“Wait for God”
(Mark 11:25-33)

Wait for God. I think that is what we miss most. That’s why we are just turning around unhealthy fears. Fear centers on the question, Will God protect me? If we don’t have regular intimate time with God, this question always remains in our mind.
We are of course busy with our works, with our kids. We look forward to next holiday, and become busy for vacation, leisure, activities, social things. In the midst of those busyness, we are pretty active for ministries, bible study, helping others. We are too busy to wait for God.
Wait for God. Because He is waiting for us to come, like a father who looks forward to spending time with his kids.
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For Lifenet groups and personal reflection
1) When was the last time you really get angry? How did you handle it? Can you see where the anger come from?
2) How would you respond? “Getting angry is always wrong.”
3) Read 1 Samuel 13:8-14. What did Saul fear for? What did it cause for his life? How could he have dealt with his fear?
4) How does fear of men (or fear of loosening face) affect our relationship with God, with others and with ourselves?
5) What do you fear most now? Why? How would you deal with it? What help do you need? From whom and when would you receive it?
 
NLIF is an international church in Yangon. Come and join our English Sunday worship service.

Matthew 12:31-32
 
The Power of Sin in us: love avails but not our love for God.

• Humans go some way in search of solution to the problems with sin.
  

The Unforgiveable Sin – Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

• Context: Jesus drove a demon out of a man, and the religious leaders misconceived Jesus as possessing lord of demons.
  

The Problem of Forgiveness

• God wants to forgive so much, but people can put themselves outside the reach of his forgiveness.
• Sin against Jesus is forgivable, for he is a different kind of King. He is never offended. He always forgive willingly: "Father, forgive them."
• Don't put "my holiness against my love." The world is run by unforgiveness, revenge, etc. People get so easily offended in our so-called age of tolerance.
• Jesus is the perfect antidote for this.
  

The Power of Repentance

• Sin against Jesus is external (v.31); sin against the Holy Spirit is internal (v.32).
•  There's no off-limit actions God is not able to forgive (Psalm 25:11).
• But, if you resist, blaspheme, speak against the Spirit…. The religious leaders accredited the Holy Spirit to some demonic work.
• Solution – 1 John 1:9 (Unless you confess, you can never undo the damage. John 16:8 The Holy Spirit convicts the world of their sin.)
• If we resist, the tiniest sin can destroy our lives.
• Check your heart – what areas are you allowing the Spirit to work in your life? Take responsibility for your wrong. Don't resist the work of the Spirit – to confess and repent.
  

The Danger of Goodness – the most serious problem

• The religiously good people likely miss the gospel. See Lk 7, 15, 19; Jn 3, 4.
• The irreligious people are fast to respond to the gospel in faith.
• Jesus came to redefine what his Kingdom is all about (N.T. Wright), from "good vs bad" religion to "humble vs proud" gospel.
• Religion: I do good and God will reward me.
• Gospel: God helps me with the good new life in Christ, so I can live for him.

 
Are you a bit worried about being an unforgivable person? Good, and celebrate your worry as the work of Holy Spirit in you. We have a God of grace.
"Pardon my sin, oh God, because it is great." (Psalm 25:11)
Let us never be blinded by our own goodness, our religious pride that put us outside of God's amazing forgiveness!
 
Come join us at our English service of the International Church in Yangon!

“Cleaning up the Temple” (Mark 11:15-17)

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