Did Jesus say that?—by Tsepo May
April 9, 2023
Sermon summary:
Did Jesus say, "You don't need to forgive them?" And, "You won't have bad days?"
- You don't need to forgive them. Matthew 6:9-15 The Bible doesn't say, "forgive us our debt: while we hold on to our own grudges.
Matthew 18: 21-25 We need to forgive others from the heart, otherwise God won't forgive us. We need to forgive as the Lord forgave us (Colossians 3:13).
2. You won't have bad days. John 16:20a-22 Jesus says you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.
In John 16:33, Jesus says in this world you will have many troubles, but that he's overcome the world. Ease and comfort never make you stronger. Jesus set the example of having a bad day—his crucifixion and death, and coming out victorious on the other side.
Watch the full service
here (the sermon starts at 3 mins).
The Holy Spirit gives guidance and direction in our missionary work. Are we doing the work the Spirit has set aside for each one of us to do? He knows the time, place and person to reach out to. Are we listening and obeying when he nudges us? The Holy Spirit forms Christ in all of us and it's a lifetime journey. Seek to be filled. Listen to his voice. Step out boldly.
Giving is an act of trust. It is also not an obligation but an act of worship. Give from the heart, not as a duty, but as a way to express gratitude. Giving is about unity in the church, it is motivated by grace, not guilt, and a spiritual act of joyful worship. Jesus demonstrated sacrificial giving through his actions, leaving us an example to follow.
To embrace Jesus's mission, I must first clothe myself with Jesus and have his character formed in me. He must become greater, I must become less. Then I"ll be able to do as Jesus did.
God's grace is with me. We need each other. Grace is a gift.