This is the second part of our two-part series on the blessings and benefits of repentance and confession. In this article we turn again to the book of Hosea; this time chapter 14. The prophetic voice is lifted in the direction of the nation of Israel. By application god is speaking to anyone who does not know Jesus Christ as Saviour of Lord, including leaders, governments and nations of the world that are living contrary to the word of God.

In our post-modern world there is a tendency to arrogantly and aggressively dichotomise. It’s ancient or modern; up-to-date or out-of-date; in or out; with it or dinosaur and therefore totally out of it. The underlying assumption is that if it is old, traditional or ancient, it is automatically wrong and not worthy of consideration. Sadly, experience shows us that society is on a head long rush to self-destruction as a result of this way of thinking and behaving.

This article is the first in a two part series in which we will look at the positive outcomes of when we confess and repent from wrongs we have done.

Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. (1st Samuel 11:14, KJV)

‘Come, let’s go to Gilgal and there re-consecrate the kingship.’ (1st Samuel 11:14, The Message)

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2nd Chronicles 7:14)…

The heart of the Christmas message is about God’s wonderful plan to save sinful humanity. Six hundred and fifty years before the event occurred, Isaiah prophesied, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…’ (Isaiah 9:6). In the fullness of time, that amazing event that was spoken of by the prophet took place in the town of Bethlehem. Before Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph the son of David, who was betrothed to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The angel announced to Joseph with the following words, ‘…and she will have a son and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins’ (Matthew 1: 21). These powerful prophetic words succinctly capture and communicate the essence of the Bible’s message, the Good News of Jesus Christ, and indeed, the Christmas story.