What Does Repentance NOT Look like?

Judas Iscariot's repentance fails to ease his conscience and bring the forgiveness of God. Shortly after returning the silver he had gained by betraying Jesus and confessing his wrong-doing to his co-conspirators, Judas hanged himself. What was wrong with Judas' repentance? He sought only to improve how he was perceived by those around him. To that end, he did not seek forgiveness from God, but from those whom he considered important. 

Enjoy your circle status

Many of us are tempted to find meaning in the way others feel about us. We long to be a part of the "in" group. The great irony is that as Christians, we are already part of Christ's inner circle. When you consider your place next to the perfect Son of God, you no longer need to impress others and can be free to humbly serve them, while knowing that you are loved by the most important person in history.

What Jesus swapped

How much did Jesus love you? It's hard to imagine, but he loved us so much that he took our sin and gave us his righteousness - his perfect right-standing before God. In taking our sin, he also took the shame and the punishment that came with it. So, where does that leave you now? Have you realized the great sacrifice Christ Jesus made on your behalf? Have you accepted the guilt-free nature he offers you?

Broken Glory

The Bible (2 Co 4) describes Christians as common pottery holding a greater treasure. As Christians, we would do well to remember that in our weaknesses, or cracks, the glory placed within us has a way to shine out. Which of your failures allows others a better glimpse of Christ?

Paul's Credentials

In his second letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul asks if they need him to re-certify his credentials with them (2 Co 3). While Paul is clearly correcting the church, he also explores the idea that the church itself was his greatest set of credentials. As Christians, we are flesh and blood letters of recommendation and resumes for Christ himself. When our neighbors "read us" how does it reflect on the one who is writing our story? 

The thread of eternity

The apostle Paul suffered extreme physical torture for most of his life, yet he described it as "light affliction." How could Paul seem so at peace with this? He knew that our lives are very short compared to eternity.

The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to forgive and receive a man who had slandered him. Paul's willingness to forgive undid the divisive work that had been done in the church. Paul attributes these works to the ultimate evil force, the devil himself. What devices divide us from our fellow believers? Are we willing to attribute our fears and suspicions to the work of the devil?