Have you ever heard the saying, “Confession is good for the soul?” It is attributed to an old Scottish proverb that refers to the idea of coming clean with (confessing) sins that weigh heavily on the heart in order to free your soul to feel better and have peace. This quote also has biblical roots in more than one verse of the Bible:
If we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working”
James 5:16, ESV
Confession is admitting that we did something wrong and agreeing with God that it was sinful. Confession isn’t easy in a world that wants to point fingers and blame everyone else for everything. But taking personal responsibility is important to God. And confession is a key component on the road to repentance.
It is one thing to say, “I’m sorry.” But confession takes it a step further, “I’m sorry that I said ____,” or “I’m sorry that I didn’t ____.” Confession is specific, not beating around the bush. Admit your part in the sin, even if others don’t. You have to identify the sin, name it, then you can receive forgiveness and healing. It will seem as though a weight has been taken off of you and you feel a peace that passes all of your understanding.
Confession is good for the soul and a necessary part of repentance. Repentance is like a one person play in three acts:
Admit the sin / Confess the sin / Turn from the sin
In other words, ACT on it! But if we don’t get through the first two acts of admitting the sin and confessing it, we won’t see the need to make a turn.
Confession is like putting the sin on the altar and burning it up, giving it over to God. Once you confess it, it no longer has power over you. You can rise from the ashes of confession and walk down the road of repentance, knowing that you are forgiven by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus. Free to walk in new life by the Spirit. Yes, confession is good for the soul!
I hope you will join me on Sunday as we continue our Lenten sermon series: From the Ashes. This Sunday marks the second Sunday of Lent. The sermon title: From the Ashes of Confession: The Road to Repentance. I’ll see you in the Sanctuary!
Lenten Offering goes through Easter. This is above your regular giving. It is a sacrificial giving that the board usually designates for a particular cause or need. This year, the board has once again designated it for the youth and children’s ministries. This will help ensure that our young people have vibrant ministry so that they, too, become deeply rooted disciples! Please designate “Lenten Offering” when giving.
Churchwide Bible Study! It’s here! We’re doing a study from RightNow Media called: Essentials of Faith. The class is every Wednesday of Lent from 6:30-7:30pm. It will take us through some of the basics of our faith such as: what is a Christian? Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? Whether you’re a long-time disciple or new to the faith, this course is sure to strengthen you on your faith journey! No book is required for purchase. Study guides will be made available for each of the 6 weeks. Potluck dinner (optional) will be available from 5:45-6:15pm, or come for class at 6:30p. Let’s pack the MPR, because the church that studies together stays together! Check out the trailer: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/860452?session=871151&position=0.
Save the Date! GT will once again dine out together! We had so much fun at the Mellow Mushroom, that we decided to do it again. So, on April 8, we will dine out at Maggie O’Brien’s. More details will come later.
Vision for 2025:
Deeply Rooted:
Growing Through Discipleship!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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