Pastor Matt 1 st! of LP July 31, 2016

 He has gone out of His way to ensure that we could be at peace with Him …  He has an expectation of us…

He has an expectation of us… “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:18

He has an expectation of us… Romans 14:19 “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” How can I be at peace w/ that guy?!

How can I be at peace with that guy?! 1st Principle – Forgiveness We take their sin ledger & run it through the shredder. 2nd Principle – Free the Brother trapped

How can I be at peace with that guy?! 1st Principle – Forgiveness 2nd Principle – Free the Brother trapped 3rd Principle – Reconciliation

Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER ' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' 22 "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”

Matthew 5:23 "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

25 "Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.”

Matthew 5:23  Therefore –  Presenting your Offering = Gift offering / not sacrifice “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves it is a gift of God” Eph. 2:8

Priority # 1 - Go to your Brother 1 Sam.15:22 “Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.”

Isaiah 1:11 "What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. 12 When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?

13 “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies-- I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14 I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.

15 So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,

17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.”

“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

B. Be Reconciled Normal Word… Rom. 5:10  To exchange things of equal value  To return to favor w/ someone  To receive into favor

B. Be Reconciled Special Word…  Change the mind of someone  To renew a friendship  To bring from mutual hostility to mutual friendship

25 "Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.”

What does it take to be reconciled with a brother… 1. Confess your Faults 2. Share your Sorrow of Repentance 3. Make Restitution

Ex. 22 II Sam. 12:6 Luke 19:1-10

Celebrate Recovery “Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects.”

Celebrate Recovery “Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others.”