May 11 2014 Livin' Forgiven

Livin' Forgiven 

“God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.” – Colossians 1:14

MEMORY VERSE: “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” – 1 John 1:9

• MY GUILT WITH peace.

“My guilt overwhelms me – it is a burden too heavy to bear.” – Psalm 38:4

“Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God.” – Acts 13:39

• MY GRUDGES WITH freedom.

“You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” – Colossians 3:13

• MY REGRET WITH hope.

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.” – Romans 4:7

• MY FEAR WITH courage.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Prayer: God, today I receive your forgiveness into my life. As you have forgiven me, help me to forgive others. From this day forward, I want to live forgiven. Thank you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

February 3 2013 How To Control Your Temper

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR TEMPER
Exodus 20:13

Verse 13 - You shall not murder.

The problem with anger.
Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus said, you have heard that it was said long ago do not murder, but I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Truth: It’s just as evil to destroy someone’s self worth as it is to murder them.

I. First let’s look at four common expressions of anger.

1. There is the exploder.
Genesis 4:5 & 8 - Cain became furious and he scowled in anger and while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

2. A mute.
Jeremiah 15:17-18 - I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won’t they heal?

3. A martyr.
Luke 15:28 - The elder brother was so angry he would not go in (to the party). So his father went out and pleaded with him.

4. A manipulator.
Luke 6:11 - But they were furious and began to plot with each other what they might do to Jesus.

II. Six principles for managing your anger.
Proverbs 25:28 - If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.

1. Learn to like yourself.
Matthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself.

2. Learn to admit your anger.
Job 7:11 - I can’t be quiet. I am angry and bitter. I have to speak.

3. Look for reasons behind your anger.
Proverbs 19:11 - A man’s wisdom gives him patience. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

4. Deal with your anger immediately.
Ephesians 4:26-27 - In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Keep your temper under control. It is foolish to harbor a grudge.

5. Stop and think before you speak.
James 1:19 - Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath. But harsh words stir up anger.

6. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

October 28 The Choice Of Giving

THE CHOICE OF GIVING

Matt. 5:7 - Happy are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

The Motive of Mercy

Vs. 7- Happy are the merciful.

We must experience God’s mercy.
I Peter 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Complete surrender to God.
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies (yourselves) a living sacrifice to God.

The Marks of Mercy

Matt. 5:7 - Happy are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Mercy is: Kindness

What are the Marks:

1. I’ll accept people where they are.
I Thes. 5:14 - Encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

2. Keep the Spirit of forgiveness.
Matt. 18:22 - But up to seventy times seven.

Col 3:13 - Be gentle and ready to forgive, never hold grudges. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

3. We must support each other.
Gal. 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens.

Hosea 6:6 - For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.

4. I’ll help those who are hurting.
Prov. 3:27 - Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.

I John 3:17-18 - If someone who is supposed to be a Christian has enough money to live well, and sees a brother in need but won’t help him, how can God’s love be in him? Let’s stop just saying we love people, let’s show it by our actions.

The Mastering of Mercy

• Don’t nurse them

• Don’t curse them

• Do release the wound.

You get what you give:

Prov. 11:17 - Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, it is destroyed when your are cruel.