How to Preach Repentance

Have we lost the image of God because of sin? It's a question you might not have thought to ask, but one that has significant implications for how we understand humanity, sin, our purpose, and our relationship with God. In this episode, we tackle a (surprisingly) common theological assumption: that when Adam and Eve sinned, humanity lost the image of God. But does Scripture actually say that? Taking a closer look at Genesis 1–3, James 3:9, and Jesus' words in Mark 12:13–17, we examine what the Bible teaches about the image of God and whether it remains in every human being, even after Adam and Eve were exiled from the Garden of Eden. Here's what we discover: Sin has seriously damaged our relationship with God, but it has not erased His image in us. In fact, Jesus uses a powerful illustration involving a Roman coin to make this point. Caesar's image was stamped on the denarius, so it belonged to Caesar. But God's image is stamped on humanity. And what bears God's image belongs to Him. We are sinful. We have gone astray. We absolutely need the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to reconcile us to the Father and make us a new creation. But our God-given purpose, value, and identity as image-bearers have not disappeared. If we have lost the image of God, what has happened to our purpose? And what does it mean to render to God what belongs to Him? Join us as we explore what Scripture actually says. SCRIPTURES DISCUSSED: Genesis 1:26–27 – Humanity created in the image of God Genesis 3 – The consequences of Adam and Eve's sin James 3:9 – People are still made in God's likeness Mark 12:13–17 – Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Becoming a new creation in Christ KEY TAKEAWAY: We have not lost the image of God. Sin separates us from God, but it does not erase His image from humanity. We still have a God-given purpose, and we are still called to give ourselves back to the One whose image we bear. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have you ever heard that Adam and Eve lost the image of God when they sinned? What do you think these passages teach us? Share your thoughts in the comments! If this conversation challenges something you've previously believed, share this episode with someone who might benefit from it. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share for more biblical discussions, Christian theology, and conversations about what Scripture actually teaches.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #ImageOfGod #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #fyp #fypyoutube #ChristianPodcast

Does God have a plan for animals? Will we see our pets again in the resurrection? It's a question many Christians and pet owners have wrestled with, and after losing my cat of 15 years, it became personal for me. In this episode, we explore C.S. Lewis's fascinating perspective on animals, eternity, and the resurrection from "The Problem of Pain." What does Lewis believe about animals in the Kingdom of God? Do animals have a sense of self? And could our relationships with pets actually reveal something about God's original design for creation? We'll look at the Garden of Eden, humanity's God-given responsibility toward animals, and the possibility that the bonds we form with our pets have a significance that extends beyond this life. Does the Bible give us reason to hope we'll see our pets again? I don't claim to have the answer, but C.S. Lewis offers a perspective worth considering. Chapters of discussion: Christian theology, C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, pets in heaven, animals in the resurrection, and God's purpose for creation.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #WillISeeMyPetAgain #CSLewis #TheProblemOfPain #Godsplanforanimals #ChristianTheology #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalPerspective #fateofanimals #LifeAfterDeath #Resurrection #Eternity #FaithAndDoubt #ChristianFaith #GodsCreation #PetLoss #LosingAPet #BibleStudy #ChristianApologetics #FaithQuestions #fyp #fypyoutube #alldogsgotoheaven #KingdomofGod #Christian #God #JesusChrist #Christianquestions

In Between Two Fires, a heartbreaking line reveals a profound theological question: “I can’t build. I can’t plow. But I can suffer.” For the little person, suffering becomes the one thing he believes he can offer his community—a sacrifice born out of love, desperation, and the desire to save his neighbors. But does our suffering have the power to save others? Does God require our pain to earn His mercy, or has He already demonstrated His love through the suffering of Jesus Christ? In this episode of Truth Be Told, we explore the difference between suffering for someone and believing our suffering can save someone. Through the lens of the cross, we consider what it means that Christ suffered “the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). While we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), our sacrifices cannot atone for sin or earn the grace that God freely gives. The little person’s sacrifice reflects something beautiful about Christian love, even as it reveals a tragic misunderstanding of redemption. His story challenges us to examine our own beliefs about suffering, sacrifice, and our worth in the eyes of God. Are we trying to earn God’s mercy through our suffering, or are we responding to His mercy by being willing to suffer for others? Join us as we explore the difference between a theology of appeasement and a theology of grace—and discover the liberating truth that we do not have to prove our worth through pain. We are called to love others not to earn God’s love, but because He has already loved us. Scripture references: 1 Peter 3:18 — Christ suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust. Galatians 6:2 — Bear one another’s burdens. Because the gospel tells us something remarkable: You don't have to suffer to prove your worth to God. And you don't have to save the world through your pain. #TruthBeTold #BetweenTwoFires #ChristianTheology #TheologyOfGrace #SufferingAndFaith #TheCrossOfChrist #ChristianPodcast   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly

Full disclosure: this is not an anti-Halloween episode. But a social media discussion about Halloween and the use of Titus 1:15 sparked a much bigger conversation about how we read and interpret Scripture and who we trust to do that for us. In this episode of Truth Be Told, we take a closer look at Paul’s words, “To the pure, all things are pure,” and examine what he was actually saying in context. We’ll touch on the debate surrounding Halloween, Christian freedom, and the danger of using Scripture to justify what we already want to believe. But more importantly, this episode is about biblical discernment. With Christian content creators and influencers more accessible than ever, it’s easy to accept someone’s interpretation simply because we respect them, agree with them, or see them gaining popularity. Even well-meaning, knowledgeable Christians can get Scripture wrong. That’s why we must be willing to think critically, question what we hear, and hold every teaching up to the Word of God—including mine. This isn’t an attack on the Lord’s Giant or Wes Huff, nor is it an attempt to convince you not to celebrate Halloween. It’s an encouragement to look beyond personalities and popular opinions and develop the discernment to study Scripture for yourself. Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Go back to Scripture. Examine the context. Test what you hear.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #TruthBeTold #BiblicalDiscernment #BibleStudy #Scripture #BiblicalContext #Christianity #ChristianInfluencers #theology #apologetics #hermeneutics #halloween #allsaintsday #holidays #trickortreat #HalloweenandChristianity #ChristianApologetics #Titus115 #StudyTheBible #TestEverything #SoundDoctrine #ChristianYouTube #HalloweenDebate #fyp #fypyoutube

Repentance is an essential part of the Gospel message—but how we preach it matters. For many, the word repentance carries the weight of legalism, condemnation, or the idea that we must clean ourselves up before coming to Jesus. But is that what repentance really means? And how can we preach it faithfully without making it sound like we’re earning our salvation? In this episode, we explore why repentance is not about saving ourselves or becoming perfect before approaching Christ. It’s about recognizing that our own way leads to death, turning toward Jesus, and receiving the life He offers. We can’t earn our salvation, but we can respond to the One who makes it possible. We’ll also look at how the way we frame repentance can shape how people hear the Gospel. Is our message primarily, “Get right with God before it’s too late,” or is it, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand”? Jesus preached repentance as part of a much bigger announcement: the Kingdom of God has come near, and there is an invitation to become part of it. Rather than focusing only on the consequences of sin, what might happen if we emphasized the freedom, hope, and new life available through Christ? In this episode, we discuss: -Why repentance is an important part of the Gospel. -The difference between repentance and salvation by works. -Why we don’t have to make ourselves perfect before coming to Jesus. -The difference between preaching repentance through fear and preaching it as an invitation. -How we can communicate the seriousness of sin while still proclaiming the hope of the Kingdom. -What it means to turn away from our own way and toward the One who offers us living water. Repentance isn’t about earning your place in God’s family. It’s about turning toward the One who invites you in. What if we could preach repentance not simply as a warning of what’s coming, but as an invitation to what God has made available through Jesus? Let’s talk about it.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #Repentance #PreachingTheGospel #KingdomOfGod #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalTeaching #SalvationByGrace #GospelMessage #JesusChrist #GraceAndTruth #ChristianFaith #RepentAndBelieve #GoodNewsOfTheKingdom

What does Jean Valjean from Les Misérables have to do with Satan? It sounds like a ridiculous question—but the connection hit me while I was thinking about one of my favorite scenes in the story: the priest giving Jean Valjean the candlesticks. Valjean steals from him. The priest responds with mercy. Not because Valjean deserves it, but because the priest is willing to suffer loss for the sake of someone who has wronged him. And that made me wonder: What does it mean to overcome evil with good when the enemy is truly evil? We’re commanded to love our enemies, forgive those who wrong us, refuse vengeance, and even do good to those who hurt us. Romans 12 says that by doing this, we “overcome evil with good.” But does that principle have anything to teach us about how we think about Satan himself? I’ve sometimes felt anger toward Satan. But, strangely, I’ve also felt something like pity. Not because I excuse his evil, but because I know what it’s like to desire something that ultimately leads to your own destruction. So is pity toward Satan ever appropriate? What would it mean to desire repentance even for an enemy who seems completely opposed to God? And if repentance is impossible for Satan, what does our refusal to become evil in response to evil accomplish? This episode is an exploration of mercy, judgment, repentance, spiritual warfare, and what it really means to overcome evil with good. Jean Valjean the Devil. It’s a strange title. But I think there’s a strange connection worth exploring.   #Christianity #ChristianPodcast #ChristianYouTube #Faith #JesusChrist #Bible #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianLiving #Theology #ChristianTheology #SpiritualWarfare #GoodVsEvil #OvercomingEvil #LoveYourEnemies #Forgiveness #Mercy #Repentance #Satan #TheDevil #Romans12 #LesMiserables #JeanValjean #VictorHugo #Gospel #ChristianFaith #FaithAndCulture #BibleStudy #ChristianThought #GodsMercy #jesus   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly

What if the Bible actually says that being dead—or even never being born—is better than being alive? In this episode, we dive into some of the most shocking words in Ecclesiastes, including Ecclesiastes 4:2–3 and 6:1–6, where Solomon describes the futility of life, human dissatisfaction, and even calls a stillborn child “better” than a person who cannot enjoy the blessings they’ve received. But is Solomon really saying that life itself is a curse? Or is he exposing something deeper about the human condition: our endless desire for more and our inability to find lasting satisfaction in the things of this world? We explore the paradox of Christian desire, surrender, prosperity, sacrifice, and faith through the story of Abraham and Isaac—and a powerful insight from Søren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling: by faith, Abraham didn’t merely give up Isaac. He received him back. What happens when we stop making success, wealth, comfort, safety, or even our deepest desires the things we seek first—and instead pursue God above everything else? Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly #Ecclesiastes #BibleStudy #Christianity #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Kierkegaard #FearAndTrembling #BiblicalWisdom #Jesus #God #faithful #desire #christianparadox #Christian #JesusChrist #bible #biblical #biblestudy #Solomon #Quoheleth #theology #apologetics #ChristianLiving

The end of the world is near. So what does Peter tell the church to do? Prepare for disaster? Get ready for persecution? Focus on doctrine? Brace yourself for martyrdom? No. Peter says, “Be hospitable.” In 1 Peter 4:9, Peter makes a striking connection between the nearness of “the end of all things” and something that can initially seem remarkably ordinary: loving one another and showing hospitality without grumbling. Why hospitality? The Greek word Peter uses carries the idea of being fond of guests. And in this passage, hospitality is clearly more than simply being polite, welcoming people into your home, or being a good host. Peter places it among the things the church must prioritize as it faces difficult times. Even if hospitality isn't your particular spiritual gift, you're not off the hook. Christians are still called to grow in love, generosity, welcome, and care for one another. Because when difficult times come, the bonds we build within Christian community matter. We need people who will bear with us, encourage us, provide for us when we're in need, and walk with us through suffering. The church isn't simply a gathering of individuals who share beliefs—it's a community whose relationships can help sustain and strengthen us when life gets hard. Peter's instruction forces us to rethink what biblical hospitality actually is. Maybe hospitality isn't merely a pleasant way of living. Maybe it's part of how God prepares His people to endure difficulty. If the end is near, Peter's answer isn't simply to prepare for what's coming. It's to prepare by loving the people around you. 📖 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8–11 In this episode, we explore: -Why Peter connects “the end of all things” with hospitality -What 1 Peter 4:9 means by biblical hospitality -Why Christian hospitality is more than good manners -Whether hospitality has to be your spiritual gift -How strong church communities help us endure difficult seasons -Why loving, welcoming, and caring for one another may be spiritually significant preparation for hard times If this episode challenges or encourages you, subscribe, share it with someone in your church community, and let me know: What does genuine Christian hospitality look like in your life?   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #1Peter #EndTimes #ChristianHospitality #BiblicalHospitality #ChristianCommunity #ChurchCommunity #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGifts #ChristianPodcast #faith #hospitality #1peter4 #theology #apologetics #christian #christianity #biblestudy #bible #biblical #JesusChrist #Jesus #God #fyp #fypyoutube

What if one of Abraham’s biggest mistakes reveals something about the way we treat other people? In Genesis 20, Abraham lies to Abimelech about Sarah because he assumes there is “no fear of God” in the place—and that assumption changes everything. At first glance, it’s easy to point the finger at Abraham. But when we look closer, his mistake may expose a tendency that many of us share: deciding what someone’s relationship with God looks like before we actually take the time to know them. Abimelech recognizes God as Lord. He understands that sin is wrong. God speaks to him in a dream. Does that make Abimelech a believer? A follower of God? No. But it does challenge Abraham’s assumption that he could simply write Abimelech off as someone who had no relationship with God whatsoever. In this episode, we explore Abraham’s lie, the fear of God, evangelism, judging someone’s spiritual condition, and the danger of assuming who will or won’t be receptive to the Gospel. We also tackle a difficult ethical question Christians have debated for centuries: Is it ever right to withhold or conceal the truth in order to protect someone's life? What about the classic example of hiding Jews from Nazis during the Holocaust? If someone comes to your door asking whether you are hiding people they intend to kill, are you obligated to tell them the truth? We’ll look at why that question is different from what Abraham did—and why the distinction matters. Abraham was trying to preserve his life, but he acted on an assumption. He never investigated Abimelech’s motives or relationship with God. He simply decided what kind of person Abimelech was and acted accordingly. And perhaps that is the part of Abraham’s mistake that we all make. How often do we assume someone won't listen to the Gospel? How often do we decide that someone is too far from God, too hostile, too uninterested, or too unlikely to respond—before we've even shared the truth with them? We are not called to be the judges of who is worthy of hearing the Gospel. We are called to preach the Gospel to every creature and make disciples of every nation. This episode challenges us to stop making assumptions about people's hearts and start trusting God with the results.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #Abraham #Abimelech #Genesis20 #fearofGod #evangelism #Christianethics #thegreatcommission #God #Christian #Christianity #Jesus #Christ #JesusChrist #AbrahamandAbimelech #faith #hope #love #theology #apologetics #fyp #fypyoutube

A lot of Christians struggle to study the Bible—not because they don't care about Scripture, but because Bible study can feel intimidating. We compare ourselves to the people around us. We wonder how often we're supposed to read, how much we're supposed to get out of it, or how deeply we're supposed to understand it. Maybe we've heard a pastor unpack a passage in a way that seems impossible to replicate. Maybe we've watched theologians explain biblical languages and complicated theology. Maybe we've looked at a friend's Bible covered in notes while ours is still practically empty. It can leave us feeling like we're standing at the edge of a massive ocean, convinced that if we're going to enter the water, we need to be ready for a deep dive. But before we learn to deep dive, we have to learn how to swim. In this episode, we talk about approaching the Bible as a place of exploration and discovery rather than something intimidating that we're afraid we won't understand. Scripture has been studied for thousands of years, but that doesn't mean we have nothing left to discover as we personally encounter God's Word. We'll walk through three questions designed to help us approach any passage of Scripture with greater confidence: 1. What do you notice, wonder about, or find interesting? Your questions, observations, and reactions matter. We all come to Scripture with different experiences and perspectives, and noticing what catches your attention can help you recognize that you have a valuable lens through which to read the Bible. 2. What does this teach you about God? Scripture tells us something about God's character, nature, work, desires, and relationship with humanity. Once we understand a passage in its proper context, we can ask why this is something God wants us to know. 3. What should change because of this Scripture? Bible study isn't meant to stay theoretical. How should this passage change the way we think, live, pray, interact with others, participate in our churches, or respond to the world around us? I originally developed these questions for a teen camp to help young people become more confident approaching their Bibles. But I've found that they're not just helpful for teenagers—they're helpful for all of us. To put them into practice, we'll finish the episode by opening to a random passage in Psalm 136 and working through these questions together, using a section of Scripture I've never explored before. You don't have to be a theologian to study the Bible. You don't need a Bible covered in notes. And you don't need to understand everything before you begin. You just need to get in the water.   Email: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthBeToldYouTube Logo: Matt Hernandez Music: Acoustic Indie Folk Years By MarkJuly   #BibleStudy #BibleStudyTips #Christianity #ChristianLiving #Faith #ChristianFaith #GodsWord #Scripture #StudyTheBible #BibleReading #ReadingTheBible #ChristianDiscipleship #GrowingInFaith #FaithJourney #KnowingGod #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #BiblePodcast #PodcastForChristians #Jesus #FollowingJesus #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianEncouragement #DailyBible #BibleTips #fyp #fypyoutube