If you read yesterday’s message and even began to ‘take it to heart’, then perhaps the words of Peter might begin to make more sense to you now, when he writes: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you...” (1 Pet. 4:12).  These 'trials' have a way of exposing, or 'revealing' what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45), hearts, we  should all be reminded of... that are in need of being 'purified' because they are defiled. (Jer. 17:9; 2 Cor. 7:1; Mark 7:21-23; Matt. 5:8; 1 John 3:3)

Earlier in that letter, Peter spoke to the various ‘trials’ the believers were going through, suggesting their faith was being ‘tested by fire’ as a part of a purifying process, much like what gold goes through (1:6-7).

Or how about when James writes: “ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Have you ever read those closing words in that last book of the Old Testament, where Malachi talks about the coming of the Lord being like a ‘refiner’s fire that purifies silver and gold’? (Mal. 3:2-3). You do realize that Christ is coming back for a bride (church) that is’ holy and pure, blameless and spotless without stain or wrinkle’ (Eph. 5:26-27). And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure, according to 1 John 3:3.

This is serious business, friends, and one that Paul admonishes us to take seriously by our actions (2 Cor. 7:1). What was King Josiah having done to the temple after he heard the reading of the law?

Care to guess how one actually ‘purifies’ themselves, just as He is pure? Take a look at 1 Pet. 1:22. Our ‘souls are purified by obeying the truth’...not just saying you ‘believe’ the truth. And only then...after we respond to Him...are we ‘cleansed by the blood of Jesus’ (1 John 1:7).

One of the reasons for so much widespread deception taking place today, as Jesus predicted would take happen (Matt. 24:4-5) is not because there is a lack of hearing or knowing the truth ...but in ‘doing it’ (James 1:22-25).

What did Mary advise the servants at the wedding who were literally needing a ‘miracle of transformation’, because they were out of wine and only had water? “Whatever He says to you, do it!” (John 2:5).

It’s amazing how often that little ‘2-letter word’ (do) shows up in scripture. “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven...but those who ‘do’...the will of God...” (Matt. 7:21).

If you continue reading on in that same chapter of Matt. 7- Jesus wraps up His sermon with a story about two different men who built homes, one was built on rock, the other foundation was sand. The one who built on rock was called a ‘wise man’, and the one who built his home on sand was likened as a ‘foolish man’. But it is in how Jesus differentiated between the two that stands out to me. He began by saying “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine...and DOES them...is like a wise man...”; but everyone who hears these sayings of Mind and DOES NOT DO them...will be like a foolish man...”. Jesus also explained how both homes were tested by the same ‘flood’ (Matt 7:24-27). Oh, how did Jesus say things would be like at the end of the age just before He returns? (Luke 17:26-27)

Paul, as he is finishing up his letter to the Philippians, writes these words: “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me...these ...’DO’, and the God of peace will be with you.” (4:9)

Turn with me to Acts 3:19-26, if you would. It’s a passage I don’t think gets enough coverage or attention, given what important information is shared by Peter when he was preaching shortly after that lame man was healed at the entrance near the temple gate called ‘Beautiful’ (Acts 3:1-10). Once again we hear him make the call for repentance in order that the listeners might be ‘converted...so that their sins may be blotted’...and then this promise where ‘the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord’ (3:19). Sounds similar to some counsel that James would later offer up in his letter (4:7-10).

But look further down in Peter’s sermon where he reminds the people how Moses had told their fathers that a day was coming when God would ‘raise up a “Prophet” (Jesus) from among their brethren...and that they were to hear (do what He says) in all things...whatever He says to you. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet (Do what He says)...shall be _______________ ‘(what? vs. 22-23). How has this escaped our attention?

*Pop Quiz* time, and give this one some thought: If you could narrow it down to simply one (1) word...that sums up what Jesus is wanting us to ‘do’...what word do you think it might be?

I’ll give you a moment to ponder. If you need a ‘hint’, you will find it in Matt. 4:17 & Mark 1:15. It was also the same word (and message) that His disciples went out and began to preach (Mark 6:12). And at the close of Peter’s very first sermon he gave after he was baptized in the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)...the people were visibly moved and asked what they ‘must do’. Take a look at the very first word out of his mouth in response to their inquiry- Acts 2:38.

What was the somber warning Jesus gave us if we failed to ‘do’...this single thing? (Luke 13:3,5)

That one word is “REPENT”. And do we all know what it is...that we are to ‘repent’ from?

Hopefully we all understand...and agree with this idea that there is a big difference between ‘repenting’ from something...and simply feeling ‘bad and sorrowful’ about what you’ve been doing, repeatedly. The message Jesus came to declare was not one that exhorts us to feel bad and wretched about ourselves and to keep coming to Him so we can tell Him how ‘sorry’ we are... hoping He will coddle and comfort us and make us feel good about ourselves before we go back out and do it again. (Romans 6)

Since most believers admit to ‘sinning’ on a regular basis, pick just one sin that you seem to struggle with, and answer me this: If you say you have ‘repented’ of/from this one sin, repeatedly... but continue to ‘do it’ or succumb to it...have you truly ‘repented’? Think long and hard before you answer. I’ll meet you back here tomorrow, Lord willing.