1. “Life Beyond Regret : The Practice of Confession”

2. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy... He who is alone with his sins is utterly alone. DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

3. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

4. The truth is, of course, that we have all left a stain! Confession: Is for Our Healing Confession that helps us experience the power of forgiveness is a process, not a single act.

5. Let us think about confession as a six- step process for spiritual stain removal.

6. 1. Preparation

7. Let us think about confession as a six- step process for spiritual stain removal. 1. Preparation Psalm 139:23 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

8. 2. Self-Examination

9. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess (agree with) our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

10. 3. Perception Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

11. Two questions in particular help us gain a new perception… "WHY DID I DO WHAT I DID?" "WHAT HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF MY SIN?"

12. 4. A New Feeling

13. James 4:8–9 (NIV) Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

14. 5. A New Promise

15. This is what Zacchaeus determined to do...

16. 5. A New Promise This is what Zacchaeus determined to do... Luke 19:8–10 (NIV) "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

17. 6. Healing Grace

18. Psalm 103:11–12 (NIV) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

19. Lets Pray…