The Upper Room Fellowship

In this sermon on forgiveness, we explore the challenging yet transformative power of letting go of resentment and embracing grace. Drawing from Luke 17:3-10, we delve into Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and the disciples' startled response, "Increase our faith!"

The sermon highlights three key steps to forgiveness:

- Identify with the wrongdoer instead of focusing on differences

- Inwardly surrender the right to repayment and absorb the debt yourself

- Actively want good for the person who wronged you

We learn that forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong, but acknowledging it and choosing to release the debt. It's a process that may take time, but leads to personal freedom and spiritual growth.

In this sermon, we explore the concept of "Soul-Care" and our fundamental need for security. The message begins with a historical anecdote about the Great Fire of London in 1666, which led to the creation of the first insurance companies. This segues into a deeper discussion about our human craving for safety and security.

The sermon delves into how our souls are designed to find security in God, as illustrated in the creation story and throughout Scripture. However, sin introduced fear and insecurity into our lives, causing us to seek safety in the wrong places. We often try to find security through control, reputation, financial stability, or comfort, but these ultimately fail to provide true soul-level security.

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Using the story of Jesus calming the storm, the sermon challenges us to examine where we place our faith. Are we trusting in our own abilities, possessions, or status, or are we anchoring our souls in God? The message emphasizes that God is frequently described in the Bible as a refuge and hiding place, even by those facing constant danger.

To cultivate true soul security, the sermon offers two main pieces of advice: resist compromise and step out of our comfort zone. By standing firm in our faith and being willing to take risks for God's kingdom, we paradoxically find greater security for our souls.

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The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that while following Jesus isn't always "safe" in worldly terms, it's ultimately the only path to true soul security. We're challenged to anchor our souls in Christ, trusting that He is good even when circumstances feel uncertain.

This message serves as a call to action for believers to examine their sources of security, to trust God more deeply, and to live boldly for His kingdom. It encourages us to find our refuge in Jesus, not in the temporary comforts and false securities of this world.