Luke records Jesus strong message to Christians that we must repent. To repent in Gospel terms, means to allow the Holy Spirit to constantly change our lifestyles and ways of thinking. To repent means to be constantly open to do God's Will each day of our lives. If you find this a frightening prospect then you are not alone. However, Jesus promises that a life of repentance will be the most fulfilling adventure of all - for now and eternity.

Sometimes we tend to think that repentance means having to give up things we enjoy. Repentance might mean that if our behaviour is ultimately harmful to ourselves or to others. More often Christian repentance in fact means trying out new ways of being human. Repentance means: Change of Life - toward a more Christ-like way of living.

For instance, in the context of our Western culture, repentance may mean:

1.. choosing to make friends for Jesus, 2.. choosing to live in the local community where we are called to be disciples, 3.. choosing to meet regularly with our community of faith, 4.. choosing to associate with the poor and outcast, 5.. choosing to be involved for a certain time each week in a ministry area of the church, 6.. choosing to be radically generous and hospitable, 7.. choosing to make prayer, bible study and worship a priority, 8.. and; choosing to be committed to these values - recognising that we are totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit who will bring us God's abundant joy in such incarnational lifestyle changes. Grace and Peace!

KIM THODAY

HEWETT COMMUNITY CHURCH OF CHRIST, SOUTH AUSTRALIA