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“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17, NKJV)

Keys give us access to things and places—access we normally would not have.

I believe Jesus gave us a key for spiritual restoration when He preached His first message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). He was saying the kingdom of God was now accessible, and that repentance is the first step to enter it.

The Passion Translation instead of the word “repent” says “Keep turning away from your sins and come back to God” (Matt 4:17, TPT). Repentance is much more than simply changing your mind; it is a powerful term for turning your life around and coming back to God.

True repentance affects our views of God and sin. Repentance is to see our true spiritual condition and turn to God, who lovingly extends His forgiveness and restores our relationship with Him.

Let us live lives of true repentance, preach restoration boldly and see many people restored by Jesus.

Prayer + Reflection
1. Pray for those who need Jesus, that they will see their true spiritual condition and turn to God.

2. Ask the Lord to grant you the ability to humbly accept your need for repentance, that you may enjoy the blessing of a transformed, restored heart.

3. Pray for boldness when preaching the gospel, just as the early church did, and that a great harvest of souls would come into the kingdom of God.