Feb 15, 2026

Pastor Marco Ambriz

Summary

Today's sermon, “A New Direction,” is about repentance. It is the idea of changing one’s path in life. 

Jesus’ ministry focused on proclaiming this kingdom, encouraging repentance, and believing in the good news.

The kingdom of God is not a physical place, but a reality of God’s reign. Repentance, a call to change direction and align with God’s kingdom, is not just a religious concept but a call to action. This involves acknowledging our own wrongness, reconsidering our actions, and actively working towards a more just and loving world.

Repentance involves acknowledging one’s fallibility, being open to reconsidering one’s direction, and being receptive to feedback. It also requires a willingness to make course corrections, apologize to those affected by past decisions, and embrace a new direction with humility. This lifelong journey of repentance aligns one’s life with the kingdom of God, leading to a more abundant life.

Key Points

• Going in the Wrong Direction: Reflect on times when they were going in the wrong direction, either physically or metaphorically.

• Central Message: Jesus is constantly calling people to realign their lives with the kingdom of God, which is another way of saying repentance.

• Jesus’ Message in Mark 1: Jesus proclaimed the good news that the kingdom of God has come near, offering hope and an alternative to earthly kingdoms.

• Relevance of God’s Reign: The message of God’s reign is relevant to those seeking a just, kind, and peaceful kingdom, especially in oppressive times.

• Jesus’ Mission: Jesus came to preach the good news of the kingdom of God, announcing and enacting God’s reign.

• Kingdom of God as a Reality: The kingdom of God is not a physical place, but rather the reality of God’s reign and rule.

• Misconception of Kingdom as Location: Many people mistakenly equate the kingdom of God with a specific location, such as heaven.

• Kingdom of God as God’s Reign: The kingdom of God refers to God’s rule and jurisdiction, encompassing all of creation.

• Concept of Repentance: Repentance is about aligning oneself with the kingdom of God, a greater kingdom beyond the human kingdoms we see.

• Meaning of Repentance: Repentance is not a religious word but an everyday word meaning to turn around, change direction, or reconsider.

• Greek Word for Repent: The Greek word for repent, “metanoia,” means to understand after, to reconsider something you thought you were certain about.

• Meaning of Repentance: Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for past actions, but about changing direction and aligning oneself with a new, positive purpose.

• Repentance in Everyday Life: Repentance can be used in everyday situations, such as changing directions when going to the store.

• Jesus’ Call to Repentance: Jesus calls people to repent and embrace the good news of the kingdom of God, which is a source of hope and goodness in a chaotic world.

• Individual and Communal Repentance: Repentance is both individual and communal, as the church is made up of individuals.

• Church’s Role in Repentance: The church is called to repent when it fails to model God’s new family on earth.

• Importance of Repentance: Repentance is crucial for aligning with the kingdom of God, involving a change in direction, action, and mindset.

• Dangers of Political Ideology: Christians should be cautious of aligning too closely with political ideologies that may not reflect the kingdom of God.

• Practical Religion: True religion involves action and a commitment to justice and goodness, as exemplified by Frederick Douglass’s call to “pray with your legs.”

• Repentance and Action: Repentance involves aligning actions with the kingdom of God, going beyond just words.

• Acknowledging Fallibility: Repentance requires acknowledging the possibility of being wrong and avoiding the idol of certainty.

• Openness to Change: Repentance means being open to reconsidering one’s direction and pausing to reflect on the path being taken.

• Reconsidering Life’s Direction: The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their life’s purpose and direction, suggesting a pause to consider one’s goals and motivations.

• Repentance and Feedback: Repentance involves being open to feedback and suggestions, as it allows for recognizing and addressing mistakes.

• Course Correction: Repentance requires the willingness to make course corrections, even if it’s difficult, to realign with the right path.

• Apologizing for Impact: True repentance includes apologizing to those who were negatively affected by past actions or decisions.

• Definition of Repentance: Repentance involves acknowledging wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness, and making a commitment to change and follow a new, more righteous path.

• Importance of Humility in Repentance: Humility is essential for repentance as it allows individuals to accept their fallibility, acknowledge their need for improvement, and remain open to continuous growth and adjustment.

• God’s Invitation for New Directions: God continuously invites individuals to embrace new directions in their lives, encouraging them to make adjustments and corrections that lead to a deeper relationship with Him and a more faithful service to others.