Sermon Notes 07-26-09

July 26th 2009 “Journey to Forgiveness”“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

Video: “All Have Sinned”Did you see the 1970 film; “Love Story,”
Personally I believe that Love and Forgiveness cannot be separated!
“Love means...never having to say you’re sorry.”—I don’t think so, Love means I always have to say I’m sorry!

Quote: I agree with Ed Young who writes, “A marriage is not so much the union of two great LOVERS as it is of two great FORGIVERS.”
Jesus said: Matthew 5:0 “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ”

God’s Dare to all of us today is a way to Journey Out of Selfishness and Un-Forgiveness to Forgiveness!

Points to Ponder
1st Why Forgive?

Because we all need to be forgiven!Have you ever tried to outrun your past? I did!
David said in Psalm 32:1-2 Living Bible “What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven. What release for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record!”

Guilt makes us replay over and over again our past. Pastor Phil says: “Guilt will keep you looking in the “Rearview Mirror” of life!”Colossians 3:13 literally says, “Keep on forgiving one another...” because forgiveness is a continuing process. The word “forgiveness” is built around the root word, “give” which should tell us that it is something that is undeserved—like a gift. Kind of like what Jesus did for each of us!Forgiveness is something we are GIVEN...and it is something we give to others as it has been given to us!
Have you ever seen one of those squirt guns where you pull the trigger but it squirts back at you? Un-Forgiveness doesn’t work.

Points to Ponder
2nd Forgiveness is a Boomerang!

Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”Forgiveness starts—the guilt removing process! Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart”“Pure” katharos—to make pure by cleansing.
It is used in psychology and counseling to refer to a cleansing of the mind or emotions.

“Pure” katharos in the Greek was sometimes applied to milk or wine which is unadulterated with water, or of metal which had been refined until all impurities were removed. So, we might think of pure meaning unmixed, unadulterated, unalloyed.

Matthew 15:19, Jesus said, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." C. “Pure” katharos in the Greek "Blessed is the man whose motive is always entirely unmixed, for that man shall see God."Illustration: This reminds me of the classic conversation between Lady Astor and Winston Churchill. Lady Astor said to him, “If I were your wife, I’d put poison in your coffee!” And Churchill wittily responded, “If I were your husband, I’d drink it!" This is an example of the heart without Christ in it!
Paul said in: Colossians 3:13 “Never hold grudges. Remember the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others.”

Points to Ponder
2nd Forgiveness is a Boomerang!
3rd My Future Depends on Forgiveness!

Matthew 6:9-13 The Living Bible: “Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. 10We ask that your kingdom will come now. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. 11Give us our food again today, as usual, 12and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.”

The Bible is teaching that we can only receive what we offer to others. We cannot receive what we don't offer to others. The Bible says "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy." Illustration: Many years ago I was doing counseling; a lady came to me and poured out her heart. I felt so sorry for her. Soul Searching Questions:Do I need to forgive anybody? The Bible says I need to because I've been forgiven by God, who do I need to forgive? Do you blame anybody else in the world for your unhappiness? Who are you blaming? That is an indication of resentment. Life would be so much better if... Blame is an indication of bitterness. You need to let it go.Do I keep score? Is there a mental balance in my mind that every time they do "something" I say "They owe me one"?

Some of you, in your marriage, have had a partner who made a major mistake in your marriage.
You are still holding it over their head. You are an un-pleasable person because in your mind, no matter what they do it's all just repayment. No matter how good they are to you, you're saying, "They owe it to me."
If you want to save your marriage, you better let go and never bring it up again!

Un-Forgiveness applies to many areas of life. Maybe you were neglected as a child. Maybe you were abused as a child, maybe by your parents. Maybe you never could get that love that you felt like you needed. Maybe you had a brother or sister who hurt you Maybe you had a friend who was disloyal and you've resented them. Maybe you feel cheated in your marriage.
Forgiveness Is The First Step to Your Forgiveness! = Jesus! Song: “The Brush”Pray with me: