One of the critical aspects of the fivefold ministry is it recognizes and values the diversity of gifts and callings within the church. Each of the five ministries brings a unique perspective and skillset, which is necessary for the church to function effectively. Darren Stott
It’s great that the wind and heat have moderated. A nice ride to the end of Haire Drive. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
However, by harnessing the power of authentic community, believers can support one another spiritually and become instruments of shalom and justice. Together, they can bring heaven to earth and accomplish things that would otherwise be impossible. Darren Stott
From the creation account in the very first chapter of the Bible, Genesis 1, it is clear that human beings, along with the rest of creation are made by God and are subject to His reign. They are given a commission to rule over the created order, which has been structured in such a way as to provide everything tat people would need (Genesis 1:26-31).
By the time we get to Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve are faced with a test- will they obey the very clear commandment of God or will they go their own way? As we know, they choose to disobey God and the whole of creation starts to unravel.
It was always God’s intention that our autonomy or freedom is exercised in the context of a relationship with Him. We are meant to rule the creation, but not in our own power. God has made us so He gets to direct our paths.
In an age of individualism and self-fulfilment such as ours, it is unpopular to think that we should be subject to God in any way. We don’t like being told what to do, and will go to any lengths to avoid that.
As Christians, we need to understand that we were bought with the price of the blood of Jesus. We are no longer free to direct our own paths. Our first loyalty must always be to the God who redeemed us, and to the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians we read this:
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:17-20.
You are not your own any more.
As followers of Jesus, our first thought must always be, “What does Jesus want me to do?” This is true of the daily decisions we make as much as it is true of the big life decisions.
When it comes to lifestyle choices such as career, where to live, who to marry, sexuality, money and possessions, everything must be subjected to the will of God. We will often find ourselves having different attitudes to the people of the world, making different choices and so on. That is the way of faith.
Increasingly, christians will find themselves swimming against the tide of popular opinion. We must be faithful to God, regardless of what other people think,
Scripture
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? Jesus replied, “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”
Observation
Peter comes to Jesus with a question about forgiveness. How many times should I forgive someone? He suggests seven times but Jesus says “No seventy times seven.”
Jesus goes on to tell a parable about a king whose servant had amassed a huge debt The king at first orders the servant to be sold with his wife and children to pay off the debt. The main falls to his knees and pleads for mercy. So the king relents.
Later, the same servant finds a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. He refuses to have mercy on the man and has him thrown into prison. When the other servants hear about this, they go to the king who has the first main thrown into prison until he repays his debt.
Application
Some religious teachers taught that God would forgive a man three times and that we should not go beyond this amount of forgiveness. So, they would say you should only forgive someone three times. Peter thought his suggestion of seven times was good. But Jesus says, no, this is not enough.
We know if we are honest with ourselves that God, forgives us many more than three or even seven times. Jesus tells us that we are to be as generous in forgiving others as He is with us.
If we hold on to bitterness and refuse to forgive others when they hurt us, it is a sign that we have not truly understood the grace that God has shown us.
When we really feel the burden of seen lifted away, and when we really understand what that cost the father, we will have no choice but to forgive those who sin against us.
Prayer
Lord, it is impossible to go through life without being hurt by others. So now Lord, I forgive those who have sinned against me. And I pray that you give me grace to continue to forgive as you forgive me. Amen.
Counterfeit discernment is the demonic spirit of suspicion and is Satan’s number-one counterfeit gift at work within the church. Darren Stott
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