Great story of one church's ministry to soldiers. For more check out www.militaryministry.org.

How Can I Forgive When I Hurts So Much? Questions for reflection and discussion

Compare the descriptions of Christian community in Romans 12:9-21 with Colossians 3:12-17. How is forgiveness central to Christian community?

Read Mark 11:25, Ephesians 4:32, and Colossians 3:13. What is the Christian’s primary motivation for forgiveness?

The apostle Paul ends his admonition to forgive one another with the command, “Be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) What is the relationship between forgiveness and gratitude? See also Luke 7:47.

Romans 12:19 reads, “Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for (God’s) wrath.” How is forgiveness not the same thing as “shrugging off offense”? Read Romans 12:19 thru 13:5. How does this passage balance forgiveness with God’s justice? What are possible means of God’s justice (vengeance) in this passage?

Who is someone who has offended you, and you need to forgive? What was the offence? To what degree has God forgiven your offense before Him? (Colossians 1:22) What is God calling you to do in response to this study? What is your next step?

How Can I Forgive When I Hurts So Much? Questions for Discussion and Reflection

What do the following examples of reconciliation in Scripture reveal about reconciliation between people?

Genesis 33:4—

Genesis 45:1-5—

Joshua 22:10-34—

John 21:15-17—

Acts 9:26-28—

1 Corinthians 7:11—



What is the relationship between reconciliation and forgiveness? (Romans 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 21 and Ephesians 2:13, 16)

Keep Praying! Jersey Shore Will Graham Celebration kicks off tonight at 7 PM

Praying seat by seat for those who will attend the Jersey Shore Will Graham Celebration at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. Let's keep praying and inviting! The Celebration kicks off tonight.

Forgive... Just as you have been forgiven (Family-style)

VIRTUE VIDEO: FORGIVENESS (May 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Last Sunday Pastor Armondo preached on forgiveness from Matthew 18:21-35. As Christians, our motivation to forgive is that we've been forgiven! Because this message was echoed in our children’s and Jr. High environments, families are encouraged share together what each member is learning about forgiveness. Parents, check out this video from Reggie Joiner for tips on making the most of this month's teaching focus. As well, visit http://www.orangeparents.org/teaching-the-freedom-of-forgiveness-to-your-kids/.

Q & A: Baptism #2

Who should be baptized?

Everyone who repents and believes the gospel, “‘Repent,’ Peter said to them, ‘and be baptized, each of you…’” (Acts 2:38a). The apostle Philip responded to the question of the Ethiopian Official, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?” saying, “If you believe with all your heart you may (be baptized) (Acts 8:36b-37a). The man replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” and was baptized on the spot by Philip. (Acts 8:26-39)

Can my children be baptized?

Yes, if they’ve repented and believed the gospel. In Acts 16:21-34 the apostle Paul baptizes an entire family, including his children, “They spoke the message of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house… Right away he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:32-33b). The family was able to be baptized together because; “he (the father) believed God with his entire household” (Acts 16:34). This is likely the case as well, with Crispus who also believed “along with his whole household” (Acts 18:8) and the household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:16).

There is no age given in the bible as to when a child is old enough to be baptized. This is a judgment call I believe parents, especially fathers, need to make as they have the responsibility to bring their children “up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, see also Deuteronomy 6:6). Practically speaking, I believe it is reasonable for parents to hold back their child from baptism until they are old enough to understand the implications of repentance and belief (the biblical requirement for baptism). Loosely, it seems to me that significant development happens around the age of twelve, for example, Jesus by this age demonstrated knowledge of His identity and mission (Luke 2:47).

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you repent and believe the gospel you can and should be baptized (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:13; 8:38; 9:18; 16:34; 18:8; and 19:5. Baptism is the first step of obedience a Christian ought to take and should not be thought of as a measure of spiritual maturity or depth. This is evidenced by the baptism of Simon in Acts 8:9-25. Prior to believing the gospel Simon practiced sorcery (8:9). Immediately after believing the gospel he was baptized (8:13). A short time later Simon was rebuked by the apostle Peter for being “poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity”, certainly not marks of spiritual maturity! (Acts 8:23) Simon then repented demonstrating at least a small measure of spiritual growth (8:24).

The same can be said for Paul (Saul). After being blinded on the Damascus Road Ananias is sent by the Holy Spirit to pray with Saul. After being healed “he got up and was baptized” (Acts 9:18). It was days later (Acts 9:19) that Saul began to grow “more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah” (Acts 9:22).

Does baptism save?

No. The Scriptures are clear, “He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Just like wearing a wedding ring does not make you married, so baptism does not save you. Both however are illustrations of a much deeper reality: the ring to the marriage commitment of husband and wife, and baptism to the “regeneration (new birth) and renewal by the Holy Spirit” of the Christian.

Have you been baptized since you repented and believed the gospel? If not, what is stopping you?

Q & A: Baptism #1

Why should I be baptized?

First and foremost because Jesus commands it! Jesus’ last words on earth (known as the Great Commission) begin, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19). Just forty days after Jesus gave the Great Commission the apostle Peter preaching the good news of Jesus to a crowd of thousands answers the question, “What must we do?” saying, “’Repent,’ Peter said to them, ‘and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Further, Jesus, Himself set the example of baptism, “When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As He was praying, heaven opened… And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son, I take delight in You!” (Luke 3:21-22).

Second, baptism is a visible demonstration of an inward reality. Acts 18:8 reports, “Crispus, the leader of the Synagogue, believed the Lord, along with his whole household. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, they believed and were baptized.” Hearing and believing are inward acts. When Jesus said, “Anyone who has ears let him hear” (Matthew 11:15, NAS), He was not merely referring to the physics of sound waves and eardrums. He was referring to the volition or will of the hearer. This is why Romans 10:9 sums up the gospel response as, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.” The visible or outward expression of that belief is baptism, “So those who accepted his message were baptized” (Acts 2:41a).

What is the meaning of baptism?

The word “baptize” (BAPTIZŌ) originates from the ancient mercantile world and means “to dip” and “signifies the dyeing of a garment. Therefore, to baptize means “to immerse.”

Baptism in the New Testament was baptism by immersion.“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water” (Matthew 3:16). “…both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water. . .” (Acts 8:38-39)

Baptism illustrates our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus by signifying our own spiritual death, burial, and resurrection. When baptized a person is immersed into the water signifying death and burial then raised up out of the water signifying resurrection to a new life, “Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life” (Romans 6:4) and, “Having been buried with Him in baptism, you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12).

How Can I Forgive When It Hurts So Much? Questions for Discussion and Reflection

 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 seventy-seven times.

   ²³ “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. ²⁵ Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

   ²⁶ “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ ²⁷ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

   ²⁸ “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

   ²⁹ “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

   ³⁰ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. ³¹ When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

   ³² “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. ³³ Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ ³⁴ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

   ³⁵ “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:21-35, New International Version)

Why do you think Peter asks the question, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? (Matthew 18:21)

What does Peter’s question reveal about his (and our) heart?

What is significant about the answer Jesus gives Peter? In what ways is this answer shocking?

What is the value of 10,000 talents and 100 denarii? (Visit www.mystudybible.com for additional insights.)

Read Luke 15:11-32 and Luke 10:30-37. What do the parables in these scriptures have in common with the Unmerciful Servant?

Define “forgiveness” based on Matthew 18:27?

How does the gospel empower you to forgive?

Exciting days at NMBC

This morning I wrote a quote from Mark Batterson's book "In A Pit With A Lion" in my journal: "Spiritual maturity is seeing and seizing God-ordained opportunities. Think of every opportunity as God's gift to you. What do you do with those opportunities is your gift to God... At the end of the day success equals stewardship... Sure, how we manage our time, talent and treasure is a huge stewardship issue... but what about

being a good steward of our imagination...humor... opportunities...?

It's exciting to sit with the trustee team and dream about the opportunities God has in mind for NMBC. This week the concrete for the patio was laid. This opens up even

greater opportunity for ministry to families this summer. As well we're exploring options of increasing parking and expansion of children's ministry space. Thank you Dick Winters, Brad Newcomb and the Trustee Team for your stewardship... not only of the grounds but also of your imagination and God-given opportunities!

Mother's Day Video

Here's the video shown on Mother's Day. Thank you moms!

Jersey Shore Prayer Ralley-- May 14th

What would happen if hundreds of people gathered together and in one voice cried out to God? God can change us, our neighborhoods, our cities, even Jersey Shore!

Join us and see what God will do on this important day!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Meet at the Youth Temple at Ocean Grove.

How Can I Forgive... Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Read Genesis 45. After revealing himself to his brothers Joseph says, “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” What was Joseph’s perspective regarding the wrong that he suffered? How did this perspective better enable him to forgive?

Read Genesis 33:1-11. What role might Joseph’s father Jacob had in impressing on him the dangers of bitterness and blessings of forgiveness?

What are the consequences of bitterness and unforgiveness revealed in the following Scriptures?

Esther 5:9—

2 Samuel 13:22—

Hebrews 12:15—

Luke 15:25-30—

James 3:14—

Read Ephesians 4:31-32. What remedy does the Bible offer for bitterness?

What encouragement does Psalm 37:1-2 and Romans 12:14-21 offer to one who has been wronged?

National Day of Prayer 2011

Prayer this morning at the Red Bank Train Station. For ideas of how to pray check out the National Day of Prayer's website at http://nationaldayofprayer.org/outreach/7x7/. To join with others, stop by NMBC any time today (thur midnight) to join the prayer vigil.

What does it take to bring people to Jesus?

 ³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

 ³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

   They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

   ³⁹ “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

   So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

 ⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus.

   Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (John 1:35-42, New International Version, ©2011)

Read John 1:37-41; Matthew 4:17-18; John 6:4-8; and John 12:20-22.

What character qualities do you observe in Andrew?

Look Around—where you live, work, or go to school—this is your mission field. List names of individuals you know who need Jesus Christ, whom you will pray for regularly.

Look Up—because God changes people through prayer. Pray each day for those on your list, that God will give you opportunities to share His love with them.

Look Out—for ways to cultivate friendships with each person on your list. Spend time with them. An invitation to dinner or a sporting event will build friendships, which can open the way to talk about Christ.

Look Forward—by beginning to talk with each person on your list about attending the Jersey Shore Celebration with you. Choose a specific date, pray, invite them, and bring them to the Celebration.

Look After—those who respond to Christ or even begin to show interest in the Gospel, for they need your encouragement. Continue to love and pray for those who do not respond.

Adapted from Bring a Friend: Operation Andrew BGEA.