Turn-About
God invites us to turn away from sin and towards Him, offering us His unfathomable grace and the promise of a new life.
In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the reality of death and the judgment that awaits all of us. The grace of Jesus is emphasized as being available to those who humble themselves and repent of their sins. The speaker encourages listeners to turn their lives around and align themselves with God's will. Practical examples are given, such as apologizing for hurtful words and making an effort to be punctual. The importance of showing willingness to change and not losing out on God's grace is emphasized.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. Why do these words bring so little joy to most of our lives? Could it be that our lives have taken paths that aren't in accordance with God's will? Paths that constantly lead us further away from Him? Today's meditation by Vassily Shlink, called Turnabout, is a practical help for all those of us who would like to find our way back to God. Have you ever been shaken up by the words in the Bible, teach us to number our days, or it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment? Have death and eternity ever become a reality for you? It is awaiting us all, as we experienced when two of our friends were instantly killed in a traffic accident.
We were deeply moved and were reminded of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5, 10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. The grace of Jesus is unfathomable and as deep as the ocean.
He lets this grace flow down upon all those whose hearts are humble and contrite, who lie at the foot of the cross weeping over their sins. Therefore there is nothing that Jesus longs for so much as to see a real turnabout in our lives. What does this mean in practical terms? We have to turn around and go back the way we came.
We have to head in the opposite direction. For example, if a person is very dominating and often hurts other people with his sharp words, to repent would mean to apologize immediately each time and to ask, if possible, to work in a place where he's the humble and lowly one. God is waiting for us to turn about from every sin in our lives.
Of course we can't become new people through our own efforts. However, it's important that we show God this little sign of our willingness. We have to say by our actions, I won't stand for this sin in myself any longer.
This is the end. The turnabout may only begin in a very small way. For example, the person who is always late because of his self-will and disobedience should now make a point of leaving for his destination five minutes earlier.
God wants to give us grace upon grace. Let us not lose this grace because we aren't ready to turn about. Jesus' arms are open for everyone who is willing to turn away from sin.
To them he is calling, I will help you. I will complete the work. Behold, I make all things new.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for a Turnabout
- The Grace of Jesus
- What a Turnabout Means in Practice
- God's Invitation to Turnabout
- Jesus offers help and completion of our work
- He desires to make all things new
Key Quotes
“God wants to give us grace upon grace.” — Basilea Schlink
“Jesus' arms are open for everyone who is willing to turn away from sin.” — Basilea Schlink
“Behold, I make all things new.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- We must acknowledge and confess our sin in order to experience a turnabout in our lives.
- Small steps, such as apologizing or making a change in our behavior, can lead to significant change.
- God's grace is available to all, and it flows down upon those who are humble and contrite.