Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’  This is the only mention in this prayer our action – how we have forgiven others.  How much have you forgiven others? How much do you need forgiveness?

Jesus tells us to ask for forgiveness: Why? Because our spiritual position doesn’t guarantee our spiritual condition. A disciple of Jesus has eternal life by faith; that’s his position. But fellowship with God requires ongoing forgiveness of sin; that’s our condition.

“Give us this day our daily bread…” Those familiar words from the Disciple’s Prayer have been often misconstrued in our materialistic world. A closer look reveals that disciples recognize their dependence on God for each day’s needs, and trust in Him completely.

“Your Kingdom come.” This brief request in the Disciple’s Prayer is significant for our lives today and points with hope to the future. Yet many Christians rarely think of this kingdom. What are we missing? The culmination of God’s plan – and motivation for life right now!

Prayer was important to Jesus. He spent time in prayer, exhorted His disciples to pray, and taught about prayer. Prayer is important to us too. This summer we’ll focus on Jesus’ prayer in the Sermon on the Mount – The Lord’s Prayer, but really a disciple’s prayer. But first let’s hear Jesus’ do’s and don’ts for when you pray.

It may seem crazy, but the best investment a Christian can make by far is to give of time, talent, and treasure to the Lord. To be a giver reflects the heart of Christ. Where your treasure is, there your heart is. Have you made a conscious decision to give to the Lord?

Genesis 36 is a tiresome and seemingly useless list of Esau’s family tree…but it tells a story. Esau conquered the land of Edom; his sons and grandsons are prosperous and powerful. In contrast, Jacob is in Canaan, going nowhere. Why? What lessons are there for us here?

It’s Sunday, first day of the week – but not just any week: the week Jesus was crucified. More has been written about this week than any other in history. A third of the Gospels focuses on this week! This is the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem…and a day of tears.

After spending the night in Bethany, Jesus and his disciples walked to Jerusalem each morning. Monday, Jesus cursed a fig tree without fruit, Tuesday, it was dead. In between, He chased business people out of the temple. What do these two episodes teach?

With His death approaching, Jesus condemned the Jews, prophesied coming tribulation, and His triumphant return to earth. He foretold His crucifixion, and Judas secretly arranged with Jewish leaders to betray Him. Jesus sent His disciples to prepare for the Passover…

Darkness falls, beginning a very dark day. Passover points back to a historic event in Israel’s history, but tonight it will become a symbol of deliverance for all mankind. Israel’s Messiah is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! His words on the cross show it.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He was on earth for almost six weeks. He taught of His kingdom and told followers to stay in Jerusalem till the Holy Spirit came. Then He ascended up into the clouds, out of their sight. Is this important? Yes! What does the ascension teach us?

Whether we realize it or not, we all make spiritual decisions in life, and what we decide makes a big difference. This month at NBBC, we’ll focus on four decisions that can change the trajectory of our lives. The most critical of all is making a decision for Christ.

Last week we focused on the most fundamental spiritual decision a person can make, a decision for Christ, to believe in Him and trust Him every day. But the next step is one Jesus Himself calls each of us to make – to be a follower or disciple. This decision has a price.

If Friday was God’s ‘D-Day’ in the war against sin, Sunday was His ‘V-Day’ – victory over sin and death. ‘Resurrection Day’ was a day like no other before or since, and no one who knows the joy of what it achieved ever tires of hearing about it. Let’s revisit it today.

Grace is at the heart of Christianity, yet too often it is missing from our Christian experience. Satan misrepresents and cheapens grace, and many believers have lost hold of it. But if you make a decision to choose grace, your life will be a shining witness for Christ.