Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless,and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.                                                                 Psalm 19:12-14 ESV

I’ve heard it said that we should repent of all our sins even the sins we don’t know about. Yes, we should confess & forsake all our sins but how do we repent of the sins of which we aren’t even aware?

David seemed to imply that knowing all the lurking sins in his heart was beyond him. So one thing David did do is pray that God would cleanse him from hidden faults and keep him from presumptuous sins. He prayed that his own thoughts and words would be pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). He also asked the Lord to search him and reveal any hurtful or grievous way in him (Psalm 139:24). We need the help of God, who knows all things (1 John 3:20), to search us and reveal the areas of sin in our lives. He will graciously do this if we ask him. And if we really care enough about repentance and pleasing God then we will ask him to search us, reveal sin in us and lead us in the way everlasting! 

Pastor Tim Keller said that “We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Understanding this is what will help us to see God’s grace as amazing and lead us to freedom from guilt and shame, yet at the same time face reality of our brokenness with honesty and confession.  

There have been times that I’ve felt a lingering sense of guilt or disconnect from God but I wasn’t able to identify a specific area of sin. One question that I’ve found helpful to ask God in those moments is: “Father, what is your most pressing issue with me today?” 

In response to that prayer the Holy Spirit has been faithful to show me specific areas of sin to confess and forsake so that I can properly take responsibility for sins that have damaged relationships. God is never surprised by our sinfulness though we might be caught off guard by the how flawed and sinful we are. When the Lord reveals an area of sin in our lives to us it’s our opportunity to embrace and believe the gospel for ourselves afresh. It’s our opportunity to apply the powerful truth of 1 John 1:9, which I call the “Christian’s bar of soap”. It says:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.                  1 John 1:9 ESV 

This verse is good news for the guilty and ashamed. May we become those who continue to shorten the gap of time between the moment we sin and the moment we confess our sins so that we can experience more of the abundant life that Jesus has for us.

Some people don’t like funerals, but I do. It’s not because I’m a morbid opportunist but rather I am a realist who has a hope beyond this life because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Funerals have a way of giving us a reality check that we all need from time to time so that we can make necessary adjustments in our lives to live well. We tend to get so caught up with work, family, entertainment & hobbies that we often don’t spend adequate time thinking about what matters most. When someone close to us dies it has a profound  way of getting our attention and slowing us down to reflect the important things in life. Funerals help us to do that. The Bible says:

Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies—so the living should take this to heart.  Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NLT)

What should we take to heart?

1. The brevity of life. We often presume upon the future making plans as if tomorrow is certain. Our lives here on earth are so short. When we are young and healthy looking forward to our future we may subconsciously think we have forever here in this life on earth. However, the time passes swiftly. Your life is like a vapor (James 4:14). 

2. The appointment of death and judgment is certain. The bible says “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). We all have an appointment that we are not going to miss or be late for even if you’re one who struggles to make appointments. 10 out of 10 people die. It’s the ultimate statistic.

3. The necessity of peace with God through Christ (Romans 5:1-2). One of the most important things to consider with the reality of that appointment you have coming is your need for peace with God. This is not something to put off. You and I need peace with God before we stand before God at the judgement. Standing before a judge in the court of law is a very intimating experience, especially when you are guilty and giving an account. And Jesus has provided peace with God for us by taking our punishment for our sins on himself. 

4. The reality that Christ is the resurrection and the life. Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). This is really good news for us who believe! The grave is not our final destination, Heaven is! And we will be resurrected with Christ living in a world of perfect peace, justice & love. There will be no more suffering, pain, sorrow or death. It will be glorious, beautiful, satisfying and eternal!

5. The importance of love for those around you who are living (Matthew 22:37-40). When it’s all said and done this is what really matters. Did we live our lives in love for God & others.If I were to see a movie of my entire life this is the number one thing I would want to see myself doing, loving God & loving people. We all have scenes where that is not the case and we have lived selfishly in so many ways, yet God is an amazing editor. Because of Jesus He cast our sins as far as the east is from the west. He washed our sins away with the blood that Jesus shed for us at the cross.

6. The urgency of making your life count (Ephesians 5:16, Psalm 90:12) In view of the reality of death let it motivate you to live for what really matters. There are opportunities that you have today that you may not have tomorrow. There people you can reach today with the love & truth of Christ that you may not have tomorrow. Beware of being lulled to spiritual slumber with the comforts, pleasures & entertainment of this life. Your time here in this life is a precious gift. Don’t waste it!

7. The purpose of your life (Isaiah 43:7, Revelation 4:11). Consider the big question of why you are even here alive today. Your loved one just transitioned into the next life but you are still here for a reason. Make sure you know what that reason is and that your living for it.

When was the last time you shared your story of how you became a Christian with an unbeliever? If you can’t remember the last time that happened then perhaps it’s time to do that again with some people that are in your circle of influence. Perhaps you don’t feel confident yet in doing that. Let me give you some helpful tips taken from the life of the apostle Paul. In Acts chapter 22, 24 & 26 the Apostle Paul shared his testimony before influential leaders. Luke must have considered this important since he recorded three occasions of Paul sharing his story. Jesus had said to his disciples that they “will be brought before kings and governors for my [His] name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness (Luke 21:12-13 ESV). Paul used these opportunities to share the gospel story and how it intersected with his story.  In Acts chapter 26 his structure for sharing his story was simple:

• Before his conversion– Acts 26:4-11
• His conversion– Acts 26:12-18
• After conversion– Acts 26:19-23

First, Paul described what his life was life before he met Jesus. He described himself as a religious Pharisee and a persecutor of the church. Here of some of his specific descriptions in verse 4-11:

• “I have lived as a Pharisee” 
• “opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth”
• “locked up many of the saints in prison”
• “when they were put to death I cast my vote against them”
• “I punished them often in all the synagogues”
• “tried to make them blaspheme”
• “in raging fury against them I persecuted” 

Paul was a religious sinner who needed saving. He thought he was pleasing God but he was ignorant before he came to Christ. He was under the “domain of darkness”. Paul’s story was very dramatic. He was essentially a terrorist who became a missionary. 

What were you like before you came to Christ and trusted in Him for eternal salvation?

Were you religious, rebellious, immoral, proud, deceitful, greedy, angry, fearful, depressed, addicted, etc… Now you don’t have to have criminal record or past of addiction and immorality to have a powerful testimony. You may simply share how Christ protected you and drew you to himself at a young age through the witness of your parents.   

Secondly, Paul described how he came to Christ using these descriptions of his experience:

• “I saw on the way a light from heaven” Acts 26:13

• “I heard a voice saying to me… why are you persecuting me” Acts 26:14

Paul met the resurrected Christ and it changed the entire trajectory of his life. 

How did you come to Christ? Who did God instrumentally use to pray for you, speak to you, love on you to bring you to Christ? What circumstances did God use in your life to bring you to Himself? What mental barriers had to be overcome for you to trust in Christ and how did the Spirit prevail in your heart & mind? How did you respond when you began to understand and believe the gospel? 

These are questions to consider as you seek to develop and articulate your story and how the gospel story impacted your life. 

Thirdly, Paul shared what happen after he came to Christ. Paul became a preacher.

• “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” -Acts 26:26
• “I have had the help that comes from God” – Acts 26:22
• “I stand here testifying both to small and great” – Acts 26:22

How has your life changes since you became a Christian? 

From Darkness to Light 

Paul wrote the Colossians and told them that [God] He has delivered us from the  domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14 ESV).

Living under the “domain of darkness” is a life of bondage and Christ has redeemed & rescued us from that. No longer are we enslaved to sinful patterns, there is new freedom, there new life & a new trajectory for our lives. Instead of torment there is peace and rest in Christ. Instead of despair and depression there is joy, hope and purpose in Christ. Instead of hatred and violence there is love and acceptance in Christ. And we who belong to Christ will spend eternity in a world of perfect love where there is no more sickness, sorrow, war, death or injustice.  We have something to talk about! We have a powerful message of hope to share with the lost world.  

Tips From Paul 

Here are some tips to take note of and implement from Paul’s example as you seek to effectively share your story with others:

• Paul shared his story with Readiness– V1-2
• Paul shared his story with Respect– V2, 25 (most excellent Festus) 
• Paul shared his story with Reason– V25 (I am speaking true and rational words)
• Paul shared his story with Relevance– V6-7, 27 (King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe)
• Paul shared his story with Boldness-V26 (the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly.)
• Paul shared his story with Purpose to share the gospel- V24

As you share your story with others do so with the aim of sharing the good news of Jesus. It’s the gospel story that people need to hear and believe to be saved (Romans 10:13-17). So interweave the gospel in your story. Share how the gospel story intersected in the history of your life in hopes that God would do the same in those to whom you speak. The gospel is powerful and believing it leads to eternal salvation (Romans 1:16).

Write It Out 

So it’s time to get prepared. The Apostle Peter wrote Christians exhorting them to:

…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15 ESV). 

If you haven’t written out your testimony that I encourage you to do so. This will help you think through and clarify what you will want to communicate to others. Then find someone that you can share your story with. Ask a coworker, classmate or neighbor if you can share with them your story of rescue. You may want to start by asking them about their spiritual life. Perhaps you will be instrumental in them coming to Christ!

Here is a sermon that I preached on this titled From Darkness to Light. I hope you are encouraged and equipped by listening to it.