There is a huge difference between simply shutting people out and setting appropriate boundaries with people. The former isolates us and keeps us in relational bondage, while the latter enables us to live free.

 

Scripture: Psalm 74:13-17

Forgiveness is the core of the gospel because at the cross Jesus forgave us and reconciled us to the Father.  But what do we do when someone sins against us? Do we extend the same grace we received or do we stand in judgment of them?  The Grace Pathway shows us how to move from judgment to forgiveness, and trade our torment for freedom.

Scripture: Matthew 18:33

 

When we believe the lies the evil speaks to us—either about God, ourselves or others—then our expectations and behaviors line up with the kingdom of darkness and we live in bondage.  But when we live in the truth of who God is and who he has created us to be, we live in the kingdom of God and experience his freedom.

 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2: 10-12

Our tendency is to avoid conflict in order to keep the peace, but more often we need to move toward the conflict and address it in order to experience the freedom God has for us. 

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-14 

When wronged we have a choice: we can become bitter or better.  Only when we operate from a posture of forgiveness will we live free.

 

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Most of our problems (not just relationally) stem from the fact that we think more highly of ourselves than we ought.  Pride entraps us, humility frees us.

 

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7

We all wear masks and try to hide behind certain things, but that keeps us in bondage. Only living in the reality of who we truly are will move us into the freedom God has for us.  (Identity in Jesus.)

 

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-13

We have this idea that freedom is the absence of constrains, that we are “free” to do whatever we want whenever we want, but that is simply not what real freedom is, and it is certainly not the way to live free in relationship with God and with others. (Covers two kingdoms, father’s heart, and the cross of Christ.)

 

Scripture: John 8:31-37

 

Too often too many people feel that the work of "ministry" is to be done by those who are in "fulltime ministry" (you know, the professionals).  But what we need to appreciate is that Jesus calls all who follow him to be ministers "whatever" their occupation is.   Scripture: Colossians 3:17

The way that we use language is either creating life or death…in our relationships, in our marriages, in our workplaces.  We have the opportunity to help bring fullness into the lives of other people by what we say to them and how we say it.  Our words can actually create an incredible amount of life in the people around us, if…we use tact.

Scripture: Proverbs 10:18-21