Because they repented not-9-13-26Am-Jesse Lockhart

Podcast Summary — “Because They Repented Not”

Date: Sunday Morning, September 13, 2026

Service: Morning Worship

In Matthew 11, Jesus begins to upbraid — to reprove and rebuke — the cities where He performed most of His mighty works: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These were the places where miracles were not rare but common. The feeding of the five thousand, the healing of the blind, the cleansing of lepers, the raising of the dead — all unfolded in their streets. Yet despite witnessing what prophets longed to see, they repented not. Jesus declares that if Tyre and Sidon — wealthy, idolatrous port cities destroyed for their pride — had seen such works, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes. If Sodom — the city synonymous with wickedness and perversion — had seen what Capernaum saw, it would still be standing. Jesus warns that the judgment will be more tolerable for Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom than for those who saw His works and remained unmoved.

The message turns toward us. Our region has seen the mighty works of God: answered prayers, healings, conviction, revival, and the unmistakable presence of the Spirit. Yet as a people, we have not repented. Like the Laodicean church, we are rich, increased with goods, and feel no need. The preacher reminds us that repentance is not only for the lost — it is the daily work of the believer. Our greatest enemy is not the devil but the flesh, the old nature that wars against the Spirit. Paul’s thorn, his daily dying, his crucifying of the flesh becomes the pattern for us. Temptation is not sin, but acting upon it is — and the only way to keep temptation from conceiving into sin is repentance. Modern religion has replaced repentance with comfort, replaced crucifying the flesh with feeding it, and replaced holiness with convenience. Jesus’ warning to Capernaum becomes a warning to us: those who have seen the most are responsible for the most. Repentance is the doorway to holy ground, and without it, even the most religious people stand in danger of judgment.

Location: Whitwell, Tennessee — Fairview Union Church