How many times are we guilty of saying, “I really need to take time to…” Most of the time when these words are said it’s from a good and honest heart with very good intentions to fulfill the desire. Yet, too often the world has a way of diminishing many important desires or things needing attention. Having a mind to “take time” to accomplish things does not always find us making the time to do them. Time is one of those things that we cannot get back or purchase more of it. The supply of time may be different for each of us, but the same holds true for all; time is limited! It has been said, “Life [or time] is like a coin, you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once.” There is a wonderful song we sing written by William D. Longstaff titled, “Take Time to be Holy.” This song speaks of the importance of taking the time needed to live a life that is not only pleasing to God but also rewarding for the believer as well. Seeing that we do not always “take” time to be holy, let us do our best to “make” time to be holy! Let’s consider the stanzas of this song and make physical and spiritual application. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,Forgetting in …

My wife looked up at the clouds late yesterday afternoon as we headed home from work. She asked me, “Can you see the clouds in the western sky?” She went on to say, “There is a slim break in the clouds just above the horizon, and rays of the sun are shining through like the sun is sneaking its way through that little opening to reach the earth.” It is like the sun is saying, “You cannot hide me altogether – I am here, and I am still shining.” I couldn’t help but think what a beautiful picture that painted. Being me, I couldn’t help but see it as symbolic of a greater truth. Sometimes the light of goodness and righteousness seems to be barricaded behind the dark clouds of evil and unrighteousness that can hang heavily on the horizon of humanity and the lives lived on this earth. Sometimes it seems as though there is no light, there is no hope; there is only despair and loss, anger and destitution, fear and destruction. Yet then, through the darkness of the clouds that hover over our existence, a small ray of sunshine will peak its way through. We will see, for a moment, that there is beauty still left. We will be convinced that beyond the clouds of sadness and despair there is a beautiful light that shines. We will have hope in the midst of hopelessness and joy in the midst of sadness. A ray of sunshine will touch …

“Life is a series of choices between the bad, the good, and the best. Everything depends on how we choose” (Vance Havner). Every day of your life is a progression of choices. When you wake up, there are choices, and throughout the day, the decisions never stop. What will you eat? What will you wear? How will you respond to the difficult guy at work? Probably, there are already a host of things on your mind (even if you read these the first thing in the morning). You can already see that your day will be filled with choices, can’t you? Further, the sum of those decisions will decide the quality of your day. The sum of your days will determine the quality of your life. It starts with your choices. Today, will you make choices that are pleasing to God? Will you make choices that improve your life? How?

There are approximately 613 different laws that make up what we commonly call the “Law of Moses.” Few if any, save a limited number of devout orthodox Jews, have them memorized or could even list a fraction of them. Most would struggle to get through the Ten Commandments, which are really kind of a prelude or introduction to the Law. Have you ever wondered why God gave the Jews so many laws? I guess there are a number of answers one could give. Some might say, for instance, that the ancient Jewish people lived under what you might call a limited Theocracy, where God is not only the spiritual leader, but the civil, governing body as well. Thus, He gave them not only a spiritual law, but a civil law, too. Yet, I think another very strong argument that we could make, and perhaps one that is a little more practical and maybe not fraught with some difficulties, is the simple fact that God went out of the way to give us abundant evidence for the need of a Savior. Consider those 613 laws in light of what Paul would say in Galatians 3:24-25. “So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now faith that is come, we are no longer under a tutor.” The Law of Moses pointed to something. It pointed to the same fact that you and I face every day. We have been …

All of my life I have heard preachers proclaim lessons about the value of the Scriptures and point to Hebrews 4:12 as a proof text. Most people familiar with the New Testament are at least vaguely familiar with this verse as the writer proclaims, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” We have often heard lessons revealing what the writer meant when writing these things about the Scriptures and how they impact us. However, the more I have read and studied this passage, the more I am convinced we have been misapplying the emphasis of the passage and the one to whom it really relates. Let us make a deeper examination of the text, and I believe you may come to a different conclusion than we have generally heard. Consider the Context The context for the statement in Hebrews 4:12 goes all the way back to Chapter 3:1-3. There the writer proclaims, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.” The …

In the parables, Jesus taught lessons with stories familiar to His listeners. While the following story is not a parable, it still may serve to teach sincere students of the Word “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Consider the following fictional scenario. Many years ago, some in the world of Christendom had looked on the great and notable day of the Ascension of our Lord as a day worthy of a special remembrance once each year. Over the centuries, this celebration has become quite well known. In time, I learned of this special holy day and determined to participate in the celebration. I said, “That was a great and notable day in the course of human events; I’ll join them.” Religionists finally settled on July 17th each year as the day for the Ascension celebration, though there was some debate among them as to the actual day of the Ascension. On the day of the Ascension celebration, they have young men in white apparel standing nearby repeating the phrase, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” among other things. These religious folk have also pulled ideas from pagan practices and Roman Catholic traditions to incorporate into their holy day celebration of the Ascension. After some thought, I decided to try and see if I could find in Scripture where God had directed us to celebrate the Ascension of our Lord. I read Mark 16:19, which mentions the ascension, but there is nothing in that passage to instruct me …

A Texas farmer, who was a Christian, said one day that if he had a million dollars, he would give it to the church. A few months later oil was found on his property and almost overnight, he became a millionaire. The church of which he was a member suddenly fell on hard times financially and approached this brother about some financial aid. He then said, “You know when I didn’t have that money, I wanted to give it all away to the church. Now that I have it, I no longer have that desire.” Many a man has had the desire to obey God at one time in his life but put it off long enough to lose that desire. Hearts do get hard. Paul said in Hebrews 3:13, “Exhort one another day by day, while it is called today, lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Commonly used phrases such as “don’t judge a book by its cover” are meant to remind us that preconceived ideas based solely on appearances are not to be trusted. Most would agree with the principle set forth in these idioms. Yet, these expressions are common for a reason; they are regularly forsaken. As a result, the Bible addresses “partiality” frequently and attempts to divert Christians from exhibiting improper attitudes toward others. James commanded Christians (“brethren”) not to habitually hold forth Christianity (“the faith”) while at the same time having “respect of persons” (James 2:1). The word translated “respect to persons” is a grouping of two words which mean literally “face” and “receive,” and when combined, “to receive face.” In other words, individuals have “respect of persons” when they only consider the outward appearance to make judgments. In the scenario set forth by James, Christians showed partiality for the well-dressed rich men by giving them prominent seating while asking the shabbily-dressed poor men to occupy undesirable areas (James 2:2-3). In the following ten verses, James instructed Christians to avoid showing partiality to the rich because God is not partial toward the rich. In fact, the poor often have the characteristics God desires, and thus they will be part of the heavenly kingdom. James commanded Christians to listen closely (“Hearken, my beloved brethren”) as he declared what might have seemed to them as an unlikely truth that God had “chosen the poor of this world” (James 2:5a). James was not revealing the …

Rarely do you ever hear anyone point out that Jesus calls upon us to make judgments, even about others. Matthew’s account of the Master’s words begins much in the same way that Luke’s does (6:37), but Matthew 7 goes on to record Jesus as teaching that proper judging begins with judging one’s self (remove beam in one’s own eye, v. 5). Then notice the purpose for this is so that we may properly judge others (to see clearly to remove a speck in a brother’s eye). This is intended to help the other person, but it definitely involves judging the other person. Jesus went on to teach that we must judge who is a dog and who is a hog (v. 6). We must judge which is the right way and the wrong way to go into eternal life (v. 13-14). We must judge between true prophets (teachers) and false prophets (teachers) (v. 15-16). We must judge men by their fruits (v. 15-16). We must determine a good tree from a bad (evil tree), and again, it is by their fruits (v. 20). Notice that God judges anyone who hears and does these things (and all that the Lord teaches) to be wise (saved), while anyone who hears these things (and all that the Lord teaches, but does not do them), He judges them to be foolish (lost) (v. 21-27). In everything, we should not judge according to appearance only, but we should judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). That is, we should use the Word of God as our righteous …

A family was casually driving around sightseeing on vacation. It was a warm, clear, summer day, and they were enjoying the breeze coming through the rolled down windows. Soon the peaceful drive was interrupted when a honeybee flew through an open window and buzzed around the car. A young girl, who was allergic to bee stings, squirmed and shrieked as the bee flew close to her. She called out, “Daddy, Daddy! It’s a bee! It’s going to sting me!” The father quickly pulled the car over and began trying to get the bee out of the car. Unable to do so, and not wanting to anger the bee into accidentally stinging his daughter, he cornered the bee against the windshield. Having the bee trapped, he grasped the bee in his hand and waited for the inevitable sting. Feeling the sharp pain of the sting, he opened his hand and released the bee out the window. The little girl began panicking again, “Daddy, it’s going to fly back here again and sting me!” The father gently responded, “No honey, he can’t sting you now. Look at my hand.” In his hand was the bee’s stinger. Consider carefully the words of 1 Corinthians 15: “O Death, where is your sting? O Grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 55-57). “The sting of death is …

Garth Brooks’ 1993 hit song, “Standing Outside the Fire,” begins with the following lyrics: “We call them fools, who have to dance within the flame, who chance the sorrow and the shame, that always comes with getting burned.” A line in the chorus follows, “Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire.” The song is saying a person is not truly living if he is “standing outside the fire,” i.e. rolling up one’s sleeves, investing oneself in others, putting oneself in a vulnerable position for the sake of love, etc. In a sense, the Christian life is one that calls us into “the fire.” The Christian life is a wonderful, triumphant, fulfilling, transformative and joyous endeavor. It is the life that prepares us for the life to come. Yet, the Christian walk is not spectator sport. It calls us into “the game” as active participants. In this game, things can get messy. Personalities will clash (Philippians 4:2-4). Sometimes, feelings will be hurt (Philippians 3:17-18). It guarantees adversity and hardship along the way (2 Timothy 3:12). This game requires significant investment of our energy, resources, emotions and our being (Matthew 22:37-40). We will be disappointed and discouraged at times (Galatians 1:6). This is just the nature of Christian living. Welcome to biblical Christianity. This is not the feel-good, “no resistance and all reward” message that passes for Christianity in many circles. The Christian life is a fight. It is a war. It is a struggle. …

A young boy was allowed to spend the summer with his grandparents, who lived on a farm. One day the grandfather made the young lad a slingshot and told him all the safety rules that went with such an object. “Don’t shoot at any person! Don’t shoot at any of the farm creatures! Don’t shoot at anything that is valuable to Granny and Grandpa.” The little fellow grew quite proficient with the slingshot, and often he shot at hickory nuts, small rocks and almost anything he chose to hit. One day, as he strolled down a lane toward the stock watering pond, he spied a big beautiful goose, which just seemed to glide over the water of the pond. This was Granny’s favorite critter because it often followed her around like a puppy. Granny often talked to the goose, and she frequently gave it bits of food from the dinner table. Forgetting all the instructions and warnings he had received, the boy selected a nice round rock, placed it in the slingshot, and taking careful aim, he killed Granny’s goose with one shot. Horrified, he quickly dragged it out of the water, found a secluded place in the edge of the woods and proceeded to dig a hole and bury the goose. Little did he know it, but his sister had witnessed the whole thing. She told him that she knew his secret. After supper, Granny asked the sister to help with the dishes. “Granny,” the sister said, “Johnny would …

The Called Out The word that we find translated “church” in many of our translations has been translated from the Greek word ekklesia. Here we are dealing with the “called out feature” of God’s people. These are the people who have been called out of the world by the Gospel. That is they have had the opportunity to hear the saving Gospel of Christ. They have believed it (John 8:21, 24; Hebrews 11:6) and obeyed it (Romans 10:16-17). Hearing the truth with an open mind is what produces faith. They completed their obedience by repentance, confession of their faith in Christ and by being baptized into Christ for the remission of their past sins (Acts 3:19; 8:37; Romans 6:3-6; 10:9-10; Acts 2:38; 22:16). They had been called out of the world of darkness into the marvelous light of truth and love (1 Peter 2:9). They had cast off the works of darkness and had put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12). The church and the saved are the same. The Kingdom of God This refers to the government feature of the church. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). The word “kingdom” refers to the government feature of the church. Christians live under the Kingship of Jesus. We are under his ruler-ship, leadership and control. He is Lord of lords and King of kings. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed …

I have been looking for a book in my library for months. Did I lose it or did I loan it to a friend a long time ago? The book is titled Broken Homes and Handicapped Children by V. E. Howard, published in 1972. Fortunately, I found it on my bookshelf. I don’t know how I missed finding it for such a long time. It can’t be age! The theme of the book was basically about alcohol and drug abuse has destroyed many homes, thus handicapping innocent children. The book was the product of a series of lessons presented by V. E. Howard over the radio. In the foreword of the book V.E. Howard wrote: This series of discussions on the theme, “Broken Homes and Handicapped Children,” has been presented over more than 100 stations of the World Radio Gospel Hour network. Because of the vital nature of the material, it is also being published in the hope that thousands will be stimulated to re-examine their own homes and lives. Being fully aware that many of the matters are controversial and even frightening, I pray that you will sincerely study the problems and solutions that are detailed and documented in these pages. The menace to the modern home has never been greater than it is today. We must open our eyes to the graphic danger signals all around us and seek God and His help while there is still hope. As Hosea, God’s prophet of old, exhorted: “Break up your fellow ground; …

Every parent and teacher should learn the distinction between the various words that are translated “teach” in the Bible. The word “didasko” has the basic meaning “to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them.” A good concordance such as Young’s or Strong’s should enable one to find the places where such a word is used. It has to do with explaining, expounding or enjoining others to observe or obey some precept or come to some conclusion about a matter. On the other hand, “paideuo” has to do with training another, which involves not only imparting information to him, but also causing him to learn. This is why it is sometimes translated “chastise,” for it involves correction, even punishment, if necessary, in order to mold the character properly. The expression in Luke 23:16, “I will therefore chastise him, and release him,” gives some indication of this meaning. The word “katacheo” is translated “teach” in various places, and seems to differ only slightly from “didasko.” The primary difference is probably in the fact that “katacheo” points in the direction of teaching with words that charm and delight the listener, whereas “didasko” simply refers to the imparting of information, in whatever fashion it may be done. However, “matheteuo,” which is translated “instruct” in Matthew 13:52 and “teach” in Matthew 28:19, involves something that no commentator of which I know deals with in an adequate manner. Most persons seem to think that it means “make disciples or learners by telling them certain facts.” It does not! …

O my son Absalom – my son, my son Absalom – if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!”(2 Samuel 18:33). Here is an exceedingly bitter cry. It is one of the saddest passages in the entire Bible. One would think that such was the cry of a mother who had lost the dearest thing on earth to her, a child. Yet, no, it is the bitter cry of a man weeping for his son who had been killed. Absalom, the son of David had been slain while leading his forces against his father, the King of Israel. David had instructed Joab and his men to deal gently with his son (2 Samuel 18:5), but they slew the young man anyway (2 Samuel 18:14-15). In the rearing of his son Absalom, David was indeed a failure. Yet, wherein had David failed? We must be fair and note that in other ventures in life, David was not a failure. In fact, in many things he was very successful. We observe that David rose rapidly in rank. We saw him first as a shepherd boy. He possessed a brilliant mind and fortitude. As a courageous lad, he went out to meet and defeat the great giant Goliath in battle. David was a many sided man. He was not only a shepherd but a poet, a singer and later the King of Israel. A man like this will usually make good in any situation. While as king, …

The word “father” is worthy of note in the Bible because of its frequent usage. According to Young’s Analytical Concordance, the word is used 1,041 times in the Bible. The definition for father is “a male parent,” “a person who is like a father,” a “forefather,” “a person who helped to make something” and most importantly, “the God of Heaven.” From all of these definitions, we realize that a “father” is important in so many ways. Fathers are important to the health, safety and well-being of their offspring. Most of us think of fathers as strong and capable of performing any job. Some consider their father as a “playmate,” enjoying the wrestling and tumbling they do with him and the good times they share together, and he usually likes athletics! Some are impressed by the wisdom of a father and often seek his advice when making decisions. In any case, most earthly fathers are depended upon, respected and looked up to by their offspring. Truly, there are some bad fathers who do not in any way fit these expectations, but thankfully, they are an exception. Most fathers love and cherish their offspring and expend their effort in (1) loving, (2) caring for and (3) training their children. (1) Love That’s exactly what God does for His children. The apostle Paul made the statement that “In Him [God] we live and move and have our being… for we are His offspring.” The love of God for His children is the greatest love ever to …

And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. (John 19:17-22) The phrase “King of the Jews” is used 18 times in the New Testament Scriptures – each time referring to Jesus. At the time of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:2) there was a prevalent expectation that some remarkable person was about to emerge in Judea. The Jews were anxiously looking for the coming of the Messiah. By computing the time mentioned by Daniel (9:25-27), they knew that the period was approaching when he would appear. The person they were looking for was supposedly going to be a temporal prince, and they were expecting that he would deliver them from Roman bondage. It was natural that this expectation should spread into other countries. At the time, many Jews lived in …

What is your view of God? Do you imagine Him to be an austere being who is poised to catch you in a mistake? Maybe you picture Him like a permissive parent who will overlook every fault. We should consider the truth that our view of God has no bearing upon His actual nature. Allow me to illustrate. I wear corrective lenses. If you were standing in front of me, I could see you clearly. However, if I were to look at you without wearing my glasses, you would look quite blurry to me. Yet, regardless of my view, you remain the same. God has Divine characteristics whether we recognize them or not. Paul called upon the readers of the Book of Romans to consider the nature of God. “Behold, then the goodness and severity of God…” (Romans 11:22). Though these qualities seem antithetic, they are not incompatible. Sadly, many folks have a conception of God that is one or the other. Frequently, I hear people speak of the Father as being love. It is true that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). However, true love is not characterized by a “bury the head in the sand” attitude regarding sin. It is also true that “the wrath of God” will abide on many (John 3:36). So, God has the capacity for love and wrath. God is a Being of perfection in all His attributes – perfectly balanced and whole. He is a loving God and is longsuffering, “not wishing that any should …

A fresh start is sometimes more than desirable, it is a necessity. Circumstances may require us to abandon our old ways and begin anew. Lessons learned, both good and bad, invite modifications in attitude and action. Challenges once in the distance may now be at hand, waiting to be tackled. The children of Israel and their new leader, Joshua, came to such a time as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Moses, who led them for forty years, was about to die. The Jordan needed to be crossed and nations conquered before God’s people could be at peace in their new home. Moses delivered a message to all Israel, telling them that God would destroy the nations then living in Canaan, and they would dispossess them. God’s humble servant told the people, “The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes before you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:1-6). The words of their aged leader to Joshua, their new leader, sound much the same. “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it” (31:7). The message for the church should …

The dictionary defines encouragement as, “The act of inspiring others with renewed courage, a renewed spirit, or renewed hope.” Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Romans 14:19, Hebrews 10:24-25 and 2 Timothy 4:2. How can we add value to others through encouragement and meet an important human need in their life? Encourage One Another Daily The writer of Hebrews admonishes us with these words, “But encourage one another daily”(Hebrews 3:13). In other words, encourage others on a regular basis. Take advantage of every opportunity you have because the need is always great. You don’t have to go very far into the day to find someone in your network of people who needs a word of encouragement. Encourage Others without Delay The writer of Hebrews goes on to say, “…while it is called today”(Hebrews 3:13). Why are we to encourage one another without delay? Go back to Hebrews 3:12 for the answer, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God”(Hebrews 3:12). Delay can be deadly for the person who needs to be encouraged. Why? If Christians do not exhort one another daily, they will be in danger of being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Therefore, it should be the great concern of everyone to encourage himself and others to beware of sin. “Without delay” is to act upon encouraging someone immediately. Application Here are five ways we can encourage others.

Father’s Day is a day set aside for honoring fathers, whether present or only in memory. It is appropriate to consider both the role and importance of dads, especially in today’s society. The past few years have brought confusion regarding the role of fathers, whether their role is essential or not. Despite those who clamor for a merging or elimination of traditional mother/father roles in the family, they are fundamental to the well-being of the family and of society. Statistics indicate over 80% of juveniles in trouble (at school, with authorities, etc.) come from single parent homes, or homes with someone other than parents as primary caregivers. Being a father is an essential responsibility for healthy families. In a very real sense, fathers should serve as examples of our Heavenly Father, demonstrating genuine love, discipline and concern for their children. This is what Paul encouraged when he wrote, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). To bring up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord implies the need of fathers to be committed to the Lord and His will for their lives. Such fathers are by no means perfect, but in realizing God’s love for them, and how He works all things for their good (Romans 8:28), they seek to exemplify those same qualities for their children’s sake. Such fathers are worthy of respect and honor (Ephesians 6:2). These qualities of …

The duty of the man is be the leader of his home (Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-25; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Many have turned away from this responsibility because they don’t know how to be a father, themselves. Many don’t want to be “nailed down,” some are just frightened at the responsibility, others just don’t see it as a big deal, and our current society is not helping at all. Hollywood is portraying men as ignorant, selfish and irresponsible. This is what children grow up watching on television (and listening to on the radio), and it then becomes their norm. Then the cycle continues. Christian men, it is time that we step up and take back the home, but how? We can do this by following the example of Ezra (Ezra 7-10). Ezra was a priest during the days of the exile, and he was charged with leading Jews back to Jerusalem to restore the Law. There are a number of different points that stand out in Ezra’s leadership that will help us become real men, men of God. (1) We have to set our hearts to (a) study the law of God, (b) practice it, and (c) teach it to others (7:10). (2) We must surround ourselves with leading men, others who have a like mind to do number one (7:28). Finally, we must humble ourselves before God and seek His blessings (8:21).

In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul exhorted the Corinthian church to purity of life and showed the source of his comfort in afflictions. He began the chapter by calling them “beloved” and finished by rejoicing over his confidence in them. How could he honestly say those things, considering that the rest of the chapter is about their sins about which he had sternly confronted them in his first epistle (1 Corinthians 5)? He could commend them because they had responded with godly sorrow. They had sincerely repented, and now their state was completely clean. Many of us as Christians find it difficult to accept God’s forgiveness for our sins and to feel forgiven. We tell others about the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers, yet the hardest thing for us to do, it seems, is to receive that same love and forgiveness. After we’ve done something wrong, it’s not unusual to feel sorry about it. Yet, if we merely regret the consequences and don’t genuinely repent and accept God’s forgiveness, we have nothing more than sorrow as the world does. Second Corinthians 7:10 says, “For godly sorrow [sorrow according to the will of God – JRV] worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” This “godly sorrow” manifests itself by repentance and divine grace. The “sorrow of the world” brings death because, instead of being God-centered sorrow over the wickedness of sin, it is self-centered sorrow over the painful consequences of sin. …