MyCrossroadsCC

What a difficult thing Jesus has commanded us – Love your enemies! Jesus tells us to be generous because the Father in heaven has been generous to us. When we show generosity and love, we show the world the love of God. When you realize that you have some sort of enemy, it is your opportunity to show the love of God. The Father will use that difficult situation to mature your faith and obedience. Submit to Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will give you the ability to love all people, even your enemies! 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.  32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Lk 6:27–36 (ESV)Hosts: Richard Kennedy, Robert Harmon, Dallas GodshallMusic by FASSounds at pixabay.com

We discuss the contrast between worldly material gains and the true blessedness of eternal life with God in heaven. We can have fellowship with God now. Fellowship with God is the greatest blessing. Don't be so concerned with material gain that you miss Jesus Christ, the only one who gives eternal life.Luke 6:20-2620 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.Hosts: Richard Kennedy & Robert HarmonMusic by FASSounds at pixabay.com

We discuss the importance of spending time with Jesus every day. Remaining in prayer and in the Word will keep us pure through temptation. Do not be surprised by the temptations of the evil one. We can overcome in the strength of Jesus!"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." - Psalm 119:9.Hosts: Richard Kennedy & Robert HarmonMusic by FASSounds at pixabay.com

The night before Jesus chose his twelve apostles, he stayed up all night praying. Jesus knew the magnitude of the day before him. Let's follow Jesus' example and seek God in prayer often, especially when we know a big decision is before us!Hosts: Richard Kennedy, Shawn Jamison, Derek BlankenshipMusic by FASSounds at pixabay.com

We continue the discussion on legalism. The Sabbath is one of the 10 commandments. God gave the Sabbath as a blessing to people and told them to keep the day "holy" and to "not do any work." The Pharisees missed the point. Jesus healed a man's hand (a holy moment), and the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus because of it. I guess the Pharisees forgot that one of the other of the 10 commandments was to not murder. Hosts: Richard Kennedy and Robert HarmonMusic by FASSounds at pixabay.com

Jesus did not come to establish a new set of rules or legalism. His mission was to offer forgiveness of sin and invite us into his Kingdom. Unlike the Pharisees who believed that following strict rules would make them righteous before God, Jesus' blood is the only thing that can make us righteous before God. Therefore, we should be cautious not to judge ourselves or others in a legalistic manner that goes beyond what our Lord Jesus requires.Hosts: Richard Kennedy and Robert HarmonMusic by FASSounds at pixabay.com