(Acts) 26:20 CJB “On the contrary, I announced first in Dammesek, then in Yerushalayim and throughout Y’hudah, and also to the Goyim, that they should turn from their sins to God and then do deeds consistent with that repentance.”

Paul’s summary of his preaching is strikingly simple—and deeply offensive to modern sensibilities. Repentance is not merely feeling bad about sin, nor is it agreement with correct theology. Repentance is a decisive turning away from sin toward God that is then proven by a changed life.

This is the gospel Paul preached everywhere he went. And it is the gospel the Church must preach again.

At its root, the greatest sin in our culture is not any single moral failure but the refusal to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—a refusal clearly demonstrated by our failure to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is not a passive oversight; it is active disobedience to the greatest commandment given by Jesus Himself.

True repentance begins here.

Those who are truly born again seek God through His Word. They pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. And they do not stop there. They live out what they believe, demonstrating God’s love through obedience, service, and witness among the people God has placed around them.

This is what Paul means by “deeds consistent with repentance.”

We are not righteous because we avoid certain sins—especially as our culture redefines sin to mean little more than personal preference. We are not righteous because we believe in God; even demons do that. We are righteous because we have repented before Jesus the Savior, trusting fully in His perfect life, His obedient works, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection.

His righteousness is credited to us.

And that credited righteousness produces visible fruit.

Men who belong to Christ begin to live like Christ—holy in character, uncompromising in obedience, and fully committed to God’s mission. Like Jesus, they seek and save the lost. Like Jesus, they make disciples. Like Jesus, they teach others to obey everything He commanded.

This is the gospel that produces cross-bearing men.
This is the repentance that works.
And this is the message the Church must preach if we expect to see real transformation in our homes, our churches, and our nation.

Run Today’s Play: Repent. Prove it. Repeat.

• Examine where you are ignoring or disobeying God’s clear commands.

• Turn from those sins intentionally—not with excuses, but with action.

• Align your daily life with obedience to Jesus in your home, work, and relationships.

• Engage the mission of Christ by seeking opportunities to share the gospel and disciple others.

Repentance is not proven by words spoken once—it is proven by obedience lived daily.

Turn to God.
Then live like you have.