THE ADVANTAGE OF EMPTINESS // Matthew 17:14-27

BIBLICAL FORGIVENESS PART 2

Forgiveness is tricky. One of the streams that we see in the Bible is the ability to separate out wrongs against God and wrongs against us personally. It is then that we are able to see clearly, and let go of the things that we often hold onto. What wrong done against you are you still carrying, and how has it shaped your life? Can you release the debt, absorb the cost, and make room for Christ

BIBLICAL FORGIVENESS PART 1

While the world often treats forgiveness as a therapeutic tool for personal peace, biblical forgiveness demands a standard that is set apart and holy. To truly reconcile with those who have hurt us, we must first look at how God Himself forgives us.

THE ADVANTAGE OF EMPTINESS // Matthew 17:14-27

In a culture that constantly praises us for pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, it is dangerously easy to bring that same self-reliant mindset into our walk with Jesus. By contrasting the powerless, self-sufficient disciples with a desperate, kneeling father in Matthew 17, we discover that true, mountain-moving faith requires us to drop our "do-it-yourself" attitudes and become completely empty of ourselves.

A GLORIOUS RECEIPT // Matthew 17:1-13

When our hearts become too focused on the here and now, we often forget who we are, who God is, and what this life is really about. We are in constant need of spiritual “receipts,” or reminders of what’s been purchased for us. Today as we look at what’s called “The Transfiguration” in Matthew 17, we’ll see that not only is Jesus exactly who He said He was, but will see a “receipt” for future glory that everyone who trusts in Christ will experience one day.

HOW TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD // Matthew 16:21-28

Our culture consistently whispers that true happiness is found in acquiring "just a little bit more" of wealth, status, and comfort; yet, Jesus modeled and taught a completely upside-down ethic. True life is not gained by successfully satisfying our selfish concerns, but by willingly denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and losing our lives for His sake. Are you trading the eternal value of your soul for the temporary vapor of earthly gain, or have you discovered the profound freedom of surrendering everything to follow Jesus Christ?