Kingdom of Forgiveness

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --The Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle accounts, one who owed ten thousand talents was brought before him. Since he did not have the money to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. “At this, the servant fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything.’ Then the master of that servant had compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. Matthew 18:23-27 NLTChrist’s life, death, and resurrection are the story of God’s plan to forgive our sin debt, reconcile us to Himself, and deliver us from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of Light!He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 1 Corinthians 5:21 CSBOur sin debt wasn’t reduced, it was paid in full by the only one who could pay it!He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. I Peter 1:24 CSB He was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. Isaiah 53:5 CSBIn the moment Jesus should have been the most offended, He was dying to forgive us, the offenders!Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 NLTTherefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 1 Corinthians 5:20 CSBMatthew 18:28-35 NLT Jesus not only forgave, He also requires that we forgive!Then Peter approached him and asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times? ”“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22 CSB Boundaries may be necessary but bitterness and unforgiveness never are.There is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. Matthew 6:14-15 MSG Forgiveness is a posture that points to a truly humble and repentant heart.Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESVUnforgiveness towards anyone negatively impacts your ability to be healthy with everyone.Forgiveness doesn’t erase injustice or pretend harm never happened, but it creates a new narrative where the forgiven live together in the Kingdom of God, healed, restored, and on mission to bring others to the altar.And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:35 ESV POEMUnforgiveness is a burdenYou never quite lay downEven when the one you’re cross withIs nowhere to be found.It lingers in the silenceIt loves to work at nightSubtle its deceptionAlways whispering you’re rightWhen we live within the shadowsOf the offense we justifyWe see the speck in someone elseBut miss the log in our own eye.You’re locked inside a prisonOf bitterness and prideNo one else can let you outThe door is locked from the inside.But in the greatest act of loveWhile hanging on a treeJesus spoke forgivenessOur King died to set us free.No defense, no accusationNo anger did He give“Father, please forgive them”He showed us how to live.Clearly we were guiltyYet He chose to take the blameShowing mercy isn’t weaknessBut power over pain.He did not wait for sorrowOr for hearts to stop the fightWhile were still sinnersJesus died to make us right.Forgiveness has a powerBeyond what any can explainBoth in giving and receivingEnough to break the strongest chain.And when we choose to followThe path Jesus walked beforeWe find the keys are in our handsTo unlock that prison door.The One who died to free usWhispers, “Let it go”Knowing when we doWe’ll find healing for our soul.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church