Friday, September 6, 2019

What happened at Bethany?

1. JESUS SPOKE AND THE DISCIPLES PUT INTO PRACTICE WHAT HE SAID AND THEY BECAME EMPOWERED – they went out scared, anxious, and unsure but they came back confident and fulfilled

2. THOSE WHO WERE TIED UP BECAME FREE – the empowered disciples put their faith in Jesus used what He gave them and became instruments of liberation for others

3. THE PRESENCE OF JESUS TRANSFORMED THE ATMOSPHERE FROM DEJECTION TO CELEBRATION – the recognition in part of who Jesus is infused a dejected and despondent people with hope and joy for the present and the future

4. LOVING CORRECTION WAS PROVIDED TO A CHURCH AND A PEOPLE THAT HAD GONE OFF COURSE – the fig tree was enjoying the benefits of life without giving anything back and the lust for power and selfishness led to abusive practices within the house of God

Forgiveness

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

To me, this is one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture. I must forgive others! When I refuse, it cuts me off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to me. While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, he has also given us his Son as an example of forgiveness.

 In addition, he has promised to empower us to be able to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The real issue: Will we let go of our bitterness toward those who have wounded us?

Power in Christ

Ephesians 1:19-20
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

The Consciousness of the Call

1 Corinthians  9:16
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

[Message No: 7244]

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