Forgiveness on SermonAudio

This morning we are going to get back to the major theme of this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, which is Jesus identifying and calling out religious hypocrisy. In this message, we will look at His calling out of hypocritical forgiveness and hypocritical fasting.

The sermon concludes the book of Colossians by emphasizing that Jesus Christ, clothed in His gospel, is sufficient for every aspect of the Christian life. It highlights how gospel prayer and gracious witness are lived out within the practical realities of local church community. The text illustrates that true faithfulness involves steadfast prayer, wise conduct toward outsiders, and navigating internal divisions with grace and forgiveness. By examining Paul's final greetings, the message demonstrates that the church is a place where believers use their diverse gifts to advance the kingdom despite human frailty. Ultimately, the gospel produces fruit in ordinary life, calling believers to remain faithful and united in their witness to the world.

This Bible study examines the early church's growth through signs and wonders, highlighting the divine authentication of the apostles' message. It contrasts the genuine generosity of believers with the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira, establishing a context of awe and reverence within the community. The narrative shifts to the religious leaders' jealousy and their failed attempt to silence the apostles through imprisonment. A supernatural angelic intervention allows the apostles to continue preaching in the temple, leading to their confrontation with the Sanhedrin. The central theme emerges as the apostles declare their obedience to God over human authority, affirming Jesus as Prince and Savior who grants repentance and forgiveness.

Interpreting Life The heart of this message is this: life is always preaching, and we need a preacher, like Solomon, who in Ecclesiastes helps us interpret life's message. But ultimately we need Jesus to interpret what life and the preachers, like Solomon, are saying. Because this world has been touched by sin, deception, suffering, and death, we cannot safely interpret life by our feelings, culture, circumstances, or the opinions of others. Jesus has graciously spoken beforehand so that when things happen, we can recognize what He has already said, believe Him, and walk in His light. LIFE IS PREACHING — JESUS MUST INTERPRET IT Jesus says in John 14:29, "I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe." His Word prepares us for what we will encounter. We may not always understand why something happens, but we can know how to walk through it because Christ has given us His truth, His Spirit, and His people. The world cannot teach us Christ. We do not interpret Jesus through the world; Jesus teaches us how to interpret the world. What the world calls good may not be good before God. What culture calls freedom may actually be bondage. Therefore, we must continually ask, "What has Jesus said?" THE KINGDOM HAS A DIFFERENT INHERITANCE In 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Paul reminds believers that the unrighteous do not inherit the kingdom of God. But then comes the glorious word: "Such were some of you." We were sinners, but in Christ we have been washed, sanctified, and justified. And when Jesus washes somebody, He thoroughly washes them. His cleansing does not leave us half-clean. Grace not only forgives us; it repurposes us. We are sanctified—se

The sermon expounds on Colossians 3:1-17 to define true holiness as flowing exclusively from union with Christ rather than human effort or legalistic rules. It emphasizes that believers must fix their minds on the things above, recognizing their death and resurrection with Jesus as the foundation for spiritual life. The preacher outlines a process of mortification, urging Christians to identify sin at its root and bring it to the cross for forgiveness and power. Simultaneously, the message calls for vivification, where believers put on the character of Christ through virtues like compassion, humility, and love. Ultimately, every action is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, relying entirely on His strength and grace for daily obedience.

Are all sins truly the same in God's eyes? The Bible gives us a much more sobering answer. While every sin makes us guilty before a holy God, Scripture also teaches that sins can differ in their seriousness, consequences, accountability, and judgment. From hamartia—"missing the mark"—to deliberate rebellion and grievous acts of wickedness, God's Word reveals that sin is not something to be taken lightly. Jesus Himself spoke of "the greater sin" and warned of greater damnation, while Scripture teaches that those who have been given greater light and knowledge also bear greater responsibility. God's holiness demands that we recognize the seriousness of sin—not to excuse lesser sins, but to develop a deeper hatred of all sin and a greater appreciation for the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Understanding Biblical Sin Equal Guilt Before God Different Consequences of Sin Hamartia and the Meaning of Sin Degrees of Sin and Accountability God's Holiness and Judgment Repentance and Forgiveness The Cleansing Blood of Christ

The United States of America is a constitutional republic.  We've had 250 years of independence and 239 years since our Constitution was signed by the delegates in 1787.  The result?  Our nation and people have prospered like none other.   And with this background, there's a push toward socialism which is taking over cities, states, and attempting to also take over our nation.  It's difficult to fathom when you consider the many nations that have collapsed after thinking that socialism would solve their problems.   Then there's the promises of the World Economic Forum which have said people will own nothing and they'll be happy.  After all, there's the promise of free food, free healthcare, free daycare, free education, free college, forgiveness of student debt, rent control, guaranteed income, and so much more.  It's an attempt to make socialism sound like Utopia.  On top of that, there's no law enforcement, open borders for all to come and go as they please, and no more jails and prisons.  We're all just supposed to get along and everything will be well.  But its bitter end leads to complete government control, government dependence, destruction and misery, just like it has with so many nations that were drawn into the scam. Joining Jim to discuss this issue was Gary Kah.  Gary is founder and director of Hope for the World.  He's editor of Hope for the World Update.  He's also an author and former Europe & Middle East Trade Specialist for the Indiana State Government.

Street preaching on the Stockton High Street: The message emphasises the absolute necessity of being born again through the Holy Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God, contrasting human inability with divine grace. It highlights that all people are sinners who fall short of God's holy standard and cannot be saved by their own works or religious efforts. The central message focuses on Jesus Christ as the sole mediator who bore the wrath of God for believers, offering eternal life through faith alone. The preacher urges listeners to abandon trust in their own righteousness and place their confidence entirely in the finished work of Christ. Ultimately, the text presents salvation as a gift received by believing in the Son of God, resulting in forgiveness and eternal life rather than condemnation.