A Changed Heart
Through repentance and love, we can have our hearts changed and experience a deeper fellowship with Jesus.
In this sermon, Basilias Schlink discusses the concept of repentance as a gift of grace. He uses the example of Peter, who despite denying Jesus, was able to proclaim his love for him after experiencing tears of repentance. Schlink emphasizes the importance of having a contrite heart that can recognize and confess sins. He also highlights that those who truly love Jesus will be willing to follow him and endure suffering for his sake.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. His greatest miracle is what he does to the hearts of men. Is that not the deepest longing of us all, that our hearts be changed? Today's meditation, A Changed Heart, by Basilio Schlenk, will share how we can do this.
How does the word repentance sound to you? Do you register it in a positive or a negative way? Repentance is a gift of grace. This grace not only opens our eyes for love, but it also prepares us for the fellowship of Jesus' sufferings. Peter has proven this.
Peter says to the resurrected Lord, Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest that I love Thee. What a powerful statement Peter could say with his whole heart. Thou, who searchest all things, who knowest what is happening in the whole universe, who knowest my very heart and what is in it, Thou knowest that my heart is consumed with love for Thee, Lord Jesus.
Yes, Peter could say that in spite of the fact that he had denied Jesus. His great sin of denial brought him tears of repentance. These tears of repentance washed his eyes so that he could see Jesus as he is, as the man of sorrows, filled with ceaseless love, who can still lovingly behold those who tortured him.
Because this happened to Peter, his heart was gripped with such a love that he had to confess, I love Thee, I cannot do other than love Thee. My heart and my whole being, everything that I am and have, all I can do is give it to Thee. And Peter verified his love indeed.
Love to you, our love we proffer, such as we no other offer. Love for all, your love outpoured. The sign of those who have this great love which is born out of repentance is they want to be with Jesus, he whom they love, no matter what it costs.
They even want to tread his path of sufferings with him. They never want to forsake him. Have you got this love for Jesus? Is it yours through tears of repentance? If we wish to attain and nourish this love, our decisive plea must be this.
Show me ever anew that I am only a sinner before God and man. Grant me ever anew a contrite heart, Lord, a heart that can cry over its sin and guilt. Don't let me shy away from the pain which it costs to recognize and confess my sins ever anew.
Jesus hears such pleas, and he'll answer them. Sweet Lord of life, I will now strive no more to grieve you and burden your loving heart, sorrow laden. Repentant tears, my Savior, cheers, followed by praise and rejoicing, love and my gratitude voicing.
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Sermon Outline
- The Heart's Deepest Longing
- Peter's Example of Repentance
- Love Born Out of Repentance
- Attaining and Nourishing Love
- Recognizing and Confessing Sin
- Pleading for a Contrite Heart
Key Quotes
“His greatest miracle is what he does to the hearts of men.” — Basilea Schlink
“Repentance is a gift of grace.” — Basilea Schlink
“Show me ever anew that I am only a sinner before God and man.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- We must plead for a contrite heart, recognizing and confessing our sins, and striving to grieve God no more.
- True love for Jesus is demonstrated by wanting to be with him, no matter what it costs, and being willing to tread his path of sufferings with him.
- Repentance is a gift of grace that opens our eyes to love and prepares us for fellowship with Jesus' sufferings.