Left Reading Challenge: Mark 7
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read Mark 7
Questions for Reflection:
1. We all have traditions that we follow. Do any of these traditions get in the way of our worship of God? How can we identify such traditions in our own lives and in the life of the church? What should we do about them?
2. The Syrophoenician Woman was a Gentile and, in that day, had no right to even be in Jesus’ presence. What can we learn from her faith and her persistence?
3. So many people bring their friends to Jesus to receive healing. Do we do that? When there are people in our lives who are struggling, do we invite them to meet Jesus? Do we pray with them? Why or why not?
Prayer
Pray that our hearts would draw near to God in the coming week of his Lent challenge and that in reading, praying, and listening, we would find more than religion, we would find a relationship with God.
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that we would have the wisdom to discern which “traditions” bring glory to God and build the church, and which ones do not.
Pray for the impact of the Holy Spirit both in and after church today!
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Lent Reading Challenge: Mark 6
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read Mark 6
Questions for Reflection:
1. The people from Jesus’ hometown had a reaction of “who does this guy think he is?” They knew his family, his past, and what likely was the cultural expectation for someone of his class and upbringing. How do we do this to others in our lives? How do you see this happening in the church?
2. After Jesus’ disciples returned, Jesus instructs them to go and rest. We see this rhythm a great deal in Scripture. In what ways does this inform/instruct us in how our lives should be lived? How do you make time for rest in your life?
3. Jesus’ disciples were “completely amazed” at His ability to walk on water because their hearts were hardened. Can you think of other places in Scripture that the people of God had hardened hearts in the face of God’s miraculous power? How do you find this to be true in your own life?
Prayer
Pray for yourself, that your heart may be softened to the work God is doing in you through this challenge.
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that we would recognize the redemption and renewal present in each other’s lives rather than judging each other (and those around us) by their past.
Pray for our ability to rest, that we may find times to take part in it and be refreshed by the Holy Spirit.
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Lent Reading Challenge – Mark 5
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read Mark 5
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why do you suppose that the people from the town were afraid when they found the demon-possessed man in his right mind? Why do you think they wanted Jesus to leave their region?
2. The faith of the woman who had trouble with bleeding was so great for something so simple; she just wanted Jesus, to touch Him for just a brief second. How do you think we can apply this to our own lives?
3. Jesus didn’t let anyone in the room with him except His “inner circle” of 3 disciples. Then He tells them not to say anything about it either. What do you think the reason is for this? Wouldn’t it have been more powerful if everyone had seen?
Prayer
Pray for yourself, that your eyes may be open and heart receptive to the power and working of God in your life and in the world around you.
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that we would seek Jesus above all else and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, not on our programs, reputation, or any other human-created things.
Pray for our mission trip group and for the fundraiser they will be having tonight (March 22).
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Lent Reading Challenge – Mark 4
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read Mark 4
Questions for Reflection:
1. What do you make of Mark 4:12? Jesus is quoting Isaiah 6:9-10. What do you think it means?
2. Many of Jesus’ teachings begin with “The Kingdom of God is like…” How do you (have you) see the Parable of the Growing (mustard) Seed happening in your life? In the life of the church? In what ways could you participate in fostering that growth?
3. Reflect for a moment on the narrative of Jesus calming the storm. Can you relate to the response of the disciples? Does Jesus’ response surprise you? When have you had an experience like this in your life where God intervened dramatically?
Prayer
Pray for yourself, that your heart would be good soil, that the Word of God would take root in you, and that it would yield a great harvest in your life!
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that we would be a bright Kingdom light in the community of Hopkins
Pray for our facility, that it would be a tool for sharing the Gospel of God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ both to those who regularly attend here and those who are seeking God.
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Lent Reading Challenge – Mark 3
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read Mark 3
Questions for Reflection:
1. Do you ever feel like those around you are “watching you closely,” waiting for a reason to accuse you? Scripture calls Satan “the accuser.” Why do you suppose others do this? Why do you think we do this to others? Many people have said that they don’t desire to go to church because this atmosphere exists there. Peter says in 1 Peter 2:12, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” How can this better be our reality in the life of Hopkins Community Church?
2. Why do you think that Jesus commanded the demons to not tell others about Him?
3. Jesus speaks about an “eternal sin” that cannot be forgiven. What do you think about this? How does this match up with the forgiveness you know to be true in Scripture through Jesus Christ? What do we do with such a difficult passage?
Prayer
Pray for the coming month, for your commitment to this challenge, openness to the Spirit’s voice, and protection from Satan’s attempts to derail you.
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that God would show us where we can have a great impact in the Hopkins community.
Pray for the Cadets program as they minister this evening (March 20) and continue for the next several weeks.
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Lent Reading Challenge – Mark 2
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read Mark 2
Questions for Reflection:
1. Why do you think that Jesus forgiving sins was so offensive to the teachers of the law? Do you think it really had to do with God, or would they have been using God as an excuse to keep them in power?
2. Jesus associated Himself with many people that the religious people didn’t. Why do you think this is? If we are to “follow Christ’s example,” how would things need to look different in our own lives?
3. What do you think Jesus means when He says, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”? How does this change the way you think about (and participate) in Sabbath rest?
Prayer
Pray for the coming month, for your commitment to this challenge and openness to God’s leading and protection from Satan’s attempts to derail you.
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that we would see a renewed hunger for the Word of God.
Pray for the GEMS program as their last meeting night of the year is tomorrow (March 20).
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Lent Reading Challenge – Mark 1
The Challenge for the rest of Lent:
– Read. One chapter in the Bible each day until Easter. Start with Mark, then read Romans.
– Pray. 10 minutes, twice a day. No distractions, not multitasking. Just spend time with God.
– Give. A full tithe (10% of your income) each Sunday through Easter.
Don’t do this religiously, do it relationally. Scripture says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Engage this challenge prayerfully and openly, asking God to reveal Himself throughout these coming days. Be aware and alert to the things God may be showing you. They may be thoughts that just pop up, experiences that you have, or even just impulses that you may sense. Also be aware that Satan, the enemy, will seek to throw you off. Scripture calls us to put on the Full Armor of God, that we can stand against the schemes of the devil.
Each day, we will try to post some reflection questions and some prayer prompts to aid you in your engagement. Feel free to post reflections yourself, questions you may have, or encouragement to others here as well!
Read Mark 1
Questions for Reflection:
1. Jesus lived a perfect life and had no need for repentance Himself, so what do you think is the significance and/or of Jesus’ Baptism?
2. Luke 5:1-11 records a significant event in the calling of Jesus first disciples. Have you experienced significant events like this in your life that led to you following Jesus? What events or circumstances led you to follow Jesus in your life?
3. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray both directly and by example. What was the example that Jesus set in prayer and how can you follow that example in your own life over the next month?
Prayer
Pray for the coming month, for your commitment to this challenge and openness to God’s leading.
Pray for Hopkins Community Church, that we would embrace this challenge and God would strengthen us through it.
Pray for the Consistory as we have our leadership meetings tonight (March 18).
Be sure to spend time listening too; prayer is a conversation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Psalm 67
Psalm 67 New International Version (NIV)
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
6 The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
2018 Blog
Good morning and Happy New Year!
I am looking forward to 2018 and all that God as in store for us as a church and a community as He continues to lead us in great and powerful ways!
One of the ways that I feel God has been working is through this blog and through our examination of Scripture and, lately, the Heidelberg Catechism. I’ve learned and have grown a lot through this exercise and look forward to continuing it in the future.
That said, in this coming 2018 year, I have been feeling as though I need to take a step back from the constant posting for a while. Though I love to write and enjoy the rhythm of devotional study that this blog brings, I also have to take a step back and recognize the things that are going in the bigger picture. This year will mark the arrival of our second daughter and the transition that will be involved in that. We are working on some big things here at Hopkins Community Church which I hope will eventually lead to the addition of a worship leader, the launch of small group ministries, and the filling of team positions as we continue to expand the ministries of the church here in Hopkins and follow God’s call to the community of Hopkins.
I also have taken some personal interest in some other blogging opportunities for Bethany and me, something that will take time to develop over the next months. We are looking forward to sharing how God is leading us to “rethink normal” and be intentional in a culture that seems to drive the status quo. This too is a response to Scripture’s call to #makethemost of every opportunity.
During this time I will also be gearing up for a major commitment with regards to this blog: The Old Testament. Blogging through each chapter of the Old Testament in the way that we did the New Testament is, essentially, a 4-year commitment. I do not take a commitment like that lightly and want to be able to give the best that I have to it. That too has led to the decision to wait a year.
With all this said, the focus for this year’s blog is going to be somewhat different. We are going to take a turn toward encouraging conversations at home, building relationships within the family. How this will look is that a question or series of questions will be posted at the beginning of each week. You are encouraged to talk about these questions with your spouse, kids, friends, and maybe even co-workers. They will be prompts to encourage conversation and deepen relationships. Hopefully, these are conversational beginnings that will lead to much more.
If you feel so led, I would welcome feedback, thoughts, and even reflections on the discussions that you have. Perhaps that will encourage others to bring these discussions places in their lives as well. May God bless you and the discussions you have and the relationships you are in 2018!
Closing Prayer: H.C. Lord’s Day 52
Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 52
Q 127: What does the sixth petition mean?
A 127: “And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one” means:
A 127: “And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one” means:
By ourselves we are too weak to hold our own even for a moment.
And our sworn enemies—the devil, the world, and our own flesh—never stop attacking us.
And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that we may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory.
Q 128: What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?
A 128: “For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever” means:
A 128: “For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever” means:
We have made all these petitions of you because, as our all-powerful king, you are both willing and able to give us all that is good; and because your holy name, and not we ourselves, should receive all the praise, forever.
Q 129: What does that little word “Amen” express?
A 129: “Amen” means: This shall truly and surely be!
A 129: “Amen” means: This shall truly and surely be!
It is even more sure that God listens to my prayer than that I really desire what I pray for.
The closing of both the Lord’s Prayer and the teaching of the Lord’s prayer represent three things, a recognition of God’s presence in our daily walk, a reiteration of God’s sovereignty, and a trust in God’s faithfulness.
First comes the phrase “save us from the time of trial,” an update from the traditional “lead us not into temptation.” The original texts of Jesus’ teaching on the Lord’s prayer were never meant to give a false indication that God is the one who either prompts or creates temptation. God’s presence in the midst of our trials and temptations, however, is a gaurantee in Scripture. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; He walks every step of our lives with us, sustaining us even when He doesn’t approve of our actions or the things we get ourselves into. Even when we are clearly in over our heads, there is nothing that God cannot save us from.
When we find ourselves in the midst of these times, Jesus reminds us of two things. First, that we are indeed not alone. We are not caught in temptation because God has left us, but rather because we are walking away from Him. Even then, however, when we are faithless, He is faithful. And second, He reminds us that we can always call to Him when we are lost. There is nothing that we can get ourselves into that discounts us from turning back to God and God receiving us with His full love and open arms.
Second in the closing phrases of the Lord’s prayer is a sort of reprise and a reminder of the whole purpose and goal of prayer in the first place. Prayer is an act of worship, and through it, we see a transformation in us that prompts us toward desiring and enacting God’s will and purposes in the world.
This is also a declaration of the state of our hearts. Saying, “The Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,” means that, for us, those things belong to God and as such they are not ours to control. Rather, we are placing our trust once again in Him and recognizing Him for who He is: God.
Finally, the prayer is ended by the word “amen.” This word is not just a nice Christian word for “prayer done.” It carries with a very real and very specific meaning: “this is sure to be!” When Jesus is talking to His disciples about things that are sure to be, He says in the Greek “amen, amen,” or “truly, truly…” The emphasis here points to the certainty of God’s actions in our lives and in the world.
Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers were just bouncing off the ceiling? Have you ever felt alone and not sure if what you were praying would even come to be? The word “amen,” is a statement of trust. We say this because we believe, deep in our core, that God hears and answers prayer. In one of the closing statements of his book, Kevin DeYoung says this, “God is so gracious that He is more willing to hear our requests than we are sure that we actually want what we pray for.” God’s desire that we come to Him, even in the midst of our doubts, is so great that we are assured that no matter the state that we are in, God will always here and answer.
DeYoung finishes by saying this, “How Liberating! Go ahead and pray to God better than you feel and you may just find that in His mercy you end up better than you deserve.” How wonderful and true. God is able and willing to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine, even at our best. So the invitation of God is to come… no matter where you are or what is going on… go to Him!
Amen: H.C. Question129
What does that little word “Amen” express?
Isaiah 65:24 – Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
2 Corinthians 1:20 – For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2 Timothy 2:13 – if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Kingdom, Power, and Glory: H.C. Question 128
What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?
Romans 10:11-13 – As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
2 Peter 2:9 – if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
Psalm 115:1 – Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
John 14:13 – And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
The Time of Trial: H.C. Question 127
What does the sixth petition mean?
Psalm 103:14-16 – for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
Ephesians 6:10-13 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
1 Peter 5:8 – Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
John 15:18-21 – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.
Romans 7:23 – but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.
Galatians 5:17 – For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Matthew 10:19-20 – But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 13:33 – Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.
Romans 5:3-5 – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Thessalonians 3:13 – May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness: H.C. Lord’s Day 51
Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 51
Q 126: What does the fifth petition mean?
A 126: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” means:
Because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are, any of the sins we do or the evil that constantly clings to us.
Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our neighbors.
The theme of forgiveness is arguably one of the strongest themes that run through Scripture. It isn’t any wonder, then, that this theme also comes up Jesus’ teaching on prayer too. If God is all about forgiveness of sin and working that out through history, leading up to Jesus Christ, then it is something that we need to be thinking about in our time and relationship with God. Simply put, neither would really exist without God’s forgiveness extended to us in Jesus Christ.
One of the biggest questions that come out of this petition in the Lord’s prayer has to do with our salvation: “haven’t all of our sins been forgiven already?” The answer, of course, is yes. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He took on the sins of the whole world and His righteousness was imputed to us. This transaction was a once for all event that took place with lasting impacts and implications throughout the entire universe.
However, you and I both know that though our sins have been forgiven, we are not ourselves sinless in this life. We are made righteous by Christ and yet we continue on in our rebellion against God, sinning all the time, every day. And, while there is no way for us to lose our Salvation once it is granted to us, we are called to better things in our lives and that is part of what we are acknowledging here.
A good way to think about it, suggested by Kevin DeYoung, author of the book The Good News We Almost Forgot, a book that has been our guide through this past year, is the parent-child relationship. If your child has set chores to do each day, the expectation is that those would be done and that you wouldn’t have to do them. Let’s say that one day your child didn’t do them and you had to do them yourself. Obviously, your child has broken the agreement, the relationship you have experiences some strain, but it isn’t something you would disown them for nor would you withdraw your love from them. But disobedience has occurred, and something must be done.
When you decide to confront your child about it, he or she could admit their guilt, sorrowfully apologize, and your relationship would be restored. This is what you would desire as a parent. If the child blew you off and/or continued in their disobedience, the relationship you have would experience greater amounts of strain and a distance would be created. You would never stop loving them, even though they were continually pushing away from you.
This is how it is with us and God as well. God desires that our relationship would be restored. For us, that means a continual confession of our sins and desire to do better next time. We aren’t condemned, Scripture assures us of this. God will not withdraw His love, Scripture assures us of this as well. But restoration needs to take place and, for that to happen both forgiveness (from God) and repentance (from us) are necessary.
When we sin, we feel guilty. This is often called this a “conviction” of the Holy Spirit. We needn’t carry that guilt around us as an identity. Rather, we respond to this conviction by repentance and receive/acknowledge anew the forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ.
Jesus teaching goes beyond the simple fact of sinning and repenting in our relationship with God though. As is true with many things in the Christian life, we are called to extend the love and grace that we experience beyond ourselves to those around us. The forgiven heart is a forgiving heart. When we experience God’s forgiveness, the deep cleansing and washing that takes place inside of us, and the unmerited grace extended to us in our lives, we cannot help but want to share that love with others as well.
Does this mean that if we don’t forgive someone that we will lose our salvation? Certainly not. There are all sorts of circumstances in which forgiveness can be difficult due to extensive pain, lack of remorse from the other party, and so much more. However, the Scriptural call is a trajectory toward forgiveness and restoration and the heart that experiences forgiveness longs to be a heart that forgives as well. It may take a lot of God’s work on our hearts to get us there, but God’s desire for our lives is that we who are forgiven become forgivers, continuing to break the bondage of sin and encountering a deeper understanding of God’s love and forgiveness to us along the way.
Debts and Debtors: H.C. Question 126
What does the fifth petition mean?
Psalm 51:1-7 – Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Psalm 143:2 – Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
1 John 2:1-2 – My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18:21-35 – Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”