“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 4:17

One major reason believers suffer is due to sin, and the reason the world is suffering is also due to our individual and collective errors and sinful dispositions. Unfortunately, preaching regarding repentance is no longer popular these days. It is not uncommon these days to witness debates and controversies surrounding your newness in Christ Jesus. These debates are abounding simply because most people do not want to express genuine love, kindness and to show simple obedience to God’s commandments – in fact, no one wants to take responsibility for his actions or inactions. The world remains in a fallen state because people have refused to take responsibility for their actions. Now I tell you, if each person in the world obeys all the commandments of God, the world would be a perfect place. But that is a far cry for no one wants to be accountable. Every believer ought to live a life of holiness or righteousness in reality. The master says; love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, it is wrong to harm your neighbor and says the grace of God covers you, whereas, you do not share the same sentiments when your neighbor attacks you. Jesus abhors sin in all ways, no matter who is committing it – whether believers or not.

Most importantly, believers must cease to be slave to sin, for you ought to be light bearers to either reduce or remove the darkness from the world. Abraham became the father of righteousness due to his faith in God. Abraham did not just confess his faith in God; he demonstrated it by his actions and obedience to God’s commands to sacrifice Isaac his son. As a believer, you also ought to demonstrate your belief as to your righteousness by works of continuous obedience to God’s commands. The scripture expects you to be dead to sin, and alive in Christ, but for some, the reverse is the case – dead to Christ and alive in sin! This is not good for a child of God. Today’s word is a wakeup call to everyone to change and become true children of God. Jesus himself says repent! Jesus wants us to experience a life of abundance and prosperity, but this won’t come to us if we dwell in sin. The scripture says; “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). I want you to look at yourself in the mirror this morning and say to yourself; “I am no longer a slave to sin, rather, I have become a slave to righteousness”