MATTHEW 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- In order for Cooper City to legitimately be a "church," three things must be
evident and active: LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, AND FORGIVENESS.
- THEY WILL BE LOVED – always, under very circumstance, with no exceprtion.
- THEY WILL BE TOTALLY ACCEPTED – without reservation.
- THEY WILL RECEIVE UNRESERVED FORGIVENESS – no matter how miserably they fail or how blatantly they and there will be no bitter taste left in anybody’s mouth.
I. LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
- 1 Jn.3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
The word is "AGAPE" which means love first exists, then it affects our emotions.
II. ACCEPTANCE – Love in Action.
When someone is all done pouring themselves out to you, can you totally accept that person and no think any less of them?
Why can't hurting people find love and acceptance in the one place on earth that's supposed to know how to love?
Unreserved acceptance of people must be a habit with us. Because we are accepted in the Beloved, we must be accepting of the unloved.
ACCEPTANCE IS NOT A LICENSE.
III. FORGIVENESS – A Life-Giving Power.
Church, we need to stop playing God. To keep another under our personal judgment is to play God with that person.
Eph. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ Godforgave you.
The moment you step in to bring judgment on that person, you will come under judgment yourself.
Our obligation to people:
1. Love, accept and forgive them.
2. Bring them to ministry readiness by teaching them to do the same.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men[a] nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
What were you before Jesus found you?
Pastor Rod Trusty - Vision Plan
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