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Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus, part of the growing repentance remnant, cleansing as His Bride, getting ready for His soon return as our Bridegroom-----
II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
To continue with the theme on Repentance (if you missed my previous message - you can see the previous message on Why Repentance here) - I want to look a bit deeper into What is Repentance today... As Repentance is the Forerunner of Revival. Without Repentance first - there can be no Revival. And as many of us are already praying for revival in our respective nations, I want to encourage you to apply Repentance in your life, and start preaching Repentance wherever you are - as that will stir hearts to come to the Lord, and in so doing, start Revival in your country.!!
Thus, in order to be able to preach Repentance to someone else, we really need to understand What is Repentance... And for me how I go about to get a better understanding of any topic or word or scripture in the Bible, I have found that the best place to start is by looking into the deeper meaning of the the Hebrew and the Greek texts! Thankfully we don't all have to have a theology degree anymore in order to understand the Hebrew or the Greek. By looking up any scripture into the Strongs Concordance we can get a fairly good idea of what that Scripture is trying to tell us. And then with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can start to get a better and deeper understanding of what God wants us to know about any specific topic...
So let's look at a few scriptures - and see what was mentioned in the Hebrew, and also in the Greek originally, and then look at what is Repentance really.
Now: If you do some research in the Bible for the words, REPENT, REPENTED, REPENTANCE and even TURN, you will find the following words:
HEBREW:
nâcham (Eg: Gen 13:17) - pronounced: naw-kham'
A primitive root; properly to sigh, that is, breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, that is, (in a favorable sense) to pity, console
shûv (eg: 1 Kings 8:47) - Pronounced: shoob
A primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; ...take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
nôcham (Eg: Hos 13:14) - Pronounced: no'-kham
... ruefulness, that is, desistance: - repentance.
GREEK:
metanoeō (Eg: Matt 4:17) - Pronounced: met-an-o-eh'-o
... to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.
Consisting of 2 words: Meta & Noieō
meta (Eg: Matt 5:41) - Pronounced: met-ah'
A primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly denoting accompaniment;
noieō (Eg: Matt 15:17) Pronounced: noy-eh'-o
... to exercise the mind (observe), that is, (figuratively) to comprehend, heed: - consider, perceive, think, understand.
metanoia (Eg: Matt 3:8) - Pronounced: met-an'-oy-ah
... (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision): - repentance.
AND: I've also searched on Google - to see how the Word Teshuvah fit in this picture as it is not directly translated or explicitly used as a single word in the biblical texts - instead an abbreviated word "Shuv" is used in most scriptures instead.
So here follows what I found from Google:
In Hebrew - Repentance is the word: Teshuvah
The Hebrew word "Teshuvah" (תְּשׁוּבָה), meaning "return" or "repentance," is not directly translated or explicitly used as a single word in the biblical texts in the New Testament. However, the concept of Teshuvah is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and is echoed in the New Testament through the concept of metanoia (repentance in Greek). Teshuvah refers to a turning back to God, a change of heart and mind, and a commitment to a new way of life.
The words "shuv" (שׁוּב) and "teshuvah" (תְּשׁוּבָה) are intrinsically linked in Hebrew, with "shuv" meaning "return" and "teshuvah" signifying "repentance" or "turning back". The concept of returning, or "shuvah," is a cornerstone of the practice of teshuvah, which involves a shift in one's course of action, mindset, and relationship with God.
- "Shuv" (שׁוּב) - The Root Word:
"Shuv" is a Hebrew verb that primarily means "to return" or "to turn back". It can also imply a change in direction, a redirection, or a restoration to a previous state or condition.
- "Teshuvah" (תְּשׁוּבָה) - Repentance:
"Teshuvah" is a noun derived from "shuv," and it encompasses the broader concept of repentance or turning back from wrongdoing or a negative path. It involves not only acknowledging wrongdoing but also making a conscious effort to change one's behavior and mindset.
The connection between "shuv" and "teshuvah" lies in the idea of returning to a right course. In the context of teshuvah, "shuv" represents the action of actually turning back to God, to righteousness, and to a better way of life.
- Theological Significance:
The concept of teshuvah, which is rooted in "shuv," is a central theme in Jewish religious tradition and is often associated with the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a period of introspection and seeking forgiveness.
"Teshuvah" is referenced in the Hebrew Bible in the following scriptures:
- Hoshea 14:2: "Return to the Lord, O Israel."
- Psalm 51: Often called "Perek Teshuvah," this psalm is a powerful expression of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God.
- Joel 2:12-14: A call to repentance, urging people to return to the Lord in the face of adversity.
- Jeremiah 4:1: "If you return, O Israel, says the Lord."
- Malachi 3:7: "Return to Me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you."
- Lamentations 5:21: "Return us to You, O Lord, and we will return."
Teshuvah and Metanoia:
While the word "Teshuvah" isn't used in the New Testament directly, the Greek concept of metanoia (μετανοια), which is often translated as "repentance," shares a similar meaning to Teshuvah. Metanoia, like Teshuvah, involves a change of heart, a turning away from sin, and a turning toward God.
Key Aspects of Teshuvah:
Teshuvah is about a renewed commitment to God's way of life and a restoration of the relationship with Him.
- Change of heart and mind:
It involves a deep introspection, acknowledging wrongdoing, and a commitment to change one's thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
- Seeking forgiveness and reconciliation:
Teshuvah is not just about regret; it's about actively seeking forgiveness from God and making amends with those who have been harmed.
- Renewed commitment to the Covenant:
Teshuvah involves a renewed commitment to living according to the principles of the covenant relationship with God, bearing fruit of this new way of living a Godly way, seen by others (Matthew 3:8).
Thus in Summary
We can see that both the Hebrew words and the Greek Words for Repent / Repentance indicates that Repentance is 2-Fold:
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Repentance is all about a TURNING AWAY FROM Something (in most cases it is a turning away from SIN)
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and then a TURNING TOWARDS something/someone else instead (in most cases it is a turning back to GOD) !!
But now - looking at the Church's understanding of Repentance, I have found that there seems to be differences in understanding in the different Church denominations as to what is Repentance - and also how people are then praying according to their respective understandings.
Here are some of my observations:
1) Many can not see any real reason for Personal Repentance !
But the Lord has revealed to me over these past few years, that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring this conviction in people's hearts.
Like Jesus/Yeshua explained in John 16:
John 16:7-11 NKJV
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
And I have found that the problem comes in why people do not want to Repent, is that people are not acknowledging nor inviting the presence of the Holy Spirit into their lives and into their Church gatherings - and thus their hearts and consciences are seared - like the Apostle Paul explains it in 1 Tim 4:2 "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"
And therefore we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to bring this conviction in people's hearts and for Churches to start opening their doors and invite the Holy Spirit back into their gatherings, and not be afraid of Him, but instead start developing a Hunger for Him. Peter preaches repentance at Pentecost: " Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). Shortly thereafter Peter preaches a second time, adding that we need to convert to receive the Holy Spirit: " Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." (Acts 3:19).
2) Many seem to think that we can Repent on behalf of someone else - and in so doing thus cause God to forgive the other person - and thus will even give them salvation and remove all the consequences of their sins, even without them coming in Repentance to Him themselves !
But, when I look at some of the scriptures in the old and new Testaments - we get the idea that Repentance means that every individual person needs to Repent for themselves - to be "truly sorry for making a specific choice or decision" and then "following through on that remorse" - by changing / turning around - and come to God.
Ezek 18:30
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Rev 3:19-20
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
And looking at these 2 scriptures in Ezekiel 18 & Revelation 3, God is expecting from us, that REPENTANCE is fully based on every individual's CHOICE and then real action !!!
Meaning one person can not fully Repent on behalf of someone else. Each person needs to come to a place of Repentance for themselves, and for their own wrong choices and behaviors, etc. Meaning I can not repent for you, and neither can you repent for me. We are each fully responsible for our own words & deeds - which probably have caused a bunch of terrible consequences...
BUT: There is HOPE though - all is not lost. Meaning if someone else has messed up, and has caused trouble in or for my life, I can still choose to INTERCEDE for that person, and God has given us the authority to FORGIVE someone else (Mark 2:1-12). And through doing that, we open up the way for God to move in someone else's life and start drawing them nearer to Him, and stirring their hearts to "want to repent" eventually....
Meaning, I can intercede on behalf of someone else, and even for my nation or even for another nation - and I can stand in the Gap for someone (or even a country or a nation (Ezek 22:30)) so God won't destroy that nation, but stay patient with them, and extend His Grace towards them for an even longer period - like Jesus/Yeshua also stood in the Gap on our behalf when He died on the Cross (Isa 53:12, Rom 5:8) - and forgave us all our sinful deeds (Luk 23:34)
BUT: All Jesus/Yeshua were able to do through His Intercession and act of Forgiveness on the Cross, according to Hebrews 8 to 10 - was to open up and consecrate the WAY for us all to be able to come back to the FATHER through Him (John 14:6, Heb 10:19-24) - so that each individual person can come and ask for their own Forgiveness from our Heavenly Father - and then to RECEIVE our forgiveness from our Heavenly Father respectively based on what Jesus/Yeshua did for us - and not based on our own works - but receive it all through our Faith in Him alone (Eph 2:8)
As the bible mentions that our works are like filthy rags, and we all fall short of His Glory (Isa 64:6, Rom 3:23) - and we just can not fully stand before God based on our own righteousness alone - we are just not able to justify ourselves. We all have that sinful nature hidden in us - and nothing can remove it - unless INNOCENT BLOOD has been shed - to PAY for our sins.
And seeing that Jesus / Yeshua was the only one Worthy to do that - His Blood Sacrifice is enough to give us our forgiveness - and also REMISSION of sins !!
BUT: The KEY is - Only when we come to Him - each one individually - asking for forgiveness ourselves, and then truly REPENT - by TURNING AROUND and AWAY from our sinful nature, and start walking the road of living a Holy Life unto God, that we can truly see a change in our lives and even in our countries, etc.
In all this, God is patient: " The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that ALL should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).
Just having feelings of remorse, and keeping on saying sorry on a regular basis, even praying for forgiveness - but never truly making that choice to change in our lives - just does not bring any change, and God's judgement will continue to hang over our heads..!!
It is up to each one of us to take that bold step:
- To humble ourselves in prayer,
- Earnestly Seeking His Face,
- and then TURN away from all our wicked ways (2 Chron 7:14)
It's at that point that the Lord will forgive us: (1 John 1:9)
And thus, any prayers we pray to God on behalf of someone else, we can only acknowledge that we recognize someone else's sins of what they have done (or are still doing), and then plead the Blood of Jesus/Yeshua over it all, asking for God's forgiveness to bring healing in our land (like Nehemiah 9, Jeremiah 9 & Daniel 9)
But then after our prayers - we now need to make that choice to BECOME THE CHANGE ourselves of what we want to see in our nations. And we do that by making objective choices as to not living or walking in the old sinful ways and patterns of those that were (or still are) living in those ways before... and we specifically choose to stand on what is Godly, in the midst of a world that refuses to hear or submit to God's will and Word. In that way - we start showing others through our lives and behaviors, what is right and Righteous, and what isn't - thus also encouraging them to come to a place of Repentance for themselves.
And if people have passed away - and thus won't be able to Repent for themselves anymore - we can only Repent of their past sins - by saying to God, we are now making an objective choice to not walk in their ways anymore - but to now walk in His ways from this day forward..!
And in so doing - it will be like in Jonah's time, where the current nation, decided to fully Repent and Turn, that God held back the destruction He planned for Nineveh, because that generation chose to humble themselves that day, recognising that God was right and they were wrong. Although a later generation again did wrong in God's eyes, and the city Nineveh was eventually destroyed - but that generation who chose to change, God had mercy on them, and held back on what He wanted to do.
And so we today - can as a generation change the judgement on our nation, when we all choose to humble ourselves before God, and decide to change from the ways of our forefathers - and so bring healing back to our nations and our land.
But the key is also - we then need to teach the next upcoming generations to ensure they also change, and don't fall back in the old sinful patterns after we are gone. And thus the message of Repentance, and living a life holy before God, is a requirement for every generation and every individual. There is no "getting away" with one can do as he or she wishes, and another must live right. In the end, each individual person must bring an account of their own lives either in this life through Repentance, and to receive forgiveness - or on the day of Judgement when Jesus comes.
Thus, TODAY - when you hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts as in the day of Rebellion (Heb 3:15) - but instead chose to be Zealous and REPENT !! (Rev 3:19-20)
AMEN !
I invite you again - join us on Wednesdays @ 10:30am PDT - for our weekly Zoom meetings - Cleansing His Bride - where in private 3 minutes with the Holy Spirit we look at various Repentance points, later sharing if you wish the lessons we've learned, encouraging each other. And you are welcome to join our fellowship. See below for the Registration - in order to receive the Zoom details.
OR: you can follow us live via our National Day of Repentance YouTube Channel - as we are now livestreaming to YouTube every Wednesday !! Just go to the LIVE Tab - or click on the Logo when we are live - and you will immediately be connected to the meeting.
Here is the link from our meeting this past week.
https://youtube.com/live/3SexVCOq2qw
Looking forward to meet you all online sometime soon...
Your sister in Christ
Blessings
Susan Hammer
South Africa
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At NDR our Give-12 Project still continues.
In times past, when there were emergencies for food or medicine experienced by our repentance-preaching pastors in over 10 nations, often there were zero funds were in the NDR account, and a credit card was used to make those emergency donations to those repentance-preaching pastors. Over the 15 years of NDR this credit card debt has grown and needs to be paid off. Our goal, once $50,000, is now $67,000 by the end of June. NDR has no salaried employees; Susan and I are volunteers.
If each person reading this mail, can donate only $12 each month, we will be able to pay off that credit card, and nearly 95% of funds will be available to support the Holy Spirit Fire of Repentance spreading like a spiritual spear, increasingly touching hearts and nations, especially in Africa.
Please sow into this mighty move of God.
We thank you for your obedience - and want to share with you 2 very short testimonies received: First one is from our brother Justin Zulu from Malawi today, and then also our sister Apostle Sebita from Blantyre in Malawi send us her testimony earlier this week:
Justin writes:
I borrowed phone today and preached for 1hour online on tiktok social media platform, by the grace of God 10 souls came to Christ....
Justin
And Apostle Sebita writes:
Hello Ps jeff, I trust you are well we yesterday we had time yesterday to preaching at the prison only that we were not allowed to take pictures, but we ministered to 2000 inmates at Blantyre prison, may God bless you sir...
Here are some videos you can see of the impact of her preaching of Repentance in the prisons:
https://youtu.be/CPRZUjUaCQI
https://youtu.be/iv-aYqvoClg
And Bishop Joseph Kazembe in Malawi, head of the OUT. training and the Joseph Project, was not stalled when there were no funds for transportation. He WALKED 30 KILOMETERS: "Today l walked almost 30 kilometers to find leaders we will conclude our program tomorrow the in the evening we be going home some times it pains to continue asking for support towards this Joseph Project, remember if God bless one us
May God Bless you in abundance as you sow towards His Kingdom!
God bless you,
Pastor Jeff
Pastor Jeffrey Daly
National Day of Repentance
www.globalrepent.com
pastorjeff@repentday.com
Box 246 Middletown CA USA. 95461
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