As Christians, we're commanded to forgive one another. But that can be easier said than done. Have you ever found forgiveness difficult? What can empower us to release our grip on revenge and forgive even those who sin seriously against us? We'll consider this as we reach the climax of the story of Joseph this Sunday—Joseph's revelation and reconciliation with his brothers.
Zephaniah gives us a vivid picture of God's character—both his justice and joy. After two weeks of judgment-focused prophecy, the book concludes with a passionate song of joyful praise. In this final passage, we will see the purpose of God's judgment and mercy: that we might sing to him, and with him, in joy forever.
We begin Part 5 of Matthew (chapters 19-26), what we're calling the Clash of Kingdoms. But as we'll see this Sunday, this kingdom clash occurs not only between Jesus and the religious leaders, but also between Jesus and the disciples' (and our) misconceptions about what his kingdom will be like. Chapter 19 starts with Jesus' perspective on marriage. This passage includes Christianity's foundational teaching on marriage, and it was not only counter-cultural in Jesus' day but also in ours.
This weekend is Vision Sunday, when we reflect and recommit to our mission as a church. It is fitting that we'll hear Jesus' conclusion to his Discourse on the Church in Matthew 18, where he paints a glorious vision for a radically forgiven--and radically forgiving--kingdom community.
Forgiveness is one of those things that might sound easy on the surface, but it can be incredibly difficult deep down. If we're honest, sometimes it seems like forgiveness isn't working even though God's word says it's supposed to.
This week, we begin a short series on Parables of Jesus called The Moral of the Story. Dr. Ed Keazirian, one of Pastor Josh and Whitney's beloved seminary professors, will explore this topic of forgiveness in Jesus' Parable of the Unjust Servant.
God’s word for us this week shows that a huge battle rages within every Christian, and it exhorts us to obedience with a list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” Yet truthfully, it seems impossible to “keep in step with the Spirit” and live out the fruit of the Spirit all the time, or even some of the time! So how are we actually supposed to live a life of Gospel Character? The answer is that yes, it’s about the fruit, but it’s also about the root — the “desires” of our hearts.
The gospel is something altogether different than either religion or irreligion. It is free and free-ing! The gospel is free: we don’t have to earn salvation by our works. But the gospel is also freeing: it frees us to love and serve one another. Or, as the Apostle Paul puts it, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” That’s what the gospel is all about: Faith expressed through love.
