Pastoral Message (1): FORGIVENESS – An Acts of Prayer – Rev. Chukie MORSI
Main Text: Mark 11:20-26
Preamble:
First Sunday calls for three messages in one:
- About the Year 2011 theme
- About the Month theme
- About the Week – today’s Prophetic Sunday Message.
The acts of prayers suggest some likely matters that can enhance prayers to be effective and effectual. For it’s not just enough to pray or be praying but to see that your prayers are answered (Psalm 65:1-2). It’s on this basis that the month theme is all about, so that we can enjoy God’s goodness on this side of heaven and with hope of eternal godly peace as we exercise the gracious acts of prayers – 1Timothy 4:7b-8.
The Basis of Understanding FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness:
- Is the gateway to enjoying the goodness of God in our redemption;
- Is a landmark of our REDEMPTION acts and process – Colossians 1:13-14; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:6-9.
- Is the basis of grace in our Lord’s prayers – Matthew 6:9-15.
- Is an act that enhances effective and effectual prayers – James 5:16.
- Cannot be compromise if we must enjoy the fullness of God, meaning it should be every believers lifestyle even as Christ was and is – 1 Peter 2:21-24; Luke 23:33-34; 1 John 1:6-9; 4:17.
Definition:
- Forgiveness or to forgive is translated ‘Remission’ in Greek as found in Acts 10:43/Hebrews 9:22. It means to send off or away i.e. to separate sin from the sinner
Three Phases of Forgiveness
- We are forgiven,
- We are being Forgiven and
- We shall be Forgiven
For this to be effective and effectual in our redemption, we must have this understanding basis:
- Accept God’s Forgiveness – Micah 7:18-19
- Forgive oneself – Philemon 6;
- Forgive others – Matthew 6:14-15; 5:21-26
Understanding The Distinction in Forgiveness
- Human basis: Remission of a penalty deserved – Matthew 18:32-33; Ephesians 4:32.
- Divine basis: The execution of the penalty – Leviticus 4:35; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:6-9; 2:2.
Note: Human forgiveness rests upon and results from the divine forgiveness – Matthew 18:32-33; Ephesians 4:32
Scriptural Truth About Forgiveness:
1. Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:30-32 – Forgive as Christ forgave: e.g. Luke 7:42-43 – Entreat to give same as being given and Matthew 18:23-35 – Entreat others as Christ has dealt with you.
2. 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 – Forgiveness helps to limit Satan in taken advantage of us in his gimmicks and devices.
3. Matthew18:21-22 – Forgive until 70 times 7 times => 149 times.
4. Luke 17:1-5 – Repentance accompany Forgiveness
5. 1 John 1;8-9/James 5:16 – Confession enhances forgiveness and prayers
6. Luke 23:34/2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – Forgiveness at the cross for human redemption.
7. Luke 7:47-50 – Sins forgiven.
8. Ephesians 4:30-32 – Forgiveness enhances the operation of the Holy Spirit within and through us.
Anti-dote to Unforgiveness:
- Matthew 15:15-20 – Dealing with Believers and Church process in dispute
- Proverbs 25:21-22 –Dealing with enemy
- Romans 12:17-21 – Dealing with brethren and enemy
- Matthew 5:43-48 – Dealing with unbelievers
Conclusion:
- Matthew 6:12-15 – Needful in Lord’s Prayers
- Matthew 5:21-26 – Needful in Offering
Finally:
More of th1s and other acts of prayers will be ministered in details in course of the month through the Pastor messages. Just be there! However, When you read 2 Kings 4:1-7 and verses 8-37, you will see prophetic words of grace changing the course of lives. I pray that God revitalises you and all that is about you, so that you may become the very best of which God has created you to be in your daily journey of Destiny Moulding, Life Transformation, Dignity Restoration and Kingdom Faith Establishment, Community Social Enrichment and Development and Readily Prepared, Awaiting The Lord’s Return.
