Main Idea: The word “repent” means to change your mind.
Key Verse: “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
Illustration: One day, a man was driving down the highway when he saw a sign that said, “Bridge Out Ahead.” But the man thought, That sign must be wrong. I’ve driven this road a hundred times. I know exactly where I’m going.
So he kept driving. A mile later, he saw another sign: “Danger! Bridge Out! Turn Around!” Again, he ignored the warning. I’m sure the bridge is fine, he thought.
Finally, he came around a curve and slammed on his brakes. Right in front of him, the bridge had completely collapsed! If he had driven another fifty feet, he would have plunged into the river below.
Suddenly, the man changed his mind. A few minutes earlier, he believed the road was safe. Now he knew the road led to destruction.
So what did he do? He turned his car around and started driving in the opposite direction. That is a picture of repentance. The word “repent” means to change your mind.
Before repentance, you think your way is the best way. You believe you can live however you want. You think sin will bring you happiness.
But then you hear the Word of God, and you realize that sin leads to destruction. Suddenly, you begin to see things differently. You change your mind about sin. You change your mind about God. You change your mind about the direction of your life.
When you truly change your mind, your actions begin to change too. The man on the highway didn’t just say, “I believe the bridge is out,” and keep driving toward it. He turned around! In the same way, genuine repentance produces a change in direction. Repentance begins with a change of mind that leads to a change of life.
Jesus said, If you’ve been traveling down the wrong road, today is the day to change your mind, turn around, and start following Jesus!
