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NASB | Matthew 3:8 "Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 3:8 "So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]; |
Bible Question: If a pastor falls commits adulitry and resigns his church repents and feels the call of God in his life to pastor again can he? |
Bible Answer: I cannot speak to the office of a pastor, but I can say what I would like to see as a parishioner. The true fruit of repentance. For instance, if the pastor was divorced as a result of his adultery, and is now reconciled to his wife (and married to her) that is a powerful testimony. That is proof that God is working in this man's life. I would also like to see that the damage to the woman with whom he had the affair (presumably that is the scenario) was addressed, and she has recovered. And, I would want to hear his testimony of not how he repented (because anyone can do that, and go back to sinning 100 times over), but rather, how God by His Holy Spirit in Power had transformed him heart, mind, soul and strength. This can all take time. God does not work in our lives like a 30 minute sit com. Praise God that He is patient, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy, lest we would get what we deserved, and we would be utterly destroyed. |