Punishment or Grace? What Leads to Real Repentance | The Rev. Christian M. Wood | Sunday Sermon

What actually leads to genuine repentance: punishment, or grace? In this sermon from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, we reflect on Jesus’ parable of the two sons in Matthew 21 and the call to repent, return to God, and receive the forgiveness Christ freely offers. From Ezekiel’s warning to the people of Judah to Jesus’ confrontation with the chief priests and elders, Scripture reminds us that our choices have consequences. Yet the heart of the Gospel is the astonishing mercy of God, who meets sinners with forgiveness and calls us home. Repentance is more than feeling guilty or fearing punishment. It is a turning of the heart, made possible by the grace of Jesus Christ. When that grace becomes real to us, it can change the way we live. Preached at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, Florida. Learn more about worship, sermons, and the life of St. John’s at stjohnstampa.org. St. John’s Episcopal Church is a vibrant, growing parish located in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood of South Tampa, just off Bayshore Boulevard at 906 South Orleans Avenue. Our mission is to make Jesus Christ known, hallowed, and adored throughout Tampa. We strive to build a spiritual community forming Christians of all ages through education, worship and outreach. We invite you to visit our stunning historic church and hear our angelic Anglican-style choir, and enjoy warm fellowship following both the 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sunday services. We want to make it easy for you to get more acquainted with life in the parish. Throughout the year there will be frequent opportunities for you to meet new people and to learn more about St. John's and the many different ministries and volunteer opportunities. Our website is here: https://www.stjohnstampa.org Subscribe for livestream church services, sermons, and Christian faith formation:    / stjohnstampa   Find us on Facebook:   / stjohnstampa   Also, on Instagram:   / stjohnstampa   To donate to help support our ministry and outreach to those in need in both the Tampa area & internationally: https://onrealm.org/StJohnsEpiscopa83... We look forward to seeing you at St. John's Episcopal Church Tampa!