Elder Victor Laird taught through Matthew 18 and explained that Jesus called His followers to exchange worldly ambition for the humble faith of a child. He showed that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven was found in complete dependence upon the Father, humble obedience, and unwavering trust in God’s Word. Elder Laird connected the chapter with Jesus’ teaching on sonship from Matthew 17 and reminded believers that, as God’s children, they were cared for by their heavenly Father and were called to live by faith rather than self-reliance.

The message emphasized Jesus’ warning against causing His little ones to stumble and demonstrated how hypocrisy, sinful influence, false teaching, and dependence on self could lead others away from Christ. Elder Laird encouraged believers to pursue holiness by removing influences that led them into sin, restoring those who had wandered from the faith with gentleness, and following Christ’s pattern for resolving conflict within the church. He also highlighted God’s great love for every believer, reminding the congregation that the Good Shepherd sought those who had strayed and desired that none should perish.

The sermon concluded by focusing on the necessity of forgiveness. Elder Laird explained that believers had received immeasurable mercy through Christ and therefore were called to forgive others freely and completely. He warned that unforgiveness gave place to spiritual bondage, while repentance and forgiveness brought healing, freedom, and restoration. The congregation was encouraged to return to the Lord with childlike faith, humble hearts, and willing obedience, trusting that the Father faithfully received and restored all who came to Him.

Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor, remained committed to faithfully teaching God’s Word verse by verse and equipping believers to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Chapter and Verses: Matthew 18; Matthew 17; Matthew 20:20-27; Matthew 23:13-27; Acts 2:17; James 3:1, 13-18; Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 2:20; 6:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4; Psalm 91:9-16; Psalm 34:7; 2 Kings 6:17; Hebrews 1:13-14.

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