Grace and Wrath Podcast

Ep. 166: Waiting on the Promise – Acts 1:1-14

Waiting on the Promise: The Church’s Posture in a Hostile World An Exegetical Sermon on Acts 1:4-14 Text: “And while staying with them He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, ‘you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.” (Acts 1:4–14, ESV) Introduction: The Church in a World of Impatience Brothers and sisters, we live in a world that despises waiting. We want instant answers, immediate results, and overnight success. We microwave our meals, stream our entertainment, and demand our politicians fix everything by next week. But here in Acts 1, we find the disciples in a posture that is utterly foreign to our modern sensibilities—waiting. This is not passive waiting. This is not twiddling their thumbs, staring at the sky, or wasting time. This is active, expectant, obedient waiting—the kind of waiting that prepares God’s people for His sovereign work. And in this passage, we see three critical truths that define the Church’s mission and posture in a hostile world: The Promise of Power (vv. 4–8) The Ascension and the Assurance (vv. 9–11) The Unity of Prayerful Expectation (vv. 12–14) Let’s dig in. 1. The Promise of Power (vv. 4–8) “Wait for the promise of the Father… you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit… you will receive power… and you will be My witnesses.” Notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Go figure it out.” He doesn’t say, “Here’s a five-step plan for cultural dominance.” He says, “Wait.” Why? Because the mission of the Church is not sustained by human ingenuity, political strategy, or moral reform. It is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples wanted a timetable for Israel’s restoration (v. 6), but Jesus redirects them: “It is not for you to know times or seasons… but you will receive power.” A. The Danger of Misplaced Priorities The disciples’ question reveals a preoccupation with earthly kingdoms. Sound familiar? How often do we fixate on elections, policies, and social movements while neglecting the real battle—the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom through the Gospel? Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for wanting God’s Kingdom; He rebukes their timetable. The Father’s authority is absolute (v. 7), and our calling is not to speculate but to obey. B. The Power for the Mission The Spirit’s coming at Pentecost was not about personal ecstasy but evangelistic urgency. “You will be My witnesses” (v. 8)—not “you might be” or “if you feel like it.” This is a divine imperative. Today, the Church in the West is paralyzed by fear—fear of cancel culture, fear of persecution, fear of irrelevance. But Jesus says, “You will receive power.” Not political power. Not cultural dominance. Holy Spirit power. The same power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19–20) is available to us. Application: Are you trying to do God’s work in your own strength? Repent. Are you more passionate about temporal politics than eternal souls? Repent. The Church doesn’t need better marketing; we need the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 2. The Ascension and the Assurance (vv. 9–11) “He was lifted up… a cloud took Him out of their sight… ‘This Jesus… will come in the same way.’” The ascension is not just a dramatic exit; it is a theological declaration. Christ’s departure confirms His victory (Eph. 4:8–10) and His eventual return (Rev. 1:7). A. The Danger of Spiritual Passivity The disciples stood gazing into heaven (v. 10). The angels’ rebuke is piercing: “Why do you stand looking?” In other words, “Stop staring and start serving!” Too many Christians today are spiritually passive—consumed with end-times speculation, conspiracy theories, or escapist theology, while the world drowns in sin. Jesus didn’t leave us here to count clouds; He left us here to preach Christ! B. The Certainty of His Return The angels’ promise is clear: “This same Jesus… will come.” He is not absent; He is reigning (Acts 2:33). And His return is as certain as His ascension. Application: Are you living like Christ is coming tomorrow? Or are you entangled in the world’s distractions? The hope of His return should fuel our urgency, not our apathy. 3. The Unity of Prayerful Expectation (vv. 12–14) “They returned to Jerusalem… devoting themselves to prayer… with one accord.” This is the birth of the New Testament Church—not in a blaze of glory, but in humble, unified prayer. A. The Power of Corporate Prayer The disciples weren’t praying for comfort or convenience; they were praying for the fulfillment of God’s promise. And when the Spirit fell in Acts 2, it was in the context of united, expectant prayer. Where is this kind of prayer in the Church today? We have conferences, programs, and podcasts, but where is the desperate, unified crying out for God’s power? B. The Necessity of Gospel Unity The disciples weren’t perfect. Peter had denied Christ. Thomas had doubted. The brothers had once thought Jesus was out of His mind (Mark 3:21). Yet now, they are “with one accord.” The modern Church is fractured by secondary issues, personality cults, and tribalism. But the early Church thrived because they were united around the Gospel. Application: Is your local church marked by prayerful dependence? Are you pursuing unity, or are you a source of division? The world won’t believe our message if we don’t love one another (John 13:35). Conclusion: The Church’s Posture in a Hostile World Acts 1 is a blueprint for the Church in any age: We wait on the Spirit’s power, not our own wisdom. We work under Christ’s authority, knowing He is coming back. We worship in prayerful unity, refusing to let secondary issues divide us. The world doesn’t need another social movement. It needs the Church to be the Church—Spirit-filled, Gospel-driven, and relentlessly focused on Christ. So I ask you: Are you waiting, working, and worshiping like the apostles? Or are you distracted, discouraged, or divided? The promise still stands. The power is still available. The mission is still urgent. Let’s get to work. Amen.

Ep. 165: Grace and Wrath – John 3:16-21

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it's an honor to be with you today as we dive into the profound teachings of John 3:16-21.  This passage is not merely a collection of words; it is a beautiful tapestry that weaves together the boundless grace and the fearsome wrath of our Almighty God. It encapsulates the heart of the Gospel, the essence of our faith, and the foundational truth of our salvation. *"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."  John 3:16-21 (ESV) In the first part of this passage, we encounter one of the most familiar verses in Scripture, John 3:16.  It's a verse that many of us have known since childhood, yet its depth and richness never diminish. "For God so loved the world..." Let us pause and marvel at the magnitude of these words. The Greeks had several words for love, but the word used here is 'agape'—a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. God's love for us isn't based on our merit or worthiness; it's rooted in His boundless grace and compassion. God's love is not merely an abstract concept; it was manifested in the most tangible and costly way possible:  "He gave his only Son." This statement points us to the heart of the Gospel—the self-giving love of God demonstrated in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God's love has a specific purpose:  "that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." The offer of eternal life is available to "whoever believes." This underscores the universal scope of God's saving grace. Verse 17 emphasizes that God's purpose in sending His Son was not condemnation but salvation. This tells us that there is not a vengeful deity waiting to punish us but a gracious Father who desires to save us. I don't want to gloss over the condemnation part though. Let us not forget that we are all condemned already. We are condemned by our sin. We are dead in our sin. This is what makes God's love, and the sacrifice of Jesus all the more amazing! As we move into the second part of our passage, we see a contrasting truth that is equally essential to our understanding of the Gospel: God's fearsome wrath. Verse 18 speaks of condemnation for those who do not believe in the name of the only Son of God. This reminds us that God's wrath is a real and terrible reality. It's not a popular topic today—even among some Christians—but it is a truth we must grapple with.  God's wrath is not capricious or unreasonable; it is His just response to sin and unbelief. Verse 19 outlines the basis of God's wrath: people's love for darkness rather than light. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Do we love the light of God's truth, or do we prefer the darkness of sin? God's wrath is kindled not by His lack of love but by our rejection of His love. Verses 20 and 21 reveal two different responses to God's light. Those who do evil avoid the light, fearing their deeds will be exposed. But those who live by the truth come gladly to the light, desiring that their works be seen as carried out in God. In these verses, we see a beautiful and necessary balance between God's grace and His wrath. To emphasize one at the expense of the other leads to an imbalanced view of God's character and the Gospel itself. God's grace and wrath are not in conflict; they are two sides of His holy character. We must understand that God's grace is not a license to sin, and His wrath is not contrary to His love. They work together to reveal a God who is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). Let me repeat that. God is both just and the justifier. Let that sink in for a minute. The Gospel is not merely a message of God's love; it's also a message of rescue from His wrath (Romans 5:9). To downplay God's wrath is to minimize the seriousness of sin and the greatness of our salvation. The balance of grace and wrath calls for a response of faith and repentance. We must turn from the darkness of sin, believe in Christ, and walk in the light of His truth.  This is the path to eternal life and the evidence that we are indeed children of God. This is the narrow path mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." As we reflect on John 3:16-21, let us be moved by the astonishing grace of God that offers salvation to all who believe. But let us also be sobered by the reality of His wrath against sin and unbelief. May we never take God's grace for granted or dismiss the seriousness of His wrath. Let us rather embrace the fullness of the Gospel, living lives that demonstrate our gratitude for God's grace and our reverence for His holiness. May we daily cling to the old rugged cross, boasting only in Christ crucified and risen. It is my deepest desire that this message stirs your hearts to love God more passionately, to hate sin more vehemently, and to follow Christ more faithfully. Let these timeless truths dwell in your hearts richly, transforming your minds and lives for the glory of God. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Ep. 164: A Response to “God Couldn’t Forgive My Sin”

A Response to "God Couldn't Forgive My Sin" Whenever I hear someone say something like, "God couldn't forgive my sin," I'm reminded of the profound truth that our understanding of forgiveness is directly tied to our understanding of God Himself. As we open God's Word together, I want to address this with biblical clarity and theological precision, because what you believe about God's forgiveness reveals what you truly believe about the character and work of God. The Holiness of God and the Reality of Sin We must begin with a proper understanding of who God is. Scripture reveals God as utterly holy. Isaiah 6:3 proclaims, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" This three-fold repetition in Hebrews represents the superlative—God is not merely holy, He is the holiest, supremely set apart in His perfection. This holy God created us in His image to reflect His glory, but sin has corrupted that image. Sin isn't merely making mistakes or breaking arbitrary rules. Sin is nothing less than rebellious treason against our Creator. It is a direct assault on God's holiness and authority. Romans 3:23 states plainly, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This isn't just some people or most people—it's all people. You and me included. When we truly grasp the holiness of God alongside the reality of our sin, we begin to understand the gravity of our situation. Our sin isn't merely a problem—it's an insurmountable catastrophe that places us under divine judgment and subject to the wrath of God. As Romans 6:23 declares, "The wages of sin is death." This death isn't simply physical death but spiritual death—eternal separation from God. Eternity in torment in a real place called hell. If we were left to ourselves, we would indeed be hopeless, for no human effort, regardless of how sincere or extensive, could ever bridge the infinite chasm between our sinfulness and God's holiness. The Justice of God Cannot Be Compromised Someone’s concern that God "couldn't forgive" their sin actually points to a profound theological truth. A holy God cannot simply overlook sin. His justice demands satisfaction. To simply pardon sin without addressing its penalty would violate God's own nature and make Him unjust. As Exodus 34:7 reminds us, God "will by no means clear the guilty." Nahum 1:3 declares, "The LORD will by no means clear the guilty." God's justice is not optional—it is essential to His character. This is precisely why cheap grace is a theological impossibility. God cannot simply wink at sin or sweep it under the rug. Every sin must be accounted for. Every transgression must be paid for. The justice of God demands it. If God were to simply forgive without satisfaction of His justice, He would compromise His own character. He would cease to be fully God. And a God who could cease to be God is no God at all. The Cross: Divine Justice and Mercy Meet Here we arrive at the glorious truth of the gospel. The seemingly irreconcilable tension between God's holiness and our sin, between His justice and His mercy, finds its resolution at one place in human history: the cross of Jesus Christ. At Calvary, we see both the justice and love of God on full display. There, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man, became our substitute. The sinless One became sin for us. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Christ became the propitiation for our sins. The word "propitiation" means the satisfaction of God's righteous wrath. At the cross, God's justice was not compromised—it was fully satisfied. The debt was paid. The penalty was absorbed. The wrath was endured. Not by us, but by Christ on our behalf. Romans 3:25-26 makes this clear: "God presented Christ as a propitiation through faith in his blood, to demonstrate his righteousness... so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Notice that profound statement: God is both "just and the justifier." He upholds His justice perfectly while justifying sinners completely. The cross doesn't represent God setting aside His justice but rather God satisfying His justice through the perfect sacrifice of His Son. No Sin Beyond the Blood of Christ Now, let me address the persons specific concern: "God couldn't forgive my sin." This statement reveals one of two possible misunderstandings: either they underestimate the holiness of God and the heinousness of all sin, or they underestimate the power and sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. First, we must understand that all sin—every sin—is worthy of eternal punishment. The smallest lie is all out treason against an infinitely holy God. There is no such thing as a "small" sin. Romans 6:23 doesn't say the wages of big sins is death; it says "the wages of sin is death." All sin condemns. Second, and gloriously, we must understand that no sin—no matter how vile, no matter how morally corrupt, no matter how deliberate—is beyond the cleansing power of Christ's blood. The Bible declares in 1 John 1:7, "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." Consider the testimony of Scripture about God's forgiveness: Isaiah 1:18: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Psalm 103:12: "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." Micah 7:19: "He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." The Bible is filled with examples of forgiven sinners whose transgressions were severe: - David was an adulterer and murderer, yet God called him a man after His own heart. - Paul persecuted the church and participated in the murder of Christians, yet became an apostle. - The Corinthian church included former fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, and drunkards who were washed, sanctified, and justified (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The True Nature of Forgiveness Biblical forgiveness is not God simply overlooking sin or pretending it didn't happen. It is God dealing decisively with sin through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. The debt is not ignored—it is paid in full by another. When God forgives, He doesn't lower His standard of holiness. Rather, He provides a perfect righteousness that meets His standard completely. This is the doctrine of imputation. Our sin was imputed—credited—to Christ on the cross, and His perfect righteousness is imputed—credited—to us through faith. This great exchange is the heart of the gospel. Christ takes our sin; we receive His righteousness. This is what makes justification possible. We are declared righteous not based on our performance but based on Christ's perfect work on our behalf. Repentance and Faith: The Biblical Response Now, how does one receive this forgiveness? Scripture is clear: through repentance and faith. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin, though godly sorrow may accompany it. Biblical repentance (metanoia in Greek) means a complete change of mind that results in a change of direction. It is turning from sin to God, from self-rule to submission to divine authority. Faith is not merely intellectual assent to facts, though it certainly includes that. Biblical faith is trusting in the person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation. It is resting in His finished work rather than in your own efforts. Acts 20:21 speaks of "repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." These two elements are inseparable in genuine conversion. When a person truly repents and believes, they receive complete forgiveness. Not partial forgiveness. Not probationary forgiveness. Complete forgiveness. Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The False Theology of Unforgiveness If you continue to believe that God cannot or will not forgive your sin, despite your repentance and faith, you are essentially saying one of several things: Christ's sacrifice was insufficient, which denies the infinite value of His atonement. God's promise of forgiveness is unreliable, which makes God a liar. Your sin is somehow special or unique, which is a form of inverted pride. You must add something to Christ's work, which is works-righteousness. Each of these positions is fundamentally unbiblical. Each denies some aspect of the gospel. The truth is, if you have genuinely repented and placed your faith in Christ, you are forgiven—completely, permanently, and irrevocably. Your sin has been atoned for. Your debt has been paid. As Colossians 2:13-14 beautifully states: "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." The Assurance of Forgiveness How can we be assured of this forgiveness? Our assurance is not based on the intensity of our feelings or the perfection of our lives after conversion. Our assurance is based on the promises of God's Word and the finished work of Christ. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Notice it doesn't say "he might forgive" or "he could forgive" but "he is faithful and just to forgive." It's a divine guarantee. This forgiveness is not based on God's mercy alone but on His faithfulness and justice. Since Christ has paid the penalty, it would be unjust for God not to forgive the repentant sinner. The debt cannot be demanded twice. The Transformed Life: Evidence of Forgiveness ...

Ep. 163: Repentance – Luke 13:3

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to delve into the profound topic of repentance, a term often mentioned but seldom understood in its fullness. Our reference verse comes from Luke 13:3, where Jesus says, "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." To understand this verse, we must first understand the concept of repentance. The Greek word for repentance is 'metanoia,' which means a change of mind or direction. It's not merely about feeling regret or sorrow for our sins but involves a complete turning away from our old selves and turning towards God. It's a transformation of our minds, hearts, and actions. Repentance is not just a one-time event that occurs at the beginning of our Christian journey. It's a continuous process, a daily decision to turn away from sin and align ourselves with God's will. Just as we are called to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), we are also called to repent daily. Now, let's go a bit deeper into the context of Luke 13:3. Jesus was addressing the common misconception that bad things only happen to bad people. He was referring to two tragic incidents where people lost their lives - the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices and those who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them. Jesus refuted the notion that these people were worse sinners than others because they suffered in such a manner. Instead, He used these tragedies to emphasize the universal need for repentance. He warned that unless they repented, they would all also perish. This message is as relevant today as it was then. We live in a world marred by sin, suffering, and death. Every day, we witness or experience pain, injustice, disease, and loss. These are stark reminders of our mortal state and our desperate need for a Savior.  The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). But God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Repentance, therefore, is our response to this amazing grace. It's our acknowledgment of our sinfulness, our need for forgiveness, and our decision to follow Jesus. It's a change of mind that leads to a change of action. As J.I. Packer said, "Repentance is more than just sorrow for the past; it is a determination to pursue a different future." It involves a conscious decision to turn away from everything that dishonors God and to seek His righteousness instead.  But how do we repent? First, we must recognize our sins. We need to take an honest look at ourselves in the light of God's Word and acknowledge where we've fallen short. This requires humility and a willingness to accept correction. Next, we must confess our sins. We need to agree with God about our sins, call them what He calls them, and turn from them. The Bible promises that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Then, we must make restitution where possible. If our sins have harmed others, we should do what we can to make things right. This might involve apologizing, returning what we've stolen, or restoring a reputation we've damaged. Lastly, we must forsake our sins. This means making a commitment not to repeat the same sins. It's not enough to say we're sorry; we must also strive to change our behavior. Remember, repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. We can't earn God's forgiveness; it's a gift freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. But repentance is the appropriate response to God's grace. It's the way we align our lives with the reality of what God has done for us in Christ.  So, let us heed Jesus' warning in Luke 13:3. Let us not harden our hearts, but let us repent and turn to God. Let us live each day in light of the cross, remembering the great price Jesus paid for our sins. As Paul Washer said, "The evidence of genuine salvation is a life of repentance." Let us, therefore, strive to live lives characterized by continual repentance, always turning away from sin and turning towards God. In conclusion, let's remember the words of John MacArthur: "True repentance is hating what you once loved, and loving what you once hated." May we cultivate such a heart within ourselves, a heart that loves God and hates sin, a heart that continually seeks to honor and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ep. 162: Regeneration Acts 26:20

The Radical Reality of Regeneration  Text: Acts 26:20 (CSB) – “Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.”  Grace and peace to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we’re going to talk about a doctrine that doesn’t get enough airtime in our feel-good, self-help churches—a doctrine that separates the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the chaff, the true believer from the pretender. We’re talking about *regeneration*. Now, I know some of you are thinking, “Preacher, that sounds like one of those big theological words that’s just gonna fly over my head.” But stick with me, because this is the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Regeneration isn’t optional—it’s the radical, supernatural change that God works in the life of every sinner He saves. And when God regenerates a man, that man doesn’t just clean up his act a little bit. No, sir. He changes radically!  Let’s dive into our text. In Acts 26, Paul is standing before King Agrippa, giving his defense, recounting his conversion and his mission. And in verse 20, he says he preached that people “should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.” This isn’t just a call to say a prayer or raise a hand in a church service. This is a call to a total transformation—a turning from sin and a turning to God that produces a life marked by fruit. That, brothers and sisters, is regeneration in action. What Is Regeneration? First, let’s define our terms. Regeneration is the sovereign work of God through the Holy Spirit whereby He takes a dead sinner—someone spiritually lifeless, enslaved to sin, hostile to God—and makes them alive in Christ. The Bible says in Ephesians 2:1, “You were dead in your trespasses and sins.” Dead! Not sick, not wounded, not struggling but still kicking—*dead*. And what can a dead man do to help himself? Nothing! He can’t climb out of the grave. He can’t will himself back to life. It takes a miracle of God to raise the dead, and that’s exactly what regeneration is: a miracle.  Jesus Himself said in John 3:3, “Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Born again—not by your effort, not by your decision, not by your pedigree or your good intentions, but by the Spirit of God blowing where He wills (John 3:8). Titus 3:5 calls it “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” It’s a new birth, a new creation, a radical change orchestrated by God alone. The Radical Change Now, let me make this plain: when God regenerates a sinner, it’s not a Band-Aid fix. It’s not a little tweak here or a minor adjustment there. It’s a demolition and reconstruction project. Look at Paul himself. Before his encounter with Christ on the Damascus road, he was Saul—breathing threats and murder against the church (Acts 9:1). He was a Pharisee of Pharisees, zealous for the law, and he thought he was doing God a favor by persecuting Christians. But when Jesus met him, blinded him, and raised him up, Saul didn’t just become a nicer version of himself. He became a new man—Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, preaching the very gospel he once despised. That’s what regeneration does. It takes a man who loves darkness and makes him a lover of light. It takes a woman who’s chained to her sin and sets her free to walk in righteousness. And here in Acts 26:20, Paul says this change isn’t just internal—it’s visible. “Do works worthy of repentance.” Regeneration produces a life that proves the change. You don’t get to claim new life in Christ and keep living like the devil. No, sir! If God has regenerated you, your life will show it. The Evidence of Regeneration So what does this radical change look like? Let’s break it down from the text. Paul preached three things: repent, turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.  1. **Repent**     Repentance is not just feeling sorry for your sin. It’s not shedding a few tears at an altar and then going right back to the same mess. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. It’s seeing your sin the way God sees it—ugly, wicked, deserving of wrath—and hating it enough to turn away from it. When God regenerates you, He gives you a new mind. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” That new heart doesn’t play footsie with sin anymore—it flees from it.  2. **Turn to God**     You can’t turn from sin without turning to something else. Regeneration reorients your whole life toward God. Before, you lived for yourself—your pleasures, your pride, your plans. But now, your compass points to Him. Your desires change. Your priorities shift. You start hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). You start loving what God loves and hating what He hates. That’s radical, church! The world doesn’t get it—they think you’ve lost your mind. But you haven’t lost it; you’ve been given a new one. 3. **Works Worthy of Repentance**  Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Regeneration isn’t just a feeling—it’s a doing. James 2:17 says faith without works is dead. If God has made you alive, you’ll produce fruit. Not to earn your salvation—Christ earned it—but to prove it. A regenerated man doesn’t keep cheating on his wife. A regenerated woman doesn’t keep gossiping and tearing others down. A regenerated teenager doesn’t keep dishonoring their parents. The works don’t save you, but they show you’ve been saved. The Sovereign Source Now, let me hammer this home: this radical change isn’t your doing—it’s God’s. You didn’t regenerate yourself any more than Lazarus raised himself from the tomb. John 1:13 says we’re born “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Your will was enslaved to sin. Your flesh was dead. But God, in His mercy, stepped in and said, “Live!” That’s why Paul could preach with such boldness in Acts 26—he knew the power wasn’t in his words but in the God who changes hearts. The Call to Examine Yourself So let me ask you today, brothers and sisters—have you been regenerated? Has God done this radical work in you? Don’t point to a prayer you prayed or a decision you made. Look at your life. Do you see repentance? Are you turned toward God? Are there works worthy of that repentance? Second Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” This isn’t about perfection, but direction. A regenerated life isn’t sinless, but it sins less—and it fights against sin with everything it’s got. If you don’t see this change, don’t despair—cry out to God. He’s the one who regenerates. Plead with Him to make you new. And if you do see it, praise Him! Because the radical change in your life is a billboard shouting His glory to a lost and dying world. Brothers and sisters, regeneration is the miracle that proves the gospel. It’s the power of God to take rebels and make them sons, to take enemies and make them friends. So repent, turn to God, and live a life worthy of the miracle He’s done in you. Amen.