“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness can be a hard thing to offer when we feel that an injustice or offense has been committed. Yet not only does God command us to, He says that if we fail to forgive, He will not forgive us. This is a terrifying statement.

The one thing that stands in the way of forgiveness every time is pride. Forgiving and asking for forgiveness requires us to lay aside our selves, our positions, our rights, our causes, and even our pains. This cannot be done in man’s strength alone, for man’s natural instinct is to defend himself. Yet through the power of the cross, the love of God can be manifest in us, even towards those who we believe to be wrong.

“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”" Luke 17:3-4

• Offering/Requesting forgiveness does not mean you were wrong and the other person was right.
• Offering/Requesting forgiveness does not mean your hurts or views are not valid.
• Offering/Requesting forgiveness does not mean you have compromised on the truth.

Offering/Requesting forgiveness means that you have decided to obey the Father by taking up your cross and following Jesus so that Christ may live through you….even at the expense of yourself.

“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.

The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’

And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”" Matthew 18:21-35

Unforgiveness is not just about what it offers to the other person. Forgiving is for our OWN benefit too, so that hatred, anger, malice, pride, or hurt does not rage down in our own souls.

Festering anger and unforgiveness is a tormentor! It is like walking around with a gaping, seeping, wound that is extremely sensitive to the slightest touch. It robs you of peace in God and shuts you up within yourself away from others.

BUT, there is a balm in Gilead! If you could but pray to be given the strength, God will intervene. He will remove the heavy weights which crush your soul and spirit. He will apply the balm of forgiveness so that you may be made whole and can release those who have caused offense. He will restore you in His love.

We are called to stand for that which is true. We are also called to forgive those who offend us. By the grace of God and through His love and mercy alone, we are equipped to do each of those things to the glory of God.

Why do God test believers?  What is the reason for trials?

I’m sorry, we’ve been a little busy so there will be no Bible study for this Sunday, March 14, 2010.  Please join us again “God willing” on next Sunday, March 21, 2010.

We will be discussing Prayer, Fasting and Sacrificing unto the Lord in an entirely different way.  After hearing a testimony from one of our “Stand up” brothers, we would like to revisit this subject in a more realistic and practical way.

Does God allow his people to go through certain trials and tests to get them to the place to which He would have them be?  (Psalm 119:71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

What does it takes for God to get our attention?

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If you are using an old version of “Internet Explorer” and you can not view this video, please click:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0hHPVOhTw

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“From People Standing Up 1 “

ELDER: NATHANIEL E. WILLIAMS
ezra.ministries@hotmail.com
(OHIO)

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The Celebration of life Praise and Worship Service for Minister Nathaniel E. Williams will be on Friday February 26, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. est.  The Celebration will be held at Lee Memorial AME Church on 10512 Bryant Avenue, Cleveland, Oh 44108.  Flowers can be sent directly to the church to be delivered the day of the service.  Cards can be brought to the service or mailed to Tanya Williams 708 East 92 Street, Cleveland, OH. 44108.

Nate loved the Lord and served him with gladness and that is what we will be doing on Friday.  Our Pastor Rev. Dwayne M. Simmons will be officiating and there will be a repast in Lee’s fellowship hall immediately after the service.

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Those who are in Christ are beloved….

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Topic:  The sovereignty of God and the power of prayer

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If God already knows what is going to happen tomorrow because whatever is going to happen tomorrow is already set in eternity, then can prayer change tomorrow’s outcome?

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If prayer cannot change tomorrow’s outcome, then why pray?
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Does prayer move God to act on behalf of “Believer’s” although He is Sovereign?
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Is there any power at all in prayer?  If yes, power to do what?

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7:pm (East), 6:pm (Cent), 5:pm (Mount), 4:pm (Pacific)

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To listen to broadcast via ( Telephone ):  (347) 215-6015

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To join us ( On Line ) at the aforementioned times click:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stand-up-ministry/2010/02/22/the-sovereignty-of-god-and-the-power-of-prayer

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Topic:  The Blessing or Curse of Tithing

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Are we to give to the poor?  Does God desire believers to give 10% of their earnings?  Can Christians be cursed with a curse?  Does tithing move God to bless someone?  Lets discuss the topic of tithing.

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Read sister Lessie Myles’ “Tithing” testimony: An Insert From The August., 2009 Newspaper

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7:pm (East), 6:pm (Cent), 5:pm (Mount), 4:pm (Pacific)

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To listen to broadcast via ( Telephone ):  (347) 215-6015

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To join us ( On Line ) at the aforementioned times click:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stand-up-ministry/2010/02/15/the-blessing-or-curse-of-tithing

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