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“A False Trial, & A True Denial” - Matthew 26:57-75
Matthew 26:57-68 We learn from Jesus that when experiencing false accusations, slander or even cruel treatment, at times, it may be best to remain silent. This is certainly difficult, and it may not always be the case, but clearly we see our Lord modeling this for us in understanding Who He was. Isaiah 53:7+8 - “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut-off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people - to whom the stroke was due?” The Father’s will can be carried-out through suffering. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” John 16:33 (Jesus) - “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 2 Timothy 2:3+4 - “Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” Another angle in all of this is that we can gain both perspective as well as more of Christ, through our suffering. “Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction, and not through happiness.” We gain perspective, and even learn and grow, through hardship. “Such hardship caused them to send their roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture - now mine are the deepest-rooted trees in the area; and while others are being scorched by the sun, these are finding moisture at a greater depth.” It’s often through seasons of hardship that we gain more of Christ, as our relationship can grow in greater depth with Him - in our trust, our faith, our allegiance, and in our hope of what’s to come. Matthew 26:69-75 For those who belong to Christ, adamant denial and painful resentment are possible but temporary, and can result in restoration through repentance. Denying Christ would be clearly contrary to who a Christian is and what a Christian does. Each of us can see some of Peter here, within us; and if we're honest with ourselves, there have not only been many times but also many ways that we’ve denied Christ - perhaps not to this degree but nonetheless, it’s still severe and should cause us to be pained as well. We deny Christ by not wanting to pray and commune with the Lord - Or by not desiring to be in the Word. We deny Christ by not wanting to be in church with the Family of God - Nor desiring to be in community or small groups on a regular basis - Or by not wanting to share my faith/gospel, or perhaps even being ashamed to. There are many other ways that we deny Christ. For example, when we choose sin over sanctification, including pride over humility - Or selfishness over selflessness - Or spiritual apathy over spiritual passion - As well as relational laziness over intentional connectedness (including hospitality)... These are ways that we can/do deny Christ, including denying His ways/people. Whether directly or indirectly denying Christ, His ways or His people (which can be connected, to varying degrees), those decisions can have consequences - such as loneliness, pain or even resentment. Even so there can be grace and forgiveness, and restoration and healing, upon true confession and repentance - resulting in real change by taking prayerful and practical steps to change. “Do you think I should change?”... “It depends - are you talking about changing your shirt, or making a wholesale change as a human being?” Often there’s surface and temporary change, versus a deep and committed change - looking to the Lord daily and regularly, to help us do so. This can’t truly begin until we're changed from the inside-out. 2 Corinthians 7:10 - “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Pastor Chris Hudson |
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Capital City Baptist Church is an international, English speaking church in Mexico City that exists to know God and make Him known. Our hope is that people will come to know Jesus and in turn, develop as Christ followers who will help others to follow Christ.
As a church, we seek to love God as well as one another. We also desire to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are passionate about the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ, and we value God’s word as we teach it, sing about it, pray it and desire to live by its truths. We hope that you will come and visit our church in order to experience the truth and love of Jesus Christ; and may God bless you as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Him. In Christ’s Love, Pastor Chris Hudson |
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We have a place for every age group.
Come visit us!
CALLE SUR 138 ESQ. BONDOJITO
LAS AMERICAS 01120 MEXICO CITY |
MAIN: (55) 5516-1862
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