much more than a simple change of mind as is too often proclaimed, rather it goes much farther in that is a hatred of our sins and a true sorrow for them. Of course repentance has to be jointly accompanied by the belief that Jesus is able to forgive our sins no matter how terrible we think they are. If we convince ourselves that our sin is so terrible that even God cannot forgive them, then no matter how much we hate and are sorry for these sins, no matter how many times we repent from our ways, we cannot be freed from damnation. For without faith it is impossible to please God.Biblical Problem:Biblical Solution:Contemporary Problem: The church tends to diminish and separate the importance of repentance and Faith.Contemporary Solution: We must obey this command in full and believe that Jesus will forgive us if we are truly repentant and believe.The Works of John Wesley Volume #5The Life of John Wesley: First Series of Sermons pp 75-83The Almost ChristianActs 26:28John WesleyIn this sermon Wesley explains to us the difference between living a good life and actually being a Christian. Living a life that is good is not enough to enter the kingdom of Heaven, no matter how well weve treated others, no matter how long weve gone to church, no matter how pure our motives, if we do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior it is all worthless. We cannot do enough good in our lifetimes to earn our way into the kingdom, it is only through the atoning blood of Jesus that we receive forgiveness of our sins and it is the grace of God that helps us to fulfill those things that He desires of us. As forgiven people of God we also share in a unique gift given only to those who have accepted Gods plan, that gift is the ability to love as God Himself loves. As genuine Christians God empowers us to love even our enemies because His love is ever present within us. Wesley concludes this sermon by reiterating that just living a good life is not enough to make one a Ch...
