Repentance and Conversion

       Getting people out of a predicament is always good news.  When coal miners are trapped deep into the earth and some if not all are brought out safely, the world applauds.  Eyes were glued at the news in connection with the rescue attempts for the soccer team trapped deep in a cave in Thailand.  Everyone was concerned about their safety as day by day went by and with another rain storm on the way, the attempts were catching the eyes of the world.    When they were brought out safely people applauded the acts and bravery of those that were the rescuers.  What about rescues  of those who are on their way to a Christless eternity and to be doomed in eternity?  We hear nothing of these events.     Acts 3:19 says, " Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
       There is no fancy equipment necessary for this rescue.  The only thing one needs is the Bible and to be able to lead a person to spiritual safety.   There are two very important words in this text.  The first one is "Repent."   Repentance is not being sorry you got caught in your sin, but rather to be truly sorry that you offended God in doing the things that you did.  Repentance is also endeavoring to not keep on doing the same things over and over.  Being sorry about your sin is one thing, but the next main word is vitally important.  It is to be "converted."  I good example of conversion can be found in the first chapter of First Thessalonians where the Thessalonians  turned from idols to serve the Living God.  There are countless thousands of people who are out in the highways and byways everyday to seek to find a soul headed in the wrong direction and to have them repent of their sin and to be converted, to forever be following after the Lord Jesus Christ in all that they do.  No one applauds when a soul is converted.  That is to say, no one applauds on this earth, but angels applaud in heaven and there is great rejoicing over the conversion of one soul.  The results of this salvation last for an eternity.  Five missionaries died in Ecuador about 50 years ago even though they could have defended themselves with a rifle.  Thy had a vow that they would not take the life of a native as the natives were not ready to enter into eternity.  They had not heard the gospel message.  So praise God today for the repentance and conversion of souls each and every day