The Bible tells us that we are rebels. That we are at war with God. Christianity teaches that we can change. That we can transform ourselves.
"...The word “repent” in the Greek is metanoia. Metanoia means to change your mind. Our thoughts, the flow of consciousness which determines our behaviors, can change. Metanoia has to do with moral activity, but goes beyond that. Jesus was teaching that we could change our mind about how we treat people. We don’t have to be unforgiving and cynical. We can change our mind about being negative. We can think positive thoughts and walk in faith instead of doubt. We can change our minds about sin. Rather than being caught in the strongholds of consistent habits of lust or selfishness, for example, we can experience freedom and selflessness. Jesus would not have told us to change unless it was possible and attainable."
"...The Bible is full of words that speak about change. Repentance, metamorphosis, transformation, conversion, resurrection, rebirth, renewal, regeneration, healing and transfiguration: they all mean change! Surely the Word of God is telling us that change is possible! In other words, there is no rut deep enough and no mud thick enough to prevent you from progressing and going forward in your life.
Jesus called people to change. When he spoke, things happened. Peter abandoned his nets, boat, and family and followed him. Matthew left the security of his unjust income and followed Jesus. Throughout the Gospels women and men, rich and poor, encountered Jesus and their lives were never the same.
The urgency of his proclamation stressed that now is the right time to change. He was also saying that because of our fallen nature, change is a necessity...." You Can Change by Fr. Cedric Pisegna
Homilies of Father Paul Yi: Fr. Cedric Pisegna Mission 2nd Night: Sept. 28, 2015
"...The word “repent” in the Greek is metanoia. Metanoia means to change your mind. Our thoughts, the flow of consciousness which determines our behaviors, can change. Metanoia has to do with moral activity, but goes beyond that. Jesus was teaching that we could change our mind about how we treat people. We don’t have to be unforgiving and cynical. We can change our mind about being negative. We can think positive thoughts and walk in faith instead of doubt. We can change our minds about sin. Rather than being caught in the strongholds of consistent habits of lust or selfishness, for example, we can experience freedom and selflessness. Jesus would not have told us to change unless it was possible and attainable."
"...The Bible is full of words that speak about change. Repentance, metamorphosis, transformation, conversion, resurrection, rebirth, renewal, regeneration, healing and transfiguration: they all mean change! Surely the Word of God is telling us that change is possible! In other words, there is no rut deep enough and no mud thick enough to prevent you from progressing and going forward in your life.
Jesus called people to change. When he spoke, things happened. Peter abandoned his nets, boat, and family and followed him. Matthew left the security of his unjust income and followed Jesus. Throughout the Gospels women and men, rich and poor, encountered Jesus and their lives were never the same.
The urgency of his proclamation stressed that now is the right time to change. He was also saying that because of our fallen nature, change is a necessity...." You Can Change by Fr. Cedric Pisegna
Homilies of Father Paul Yi: Fr. Cedric Pisegna Mission 2nd Night: Sept. 28, 2015