Terry Rogers
Faith, Family, Fun
Freedom In Forgiveness
Forgiving someone that hurt you, can be one of the hardest, but most rewarding things that Jesus asked us to do.
When it comes to the act of forgiveness, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Forgiveness Is A CHOICE
Forgiveness is not an emotion, it’s a decision!
Peter asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus responded with these words, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
Hopefully, you won’t be hurt by the same person 490 times. (Do the math :)) I don’t think Jesus is saying we should keep track of how many times you forgive. I believe He’s teaching the principle, that you will have to continually make the choice to forgive. When those thoughts try to come back in your mind, decide to forgive again.
2. Forgiveness frees YOU
Many times we hold things against others, because we were truly a victim. That hurts, and it’s NOT fair! However, here’s the truth. Even if we we’re not at fault, our failure to forgive, imprisons us.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you are approving of someones actions, or denying a wrongdoing. It doesn’t mean that you have to trust, or reconcile with that person. It DOES mean, that you are not going to hold bitterness in your heart, and allow that person or situation, to keep you bound.
I personally know people that were in bondage from past hurt that happened decades ago. This affected their marriage, physical body, emotional well being, & Spiritual journey. After choosing to forgive, they were freed!
3. Forgiveness frees OTHERS
Each of us have been a victim. We’ve also been the one that hurt another. With that failure, sometimes the guilt of our wrongdoing can put us in chains.
When you forgive someone of their wrong, that frees them up to start over. Hopefully learn from the mistake, and not go down that road again.
Ephesians 4:32 says, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
I’m thankful that Jesus didn’t hold my failures against me.
Forgiveness Brings Freedom…
It feels good to be free!
Are We Living In The Last Days?
During our Bible Study last night at Faith Renewed, we read a couple of portions of scripture that really got me thinking…
Take a minute, and read them for yourself. I would love to hear your thoughts.
- The words of Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-7
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self–control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
- The Words of Jesus in Luke 17:26-30
26 “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
27 “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
28 “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
29 “but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.
30 “Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
So, what do you think?
Are We Living In The Last Days?
Jesus is ALIVE (Pass it on)
Easter Sunday at 9:15 & 11:15 am, we will be kicking off a new Series at Faith Renewed entitled, ALIVE.
Let me encourage you to do a few things…
- Pray – Let’s believe that the supernatural will take place. There are many hurting people that need the LOVE & HOPE, that only Jesus can bring. The church will be open Friday (March 29) 7:00-8:30 pm if you would like to come out and spend some time in prayer.
- Invite – Invite as many as you can using our invite cards, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & simply by having conversations. You never know, your invitation could change a life forever.
- Bring – Offer to bring them. Make plans to grab a cup of coffee or meal, before or after one of our Services. This is also a great way to build relationships, and have conversations that count.
- Celebrate – Jesus defeated death, hell, & the grave! Christianity is built upon this truth. HE’S ALIVE! Let’s CELEBRATE!
IMPORTANT Mauldin Egg Drop Info…
Below you will find some details about The City of Mauldin Egg Drop.
Date & Time: Tuesday March 26th, 2013 6:00-8:00pm.
The schedule for Tuesday night is:
– 2nd egg drop at 7:00pm- 1st and 2nd grade
– 3rd egg drop at 7:15pm 3rd-5th grade
Inflatables, games and give-aways from local businesses/churches will begin at 6:00.
Meet 4:30 at FROC or 5:00 (or as soon as you can) at Sunset Park.
We have 30 shirts for volunteers.
Please let Stephanie know if you are planning to work.
You can e-mail Stephanie at outreach@faithrenewed.org
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Terry Rogers 