The Trap of Unforgiveness - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Along life’s journey all Christians are bound to come across traps that have been set by the enemy. Those traps include comparison, distraction, offense, and one of the most deadly—unforgiveness. In the conclusion of the Traps sermon series, Dr. Brian Keesler delivers a crucial message about avoiding the trap of unforgiveness. Dr. Keesler likens unforgiveness to carrying around a metal bucket filled with acid. Everything might look alright from the outside, but before long the acid will eat its way to the outside of the bucket. Harboring unforgiveness might not seem like a big deal at first, but it causes a landslide of issues including hindering the blessing of God, stopping your prayers from being answered, and turning into a root of bitterness. Remaining in unforgiveness locks pain in while simultaneously locking God out. In order to stay out of this trap, we must learn to forgive just as Jesus forgave–constantly and immediately. Jesus did not wait for anyone to repent before He died on the cross and He does not continue to hold our sins against us. We too must completely release those who have hurt us, even if they never feel any remorse. After watching this sermon you’ll not only be able to decipher between Biblical repentance and human sorrow, but you will also gain a greater understanding of how to walk in true forgiveness.

Scripture References

• Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)

• Ephesians 4:29-31 (NKJV)

The Trap of Offense - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

What is holding you back? In part three of the sermon series, Traps, Dr. Brian Keesler unpacks another common snare that people get caught in—offense. Although plenty of opportunities for offense exist, they can only occur with your consent. As governors of our mind, will, and emotions, it is up to us to decide if we are going to get offended. Choosing to remain out of offense is so important because bitterness can otherwise take root. Several ways to combat offense includes studying and loving the Word of God and making a conscious decision to forgive quickly. Dr. Keesler also reminds listeners of the connectivity of the body of Christ. When one person in the body of Christ wins, we all win. If one person in the body of Christ is hurt, we all hurt. After watching this sermon, expect to walk in new freedom as you release offenses that have weighed you down for years.

Scripture References

• Luke 17:1 (NKJV)

• Hebrews 12:14–15 (NKJV)

• Romans 12:14–18 (NKJV)

• Ephesians 4:1–3 (NKJV)

The Trap of Comparison - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

If only I was taller. If only I was smarter. If only I was prettier. The items people use to compare themselves to others is endless, but waiting at the end of every judgement is a trap. In the continuation of the sermon series, Traps, Dr. Keesler outlines yet another pitfall that ensnares too many of God’s people–comparison. Many believe if they possessed every item of perfection on their list: status, wealth, popularity, etc., that they would be happier than they are now. Making this assumption is easy, but the result is never satisfaction. Only two results ever come from measuring oneself to another: an attitude of despair and a mindset of fatality. My life must not be as important because I can’t _____, or why should I even try because I’ll never be as good as _____.  Dr. Keesler admonishes that we must stop thinking about what could have been and start pursuing God’s purpose for the present time. Jesus is the only answer to the trap of comparison and everyone will always come in second next to His perfection. Our job as a Christian isn’t to constantly measure ourselves to one another, it’s to constantly labor to renew our minds. As you watch this sermon, discover areas where you have allowed comparison to constrict your growth and free yourself of this debilitating trap once and for all.

Scripture References

• John 10:10 (NKJV)

• 2 Corinthians 10 (NKJV, TPT)

The Trap of Distraction - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Distractions. They’re inconvenient, unavoidable, and more dangerous than you think. In the revisitation of the sermon series, Traps, Dr. Brian Keesler takes another much needed look at the downfalls of distractions. Distractions come in various forms, but all of them hinder our growth and keep us from reaching our full potential. To illustrate this point further, Dr. Keesler uses the Gap Theory which looks at where you are at now, where you want to go, and what might hinder you in the middle. Many times the blockades to our success are only excuses and distractions. Although unavoidable, there are ways to limit the effect of distractions. One of the primary ways to reach your destination is to really place value on the goal you are trying to achieve. Seventy-eight percent of people will make a purchase if they believe the item will add value to their life. What do you value the most? Is it comfort and entertainment or is it your relationship with Jesus Christ? Another way to avoid distractions is to ignore false senses of emergency. What seems important and urgent, typically is not as pressing as we think. Living a distracted life may not seem like a big deal, but when you dig deeper you find much is at stake. Families are at stake. Nations are at stake. And most importantly, the kingdom of God is at stake.

Scripture Reference

• Psalms 119:110 (NKJV)