Primary command
Turn from the old way of life and trust the good news of God’s kingdom.
Read the Scripture
Primary passage
Matthew 4:17
17 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
World English Bible
Mark
Mark 1:15
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”
World English Bible
In context
Hear the whole passage.
Jesus begins proclaiming that God’s kingdom has drawn near. His call is both repentance and faith: turn toward God and entrust yourself to the good news.
What Jesus is forming in us
Jesus forms people who respond to God’s reign with honest turning and active trust.
Practice this command
Take one clear step.
Name one direction from which you need to turn, and take one concrete step toward obedience.
Discuss
Talk about it.
What does repentance change about the direction of a life?
Pray
Pray this.
Ask God for honesty to repent and faith to believe.
Teach
Teach it simply.
How would you explain repentance and belief without reducing either one?