The Way of Repentance with Chris Brauns
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In this episode of Life and Books and Everything, host Kevin DeYoung engages in a thoughtful conversation with pastor Chris Brauns about his new book, The Way of Repentance. Brauns, a longtime pastor at Red Brick Church in Northern Illinois, draws from deep Reformed theology and pastoral wisdom to present repentance not as a burdensome duty but as a gift from God—a transformative, joyful turning from sin to Christ. He unpacks common misconceptions, such as the idea that repentance is merely a feeling or a one-time event, and emphasizes its ongoing nature in the Christian life. Using the parable of the prodigal son as a central lens, Brauns contrasts genuine repentance with worldly sorrow, highlighting how true repentance involves humility, self-awareness, and a focus on God’s grace rather than personal pain or blame-shifting. The discussion also touches on the pastoral challenges of discerning authentic repentance, the importance of Scripture memory, and the necessity of community in the process of repentance and forgiveness. Throughout, Brauns underscores that repentance is both a divine gift and a disciplined response, essential for spiritual health and relational restoration. DeYoung and Brauns explore the practical implications of repentance in daily life, including how to pray for repentance in others, how to respond to broken relationships, and how to avoid the pitfalls of therapeutic individualism that reduce repentance to emotional release. They stress that while repentance brings joy, it also involves grief and a willingness to face consequences. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. The conversation is rich with biblical insight, pastoral care, and practical wisdom, making The Way of Repentance a timely and essential resource for believers seeking a deeper, more authentic Christian life.
Repentance is a divine gift, not a human work, and must be understood as a grace from God that enables us to turn from sin to Christ.
True repentance involves both grief over sin and joy in God’s mercy, and it is not easily distinguished from counterfeit sorrow—only God sees the heart.
Repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong rhythm of turning back to God, especially through regular confession and Scripture memory.
The parable of the prodigal son illustrates genuine repentance: it is brief, self-humbling, God-focused, and rooted in grace—not in self-justification or blame-shifting.
Pastors and churches must exercise discernment in receiving repentance, especially in cases of grave offenses, and may need to establish boundaries for the sake of healing and protection.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsorship and Introduction to the Episode
The episode opens with sponsor reads from Crossway and Desiring God, promoting Tim Keller’s Christian life book and the daily devotional podcast Solid Joys. Kevin DeYoung introduces the guest, Chris Brauns, and sets the stage for a deep conversation on repentance.
Introducing Chris Brauns and Red Brick Church
Chris Brauns shares his background, his 21-year pastorate at Red Brick Church in Northern Illinois, and the church’s historical roots in the 1858 formation during the Lincoln-Douglas debates. He reflects on his family’s Reformed Presbyterian heritage and the theological depth of his ministry context.
The Theological Foundation: Repentance as a Gift
“We pray, Lord, would you be pleased to grant them the gift of repentance?”
Repentance and Faith: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Brauns clarifies the relationship between repentance and faith, describing them as inseparable—repentance is the turn from sin, faith is the turn to Christ. He references Acts 26 and Luke 15 to show how both are essential to the gospel response.
The Joy and Grief of Repentance
“Oh boy, it is much worse and much more painful not to repent.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
“I've sinned against heaven and against you. I'm not worthy to be called your son.”
“If you're weighed down by your sin or something that stands between you and someone else, you don't have to fear going to the Lord Jesus.”
Host
Guest
Chris Brauns
person
Kevin DeYoung
person
The Way of Repentance
book
Luke 15
book
Red Brick Church
organization
Jesus Christ
person
Tim Keller
person
Psalm 32
book
Crossway
organization
Psalm 130
book
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