What Does Repentance Look Like? | Luke 3:1-20

If you knew of an imminent danger that would threaten someone you know, what lengths would you go to warn them? What if that imminent danger is God’s coming judgment? This is what John, whom we call the Baptist, is doing in Luke 3:1-20. And Luke calls this warning of coming judgment good news. Why? Because it gives people an opportunity to repent. You see, Jesus came to gather all who genuinely repent into his kingdom.  
 
Thus, John CALLS all Israel to REPENT in light of Yahweh's coming (3:1-6). Here, we see God’s mercy. Israel had broken the covenant, turned to idols, and deserved judgment. Instead, the Lord raised up John to warn and get Israel ready. How? By being baptized for the repentance of sins. 

• Repentance is a change of mind/heart that leads to a change in direction. Without repentance, the Lord’s coming would not benefit Israel. 

 

• Baptism is a public declaration that pictures repentance and the washing away of sins (forgiveness). Without repentance, baptism is meaningless (see vv.7-9). But all who repent enjoy the forgiveness of sins. How do you know if you are truly repentant? 

 
John explains that you must bear FRUITS in keeping with REPENTANCE (3:7-14). Entering the promised kingdom involves more than just a profession of faith or being immersed in water. Those who enter the promised kingdom live a life that demonstrates true repentance (3:8, 10-14). But repentance is not seen in extraordinary works or religious activity. It is seen in the ordinary actions of a transformed life. Genuine repentance asks, “What must I do?” 

• This is GOOD NEWS for unbelievers – genuine repentance is available to all. 
• This is GOOD NEWS of family and friends – We treat them with love, kindness, and justice. 
• This is GOOD NEWS for society – Christians are not troublemakers. We are gracious, kind. 

 
Jesus came to gather all who genuinely repent into his promised kingdom (3:15-20). And to enter the kingdom, we must humble ourselves, recognize our sins, ask for forgiveness, and run to God. Of course, this is all of grace. We are dead in our sins, and by grace, God makes us alive. It is only by this new life that we can recognize our sins, respond in faith, and repent. And if we are truly converted, we will bear fruit in keeping with repentance. That’s why John commands, “Bear the fruits of repentance” (v.8). A bad tree cannot bear good fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit. What fruit do you see in your life? Bear fruits that demonstrate you have been changed by the power of Spirit through faith in Jesus. 
 
Practice this:  
Regularly ask one another: "Are you characterized by producing fruit that shows you are converted?” 

• What Does Repentance Look Like? 
  • Genuine Repentance | 12 Signs by Jared Wilson 
  • A Recipe for Repentance from Thomas Watson 

• Two Helpful Books on Repentance:
  • The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson 
  • The Grace of Repentance by Sinclair Ferguson 

• Missions: Joy in God for Holiness and Missions | A sermon by John Piper

 

• Song of the Month:  May the Mind of Christ, My Savior 

Opportunities to Serve and Grow at High Pointe
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)  

Life Classes | Life Classes will resume THIS Sunday, January 26, at 9:00 AM
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and join us. Childcare is available for ages 8 months through Pre-K. This session, we are offering the following classes from January 26 to May 25:

• Evangelizing through Mark: A class designed to equip you to share the gospel using just the book of Mark. Together, we’ll discover how simple Bible study can become a powerful tool for engaging coworkers, neighbors, and friends with the message of the gospel.
• Discipling Through Ephesians: Together, we'll explore how the book of Ephesians provides a simple yet profound model for discipleship. We’ll discover the richness of our union with Christ and the beauty of our unity as His Church, equipping us to be and make more mature disciples of Christ.
• Spanish Life Class | "Los Atributos de Dios": La vida entera de una persona es afectada por quien adora.  Para adorar adecuadamente al Dios de la Biblia, debemos tener una comprensión correcta de Sus atributos.  Conocer Sus atributos de acuerdo con Su propia revelación en las Escrituras nos permitirá realmente conocer a Dios y comprender mejor las Escrituras.
• Kid's Life Class (K-5th grade): This course will be for children K-5th grade, using The Gospel Project, a study that helps kids dive deep into the big story of the Bible as God's plan to rescue His people through His Son, Jesus Christ.
• Youth Life Class | The Pentateuch: We will follow the storyline of the first five books of the Old Testament. Students will discover God's plan for humanity as it unfolds through Abraham, Moses, and Israel. The aim of the class is to help teenagers learn how to read, study, and apply the first major section of their Bibles.

The High Pointe Institute | Wednesdays, Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 29 
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry in the church and the world. The goal is to form mature disciples who are growing in their knowledge and love for God, who take ownership of High Pointe’s ministries and mission, and who are committed to helping others follow Christ. This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission.
 
HPI is designed for growing disciples of Christ who want to be equipped for ministry and mission in whatever context God has placed them. ALL men and women are encouraged to participate. HPI is designed with High Pointe members in mind as a preparation for service and leadership. We are opening registration for the spring semester to anyone who would like to join us. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, REGISTER HERE. 
 
Women's Morning & Evening Bible Study Resume Wednesday, January 29 
 

• Morning Bible Study | Wednesdays, January 29 – April 9 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 
  • Join us for an inductive study of the New Testament books of 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. For registration and questions contact Mary Delk or Jeanette Heflin. 

 

• Evening Bible Study | Wednesdays, January 29 - April 30 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 
  • Join us for an inductive study of the Old Testament book of Amos. To register, click here. For questions, please contact Susan Horton or Marilyn Waters. 

 
Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 2 
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 2, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 29. Click here to register.  
 
High Pointe Parenting Seminar | Saturday, February 8 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Raising children can feel overwhelming as you try to navigate the many voices telling you what to do and not to do, but God has already given you everything you need to be faithful parents. Children don’t need perfect parents. They need a perfect Savior, and you already have everything you need in Christ, the only perfect one.
 
In this parenting seminar, Juan and Jeanine Sanchez want to provide a down-to-earth, practical guide for parents that will help them move from survival mode to joyful, Christ-dependent parenting. For every parent who may be exhausted and discouraged, they can take heart from the simple, biblical principles Juan and Jeanine will share from Scripture. Register here.
 
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:  

• January 19 | Luke 3:1-20 | What Does Repentance Look Like? | Pastor Juan 
• January 26 | Luke 3:21-4:13 | Lead Us Not into Temptation | Pastor Juan 

 
Begin praying as you prepare to gather with us this Sunday at 10:00 am.
 
Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members)
The P family are preparing to go wherever the Lord may send them. Due to security concerns, we will not share a lot of public information. So, we encourage you to get to know them so that you may pray for them. Also, they are in the final stages of raising support. So, if the Lord leads you to give to them above and beyond your regular giving, they will be encouraged.
 
If you would like to sign up for their newsletter, please fill out this form.
 
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours and on weekends. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.