Tag: Faith Forgiveness

Faith, Dance, Books, advocacy

Good News for bad times

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
1 Peter 1:1‭-‬12 ESV

Things to remember when times are tough

1. You’ve been chosen by God.

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago…” – 1 Peter 1:2a

Why would God choose you?

for it is his boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again, so that we are now members of God’s own family.” – 1 Peter 1:3a (LB)

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

2. God is at work even in your problems

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made
you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the
blood of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:2

What kind of work is God Doing?

1. He cleanses us

2. He changes us.

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue
his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
– Philippians 1:6

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his
Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
– Romans 8:29

Truths about troubles

1. Trouble is something we should expect

2. Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from troubles

Christians can cope with troubles with the power of the Holy Spirit

3. God has guaranteed my future

We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for
you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And
through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this
salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.”
– 1 Peter 1:4-5

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for
this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we
have done, so none of us can boast about it.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them
eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from
me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than
anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.” – John 10:27-29




Peter’s Challenge

“This means tremendous joy to you, even though at present you may be
temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials.” – 1 Peter 1:6 (Ph)

“Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to
be in on this!” – 1 Peter 1:12 (TM)





Memory Verse

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must
endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your
faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though
your faith is far more precious than mere gold.
– 1 Peter 1:6-7Listen Now

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Crosswords:The Word Of Love

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:23‭-‬28 NIV

1. In Christ’s suffering he turned his focus toward others

2. On the cross Christ gave us the gift of a new family

3. While Christ held family in high regard, he held God’s family in the highest regard.

4. Christ’s work on the cross informs us how we should engage with God’s family

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name , he gave the right to become children of God

John 1:12

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Crosswords: The word of Assurance

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:32‭-‬33‭, ‬39‭-‬43 NIV

What Must I Do to Be Saved- Five facts the dying man knew

1. He would face God after Death

Don’t you fear God, even when you have been sentenced to die?

Luke 23;40

2. He was a Sinner

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve

Luke 23:41a

3. Jesus was different

But this man haven’t done anything wrong

Luke 23:41b

4. Only Jesus could save him

Then he said,”Jesus Remember me…

Luke 23:42a

5. Jesus is King

When you come into your Kingdom

Luke 23:42b

God’s salvation is:

1. Immediate

2. Certain

A relationship

Bottom Line

Good people don’t go to Heaven, Forgiven people go to Heaven

Memory Verse

Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

Romans 10:13

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Crosswords: The word of Forgiveness

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:33‭-‬34 NIV

The Before Christ response

  • You owe me!/And Justice is mine

The After Christ Response

  • God forgave me, so I’ll forgive you

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12 NIV

Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
Matthew 18:25‭-‬27 NIV

Lessons from the Forgiven servant

  • The Debtor can’t always repay you

As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
Matthew 18:24‭-‬25 NIV

  • The offended can always show mercy

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14‭-‬15 NIV

Memory Verse

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 NIV

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Faith For The Future: Enduring Faith

An Enduring Faith is a Faith That…

1. Comes to Jesus with it’s doubts

But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.” Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
John 20:24‭-‬29 MSG

He asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been going on?” “Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!” Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”
Mark 9:21‭-‬24 MSG

2. Looks at Trials with an Eternal Perspective.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:16‭-‬18 MSG

Memory Verse

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV

3. Relies on others during difficult times

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Mark 2:1‭-‬12 NIV

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Dangerous Prayers:Forgive Me

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:9‭-‬15

Why do I need to forgive?

1.  Because God has forgiven me

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13

2. Because I’ll need forgiveness in the future

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Mark 11:25

3. Because Resentment doesn’t Work

Surely resentment destroys the fool

Job 5:2

How can I Become a forgiving person?

1. Refuse to retaliate

Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
Proverbs 20:22

2. Make the first move

Memory Verse

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31‭-‬32

3. Do right to those who wrong you

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.
Luke 6:27‭-‬28‭, ‬35

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Lessons from lives: God’s will, my way

Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman. And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace. He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. But the Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?” he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!” Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.

Genesis 12:10‭-‬20

We take our own way when:

  • God’s way seems unclear
  • God’s way is to difficult
  • God takes to long

God’s way

  • Sometimes looks like no way
  • Takes trust and patience
  • Rarely comes without pain and sacrifice

Memory Verse

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
John 14:6‭-‬7 NIV

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What keeps you up at night: guilt and shame

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Hebrews 12:15

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10

Godly sorrow vs Worldly sorrow

Godly sorrow says

I did something bad

Worldly sorrow says

I am bad

Two ways of dealing with Guilt

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:3‭-‬5 NIV

Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:75

God uses guilt in our lives, and so does Satan

God uses guilt to bring conviction

Satan uses guilt to bring condemnation

Satan wants to use your guilt to drive you away from God

God wants to use your guilt to draw you to his grace.

Forgiveness is not about feelings, Forgiveness is about facts

Memory Verse

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:1

Our past can be Satan’s greatest weapon, Or God’s most powerful tool. Let it be God’s most powerful tool

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What’s in a Name? Jehovah Rohi

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 23:1‭-‬6

Jehovah Rohi Reveals

1. He provides

  • Everything we need
  • Restoration
  • For His Glory

2. God as shepherd means he protects.

3. God as our Shepherd means we can trust him.

  • The Lord has our Shepard is perfectly displayed in Jesus.

Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”
1 Samuel 17:33‭-‬37

Memory Verse

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalms 20:7

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How can I Forgive others

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Matthew 18:21‭-‬33‭, ‬35

  • Forgiveness is not forgetting everything or pretending that nothing happened.
  • Forgiveness is a generous release of a genuine debt
  • Forgiveness is a process and a journey, not an event

Steps to forgiveness

  • Look in the mirror
  • Stop telling the story
  • Pray for the one who hurt you
  • Ask for. Accountability

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

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