Resources

What does repentance look like? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that repentance is a change of mind, a complete 180-degree turn. It is a turning from the direction where we have been going, a complete change of mental thinking about sin and God.  The source of repentance is the grace of God at work in our lives. It is a gift from God. Once God changes our hearts, a person's path will be turned and he will forsake sin and pursue after godliness.   1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (NKJV) - "For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." 

The theme verse of the whole book of Proverbs is: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7). Sadly, many churches in modern times have been so fruitless in establishing this principle, especially as it relates training up children. There will be no success in conquering sin without the fear of the Lord being present in the heart of the individual, and really no solid grasp of the Gospel itself. And God is calling parents to train up their children to have a godly fear as the foundation of their discipleship.

What is a reason many people neglect prayer meetings? How do church leaders cultivate a renewed prayer life? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that prayer meetings have often deteriorated into gatherings of just a handful of people. One reason that so few people show up is because of the way they are led during the meeting. They are led by men who are not men who pray often.   Another reason is few people show is because the men who lead the prayer times bring no leadership to the meeting whatsoever. They simply ask those gathered what they want to do.  It is vital that leaders of the church show up to a prayer meeting already prepared and encourage those gathered to pray for different areas -- to pray for the persecuted church or to pray that the Kingdom of God will continue to spread. 1 Timothy 2:8 (NKJV) – “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

How should church leaders promote a culture of transparency and accountability? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that leaders in the church should be real and let others know that they are fellow brothers in the faith. They shouldn’t be distant from their congregation.  It is important to share that they as pastors are not invulnerable from sin and that they need close friends who will hold them accountable. That is why multiple elders is important. Having only one pastor sometimes prevents him from having relationships with others with whom he can receive accountability.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV) – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

How transparent should pastors be from the pulpit? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that it is important for pastors to be transparent in their sermons but that they should exercise discretion on how transparent they are. For instance, some pastors are too transparent in that their sermons become all about them. Sermons are not to be about ourselves entirely. There shouldn't be unnecessary distractions or digressions.  Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) - "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."

How does a person who is trapped in sin repent and fight against that particular sin? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that if a person is trapped in a life of sin and does not know how to repent and to conquer a particular sin, they need to first recognize that repentance is going to be a gradual change. They must resolve to live a life for the glory of God and understand that they will be constantly having to repent. It may be a long process. A high level of accountability may be helpful. Additionally, it is important that they are transparent with other godly individuals regarding their struggle with sin.  1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) – ‘Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What does repentance look like between members of a local church? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that we all share the same battles and enduring the same trials in the world. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not be surprised when we have to repent about something to another church member.  When another individual sins against us, our first response and thought should be to recognize that we have sinned against God and yet God forgave us. Rather than taking offense by an offense, we should help each other to be restored and be quick to forgive. Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) – “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

What is the relationship between faith and repentance? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that the relationship between faith and repentance is straightforward. Faith is our complete forsaking the trusting in our own works and turning entirely to Christ for our righteousness. Repentance is the turning from sin and the understanding that the mere turning away from sin does not save or justify us.  We turn from sin because God is worthy to be served. Repentance does not enhance our standing with God. Rather, Christ alone is the one who makes us righteous in the sight of God. Thus, repentance is a fruit of our faith.  Luke 5:31-32 (NKJV) – “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’

What is an example of true repentance? Dennis Gunderson shares in this video an example of true repentance. There was a man that he knew who had been hiding a secret lifestyle of sexual sin and had been recently found out and was now facing legal consequences for his actions.  This man was given an opportunity to plead not guilty but after becoming saved while in prison, he refused to plea that he was not guilty. Instead, he declared that he could not lie and try to claim that he was innocent. He would not try to use others to help him avoid the consequences of his sin.  Hebrews 10:26-27 (NKJV) - "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries."

What is the difference between worldly and godly sorrow? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that worldly sorrow involves sadness of being caught in sin or being known as sinful by others. It involves perhaps a regret of the effects of sin. A worldly sorrow dislikes the consequences of sin but not the sin itself. But godly sorrow hates sin for what it is. It recognizes that sin is a defiance towards God and an uncalled-for rebellion against God. A person who demonstrates godly sorrow is grieved that he has rebelled against God despite His graciousness towards him. Godly sorrow involves a forsaking of sins out of a desire to obey God.  2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) - "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." 

What are characteristics of worldly sorrow? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that those who demonstrate only worldly sorrow are absorbed with the consequences of their sin in relation to other people and don’t recognize the breach of fellowship with God when they sin. They fail to have a deep enough of a relationship with God to realize that repentance must be oriented to Him. It is to God that we must turn to. Unless we have turned from sin and turned towards God, it is not true repentance. True repentance does not result from merely wanting to please others or wishing to avoid temporary, earthly consequences of one's actions.  1 John 1:9 (NKJV) – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

What does repentance look like between a husband and a wife? Dennis Gunderson explains in this video that a marriage where the husband and wife are one flesh is a relationship that is the closest human union there is. It is a picture of Christ and the Church.  If unity between spouses is to be enjoyed, deepened, and enriched, both spouses must keep short accounts with one another. They must not let great gulfs of time go between instances of sin. If one spouse sins against the other it is important to repent and make it right as soon as possible.  Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) – “ And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”