SUMMER AT THE MOVIES Part 1: TopGun

You can’t move forward
if you are holding onto the past.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

It’s time to let go.

Learning to let go is a prerequisite for moving forward.

Matthew 5:43-48 NIV
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

4 KINDS OF LOVE
STORGE = parental love, family love
EROS = romantic love
PHILEO = brotherly love, love between closest friends
AGAPE = invincible goodwill, generosity, and kindness

Matthew 5:44 NIV
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Agape love is an act of the will.

Matthew 5:43-45 NIRV
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor. (Leviticus 19:18) Hate your enemy.’ 44 But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. 45 Then you will be children of your Father who is in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don’t.

Commit to pray for your Enemies

Luke 6:28 NIV
28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Prayer is the precursor to love

Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 5:45-48 NIV
45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Forgiveness is a daily decision to choose AGAPE love!

“When you have the CROSS on your back you don’t have room for a CHIP on your shoulder.”
~Buddy Owen