The Word Unleashed - Radio

Pastor Tom Pennington describes the dangers of false repentance—a repentance that’s only skin-deep, focused on appearances and self-reliance, instead of true faith in God and real transformation.

John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for Christ, made it clear: true repentance is essential for salvation. But what does that look like in our daily lives? Today, Pastor Tom will help us recognize the signs of true versus false repentance.

The wilderness voice still speaks through the pages of Scripture. John the Baptist—the prophesied forerunner of Jesus Christ. His message? Unmistakable. Repentance of sin, followed by baptism in water.

Centuries before Jesus walked the shores of Galilee, the ancient prophets foretold of such a herald—a divine messenger who would prepare Israel. The gospel of Matthews tells us who that herald is: John the Baptist

In the sun-scorched wilderness of first-century Judea, a solitary voice echoed across the Jordan Valley—John the Baptist—divinely appointed to prepare hearts for the footsteps of the coming King.

The gospel of Matthew can be summarized this way: Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah of the Hebrew Scripture, the divine Savior and King. Matthew 3 is unique because it fulfills an Old Testament prophecy that describes a specific person that would come to Israel to prepare the way for the Messiah.

All religions except for true Christianity teach that salvation is accomplished by one’s own works and achievements. But the true gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible teaches that salvation can only be obtained by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

In the first century, the Judaizers taught that salvation came by faith in Christ and works of righteousness. But such teaching is contrary to the true gospel which Paul sets out to defend in his important letter to the Galatians.

Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners—by His perfect life, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. Salvation isn’t found in any claim, tradition, or ritual. Rather, it is found in Christ alone.

The Bible lays out only two possible paths to being right with God. The first is justification by works-trying to earn God’s favor through your own efforts and merits. But Scripture is clear: that path is impossible. No one can make themselves right with God by their own deeds. The second path is justification by faith in Christ-trusting not in what you can do, but in what Jesus Christ has already done.