From Humbug to Whoville, Week 2: It's a Wonderful Life Worth Living

(Isaiah 1:18) (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. If you will only obey me, Title of Message:  It’s A Wonderful Life Worth Living Betrayed Falsely Accused Rejected Abused Humiliated   (Hebrews 2:17-19) (MSG) That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.   (1 Peter 4:1) (NCV) Since Christ suffered while he was in his body, strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking Christ had.   (Luke 23:34) (NLT) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”   Choose to see the people or the situation you’re going through different.   It’s A Wonderful Life Worth Living So:   1.    Live it selflessly.   (Matthew 20:25) (NLT) But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. (Matthew 20:26-27) (NLT) But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.   2.    Live it to influence others for Jesus.   Are we using our influence for selfish ends or are we using our influence to bring glory to God? (Philippians 1:12) (NLT) I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 3.    Live it at peace with others (Romans 12:18) (NLT) Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) (NLT) Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) (NLT) Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”