Genesis

Our final chapter on the Lord's Prayer was a tough one.  Forgiveness is something that we all want from others, but have a really hard time sharing with others.  

Matthew 6:12-15  gives us a really tough word from Jesus mouth, if we are unwilling to forgive others, our heavenly father is unwilling to forgive us.  This is emphasized in Jesus parable found in Matthew 18:23-35   

 Some key thoughts for reflection and discussion...

True Biblical Forgiveness includes Reconciliation and requires repentance. 

I have not found a place in Scripture where God forgives in the absence of repentance. 

Equally significant, I can not find a place in Scripture where there is repentance and God does not forgive.   

Reconciliation: Not going back to the way things always were.  Rather, accepting the consequence of sin and beginning from this day forward on a new path.

Repentance: Hebrew word, Tshuva, means "to turn"   I explain this as taking owning your sin and taking a new step in a new direction.

Penance: Is the belief that if I do enough good it will make up for the bad I have done.  It can't.  It must be owned, confessed and dealt with.  

God's grace: This is where God forgives us and because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, the eternal consequence of our sin has been paid for.  Repent, believe and be saved.  

This is a hard teaching.  Especially when there are people who have wounded us.  Our response is to be angry, resentful, upset.  Matthew 18:15-17 is where we should go, and in love, confront the sin.  And following that passage to its completion.  If someone does not repent, continue to love them, but as someone lovingly helped me to see after the 9:30, you need to love them at arms distance. 

Looking forward to some discussion on this.  

ben 

I am still wandering aimlessly in the desert of new Christian music. I think I just saw Michael W Smith collapse, somebody get some water quick!!

Thankfully as of late I have been digging a band that has been around for a while and has a pretty wide audience appeal.

I actually remember seeing these guys play several years ago. They may have been an opener on the Rebecca St James tour (don't laugh.  fun fact: her band on that tour was Fusebox.  Who's Fusebox?  google 'em).  Anyways, I don't remember much about the music which is a shame, cause in hindsight it was probably really good. These guys are definitely the little band that could. They tour constantly, represent a small genre in Christian music, yet they just can't get the recognition/awards that they more than likely deserve.

This is their 3rd studio release and the follow-up to 2004's "Today" disc (which I can also strongly recommend). The band has a nice mix of instruments and most songs are led by some really nice upbeat piano work (what?? no guitar lead??). Thinking about it maybe the reason I tuned out when I saw them was because I was from the school of "Piano's can't rock", I stand corrected.

This disc has a more mature sound than the previous two releases and that is good and bad. The bad is that some of the fun has been stripped away from the songs. The good is that the guys have really been reflecting and leaning on the Word and it shows. After losing a deal with their previous label and going through various member changes it seems that they are also leaning on the one guy who can get them through; God.

I would put pianst Britt Edwards at the top of the pop-driven piano players in the industry. Think of him as Ben Folds with faith, Elton John sans the goofy outfits and other things, etc. It seems though that the caffeine intake has been reduced and the songs are much more laid back this time around.

There are two hymn makeovers on the disc that are refreshing and enjoyable to listen to ("Nothing But the Blood" and "At the Feet of Jesus"). The rest of disc is laden with scripturally based worship and praise.  Albeit a bit laid back.

Maybe this review sounds more like an advertisement for the other two cd's. I guess it's a both/and.

This weeks focus.  Matthew 6:9-11, "Thy Will be Done".  Those are some of the hardest words to put into action and yet are so easy to say.  

The only way to do this is a total surrender and a total commitment.  We also looked at Luke 14:25-26 at Jesus calling on his followers.  In comparison to him, leave everything else behind.  

 The question of the day... what are your obstacles, fears, "rocks" that you are holding on to?  Now is the time to trust.

 ben

Fear and trembling, awe and wonder, respect and LOVE - all in the Power of God.

How is your prayer life?   Do you communicate with God when you pray?  Do you understand what it means to be totally dependent on God or have a "holy" discontentment?

Have you ever really thought about the awesomeness of God; who He is and that He's our Father?

Where is your motivation when you pray?  Do you trust enough that God hears your prayers?  

Please share any other thoughts about the sermon or anything else that's on your mind.  May God bless your week!  Tina