The Coffee Table - Grow in the Word

The Call to Radical Forgiveness Bible Study: Matthew 18:21–35 “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” - (Matthew 18:21–22) 1. Peter’s Question: A Limit to Forgiveness? Peter thinks he's being generous by offering forgiveness seven times—a number symbolizing completeness. But Jesus isn’t giving a new number; He is showing that forgiveness is not something we count. It’s something we practice. Forgiveness, in the Kingdom, is meant to be a lifestyle, not a quota. --- 2. The Parable: Two Debts, One Condition of the Heart Jesus tells a parable to explain God’s heart: The First Servant Owes the king an unimaginably large debt (10,000 talents—basically billions in today’s terms). Completely unable to repay. Pleads for mercy. The king has compassion, cancels the debt, and sets him free. The Same Servant Immediately demands repayment of a tiny debt from a fell...

📖 Bible Study Post — Matthew 5:13 Title: You Are the Salt of the Earth Scripture : “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” — Matthew 5:13 --- Reflections When Jesus calls us “the salt of the earth,” He uses an image rich with meaning in the ancient world. Salt wasn’t just a seasoning — it was essential for survival. Every aspect of salt points to who we are called to be as followers of Christ. 1. Salt enhances flavor — we reveal God’s goodness. Salt brings out the hidden richness in food. Likewise, our lives should reveal God’s goodness in everyday situations. Through kindness, patience, and compassion, we make God’s character visible and tangible to the world. 2. Salt preserves — we protect what is pure and true. Before refrigeration, salt kept food from spoiling. Believers do the same spiritually: we stand for righteousness, integrity, ...

🎙️ SERMON TITLE: “ A Call to the Forgetful Soul ” -Ezra Cabrera | 15Nov2025 📖 Text: Psalm 103:1–5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits— who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” INTRODUCTION Church, Psalm 103 is not just a song of praise — it’s a conversation . David isn’t preaching to a crowd. He’s not performing for an audience. He’s talking to himself . He says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” You see, sometimes… you have to talk to your own soul . You’ve got to remind yourself who God is — when your feelings don’t line up, when your faith feels tired, when your heart starts to forget. David grabs hold of his soul and says, “Don’t forget. Don’t drift. Don’t just go through the mo...

 📖 “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” (Psalm 103 Reflection) 🔹 Main Passage: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” — Psalm 103:1-2 💡 1. Praise Starts from Within David wasn’t speaking to a crowd—he was talking to his own soul. He was calling himself back to worship, awakening his heart from spiritual slumber. Sometimes we must do the same—remind ourselves who God is and what He has done. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? … Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” — Psalm 42:11 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” — Hebrews 13:15 Praise is not about feelings; it’s about faith . It’s telling your heart: “God is still worthy, no matter how I feel.” 💡 2. Remember His Benefits David said, “Forget not all His benefits.” He wasn’t just recalling blessings—he was remembering God’s character : His forgiveness, healing...

  "A Living Sacrifice" Scripture: Romans 12:1–8 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1 (NIV) 💡 Reflection: Paul reminds us that our worship is not confined to songs or Sunday services—it’s a daily surrender . To be a living sacrifice means allowing God to shape our actions, thoughts, and desires. Unlike the old sacrifices that were dead and one-time offerings, our lives are to be continually offered to God—alive, active, and obedient. We are called to renew our minds , to stop conforming to the world’s ways, and to live according to God’s will (v.2). When our hearts and minds are renewed, we begin to see life differently—through the lens of faith, humility, and love. Paul also reminds us that the body of Christ has many parts (v.4–8). Each of us has unique gifts —prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving,...

  Understanding the Spiritual Realm “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” — Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) 🩵 I. Introduction We live in two dimensions — the physical world and the spiritual world . Though unseen, the spiritual realm is real and active. Every prayer, battle, and blessing begins there before manifesting here. 🗣️ Discussion Starter: Have you ever sensed that something unseen was happening behind a situation — like spiritual warfare or divine intervention? 🌌 II. What Is the Spiritual Realm? The spiritual realm is the invisible dimension where God, angels, demons, and human spirits exist . It is the realms of spirit , unseen but eternal. 📖 Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” John 4:24 – “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spir...

“A Heart’s Intent” Scripture Focus: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified more than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 18:14 (NKJV) 💬 Introduction God is not impressed by appearances, religious titles, or outward practices—He looks deeper into the heart’s intent . In Luke 18:14, Jesus reveals a powerful truth: it is not the proud, outwardly religious Pharisee who is justified, but the humble tax collector whose heart genuinely seeks mercy. ❤️ What Is the Heart’s Intent? The Pharisee prayed to be seen, boasting of his righteousness. The Tax Collector prayed to be forgiven, broken over his sin. One sought recognition. The other sought repentance. 📌 Supporting Bible Verses About the Heart’s Intent Supporting Verse Key Message 1 Samuel 16:7 – “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God values the heart’s motive above outward actions. Psalm 51:17 ...