"Thank you Gary. Fun to revisit this dusty site! I am still committed to the SOIL manifesto. So much water under the bridge this past year and a half."
Jesus followers committed to living holistically
Living the Gospel by forgiving
Living the Gospel
A commitment that can transform 2011
The gospel is the good news that in Jesus Christ we have been forgiven. The gospel of Jesus Christ is alive. It enters our heart and transforms everything about us. The gospel is a way of life in community. When we truly understand the depth of love that brought our forgiveness, we relate to others with a new heart. Forgiveness is a supernatural act. If you have ever struggled forgiving someone who has deeply offended you over and over again, you understand that it takes power outside yourself to truly forgive.
“Unforgiveness is a symptom of gospel amnesia.”
Josh Harris
What is the best indicator that we are not living in the reality of the gospel? Lack of forgiveness. We block our connection with God. We forget how much we have been forgiven. Perhaps the part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” is telling us that when we don’t forgive others we are not resting in God’s forgiveness of us.
“As the Lord has forgiven you, so also should you forgive others.”
Colossians 3:13
Nursing a hurt gets one stuck in self-justification. We limit God by saying, “They will never change.” We somehow think others don’t see our lack of love, but it shouts a powerful message to those on the outside. Living in unity by being quick to forgive is probably the most missional thing we can do.
“You can’t take the gospel seriously and not take your relationships seriously.”
Paul David Tripp
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Comment by John Becker on December 23, 2010 at 9:28am
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Powerful words Gary. If we really feel and understand the forgiveness we have received, we must offer it. Early this morning I was thinking about Joseph Kony the leader of the LRA - I was thinking murderous thoughts - would I kill him if I met him? Forgiveness still has a work to do in my life. God is soveriegn and his forgiveness and his justice will be simultanteously victorious.
"Until he leads justice to victory and in his name the nations hope"
Needing forgiveness,
John
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engaging
I have been journeying with John in his engagement in fulfilling the SOIL commitment. This led me to look back at the site and notice that it has been inactive for quite some time. I assume we have all been engaged in the current calling God has placed before each one of us. For the past four years Linda and I have been engaged in starting a shelter for runaway/homeless youth in crisis: https://www.yeshelter.org/with a couple of forays to Kenya and…See More
"Craig. Thanks for this incredible song. What truth and challenge I found in it. I will not be at Street Church tonight so please say hello to our new friends. Thanks again for this post. John"
Song: End of my journey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSzJcBogkU&feature=youtube_gdata_playerLoved this song, gives the example of what the cross and message of Christs life. Total surrender to ego, to be resurected to live in and from spirit. Following and surrendering to Christ.To be who we are and what we have come at this time in life to do on the earth. Only through the holy spirit can that be revealed.See More
"Hi John, thank you for the encouraging verse's. They were very powerful and very enlightening! I read that from a book called " A course in miracles". Thank you again for all the spiritual lifting you have brought to my…"
"Hi John, had great time seeing you last night! Again thank for the invite to SOIL, hope I can share some positive energy with the site!"
"Holiness often isn't thought of in that way these days but that is so true. In what ways am I living a life that is different from the general way of the world, a life that is separated from the 'normal' way of living?"
"Good to see you on SOIL brother. I am excited about the possibilities. Shoot me an update on your life.
Your brother, John"
"Hi Dave it's good to see you on here. Look forwards to the conversation."
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