141. How often Forgive
All Christians believe that forgiveness ought to be given until seventy times seven, in other words until we lose count of how often (Matthew 18:21-22) None of us wants God to tell us, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:32-33)
142. He Came to Save
All Christians agree that Jesus did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them, even those who initially reject Him. (Matthew 9:54-56)
143. Excuses
All Christians believe that we can make many excuses to delay or not follow Jesus, but they are weak or not legitimate. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
144. Living Water
All Christians believe that “He who believes in me [Jesus], as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38) and that by this He meant the Holy Spirit (vs 39).
145. No Condemnation but Sin No More
All Christians agree that non-judgmentalism does not mean that we excuse sin. To the woman caught in adultery, Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more.” (John 8:11b)
146. Light of the World
All Christians believe that Jesus is THE light of the world. “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’ " (John 8:12)
147. Free Indeed
All Christians believe that we should remain in Christ’s word, which is the truth. Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free… If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32, 36)
148. The Devil
All Christians believe that the devil is a murderer and a liar. Jesus told those who refused to believe in Him, “You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and its father.” (John 8:44)
149. The I Am
All Christians believe that Jesus was and is the “I AM” the YHWH of the Old Testament. “Jesus said to them, ‘Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.’ ” (John 8:58) Also at His betrayal by Judas Iscariot, He replied to the soldiers and officers, “I am.” The word “he” is added and often italicized because it is not in the original text. That is why “they went backward, and fell to the ground.” (John 18:6 cf. vs 8)
150. Suffering not for our Sins
All Christians believe that sometimes we do not suffer for our own or family sins. A man born blind had neither sinned nor his parents and Jesus healed him, but certain religious leaders falsely accused the man of sin (John 9:1-34).
