Resurrection Life of Jesus Church
A CALL TO REPENTANCE
RLJ-2022
JOHN S. TORELL
JULY 6, 2025
SINFUL NATURE
Humanity has inherited the sinful nature of Adam and Eve. It is a spiritual disease which will be with mankind until we enter the new creation. Christians wrestle with the same problem. Overcoming sin requires a conscious decision to reject it.
POLITICS & GLOBAL AFFAIRS
President Trump’s handling of Iran’s nuclear threat, peace efforts between India and Pakistan, and mediation in African conflicts.
Criticism of Elon Musk for splitting from the Republican Party and looking to form a third party. This is similar to church splits.
Praise for Trump’s restraint in not escalating the situation when Iran shot down a U.S. drone.
ISLAM & CHRISTIANITY
Islam was a tool used by Satan to wipe out early Christian strongholds in North Africa and the Middle East.
Comparison of the different Islamic sects and how their schisms are similar to Christian denominational splits.
GOSSIP & DIVISION
Gossip is destructive to society. It is used by demons in churches, workplaces, and media to create division.
Jesus taught us how to handle conflict.
1. It starts with a private conversation.
2. If the matter remains unresolved, bring two witnesses to help mediate.
3. If both steps fail to resolve the matter, bring it before the church and the congregation will judge.
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
Examples of dissension in ministries (i.e., The fallout between TBN and Dr. Phil)
ILLUSTRATIONS
Noah’s family after the flood was quick to descend into sin with Nimrod and Tower of Babel.
The Assyrians and Babylonians were used by God to judge the Israelites for their disobedience.
God controls the weather on earth through four angels. Modern disasters such as the recent Texas floods and Hurricane Helene are divine judgment.
JUDGMENT & REVIVAL
The Bible says that judgment begins at the house of God with the Christians.
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17)
The southern states and Bible Belt have experienced a spiritual decline despite their outward religiosity with a church on every corner.
Churches and pastors need to preach repentance like its going out of style.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Believers in Christ cannot change others, but we take personal accountability and repent. Begin the change we want to see in ourselves and it will manifest outwardly into our communities.
Choosing to harbor unforgiveness, gossip, and hatred is deadly. It will destroy your physical health and the relationships in your life. If you get right with God now, you won’t have to answer for these things at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
REPENTANCE
Pastor John recounts revival experiences in the 1970s where repentance swept congregations. There is a decline in the movement of the Holy Spirit today due to resistance and sin. The good news is that Jesus has the answer and it starts with repentance.
Remember, it’s not so important how you begin your life after salvation, but how you finish it!
Do you have an ear to hear with?
