Former location of "The Kingdom of the Heavens" blog, written by an incurable fool who is trying to become a holy fool!
In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus gives what appears to be a simple command, though one that is almost never obeyed: before I may offer worship to God before other people, I must see that any offenses which I am aware that others hold against me are being reconciled and have been reconciled at least to some degree. This post quotes and discusses commentaries on this passage and its subject.
My human nature, people around me and even the world’s “experts” tell me that I should insist on my “rights,” hold grudges forever, cut people off, deny all mercy and all forgiveness, particularly when I have been hurt badly. But God’s wisdom tells me to show his grace, mercy and forgiveness, and to set people free. Jesus promised—and warned—that I will receive back even more of what I give, good or bad. But becoming like Jesus is a learning process I am still far from completing.
choosing not to forgive, Discipline or Correction, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God's purpose for us, Love each other, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of God's Image, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, To live in unity, What is sin?
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?
Links: This post read as a YouTube video. Full playlist for this series. The point to be made by this post is really quite simple: Jesus’ statement that the things we bind on earth will be bound in heaven and the things we set loose on earth will be loosed in heaven was made in a very specific context, namely,…
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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?
Jesus and Paul both give details of procedures for handling offenses within the church. Those procedures look toward reconciliation and removal of barriers, rather than creation of barriers, except where excommunication is necessary.
A God who Speaks, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, Quarrels, refusal to repent, Refusing to hear, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of our Relationships, Through others, Through the church, What is sin?
The opposite of love is indifference, not hate. Indifference is love that has grown cold. The modern pop psychology concept advocating “cutting off” people who have hurt us teaches the advisability of indifference. It is unscriptural if understood to dehumanize or dematerialize the person cut off, making them non-entities beyond hope of repentance.
The passage from Hebrews 12:11-17 discusses the Lord’s discipline and how believers should support one another through it. Discipline, though painful, leads to righteousness and peace. This unified response showcases peace and holiness, helping others to see the Lord through our lives. Holiness and peace are essential for believers.
A God who Speaks, Changed treatment of each other, Confession and Repentance, Confession of Sin, Discipline or Correction, God Acts by Speaking, God Speaks to Us, God's purpose for us, His Children, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, Through others, Through the church, To be his ambassadors, To bear fruit, To live in unity, Unity
Hebreos 12:11-17 se centra en la disciplina del Señor y nuestra respuesta junta. Dios nos disciplina para mejorarnos y hacernos justos. Debemos apoyar a otros creyentes en su disciplina, promoviendo paz y santidad. Esto permite que otros vean al Señor a través de nuestras vidas. La clave es Hebreos 12:14.
A God who Speaks, Changed treatment of each other, Confession and Repentance, Confession of Sin, Discipline or Correction, God Speaks to Us, God's purpose for us, His Children, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, Show us the Way of Truth, Through others, Through the church, To be his ambassadors, To bear fruit, To live in unity