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In this video, Fr. Barnabas Powell challenges the common misconception that repentance is merely saying “I’m sorry I broke a rule,” explaining instead that true biblical repentance is a profound change of direction that leads to spiritual maturity and prevents us from sliding back into darkness.
Fr. Barnabas Powell is the parish priest at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, GA. Follow his homilies on YouTube at Faith Encouraged TV. This sermon was delivered on Jan 16th, 2025.
Watch the full video on Faith Encouraged TV: https://youtu.be/JuR20RfD5uk
Fr. Barnabas:
Most of us have been raised in a world where the word ‘repent’ means ‘I’m sorry, I broke a rule.’ Brothers and sisters, you’ve heard me say this a million times. I will continue saying it until you all rush me at one time with clubs and make me stop. Because this is how deeply sick our current ideas are. Do you understand me? And this is how desperately important you getting over that sickness is for you ever to become a mature Christian.
The word ‘repent’ means to change the way you think, change your direction. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The moment of no going back is here. It’s the reason why I always get tickled at people who say that they’re going to become pagans again. Well, did you know that the most pagan thing that all pagans have done since paganism began is convert to Christianity? That’s what most pagans do. They convert to Christianity, but they want to go back and pretend as if Christ has not come.
Can’t do it, folks. Sorry. Not if you use a calendar. You can’t go back. There is no going back. You can’t unring this bell, folks. You can’t undo this. The light has dawned. Now, the only question is, what are you going to do with it? Well, if you’re smart, you’ll heed the words of Jesus Christ and repent. Because the kingdom’s here, folks and the light has dawned and the excuses are over. And every tool you need to mature your faith, to grow up, and to become the full mature stature in Jesus Christ is laid at your feet, preserved in the Lord’s church.
And all you have to do is have the courage to take it. Because make no mistake, folks, the only choice is back into darkness. Hiding from the light. There’s only one problem. You can’t hide from this light forever. May God grant us the courage. May God grant us the humility. May God grant us the intestinal fortitude of standing in the light and being forever changed. Amen.
Thanks for watching. If this ministry helps you, please like, subscribe, and share this video. It makes a huge difference. Go to frarnabaspowell at Substack and get our daily devotionals. To support us, you can visit faithcourage.org and click the donate link. You can also reach me by email at frbarnabas at faithncourage.org. God bless you and remember to seek Christ above all else.
