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Reformation means standing against the spirit of the age, so pastors and church leaders must join together to encourage, equip, and embolden one another in the work of the Reformation. Most importantly, a society brings the Word of God and prayer to bear on the leaders themselves, strengthening them for the work of a faithful shepherd.

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Reformation starts in your local church community. The Reformation Societies are the means to achieving the renewal of the Church, which is our Lord’s Bride. Furthermore, our Gospel is timeless in its message, relevance, and sufficiency for the building of Christ’s Church, the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Biblical standard of Gospel preaching, teaching and worship are embodied in the Solas of the Protestant Reformation and are now stated in the Cambridge Declaration of 1996. For in Scripture alone, we learn of a salvation that is by grace alone, received through faith alone, because of Christ alone, and in all this, to God be the Glory alone. Here We Stand, like-minded in His service and confident in His Work.

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Blog #417

Influential Forgiveness.

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (Philemon 1:4-7 ESV)

Forgiveness means to carry, to take up, to pardon, and to be lenient. It also means to make amends, to be merciful, to put away a hurt. Finally, it means to show favor, to send away a grievance and to disregard the same.

How is a person who forgives an influence for God and for good? Or to put it another way in light of a conversation I had with someone last week, “Why should I forgive?” According to Philemon 4-5a, a forgiving person displays their love for God.

Secondly, Philemon 5b says a fforgiving person displays their faith in God. Vs. 5b. The Apostle Paul was not only thankful for Philemon’s love from God but also his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon possessed a consistent commitment, trust, dependence and worship of Jesus Christ. This love and faith was not only directed towards the Lord Jesus, but also manifested itself towards “all the saints.” Those who were holy and dedicated unto the Lord.

In light of this present truth, Paul prayed for the events which would transpire in Philemon’s future. “And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”

Paul anticipated that Philemon’s faith would be effective in the full and complete understanding of what it means to forgive. Full knowledge means and thorough and complete understanding of how forgiveness should shape and form the believer’s life.

A person can read a book about fishing, sailing, skiing, or even whitewater rafting, but reading about it never compares to actually experiencing it. We can read about forgiveness, or hear sermons about it. However, until we actually extend it and receive it, we will never know what it means to experience the full knowledge of it.
This ultimately is done for the purpose of bringing God glory.

Forgiveness means to carry, to take up, to pardon, and to be lenient. It also means to make amends, to be merciful, to put away a hurt. Finally, it means to show favor, to send away a grievance and to disregard the same.

Do not publish offences. There has been something very offensive said. What then? Do not repeat it. Do not go first to one, and then to another, and say, "Now this is quite private, and mind you keep it a secret; So-and-so has spoken shamefully." Better that you should let your heart break than go up and down with a fire-brand in this fashion.

Next, do not take offences where they are intended. It is a splendid thing if you will not be offended. Nothing makes a man feel so small as when you accept what he intended for an insult as if it were a compliment, and thank him for it. Can you master yourself to that point? Remember, when you have conquered yourself you have conquered the world. You have overcome everybody when you have so fully overcome your own spirit that you remain content with that which naturally would excite your wrath.

Finally, I want to say to you all, brethren, that, as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, if we are to forgive one another, there must be some other things which we ought to do.