matthew 26

so paul and i have been going to this church called ekklesia.  ekklesia is just the new testament greek word for 'church'.  the teaching on wednesday was seriously the best sermon that i have heard in a LONG time.  phenomenal!  Please, if you have 55 minutes, listen to this.  you will not regret it. it will refresh your soul.


http://www.ekklesiaeugene.org/videos/preparation-for-the-cross-pt-4-2/

or vimeo

http://vimeo.com/35339654

if your internet is too slow for the video, just roll your mouse over 'teachings' on the ekklesia website, then click 'wednesdays' then click 'Matthew 26:47-68'. click 'download'.  there is a podcast as well that just has sound.

Cihat - the 1 out of 100 chance that you read my blog...  i think that you would love this teaching.  if you listen, please, let's discuss it.  i love to hear your opinion.  keep seeking truth, my friend. we appreciate your friendship so much.  paul and i are in deep prayer for you.  be blessed, brother.




one of pastor wes's main points that touched my heart was about Peter cutting off the soldier's ear.  Peter - a disciple who is so depraved and so human.  he makes rash decisions based on his emotions.  he is always getting in trouble and doing exactly what Jesus said not to do, however, Jesus is so patient with him and so loving.  He teaches Peter (and us) to be slow to anger, quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to wrath and abounding in love.  And yet, despite Peter's being that black sheep who does everything wrong, Jesus said, 'Peter, on this rock I will build my church...'  peter is a key component of Christ's bride.  


anyway, peter, being quick to act and quick to anger, cuts off a soldier's ear.  typical peter.  pastor wes makes the point that there should have been 4 people on calvary that day.  that soldier should have been able to report, 'this man, peter, wounded me, he cut off my ear!'  but there was no evidence.  jesus put the soldier's ear back on and healed it.  there was no evidence of peter's sin.  peter would not be the 4th cross hanging on calvary that day.  Jesus, the forgiver of sins.  the one who heals us and makes us blameless.


wow!  


i think about my life.  how gracious my savior is with me.  he is still working on me.  i want to be like him in possessing the fruits of His Spirit. but my humanness and depravity keeps me from that.  i hate to think of the people that i have hurt and the poor example of christ's follower that i have been.  but Jesus is in the business of healing people's hearts and getting rid of our sin.  because of him, there is no evidence against me.  he takes care of even the victims of my sin.  praise him.  it just amazes me.  thank you for continuing to teach me and grow me.  i need more of him and less of me.  

(source)