Tag: forgiveness

What is expected of Christian’s under the New Covenant?

Rev. Cecil Thorn

Under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ, Christians are expected to follow the teachings of Jesus and live according to His commandments. Here are some key aspects of what is expected of Christians:

  1. Faith in Jesus Christ: Christians are called to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior.
  • John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1. Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins: Christians are called to repent of their sins and seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

      • Acts 2:38 (ESV): “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

      2. Love for God and Others: Christians are called to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves.

        • Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV): “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

        3. Living a Holy Life: Christians are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes, and to pursue righteousness.

          • 1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”

          4. Following Jesus’s Teachings: Christians are expected to follow the teachings of Jesus, including His moral teachings and commandments.

            5. Spreading the Gospel: Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations.

              • Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

              These are foundational expectations for Christians under the New Covenant, as outlined in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament of the Bible.

              Jesus summarized His commandments and teachings in several key passages in the New Testament. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

              1. The Great Commandment – Love God and Love Your Neighbor:
              • Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV): “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'”
              1. The Golden Rule – Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated:
              • Matthew 7:12 (ESV): “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
              1. The Sermon on the Mount – A comprehensive teaching on various aspects of Christian living, including humility, forgiveness, prayer, and righteousness:
              • Matthew 5-7 (ESV): This entire section contains many of Jesus’s teachings, including the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12 (ESV)), instructions on prayer (Matthew 6:5-15 (ESV)), and ethical teachings on various topics.
              1. The New Commandment – Love One Another:
              • John 13:34-35 (ESV): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
              1. The Great Commission – Make Disciples of All Nations:
              • Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
              1. The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Show Mercy and Compassion:
              • Luke 10:25-37 (ESV): This parable illustrates the importance of showing mercy and compassion to others, regardless of their background or circumstances.

              These teachings encapsulate the essence of Jesus’s message and the principles He wanted His followers to live by. They emphasize love, compassion, humility, and obedience to God’s will.

              Return to top of page

              Praying for God, Country and Individuals

              Rev. Cecil Thorn

              Praying for God, country, and individuals serves various purposes and is motivated by different aspects of faith and moral responsibility. Here are some reasons why people may choose to pray for these entities:

              1. Connection with God:

                 – Communion: Prayer is a means of communing with God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and deepening one’s relationship with the divine.

              • “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
              • “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

              2. For the Country:

                 – Peace and Well-being: Praying for the country often includes asking for peace, stability, and prosperity. Individuals may pray for their nation’s leaders, citizens, and overall welfare.

              • “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
              • “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.'” – Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

                 – Righteous Governance: People might pray for leaders to make just and wise decisions, following principles that align with ethical and moral values.

              • “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2 (NIV)
              • “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

              3. For Individuals:

                 – Healing and Comfort: Prayers for individuals often involve seeking healing, comfort, and strength during times of illness, distress, or sorrow.

              • “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14 (NIV)
              • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

                 – Guidance and Wisdom: Individuals may pray for themselves and others to receive guidance, wisdom, and discernment in making important life decisions.

              • “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5 (NIV)
              • “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

              4. Altruism and Compassion:

                 – Empathy: Praying for others reflects a sense of empathy and compassion, recognizing the interconnectedness of all people and expressing a desire for their well-being.

              • “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
              • “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15 (NIV)

                 – Love and Care: Praying for individuals, including those we may not know personally, demonstrates a commitment to love, care, and support one another.

              • “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34 (NIV)
              • “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

              5. Aligning with Spiritual Values:

                 – Seeking God’s Will: Praying for God involves aligning oneself with God’s will and seeking to be instruments of divine purpose in the world.

              • “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
              • “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” – Psalm 143:10 (NIV)

                 – Reflecting Virtues: Praying for the well-being of others reflects virtues such as kindness, humility, and selflessness, which are often central to various religious teachings.

              • “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
              • “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

              6. Promoting Unity and Harmony:

                 – Unity in Diversity: Praying for a country and its people can promote a sense of unity and harmony, encouraging individuals to focus on shared values and common goals.

              • “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV)
              • “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

                 – Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Prayers may include requests for forgiveness, reconciliation, and the healing of divisions within communities and nations.

              • “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
              • “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

              It’s important to note that the reasons for prayer is often seen as a way to express one’s faith, seek divine intervention, and contribute to the well-being of the broader community.

              Note: No comment will be posted until approved by the Moderator

              Leave a Reply

              Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

              Jeremiah had to wait

              Rev. Cecil Thorn

              When you under stand that God is never late, you wait differently.

              By Jon Curtis

              What is funny is I was reading in Jeremiah earlier this week and in Jeremiah 42:7 (NLT) it says: “Ten days later the LORD gave his reply to Jeremiah.” 

              It was one of the first times I It was one of the first times I can recall  reading an actual number of days it took for the lord to answer  a prayer in the bible and it brought some comfort knowing that even  Jeremiah had to wait.

              Comment was by Anthony Thorn

              There are numerous instances in the Bible where people had to wait for an answer to their prayers. Here is a more comprehensive list of such instances:

              1. Abraham and Sarah’s Prayer for a Son (Genesis 15, 17, 18): They waited for many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son, Isaac.
              2. Jacob’s Prayer for Blessing and Forgiveness (Genesis 32): Jacob wrestled with God and prayed for a blessing and forgiveness, which was granted but not immediately.
              3. Moses’ Prayer for God’s Presence (Exodus 33): Moses prayed to see God’s glory and had to wait for God’s response.
              4. Israel’s Cry in Egypt (Exodus 2): The Israelites cried out to God in their slavery, and it took time before God sent Moses to deliver them.
              5. David’s Repentance and Forgiveness (Psalm 51): David prayed for forgiveness after his sin with Bathsheba, and he had to wait for God’s response.
              6. Elijah’s Prayer for Rain (1 Kings 18): Elijah prayed for rain to end a drought, and he had to wait for the rain to come.
              7. The Canaanite Woman’s Faith (Matthew 15): The Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter, and Jesus initially tested her faith before granting her request.
              8. The Healing of the Blind Man (Mark 8): Jesus healed a blind man in two stages, suggesting that the man had to wait for complete healing.
              9. Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (2 Corinthians 12): The Apostle Paul prayed for the removal of a thorn in the flesh and had to wait for God’s response.
              10. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26): Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to pass from Him, but ultimately accepted God’s will after waiting and praying.
              11. The Waiting of the Saints in Revelation (Revelation 6:9-11): The martyred saints in heaven are described as waiting for God’s judgment and vindication.

              These examples illustrate the biblical theme of waiting for God’s timing and response in prayer. They emphasize the importance of patience, faith, and trust in God’s plan.

              NOTE: Comments will not display until approved by the Moderator.

              Message from HPM

              Listen to this article

              We need to show LOVE to anyone that comes to our online church no matter where they come from, no matter what their ethnicity, lifestyle, or sexual orientation. The message of Jesus Christ is open to all, we are messengers of Jesus Christ.

              We are here to present the gospel message to the world around us, in doing so it is up to each individual, as to what they want to do with this message, to deny or accept it.

              If you deny Him, then we want to pray for you, that God would speak to you. Go to our website link and ask us to pray for you: Prayer Requests – Hiding Place Ministry

              If you accept him, then we want to be there to help you grow in the things Jesus taught, throughout the scriptures. So, you can be the person that God wants you to be.

              We are here for you, though this may take so much time on both our parts, We are happy to do so, and we want you to know we care about you and your relationship with God.

              If you want to talk with someone, we can arrange this by phone or through Zoom for a face-to-face. Go to our website link: Talk with Us – Hiding Place Ministry

              Rev. Dr. Cecil Wayne Thorn

              Forgiveness

              Matthew 6:14-15

              “For if you forgive men when thy sin against you, Your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye do not forgive men their sins, Your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”

              I know this is a touchy subject because a lot of us think we don’t have to forgive because we were in the right. I’m sorry, it doesn’t work that way. Our Father states it pretty simply. If we don’t forgive those who have done us wrong, then He can not forgive us. Unforgiveness is a burden we put on ourselves. We wear them with pride. We even tell other people, so they can assure us were done wrong and we are so spiritual and did the right thing

              NOT!!!

              The scriptures says, if we don’t forgive, we are wrong and cannot be forgiven. I much rather forgive someone else than to lose fellowship with the Father. He also tells us to love the unloving. It is not love if we cannot forgive. The next time someone does you wrong, put yourself in their shoes and forgive them no matter what. Il forgive sometimes is as hard to do as saying,

              “I’m Sorry”

              Rev. Dr. PG Embry, Th.D. – Director of Hiding Place Ministry – Earned his Doctorate of Theology from Hiding Place Ministry Bible College & Seminary

              Rev. PG Embry

              Translate »