FORGIVENESS: The Gift of Reconciliation

Does Jesus expect us to ask for forgiveness FROM others? Yes. He doesn't mince words either. In this short section from his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus outlines unbelievable standards regarding anger, gives a daunting command to seek reconciliation, and alludes to the day we'll be judgment against his mind-boggling standards (just in case we needed extra motivation). So...if this is part of the Gospel, how in the world is it "good news"? Can such a seemingly-damning passage transform our hearts? And how do Jesus's words move us to reconcile with those who are angry at us?

This week we explore the challenge of "heavy-duty" forgiveness in light of Jesus's teaching on prayer in Luke 11:1-10. Jesus doesn't just teach what to pray for, he also teaches how and why we should pray with a particular attitude, if you will. In prayer, we're to "ask with audacity," which an important note. Why? Because forgiveness is as essential as food and water. Ask for it like you're starving, like you're thirsty, like you're desperate. Ask with audacity.

This is Part 2 of our sermon series on forgiveness called "77." In this sermon, we dig into Jesus's commandment to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Easy enough, right? Wrong. It's unbelievably difficult. But what if Jesus is serious? How in the world do we do that? And how does it all tie into the practice of forgiveness?

This is Part 1 of 5 in the new sermon series called "77," based on Jesus's command in Mt 18:22 to not merely forgive only seven times but actually to forgive seventy-seven times (NRSV and NIV translation). As readers, we shouldn't miss the weight of this commandment: Forgive seventy-seven times! That's crazy! That's too hard! Let's be honest: That seems impossible.

How in the world do we find the resources, the courage, the compassion, the kindness, the perseverance to forgive others like that?!!

Fair question. Is there a good answer?

What is God up to in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ? Is something brand-new taking place? Absolutely...and it's grace upon grace (Jn 1:16)

Sounds good, but what does that mean?

Our brother in Christ, Glenn Abernathy, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2013. His influence and leadership within our congregation cannot be overestimated. The Sunday following his death, we remember and gave thanks for Mr Glenn and, moreover, considered the significance of this moment in the life of our congregation. The mantle of spiritual leadership and authority is being passed to the next generation. May we be aware of and prepared for this awesome responsibility.

You've probably heard it read before...the passage describing the "full armor of God." You might also be able to recite the list: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, etc.

But how does the armor actually protect us in spiritual warfare? How do we practically wield these spiritual weapons? Moreover, how does this armor protect not just our relationship with God but, furthermore, our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Properly equipped, we will stand firm when—not if—the evil days arise.

C.S. Lewis wrote that we can make 2 opposite mistakes when it comes to devils: 1) Disbelieve in them altogether or 2) Be overly fascinated by them. Both are mistakes all the same, and both equally please the devils.

Fortunately, the Bible provides a more sophisticated perspective than the modern default position of disbelief (mistake #1) and a more nuanced perspective than the superstitious position of others (mistake #2). We look at Ephesians 6:10-12 to understand who the devil really is and what his schemes really are.

This, brothers and sisters, is our struggle. May we not be uninformed or, worse, ill-prepared.

As a husband, this passage from Ephesians is humbling. It's staggering. It's awe-inspiring. And it's also terrifying.

Find out why in this sermon—the last in the 3-part series from Eph 5:21-33.