Jesus calls us to forgive others not just seven times, but seventy times seven, demonstrating a level of grace that goes beyond human comfort zones. The Greek word for forgiveness means to let go or send away, like releasing our grip on a rope in a tug-of-war. When we hold onto offenses, we cannot receive the gifts God wants to place in our hands. Jesus modeled perfect forgiveness even while dying on the cross, asking the Father to forgive those who crucified Him. We are called to imitate this same radical forgiveness, understanding that our debt to God was unpayable and that unforgiveness affects how God handles our own sin. The challenge is clear: we must choose to let go of past hurts and follow Jesus in this most difficult command.

Jesus demonstrated that prayer isn't optional for believers—it's essential for maintaining a close relationship with God. Through examining when and why Jesus prayed, we discover that He turned to the Father in every situation: when needing wisdom, expressing gratitude, facing sadness, feeling exhausted, preparing for work, needing miracles, surrendering His will, interceding for others, and seeking strength. Sin created distance between humanity and God, but prayer serves as the bridge that closes this relationship gap. Just like any meaningful relationship requires consistent communication, our connection with God needs regular, intentional prayer throughout every aspect of life, not just during crisis moments or Sunday mornings.

Jesus calls his command to love one another 'new' not because loving others was a novel concept, but because he transforms three fundamental aspects of love. First, he changes the motivation from duty-based obedience to imitation of his character. Second, he provides a perfect example of sacrificial, unconditional, and selfless love rather than the broken examples we often see. Third, he offers the Holy Spirit as our power source, making divine love possible through his presence within us. When we remain connected to Jesus like branches to a vine, love becomes the natural fruit of his character dwelling in us. This kind of love serves as the primary way the world will recognize Jesus' disciples.

Jesus redefined greatness by washing his disciples' feet, demonstrating that true kingdom living means humble service rather than seeking status or power. Despite having all authority, Jesus chose the position of the lowest servant to teach his followers what it really means to be great in God's kingdom. This act confused the disciples, especially Peter, because it didn't match their expectations of how the Messiah should behave. The lesson challenges us to examine what picture of Jesus we're giving others through our daily actions. Kingdom humility means thinking of yourself less and actively serving others without expecting recognition or reward.

Finding true peace isn't about creating perfect circumstances but surrendering to Jesus, who IS our peace. Through Christ, we experience peace with God through reconciliation, peace with others as barriers come down, peace in life through direct access to the Father, peace in identity as members of God's household, and peace with truth with Jesus as our cornerstone. When we surrender every aspect of our lives to Jesus, He weaves these threads into a beautiful tapestry, transforming us into a dwelling place for God's Spirit. This peace transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds in all circumstances.

Beyond repentance lies the journey of sanctification—becoming more like Jesus daily. Paul urged the Ephesians to put off their old selves and put on their new identity in Christ, just as the prodigal son received new clothes symbolizing his restoration. This transformation involves speaking truth, managing anger appropriately, working honestly, using uplifting words, and showing compassion. The Christian life isn't just about being forgiven but about living out a completely new identity that stands in contrast to the surrounding culture.

Your Kingdom Come, Week 4

Scott Moore, Lead Pastor

September 28, 2025

In Luke 15, Jesus reveals God's heart through the Prodigal Son parable, showing that sin creates distance in our relationship with God when we value His gifts over Him. The son's journey illustrates how far sin can take us from God, leading to brokenness and emptiness. True repentance involves sin awareness, self-disgust, sorrow, confession, and redirection. The father's response demonstrates that God eagerly awaits our return, ready to fully restore us as His children. In God's kingdom, our job is repentance, and His job is restoration.

Your Kingdom Come, Week 3

Scott Moore, Lead Pastor

September 21, 2025

The kingdom of heaven isn't just a future destination but a present reality we're invited to experience by aligning our lives with God's will. In Mark 10, Jesus challenges a rich young man to sell everything and follow Him, revealing how our attachments can prevent full devotion to God. This teaching isn't primarily about money but about control—what we're unwilling to surrender. Everyone has their own '10%' they're holding back, whether it's possessions, status, comfort, or sin. Jesus promises that what we gain by following Him far outweighs what we give up, offering a hundredfold return through community and eternal life.

Your Kingdom Come, Week 2

Scott Moore, Lead Pastor

September 14, 2025

Jesus came not just to forgive sins, but to establish God's kingdom on earth. While many Christians focus on getting to heaven when they die, Jesus focused on bringing heaven to earth now. The kingdom of heaven is where God's will is always done, in contrast to our self-built earthly kingdoms. When Peter encountered Jesus and witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, his perspective shifted from seeing Jesus as merely a teacher to recognizing Him as Lord and King. This transformation led Peter to leave everything behind and follow Jesus. We too are invited to change our 'why' in life by seeking God's kingdom first, trusting Him with our lives, and bringing heaven to earth through our daily actions.

Your Kingdom Come, Week 1

Scott Moore, Lead Pastor

September 7, 2025