Dr Paul Allen

I have to forgive someone who hasn't repented? Let's explain that Scripture points to two levels of forgiveness:  1. An unconditional heart posture that releases bitterness and entrusts the offender to God as judge,  2. A relational forgiveness that is granted when the offender repents.  Mark 11:25    And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Romans 12:19  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord.  Luke 17:3  “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them." Matthew 18:20-35  The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but sev...

In which a crusty old curmudgeon rants a little about annoying song leader banter. Don’t take this too seriously , except maybe do. 10. Are we ready to have fun this morning? The answer is, “Probably not.” When this is your welcome at the start of the music time, it tells me where your head’s at. Nobody goes to church to have a bad time, of course, and I’m sure plenty of people go to “have fun,” but is this the point of worship? Is “having fun” where you want hearts directed as you lead people to exalt God? No, it’s where you want hearts directed when you’re just trying to “crush your set” or “rock it out for Jesus” [see #5]. “Are we ready to have fun?” is just slightly worse than this next common opener: 9. How’s everybody feeling? If I wanted to stretch to justify this statement, I could say that what you’re asking the congregation to do is self-reflect on their spiritual condition and present their real, whole selves honestly and submissively to the glory of Christ as you lead them ...