We begin with an invocation and a time of congregational singing that focuses on God’s holiness and His presence.  Then we usually turn to a time of confession.  Sometimes we find previously written prayers and recite them as a congregation. Other times we use special music.

Often we will include an extended period of silence for private confession and repentance.  This has always been a sweet time of humility before God, and a great way to prepare ourselves to seek His will and trust His goodness.

Throughout the entire service, which lasts one-and-a-half to two hours, the Holy Spirit confirms our desperate need for Christ’s full redemptive work on our behalf, and He ministers to us the full hope we have in Him.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2-5, ESV).

After more singing, we listen to a brief message on healing and perhaps a few testimonies from those who have recently experienced God’s healing power or sustaining grace.  The Holy Spirit uses this time to encourage a mood of thankfulness and expectation in us.

We also spend significant time in prayer for one another.  We set up circles of chairs on opposite ends of the sanctuary, with several elders at each.  Everyone is encouraged to go forward for prayer, whatever their need, and our elders hear concerns, offer brief words of counsel, share Scripture, and then minister by anointing with oil, laying on of hands and prayer.  This is all after the pattern of James 5:14-16.

It is a joyful privilege of the elders to then follow up with people, seeing the grace and mercy God has granted.

What Exactly Do We Teach About Healing?

The teaching time is important to bring clarity to this topic, to remove fears, to set the context for the evening, to teach how to pray and to manage expectations.  Much of our teaching and approach is indebted to Wayne Grudem, former professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School—from class notes and from his Systematic Theology.

We talk about how a biblical theology of healing always points to the mercy of God in Christ now and the hope we have for ultimate healing in our resurrection.  We warn people about wrong approaches, and we offer reasons why God might heal and His pleasure in doing so.

We mention three common mistakes: (1) not praying for healing; (2) creating an atmosphere of low expectations (God seldom, if ever, heals); and (3) creating an atmosphere of particular expectations (God always heals if . . . one has enough faith, sees the right healer man or stops sinning, etc.).

We discuss the wide range of healing: from God’s normal work through predictable means, to those times when He makes it more obvious that He is the Healer. We talk about miracles.  We talk about death.  We teach extensively on the value of suffering and weakness, and how significant they are for discipleship.

We review healings in the Bible and counsel against judging others in matters of seeking healing or not, and against presuming to know God’s will for others.

At times, the Holy Spirit moves people to seek healing, while at other times He gives them grace to rest, content without healing in the present.  Regardless, the Holy Spirit guides us in our prayers and communicates all the graces of God in our souls.

He also gifts individuals with the gift of healing.  Simply put, God chooses certain people through whom He answers prayers for healing more than through others. It is similar to any other spiritual gift in this regard, although we are not aware of anyone who has this gift in our body at this time.

How Have We Seen God Work?

Reports come in that evening about God’s work in healing, and they continue to come in over the next couple of weeks.  We have experienced healing of what we might consider the normal illnesses of life and also the more significant physical ailments.  We have seen Him answer doubts, lift depression, purge sin, restore relationships and revive souls.

Most recently, a woman asked for prayer for general weakness and shortness of breath, which was rapidly worsening and for which her doctors had no answers.  Only days after the service, she was admitted to the hospital with severe anemia.  After a transfusion and several tests, she returned to health.

Although it has been determined that she was bleeding internally, no real medical explanation has been offered as to the cause of the bleeding or to her continued good health now.  We know without a doubt that God has healed her.

Although God is at work in amazing ways in our lives all the time, the healing service serves to focus our prayers and to cause us to see with greater clarity God’s hand at work in our congregation.  Most people experience some kind of renewal.  Even our children experience personal revival from a heightened sense of sin and the importance of an intimate relationship with God through Christ.

Everyone learns how to pray better—to pray openly, confidently and with faith that God will always glorify Himself in answer to our prayers.  God is glorified both in His healing now and in His not healing now.  Ultimately, all prayers for healing will be answered at the day of resurrection glory.

This annual service has become one of our church’s favorite times together.  It is a time to grow in humility.  It is a time to rejoice in all the benefits of our God. Our benediction for all is from our apostle John (3 John 1:2 ESV): “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

(This blog entry was originally published as an article, co-authored with Raymy Krumrei, in the Fall 2007 issue of EFCA Today, copyright Evangelical Free Church of America.)