june 2012
CityLight.org 31
I am a Jesus push-
er!!! The message
of Jesus was "Re-
pent, for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand,"
(Matthew 4:17).
The Kingdom of
Heaven is present-
ing itself to you. You
should respond by repentance. Paul gave
the same message. He writes, "I beseech you
therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living sac-
rifice, holy acceptable to God which is your
reasonable service," (Romans 12:1).
Stephen Manley
www.jesuspusher.org
I
The basis of his presentation is very clear.
"Therefore" links this statement to the
previous verses. These verses highlight the
great mercies of God (Romans 11:30-36).
This is the Biblical order! God pours out
His mercy upon us; we respond by present-
ing ourselves to Him as living sacrifices.
No wonder Paul writes, "Or do you despise
the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and
longsuffering, not knowing that the good-
ness of God leads you to repentance?"
(Romans 2:4).
One does not receive the goodness of God
after he repents; rather one receives the good-
ness of God and is moved to repentance. Re-
pentance does not cause Jesus to reconcile
with us; rather reconciliation is all around us
calling us to repentance. Repentance is the
natural response to the love of God, which
is embracing us this moment! Jesus has come
to us; will we respond? I am a Jesus pusher!!!
"I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God, that you
present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy acceptable to God
which is your reasonable service,"
-Romans 12:1