Former location of "The Kingdom of the Heavens" blog, written by an incurable fool who is trying to become a holy fool!
Application of the Golden Rule: When I love and do good to my enemies, I am doing what my Heavenly Father does for me.
And I am showing myself to be his child. I am being supernatural rather than merely natural.
I will now begin to apply an extended passage from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain,” recorded in Luke 6:27-40. Jesus’ message in this passage can be summarized as: The passage starts: Luke 6:27-30 (WEB) Here we are given a list of commands about how to treat those who hate, oppose or use us. But, by Jesus own words. these commands…
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Paul told Timothy to pray for “all people.” He said to pray for them–not against them–so that we may live in peace. He emphasized that he meant to pray for everybody by including “kings,” by implication including the Roman Emperor, who at that time was the despicable Nero. If I am thinking about you, I should be praying for you.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
When other believers reject me so completely that they order me not to pray for them, this doesn’t change what God tells me to do for them. I should continue doing good to them, as the opportunity presents itself. Galatians 6:7-10. This includes praying for them.
Jesus’ promise to answer prayers made by any two believers who are in agreement is a part of his discussion on reconciliation of offenses. Strictly, it applies to prayers made as a result of reconciliation. This underscores the importance of reconciliation between believers to Jesus.
choosing not to forgive, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, forgiveness and mercy, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God is Love, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, refusal to repent, Refusing to hear, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, To live in unity, What is sin?
Preliminary outline of two series dealing with mutual imprisonment by unforgiveness, God’s goal of reconciliation, and praying for those who don’t want my prayers using constructive, New Testament prayers.
A God who Speaks, Changed treatment of each other, choosing not to forgive, Confession and Repentance, Confession of Sin, Discipline or Correction, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, forgiveness and mercy, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God is Love, God Speaks to Us, God's Existence and Nature, God's purpose for us, His Friends, In prayer, In the Church, Leaving Our First Love, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, patience, Quarrels, Reconciliation, refusal to repent, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of God's Image, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, The universal Church and local churches, To be his ambassadors, To bear fruit, To live in unity, What is sin?
The reasons I believe Scripture now bars me from nearly all church activities, service and giving until offenses two other believers hold against me are fully resolved–if that ever happens–and what I plan to do now.
Changed treatment of each other, choosing not to forgive, Confession and Repentance, Confession of Sin, Consequences, Desire to have our own way, Discipline or Correction, Forgive as we forgive, forgiveness and mercy, God is Love, God Speaks to Us, God's purpose for us, His Friends, judgment, Love each other, patience, Repentance, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, Sin, The Bible, Through others, Through the church, To live in unity, Trusting sight over God's words, What is sin?
About the shortness of my time remaining, the failure of my life thus far, priorities, how Don Quixote, the Serenity Prayer and Ponce de Leon fit, love is always passionate, and passion always hurts, and proudly wearing the craters on my heart.
Jesus is our only Shepherd, gives his life for the sheep, and has only one flock. He assigns us to where he wants, when he wants.
A God who Speaks, Authority Contests, Desire to have our own way, Divisions in the Church, God Acts by Speaking, God Never Stopped Speaking, God Speaks to Us, God's purpose for us, God's Voice, His Friends, His sheep, Through Jesus, Through others, Through the church, To bear fruit, To live in unity