THE GLOBAL CALL TO REPENTANCE: RETURN TO THE ONE TRUE GOD By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained."
— Acts 17:30–31 (NKJV)
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Introduction
In these darkened days, as the world plunges further into rebellion, immorality, and godlessness, the voice of the Lord resounds like thunder across nations, tribes, and peoples: Repent! This message is not a suggestion, an opinion, or a religious alternative. It is a divine command from the One True God, the Creator of all things, and the Final Judge over all humankind.
This lesson emerges from a prophetic utterance filled with both urgency and divine mercy. The Lord, through this word, exposes the root of the world’s downfall—stubbornness, self-worship, and the outright rejection of His Son Jesus Christ. It reminds us that although mercy has been extended through the blood of Jesus, many persist in willful rebellion, ignoring the greatest sacrifice ever made for mankind.
We live in times where sin is normalized, selfishness glorified, and divine truth mocked. Yet God’s voice has not been silenced. His call to repentance is as loud and relevant as ever. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This lesson unpacks the divine plea for all peoples and nations to turn from wickedness and return to their Maker. It confronts both sinners and complacent believers and re-centers us on our responsibility to walk in holiness, truth, and mission.
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The Universal Command: Repent and Turn to God
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
— Acts 3:19
The first and foremost demand from the Lord is clear: repent. This command goes out to all peoples and all nations, without exception. It is not aimed at a single culture, religion, or demographic. It is universal in scope because sin is universal in reality. The Lord sees the wickedness that has taken root across the globe—murder, immorality, idolatry, injustice, and rebellion. His response is not silence but a thundering call to repentance.
Repentance means turning away from sin and returning to God. It is more than sorrow—it is transformation. When individuals and nations genuinely repent, they are aligning themselves with divine mercy and avoiding impending judgment. Sadly, many ignore this call, and by doing so, they mock the very sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died to redeem them from their sins.
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The Rejection of Christ: A Grievous Offense
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
— John 3:36
God sent His only begotten Son as the ultimate expression of His mercy, love, and plan for salvation. Jesus became the propitiation for our sins—the payment, the atonement. Yet, in spite of this unimaginable gift, multitudes continue in rebellion, rejecting the One who died to save them.
The Lord declares in this word that this rejection is not due to ignorance alone, but to stubbornness and willfulness. People have grown dull and hardened in heart. They glorify sin, celebrate iniquity, and despise correction. Nations have forgotten God, and the offense is multiplied when the sacrifice of His Son is trampled underfoot.
It grieves God, and it provokes His wrath. To scorn the cross is to invite divine indignation. God is just, and He will judge righteously. To reject the Son is to choose destruction.
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The Mercy of God: Still Available Today
"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
— Lamentations 3:22–23
Even amidst warning and impending judgment, God's mercy is still extended. The Lord reminds us that it is only through His mercy that we live, breathe, and have another opportunity to repent. This divine mercy is not to be taken lightly. It is a sacred window of grace.
Believers who have received this mercy are urged to remember their redemption and to rejoice daily for the compassion God has poured out. But with mercy comes responsibility—to bear witness, to call others to repentance, and to live uprightly.
We must never forget that the mercy extended to us is not meant for self-centered comfort but for mission. We are not saved to become stagnant; we are saved to become sent.
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The Call to Evangelize: Bearing the Light to the Lost
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
— Matthew 5:16
God’s people are commanded to bear witness to the light of Christ. The saved must never forget the perishing. Just as Jesus came to seek and save the lost, we too are called to reach those bound in darkness.
This word challenges every believer not to retreat into spiritual selfishness. We are not to indulge in “safe Christianity” that ignores the commission of Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be bold, courageous, and active in sharing the Good News. Some hearts will be hard. Many will resist. But some will hear, repent, and be saved.
God reminds us that we were once enslaved to sin. Our salvation should provoke compassion for the lost, not isolation from them. Evangelism is not an option—it is a mandate.
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The Tragedy of Selfish and Carnal Christianity
"For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud... having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
— 2 Timothy 3:2, 5
One of the greatest hindrances to revival is the rise of self-centered Christianity. Many believers have traded intimacy with God for indulgence in worldly pleasure. They feast on spiritual junk food—entertainment, comfort, and self-justifying doctrines—while ignoring the groan of the lost and the cry of the Spirit.
God does not take pleasure in believers who worship themselves, prioritize their comfort, and forget their commission. Such carnal living is described as wretchedness in His sight. The Lord is calling His people to wake up, deny self, and follow Jesus fully.
Jesus’ way is not “too hard”—it is the path of life. The Holy Spirit is given to empower us, not excuse us.
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The Deception of Carnality and the Call to Holiness
"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
— Romans 8:6
Carnality is not just a weakness; it is a trap. It leads to spiritual death. The old nature—the flesh—wants to enslave us again. The Lord warns His people not to fall back into the snares of fleshly lusts, entertainment addiction, and worldly deception.
The call is clear: remain repentant and redeemed. Stay under the governance of the Holy Spirit. Refuse the path of ease that leads to hell. God’s way is the way of life, joy, and peace.
We are not left to walk alone. The Holy Spirit is our helper. As we submit to Him daily, He leads us in purity, purpose, and power. The carnal mind must be replaced by the mind of Christ.
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Summary
The voice of God echoes through this message: Repent, return, and remain faithful. All nations, peoples, and individuals are summoned to forsake sin and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The rejection of this mercy brings judgment, but acceptance brings life.
Believers are reminded of their calling—not to indulge, but to evangelize; not to conform, but to proclaim. We are saved to serve, not to sleep. The spiritual decay of the world is a reflection of the silence of the Church.
God’s mercy is still available, but not forever. The time to act is now.
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Conclusion
The destiny of souls hangs in the balance. God is calling His people to rise in repentance and responsibility. This lesson is not merely about doctrine—it is about urgency. Every heartbeat brings us closer to judgment or to revival.
We must not waste the grace we have been given. We must declare the truth. We must live the truth. We must reject selfishness and walk in the Spirit. Heaven is watching. The harvest is ripe. The trumpet has sounded. Will you answer the call?
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Call to Action
Examine your heart. Are you walking in holiness or indulging in worldliness? Are you fulfilling your calling or living for yourself?
Today, choose repentance. Choose obedience. Choose to be a light in the darkness. Let the mercy of God move you to mission. Let the Spirit of God empower you to walk uprightly. Share the Good News. Bear witness to the lost. Live as one redeemed.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved of the Lord, you are not alone. God has not called you to walk this path by your strength. His Spirit is with you—guiding, comforting, and empowering you. You have been chosen for such a time as this.
Do not fear the darkness; you carry the light. Do not shrink from the call; you bear the truth. Rejoice, for the way of salvation is open, and you are part of God's redemptive plan for the nations. Stay faithful. Stay holy. Stay awake.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in humility and repentance. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and have walked in rebellion. But today, I turn to You. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, who died for my sins and rose again.
Lord Jesus, I receive You into my heart as my Savior and Lord. Wash me, cleanse me, and make me new. I surrender my will to You and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help me walk in obedience every day.
Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for saving me. From this moment, I belong to You.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
