Jesus And Forgiveness
JESUS & FORGIVENESS
Sunday (4/7), gather with your church family as we turn our attention to Matthew’s Gospel (18:15-35).
After warning His disciples about those who would offend, stumble, or fail to protect children from the toxic culture, Jesus instructs them on how to restore broken relationships within the church.
The church is a family. Like any family today, there are occasions when different members say and do things to one another that, if not dealt with, can cause irreparable harm.
Jesus knew that the family of God must live and minister in unity if they were to be effective witnesses to God in a world that only knows dysfunction, backstabbing, gossip, and revenge.
Jesus first instructs them on how to deal with someone who has offended or sinned against them. He does this so those at odds can be reconciled and restored to full fellowship in the church family.
Peter, probably the twelve’s spokesman, asks a pertinent question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Like the rest of the disciples, Peter had been taught by their Rabbis to show love for those who had sinned against them by forgiving them three times for each sin. So, Peter thought he was going way beyond what was required by saying, “Up to seven times.”
Jesus answers Peter with a Parable in which a servant owes a king an insurmountable amount of money. Because there was no way for the debt to be repaid, the servant must rely upon the mercy and kindness of the king.
Jesus gave Peter this scenario to see and understand God's heart. No matter what mankind has done against Him, He is able and willing to extend forgiveness without conditions. In other words, God's forgiveness has no rhyme, reason, merit, or justifiable cause. He does this out of the goodness of His being.
Therefore, because God has forgiven mankind a debt that could never be repaid, we should extend that same type of forgiveness, one without condition. This brings glory to God, effectively witnesses to the world, and strengthens the church family.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook, YouTube: Calvary Inverness); (website: calvaryinv.com
In His Strong Love,
Pastor
Sunday (4/7), gather with your church family as we turn our attention to Matthew’s Gospel (18:15-35).
After warning His disciples about those who would offend, stumble, or fail to protect children from the toxic culture, Jesus instructs them on how to restore broken relationships within the church.
The church is a family. Like any family today, there are occasions when different members say and do things to one another that, if not dealt with, can cause irreparable harm.
Jesus knew that the family of God must live and minister in unity if they were to be effective witnesses to God in a world that only knows dysfunction, backstabbing, gossip, and revenge.
Jesus first instructs them on how to deal with someone who has offended or sinned against them. He does this so those at odds can be reconciled and restored to full fellowship in the church family.
Peter, probably the twelve’s spokesman, asks a pertinent question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Like the rest of the disciples, Peter had been taught by their Rabbis to show love for those who had sinned against them by forgiving them three times for each sin. So, Peter thought he was going way beyond what was required by saying, “Up to seven times.”
Jesus answers Peter with a Parable in which a servant owes a king an insurmountable amount of money. Because there was no way for the debt to be repaid, the servant must rely upon the mercy and kindness of the king.
Jesus gave Peter this scenario to see and understand God's heart. No matter what mankind has done against Him, He is able and willing to extend forgiveness without conditions. In other words, God's forgiveness has no rhyme, reason, merit, or justifiable cause. He does this out of the goodness of His being.
Therefore, because God has forgiven mankind a debt that could never be repaid, we should extend that same type of forgiveness, one without condition. This brings glory to God, effectively witnesses to the world, and strengthens the church family.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook, YouTube: Calvary Inverness); (website: calvaryinv.com
In His Strong Love,
Pastor
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