1.05.2014 "77" Part 1: Forgiven and Forgiving—Mt 18:21-35

This is one of the most challenging doctrines to understand, yet one of the most crucial to grasp. Many stumble in trying to do so. It's understandable, as such a confrontation teaching often demands a painfully deep surrender. Through it, however, the scripture story reveals a truth both confrontational and transforming, disorienting and foundational. And on the other side, you will discover a God so perfectly holy and graciously loving that He has given you a gift in Christ so precious that you can hardly believe it's yours. Yup. It's that good. It's the Gospel of grace...amazing grace.

This is Part 1 of Passion Sunday. We start with an overview of the story from the Passover meal to the crucifixion of Jesus, before focusing on the most notable symbol of our faith—the cross. And the cross isn't empty. Jesus is hanging on it. Why did this happen? Why would Jesus intentionally submit to this? And can do we possibly understand this violent and seemingly-senseless execution? It's vital to do so. After all, it's not just any man upon a tree. It's the King upon your cross.

We celebrated Palm Sunday a Sunday earlier in order to include Passion Sunday before Easter. Today we remember Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He comes as King, which demands a decision from us all.

This is the first sermon in the Easter series called "King of Kings"

This is the sermon from our New Member Celebration Sunday. We baptized a new sister and welcomed 8 other new members into our congregation. Amazing day!

We delve into a familiar story from Mark 4––Jesus calming the wind and sea. Thankfully, the point of the story isn't simply to, "Have faith in Jesus because he can calm the storms." The "point" is way more profound than that. And truthfully, the story is not so much making a "point" but rather posing a question...a question about a "Person." And in the storms of life, your answer to this question makes all the difference in the world.

For both the individual Christian and also the church congregation, worship is arguably the most important practice to grasp correctly and to do faithfully. Proper worship empowers our most critical battle against the foundation of every and all sin—idolatry. Therefore, an accurate understanding of Christian worship is vital, not only to this present life but also to the life yet to come. We begin this sermon series on worship by consider Revelation 4-5, which offers us an amazing portrait of heavenly worship. What can a church learn from these chapters in God's revelation to John? What is worship really? How does a congregation worship truly? Most importantly, who do we worship faithfully, and is our worship a fitting response to the One at the center of our praise?

OK, Jesus. We hear you. We'll strive to forgive and reconcile with others. But practically speaking, Jesus, HOW DO WE ACTUALLY GO ABOUT DOING IT?!! This is the last teaching in the 5-Part series from "77," all about Jesus's commands to forgive and reconcile with one another. In this last sermon, we threw down the gauntlet with a no-frills, nothing-fancy exposition of how to actually seek reconciliation with a second party and the resulting challenge to try reconciling with something this coming week. However, how do you prepare beforehand? How do you actually begin the conversation? What are basic things to do and also some things NOT to do? This is a link to a DropBox folder containing a series overview and practical guidelines to forgiveness and reconciliation, including typos and all. Use this resource in any way that is helpful to you or others. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bp8k7de8qphzrjj/vLEecIkqmU