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Sermons Preached in Harrisonburg, VA

Moving Ahead
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Receiving Forgiveness (4) by Larry Rouse
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What is God's Forgiveness Like? (2) by Larry Rouse
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Instrumental Music and the Cross of Christ
 by Larry Rouse
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Where Are the Dead
by Larry Rouse
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The Foundation of Forgiveness (1)
by Larry Rouse
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Taming the Rebel Heart

By Phil Ware

“If a soldier forces you to walk with him one mile, then go with him two miles.” Matthew 5:41

A bitter-hearted rebel lives in many of us. We hate it when someone takes advantage of us. We view the lane-changing, frenzied, aggressive driver as a jerk and sometimes look to get even with him or her. This bitter-hearted rebel also lived in many Jewish hearts.     

When Roman soldiers imposed on them to carry their equipment, the Jews resented it deeply. Jesus reminds us, however, that his Kingdom family re-orders all human relationships. Jesus wants us to ask, "How can I be a redemptive blessing even toward those who mistreat me?" His challenging commands awaken us to our responsibility. We are to lead others to Jesus, even those others that we don't particularly like.     

Incredibly, the impetuous Peter learned this lesson and taught the churches in Asia Minor the same principle.  Even more incredibly, the apostle Paul was the product of a movement who sought to convert, not condemn, its greatest opponents and oppressors. (See Acts 22:1-22)

But then, the heart of the Kingdom is to follow a King who forgave his persecutors, revilers, and murderers at Passover so they could become his disciples at Pentecost.  "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those people that do bad things to you. If you do this, then you will be true sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).  

  Other Articles
Hypocrites in the Church
Jesus Relation to the Law of Moses
I Was Wrong