A Word of Forgiveness Luke 23:34 1. Forgiving the unforgivable begins with prayer. Jesus' prayer on the cross was * Surprising * Sensitive * Sufficient 2. Forgiving the unforgivable always involves a Pardon. This Pardon: * Involves a purpose * Consist of an ongoing principle * Is a commanded practice * Contains power for all who need it -For those below the cross -For those beyond the cross 3. Forgiving the unforgivable makes way for us to experience peace. Only through forgiveness can peace be restored: * With our Creator * With other Christians * In all circumstances -No matter the event -No matter the enemy
The Priority of Preaching Part 1 Acts 2:42-47 1. Biblical preaching must be a focus and priority of every church. Preaching was: o Central in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. o Commanded in the Great Commission. o Continually practiced in the early church. o Constantly encouraged in the Apostles' correspondence. 2. Biblical preaching must follow a specific pattern to be authentic. The Apostles' teaching: o Was rooted in the Old Testament. o Revolved around the person and work of Christ. o Was replete with doctrinal instruction and application. 3. Biblical preaching must remain faithful to the principles of scripture. The Apostles' teaching was: o Declared as God's truth. o Deemed worthy through God's power. o Delineated in the New Testament. 4. Biblical preaching that is founded on the scriptures produces results. These results take place when people desire to: o Hear the Word. o Heed the Word. These results often include: o Elevated worship. o Empowered prayers. o Enriched service. o Expanded joy. o Explosive evangelism.
Part 15 The Evil That We Do Romans 1:28-32 This evil involves: 1. Our embracing of certain decisions that are unholy. These decisions involve: * A systematic review of God's worth * A stubborn rejection of God * A settled reaction by God * A sinful response by humanity 2. Our engaging in depravity that is unthinkable. This depravity is seen through our * Entrenched attitudes * Elevated arrogance * Evil activities As a result we are: * Morally unlearned * Spiritually unfaithful * Naturally unloving * Continually unmerciful Our experiencing a future destiny that will be unbearable. This destiny: * Comes as a result of habitual practices of sin * Involves continual praise of other sinners * Leads to an unbearable penalty for our sins
Part 13 "It's Time We Get This Right" Romans 1:24 & 25 Sanctified sexuality comes when we: 1. Recognize the different stances people take with regard to sex: * Playboy's stance. * The prude's stance. * The proper stance. 2. Realize what the Bible says about sexual immorality. Paul states that our decline into sexual immorality: * Reflects God's settled position towards humanity's sin. * Deepens when we cultivate sinful pleasures of the heart. * Results in shameful practices that dishonor our bodies. 3. Respond with biblical steps that will bring praise to God: * If you are single, remain celibate until marriage. * If you are married, celebrate sex with your spouse. * If you struggle with sexual temptation, ask God for the strength to conquer it.