The Great Experiment, Day 5 (night)

Wednesday, June 5 (night) - Day 5 of The Great Experiment, June 1-10, 2019

Transcript:

Hi, I'm Chuck Hetzler with Christian Union Day and Night, and pastor of Bethesda Grace Church in New York City. Today, as, we're doing The Great Experiment, I want to have us think about living at peace with each other. And the reason is, because in our nation right now, there is so much division. There's so much of an ease for us to get upset with each other, to hold the grudges against each other, to pay each other back, or to just divide and no longer talk to people that we disagree with.

As Christians, we cannot allow that. That is completely unacceptable, and we have to overcome that by the help of God. It's not easy in some times. We can't understand why people think or do other things that we think are wrong. But as Christians, we have a calling to be peacemakers. I want to read from Romans 12:17-18 as a reminder and encouragement for us along these lines. Paul writes, "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Now, I share this message even as this afternoon I made a phone call to somebody to make sure that there was nothing on my part that had led to any kind of misunderstanding or disagreement in our relationship. This is a normal part of life. If you're married, you know how hard it is to just communicate in ways that are truthful, clear, and yet, there's always misunderstanding, even between two people who love each other for this entire life.

This is nothing that we need to look at ourselves, and if we're in a situation where there's disagreement or discord that we think, "Oh man, I'm a terrible person." That's not it at all. This is a normal human thing. But as Christians, the way that we deal with it, the prescription for the problem is that as far as it is possible with us, that we live at peace with those around us.

That means swallowing our pride. That means not thinking that we're always right and the other person is always wrong. Even if that were the case, which, usually, it's never one-sided like that, but even if it were the case, that we leave, like Jesus said, our gift at the altars, and we go and make things right with that person.

I want to encourage us all today to set a different standard, to live according to the standard of Jesus. To be those who are peacemakers in this nation of so much division, and so much hatred, and so much standing opposed to each other. So, if there are other believers in your life, especially in the household of God, but even other people in your life that aren't Christians, that you need to make right with, I encourage you to do that today as part of a step of faith in following God through this Great Experiment. God bless you.

______

Here is this evening's guide for the “Five Rs” of The Great Experiment, June 1-10, 2019.

1. Read and Pray

Romans 8:4 – For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Read Romans 8:1-17 for more context.

This morning's Prayer Points

• Take time to worship the Lord. Sing to him. Bless His name.
• Ask God to give you opportunities today to declare His glory.
• Pray the same for Christians around the nation and in other nations.

2. Repent.
What sins do I need to repent of today? What hindrances to my devotion to Christ can I remove today?

3. Respond to the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, what is the one thing you most want me to do today? (Write it down, and do it today).

4. Represent Christ. 
How will I bear witness to Christ today? With whom shall I share the Gospel today?

5. Raise Your Faith.
Be bold and courageous in living out your faith (Joshua 1:8,9). Choose from one of the following options for a “Joshua Faith Challenge”:

1. Host an all-night prayer meeting. Set a date during June 1-10 and invite friends to come and pray with you for revival in America.
2. Every day, pray for ten friends and family members to come to faith in Christ and look for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
3. Share an evangelistic post on social media every day from June 1-10.
4. Anything else the Lord burdens you to take on that will require courageous faith.