2. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-12)

5. Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness--his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth--that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." And again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they have pierced." After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.

6. When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, lead me to Calvary. May I be willing, Lord, to bear daily my cross for Thee; Even Thy cup of grief to share, Thou hast borne all for me. Lest I forget Gethsemane; lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me, lead me to Calvary.

8. Repentance Ahead

9. The Reach Of Repentance: – Repentance cannot be overstated. It is essential for pleasing God and our salvation (Luke 13:1-5) Cannot justify ourselves by comparing ourselves to others… EVERYONE is guilty of sin and so EVERYONE must repent or perish! No “easy conversion” – A cheapened gospel reduces the cost… removing or minimizing the issue of repentance in your salvation Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) It’s not a one time event, but a part of our daily walk with God. We are continually repenting because we still sin (Acts 8:22) – Repentance flows naturally from a heart that really appreciates the love of God (Romans 2:4)  Do we think we are going to escape judgment or do we despise the grace of God?

10. The Reach Of Repentance: – A picture of the attitude and actions of repentance (2 Cor 7:9-10) Deep regret for the sins committed in their past Sorrow which caused them to repent Earnest and eager in the changes they made Worked to clear themselves in this matter Felt disappointment in themselves Looked at actions & attitudes with fear of consequences Moved forward with passion and zeal to excel Moved forward with renewed estimation of their state – Involves doing deeds consistent with our repentance… A positive pursuit (Acts 26:20; Eph. 4:28; Matthew 3:8)

11. The Reach Of Repentance: – Peter’s invitation: “Repent therefore and turn again…” (Acts 3:19)  Conversion… A complete change in ourselves.

12. The Results Of Repentance: – Repentance is hard work, but it is an opportunity through which we enjoy God’s blessings in our lives (Acts 5:30-31) Sacrifice – Giving up my desires, denying myself, facing consequences Changes – Changing habits, lifestyles, activities, relationships, thinking Yet it is still a gift of God’s grace and mercy that we are able to repent! – Benefit Number One – Renewal: Sins blotted out (Acts 3:20) “Blotted Out” – wipe off, wipe away… OBLITERATE! If we will repent and turn to God, God will totally destroy our sins!

14. The Results Of Repentance: – Repentance is hard work, but it is an opportunity through which we enjoy God’s blessings in our lives (Acts 5:30-31) Sacrifice – Giving up my desires, denying myself, facing consequences Changes – Changing habits, lifestyles, activities, relationships, thinking Yet it is still a gift of God’s grace and mercy that we are able to repent! – Benefit Number One – Renewal: Sins blotted out (Acts 3:20) “Blotted Out” – wipe off, wipe away… OBLITERATE! If we will repent and turn to God, God will totally destroy our sins! Often our problem is we still remember what we’ve done and are filled with guilt. Have you repented? Trust in the promise of God. Isaiah described what God does with our sins (Isaiah 43:35; 55:7) If you haven’t repented and turned to God, imagine the possibilities of having all of your sins OBLITERATED by God! If you have, trust Him!

15. The Results Of Repentance: – Benefit Number Two: Times of refreshing from the presence of God (Acts 3:21) “Refreshing” – Recover your breath, cooling, revival Sin turns our hearts and lives into a barren wasteland. The “life” is destroyed by the effects of sin. Relationships, words, thoughts, and behavior carry the scars of sin. God renews & gives life again!

20. The Results Of Repentance: – Benefit Number Two: Times of refreshing from the presence of God (Acts 3:21) “Refreshing” – Recover your breath, cooling, revival Sin turns our hearts and lives into a barren wasteland. The “life” is destroyed by the effects of sin. Relationships, words, thoughts, and behavior carry the scars of sin. God renews & gives life again! There was a time(s) David felt this need for refreshing… Life felt vain. He was hurting physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He was wasting away. He was miserable. He was empty. (Psalm 38) Worn out by sin? Sin zapping the life out of your life? Do you feel like something is missing? Are you a spiritual wasteland? REPENT! – God is waiting patiently to bless those who are willing with repentance. Imagine how different your life can be! (2 Pet 3:9)