​The doctrine of repentance has become one of the foundational principles of Christianity that is skipped across the surface like skipping a rock across a pond.  In every conversion to Christianity, there are two parts: repentance and faith (Romans 10:9-10).  Both parts are necessary for a person to be born again.  Repentance is defined as a change of mind or change of purpose.  Applying this theologically means to turn from sin by changing the mind and purpose of one’s life (Acts 3:19-20; Acts 17:30).  Part of repenting is to abhor past sins.  To abhor means to loathe, regard with extreme dislike or distaste.  Repentance reflects hate toward sins committed.  Not having a hatred toward sin may reflect a lack of repentance or a heart turning back to its previous state of living in sin.  To be born again a person must turn away from their sins and turn to God (Proverbs 28:13).  Repentance is the beginning step of salvation.  John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and other people of God throughout the Bible preached the message of repentance.  This message is closest to God because the result brings His creation closer to Him.  God desires to see everyone repent and have a true relationship with Him, not only for eternity but here and now (2 Peter 3:9).  Sin separates and dominates while repentance humiliates and germinates.  Sin separates a person from God and dominates that person’s life.  Repentance should keep a person humble and allow the things of God to grow within that person.  Without a relationship with God on earth that person will not be with Him for eternity.  There are three elements of repentance: intellectual, emotional, and voluntary.  Each element is vital to repenting and having a true relationship with God.  The intellectual element is the change of view within the mind.  Sin is viewed as a personal guilt and transgression against God (Psalm 51:3-4).  The spiritual enemy of God uses the deception of calling this element condemnation (blame, pass sentence) rather than conviction (admission of truth by revealing error).  This element also changes the view of sin as a defilement and pollution of self.  Psalm 51:3-4 also displays God’s ability to condemn anyone who is found in sin due to His righteous judgment, but He uses conviction for people everywhere to understand their need for the salvation He offers by the truth being revealed.  This truth should lead to repentance (Romans 3:20).  When people know the intellectual element of repentance it begins the process of understanding the need for a savior due to the sin within their life.  Knowing what is wrong can be the beginning of taking the correct steps toward God.  The emotional element is a godly sorrow for sin.  The heart must stir in emotion that ushers in a desire to rid oneself of sin which defiles and pollutes.  Without the heart-stirring toward a resolution of sin within one’s life, that person will remain the same.  This is the danger of inviting people to accept Jesus but not revealing the necessity of change in their lives (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).  Godly sorrow works for people to repent of their sins to receive salvation.  Salvation is not to be repented of or turned away from.  The sorrow of the world may make a person feel bad or guilty but it does not turn people away from the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23).  The heart must break to realize the defect of sin within oneself to turn to Jesus Christ as the healer of the brokenhearted.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.  

​Since 2017, God’s Graffiti Youth Conference has been blessing youth in the Upper Cumberland by hosting a free event of games, fellowship, food, prizes, worship, and the Word of God to attendees ages 10 to 21.  When hearing a name like God’s Graffiti some may raise an eyebrow or have curiosity about the meaning of this event.  The meaning of the name God’s Graffiti originated from Daniel 5:5 of King Belshazzar’s party being interrupted by God writing upon the wall of the king’s palace regarding his days of evil being numbered.  The Word of God should bring repentance for sins when publicly written for all to see.  Instead of remaining in sin or brushing off God’s Word, everyone should take notice of His Word written to help bring people from all walks of life into right standing with God.  Another verse this conference is founded upon is Deuteronomy 11:18.  This verse reminds everyone, especially Christians, to place the Word of God upon every part of their life and live by it.  In essence, God’s Graffiti is a conference that encourages all youth who attend to have a public writing of God’s Word upon their lives.  This youth conference encourages ages 10 to 21 to start, renew, or strengthen a personal relationship with God.  Although this youth conference is hosted at Abundant Grace Church, it is a multi-denominational event that is built upon the foundational beliefs of Jesus Christ as the common teaching ground.  When the youth of the region understand there are other Christian youth they can begin to fellowship knowing they are not alone in serving God.  Another part of this conference is to bless the youth of the region with games, prizes, and food at each service all absolutely free to the youth and church leaders who attend.  It is because of the support from local businesses, churches, and individuals who have donated and continue to donate money and resources that make this event possible for this region.  T-shirts and other memorabilia are available for purchase but are not required at the event.  For this year, the conference is Friday, August 2nd, starting at 6 pm, and Saturday, August 3rd, starting at 10 am lasting all day with a second service at 2 pm.   The location is Abundant Grace Church at 740 Crosslin Street in Sparta, TN.  Each year there are pastors and youth leaders from local churches who minister at these services representing the churches involved with this event.  Once youth start, renew, or are strengthened in a relationship with God, they can begin to attend local churches for discipleship to further their relationship with God.  The vision God has for the people of the Upper Cumberland is to know Him, His Word, and to serve in His kingdom with one another.  This event allows Christian adults to serve together while teaching younger generations about the love and Word of God.  If you, your pastor, or your church is interested in partnering with or attending God’s Graffiti Youth Conference, please contact the leadership of God’s Graffiti at [email protected].  For more information about God’s Graffiti Youth Conference visit gods-graffiti.com.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.  

​No matter a person’s background, there are storms that may arise within a person’s life.  These storms can be produced from natural events that happen, an attack from a spiritual enemy, or at times the consequence of that person’s previous choices.  Since every person is different the options of handling these storms will vary depending on experience, knowledge, and other variables that have been gathered within that person’s life.  Christians should find shelter in the Word of God (Psalm 91:1-2) and within the presence of God (Psalm 119:114).  Those who do not have a relationship with God should seek God to be their refuge and fortress (Proverbs 30:5).  No matter the storm God is the answer (Psalm 32:7; Psalm 18:2).  Regardless of the elements of the storm, the Word of God should be spoken.  It is usually in the storms of life that people turn to alcohol, porn, drugs, lying, violence, gossip, or other sinful things that only stir the storm reaping more destruction.  The answer is Jesus Christ Who is found within the Word of God.  He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).  He is the example for Christians everywhere of not only how to live but how to speak to the storms of life.  When a great storm of wind arose creating waves to beat into the ship that Jesus and His disciples were on, the disciples became afraid (Mark 4:37).  Although the storm was creating such havoc on the ship and bringing fear, Jesus was in the ship asleep (Mark 4:38).  The difference between Jesus and His disciples was the peace of God.  The disciples did not have a personal relationship with God the Father at this time but Jesus did.  Knowing God makes all the difference when the storms of life arise and beat against a person’s mind, heart, emotions, or other aspects of one’s life.  It is in those moments Christians must be like Jesus to arise and speak to the storms of life making peace (Mark 4:39).  When God’s people do not follow Jesus’ example it leads to the Word of God not coming to pass within that person’s life.  Some people will then choose to mock the Word of God and say it does not work even though they stopped the Word from being fruitful in their lives.  The answer to a storm is not more chaos but peace.  If this type of behavior should not take place why would Jesus not only speak to the storm but also rebuke His disciples for not doing the same (Mark 4:40)?  True peace comes from God.  It is a fruit of His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  When the storms of life are raging speak to the storms by speaking the Word of God that brings peace and resolution.  Faith is required when speaking the Word of God in seeing the effects it can bring to one’s life (Mark 4:40).  Faith the size of a mustard seed can allow a believer to speak to a mountain and cast it into the sea (Matthew 17:20).  After Jesus rebukes the storm and causes peace to come, He then turns to His disciples and asks why they lack faith (Mark 4:40).  Jesus expects His people to have faith to speak the Word in their own lives.  Each person should know Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord, and Master, but also use their faith in Him and God’s Word to speak to the storms of life to bring peace.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.  

​As a review for this topic, many churches use services to gather people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe.  Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians.  Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach.  Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2).  The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp.  People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level.  To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God.  The twelfth basic training principle is to read the Word of God.  As previously discussed, Jesus’ custom or routine was to be in the place of worship, but Jesus also read from the Word of God while being there (Luke 4:17-19).  It is important to read the Word of God while at church and not base one’s faith on opinions or feel-good stories.  Christians are not to only read the Word of God while at church but to be in the Word every day to be strengthened, encouraged, corrected, and trained (2 Timothy 3:16).  God’s people cannot know His will if they do not understand His doctrine (John 7:16-19).  Due to the Jews not having a focus on the Word of God, they did not realize Jesus was discussing the plans God had for Him (John 7:33-36).  When Christians focus more on the Word of God rather than culture or being relevant there is a deeper spiritual understanding.  Only being a surface-level Christian benefits no one.  Jesus also discusses the Word of God being the truth that sanctifies God’s people from the world and to be more like Him (John 17:17).  The thirteenth and last basic training principle is to have their names written in heaven.  Jesus sends 70 disciples out with spiritual power and authority and they come back amazed at demons being submitted to the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17).  Jesus tells them to not rejoice at this fact but rejoice at the fact of having their name written in heaven (Luke 10:19-20).  This signifies the importance of not the works that are from religiosity but the relationship people must have with God through Jesus Christ.  The only method to enter into Heaven is to have one’s name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).  This same verse describes nothing defiled, profane, or unclean will enter into Heaven.  Christians must not only turn away from unclean, unholy, and profane things but this style of living as well.  Jesus describes those who conquer or are victorious as being in clean garments reflecting the ones He will acknowledge to God the Father as written in His Book of Life (Revelation 3:5).  Knowing Christians do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities (Ephesians 6:12), what is this victory over?  It is over the sinful lifestyle, aka desires of the flesh to sin, that Christians contend with propagated by self and the spiritual enemies of the Christian faith.  The Apostle Paul describes some of the fellow believers that have been examples of this within some of his epistles (Philippians 4:3-5).  For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.