In this second session, Pat explores the biblical construct of the universe: The Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light. Imagine the relief of being rescued out of the Kingdom of Darkness! But then, there is no other way out. Imagine being adopted in the Perfect Kingdom! There is no other way in!
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In this opening session, Pat tells of a spiritually dark time in her life. Though she was a long-time Christian and a missionary, she lost connection with God, and wandered in the darkness of doubt and guilt. In response to her cry, God sent an unlikely person to lead her out of darkness back into the Light. Oh, the wonder of God’s unconditional love, of absolute absolution and of the power of the resident Holy Spirit! Imagine the startling announcement to a perfectionist: "Isn't it great to know you're free to fail?"
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In the third session, Pat seeks to verify the validity of this ultimate absolution by exploring the Word of God. “On the basis of the Word of God and what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross, I hereby declare to you the total forgiveness of all your sins, past, present and future!” Really? Can that be true? Is that right?. Imagine this: it’s true!
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In the fourth session, Pat seeks answers to questions. If I’m forgiven, how come I still feel guilty? Or, since I’m forgiven, how come I still feel guilty? These questions plagued Pat and the answers take up the next three sessions. The truth is that though we live in the Kingdom of Light, we have enemies out to rob us of our joy…Satan, the world and our old nature...sources of false guilt. It takes discernment to recognize the lies and accusations of Satan. Imagine: we have been given authority over him!
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In the fifth session, Pat seeks the truth behind tough questions. The "Ottas" and the "Gottas" and the "Shouldas" are messages we pick up from our surroundings...our “world.” Why can’t you? Why don’t you? Why do you always? These are not honest questions. They are veiled condemnations, meaning you are not ok the way you are. You don’t measure up. This is another source of false guilt. Imagine how freeing to be able to say, “I am not on trial and you are not my judge!”
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In the sixth session, Pat seeks to unearth the cause of false guilt and how to defeat it. Self-condemnation is yet another cause of false guilt. It goes like this: we decide to do better, we mess-up, we berate ourselves, judge ourselves, beat ourselves up. “How can you be so stupid, or dumb, or careless, or...” The guilt piles up as we rehearse the scene over and over again. There seems to be no way out. Imagine confidently declaring to yourself: “There is ... now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
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In session seven, Pat invites us to imagine the ultimate trade-in deal. Imagine living life in a whole new way. Our old self is a corpse: crucified, dead and buried. Our new self is alive and is activated, empowered and energized by none other than God the Holy Spirit. Time to trade in the old and receive the new!
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In session eight, Pat invites us to “Come to the Party!” Another title for this closing session could be: What to do when you blow it. Think about the story of the prodigal son. You may find yourself in the story. You’ve blown it and you know it. You turn around and head for Home, saying I’ve sinned and I’m unworthy. Now picture the Father running out to meet you, so delighted to see you! He embraces you and yes, throws a party in your honor! Will you let God love you even when you feel unworthy? (or even if you feel like a rat) If so, Come to the Party!
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