The Message of the King

Sep 7, 2025    Pastor Dan Smith

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront the reality of sin in our lives and embrace the transformative power of repentance. The central theme revolves around Jesus' proclamation in Matthew 4:17: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' We're reminded that repentance isn't just about asking for forgiveness, but about turning away from self-rule and embracing God's reign. The sermon delves into the Greek word 'hamartia,' meaning to miss the mark of God's perfection, and provides a sobering list of sins that we may recognize in ourselves. However, the message doesn't leave us in despair. Instead, it points us to the hope found in Christ's sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us. We're encouraged to replace our sinful habits with God's Word and to avoid temptation rather than merely trying to resist it. This message challenges us to examine our lives, identify areas where we've been holding onto sin like Linus' blanket, and take practical steps towards true repentance and transformation.