Maple City Chapel Sermons
Web Site: Maple City Chapel
Total Sermons: 164
Total Amens: 56
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FORGIVENESS: Is Total Forgiveness Realistic?
FORGIVENESS: Is Total Forgiveness Realistic? Scriptures: Ephesians 4:29-32 Luke 7:44-48 What does forgiveness mean? Forgive is translated from a Greek word meaning “be gracious” but has a much broader concept to extend grace to others as God has extended grace to us. What does forgiveness not mean? It does not.. Deny the evil that was done Excuse sinful behavior or remove the consequences Pretend it never happened or you weren’t wronged Glossing over the pain you suffered How do I know when I have truly forgiven? You no longer think about it day and night You no longer have to talk about it all the time You no longer feel the need to seek revenge You no longer live in bitterness and anger You can recall those who hurt you and can wish them well Making the four promises of forgiveness “I will not dwell on this incident.” “I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.” “I will not talk to others about this incident.” “I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.” (In a few cases this would be unwise) What does it mean to forgive like Jesus? (Luke 7:44-48) You cannot do it alone Forgiveness is a gift. Forgiveness is a response of the heart, not feelings Forgiveness and love are always connected
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Understanding the Nature of God’s Forgiveness?
Understanding the Nature of God’s Forgiveness? Scripture: Matthew 18: 21-35 The big question on Peter’s heart that needs an answer! How often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Peter suggested the answer, “Seven times?” Jesus answers, No! “Seventy times seven.” 490 times The story, “The Kingdom of heaven is like…” sets this parable in the context of Divine grace 1. The huge debt of our sin could never be repaid (Verse 24, 25) 2. This story is for those of us who are blind to our own sins 3. This story is for anybody finding it hard to forgive 4. Forgiveness always costs the innocent one, for he (the king) forgives the debt out of love and compassion. (Verse 26, 27) 5. The forgiven servant failed to embrace the principle of grace. (Verse 33-34) a. He was very aggressive in going after a small debt because he was covering up a far bigger debt. b. He didn’t receive the king’s love and forgiveness in his heart so he couldn’t pass it on c. Everybody could see his blatant injustice except he, himself d. At the end of day he was not free – but experienced endless torture 6. This story provides us with a strong motivation to forgive (Verse 35)
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Psalm 18
Psalm 18 A Psalm of David The Servant of the Lord, Who Spoke to the Lord The Words of This Song on the Day that the Lord Delivered Him from the Hand of All His Enemies and from the Hand of Saul. 1 And He Said: I will love You, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. 4 The pangs of death surrounded me, And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. 5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. 46 The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
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Healing the Wounded Spirit
Healing the Wounded Spirit Scripture: Luke 17:1-7 A person’s spirit will sustain him in sickness; but a wounded spirit who can bear it. (Proverbs 18:14) How do we get wounded? 1. From those who sin against us 2. From our own personal sins 3. From traumatic incidents 4. From unhealthy responses to people and situations we have misinterpreted – just because we got hurt does not prove that someone has wronged us Why is this an important issue? * Because wounded soldiers cannot go into battle * Because bitterness is long-held unforgiveness about a wound we received, and unforgiveness hinders prayer (Luke 11;4 * Because hurting people hurt other people and it gets passed on. How do you pray for the healing of wounds? (Luke 17:6, 7) * You can start with a speck of faith like a grain of mustard seed * Speak to the mulberry tree with its massive root system –remove it (Vs. 6) * Uprooting a wound will “hurt to heal” * Keep speaking God’s WORD over the wound – God will bring the healing The words of Jesus to the wounded * “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps.147:3) * “By His wounds we are healed.” (Is. 53:5) * “He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted and set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18 Invite Jesus to minister to your wounds * “A bruised reed He will not break” * “A flickering wick He will not snuff out.” (Matt. 12:20)
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A Vision Worth Dying For
A Vision Worth Dying For Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 What is Unique About the DNA of Maple City Chapel? 1. We are an evangelical church theologically but not necessarily traditional 2. We value spiritual unity in the midst of a growing diversity 3. We believe it is important to engage our culture on their level without watering down the gospel 4. We believe it is important to engage our culture on their level without watering down the gospel 5. We appreciate order and excellence along with freedom of the Spirit 6. We believe that inspirational worship strengthens all Christ Followers 7. We believe the church as God intended it is the hope of the world Would You Step Up To The Plate To Die For This Vision? 1. The word of God trumps everything in this media saturated world heralding the absolute TRUTH that sets us free (vs.42) 2. Worshiping God and enjoying Him in the midst of all other enticing distractions is the ultimate fulfillment in life (vs. 47,48) 3. Connecting with other Christ followers in spiritual fellowship is to experience the greatest family here on earth. (vs. 42) 4. Learning to pray and then praying effectively will guarantee living life a “notch above” the ordinary. (vs. 42) 5. Taking the initiative to walk across the room to get acquainted could earn you the privilege to share the greatest gift in life (verse 47)
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Where is God in Times of Crisis?
Where is God in Times of Crisis? Scripture: Geneses 16 What created this crisis between Abram, Sarai and Hagar? Impatience with God Jealousy Abram’s lack of leadership in his marriage Sarai so mistreated Hagar that she fled Two questions to ask when running from a crisis. (Verse 8) How did I get here? Where am I going? Two necessary responses when running from a crisis (Verse 9) Go back and face the situation Go with the promise God gave you Encountering God in times of crisis (Verse 13, 14) Hagar, “You are the God who sees me.” Hagar, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Give it a name to remember the experience. “Beer Lahai Roi”
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Simon and The Woman
Simon and The Woman Luke 7:36-50 Simon - Get - Was concerned with what was going on around him - Invited Jesus to come to him - Wanted to know what Jesus would do - Questioned the validity of Jesus The Woman - Give - Was concerned with what was going on in her heart - Went looking for Jesus - Wanted to know who Jesus was - Proved the valididty of Christ The focus of what God is doing in your life takes place in you, not around you. --Andy Stanley, in "Like A Rock"
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The Economy of Our Heart
The Economy of our Heart What is present when we peal back the layers of our heart? Searching our hearts for the reasons we do "church". Are our hearts hard and cold or soft and pliable? Link to Video shown before sermon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3ASRN3ARys
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No Guilt in Life-No Fear in Death, LIVE BOLDLY
Living with no Regrets No Guilt in Life-No Fear in Death, LIVE BOLDLY Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 We can only build on one foundation _______ ___________ Three building materials that will leave a lasting legacy: 1. C______________ 2. C______________ 3. C_______________ Every building will face three tests: 1. ______________ 2. Q_____________ of material 3. F_______ You, yourself are God’s building. 1. God’s __________dwells in you 2. That makes you _______________
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