As long as Christians inhabit their earthly bodies, Jesus’s disciples are being sanctified. In other words, we are all works in progress. In today’s message on forgiveness, Pastor Ed teaches us that sometimes we do not know that we have committed an offense when it occurs. However, as we mature in Christ, the Lord shows us our error in His perfect timing. For this reason, Pastor Ed admonishes us to offer peace, grace, and forgiveness to ourselves and others and trust in God’s ability to work in the lives of His children.

In today’s message, Pastor Ed teaches us that the Lord has been gracious to us to forgive our sin and remember our transgressions no more. Therefore, if we are to be Christ’s disciples, we are to forgive others quickly and resolutely just as we have been forgiven. Pastor Ed also points out that when we disobey the Lord and refuse to forgive, God says that He will not hear us when we call out to Him. Our prayers are not heard when we hold unforgiveness in our hearts.

Sin makes the sinner blind and causes him to act foolishly. When our fallen flesh is running the show, we rationalize bad behavior and refuse responsibility for bad outcomes. In today’s message, Pastor Ed points out that many times when an offense has been made, the sinner does not understand the ramifications of their transgressions. Christ cried out from the cross, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do!” Therefore, we too should grant mercy to the lost, for they are spiritually blinded to their sin and its consequences.

When we refuse to forgive, we disobey God’s command. Unforgiveness is like a cancer that makes us bitter, resentful, and steals our joy. In today’s message, Pastor Ed admonishes us to forgive. He also points out that forgiveness does not mean that we are excusing another person’s bad behavior. Forgiveness also doesn’t mean that we belittle the pain and the hurt that another’s offense has caused. It does mean, however, that we keep no record of wrongs just like our Savior keeps no record of our wrongs.

Are we holding on to bitterness or un-forgiveness toward someone? Today Pastor Ed will exhort us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. He will also warn us of the destruction that un-forgiveness can have on our own lives. Our greatest need is forgiveness. We need to receive it from the Lord and to give it to others. Don’t become bound by un-forgiveness but nail it to the cross and let it go. When we understand all that we’ve been forgiven of then we can’t help but to offer it to others.

Does God have all of us, including our time and resources? Are we fully living for Him? In today’s study, Pastor Ed will teach us that it’s a total commitment when we choose to follow God. When we understand all that God has done for us it should lead us to worship Him. We should be motivated to love and serve Him with all that we have. It’s an every day commitment to die to self and live for Christ. We are often more willing to give gifts to God than to give ourselves fully to Him. God wants us not our things.

What motivates us and gets us going? Is it money, power or fame? On today’s edition of Voice of Faith, Pastor Ed will teach us that it is God’s mercy that should motivate us. When we are believers there are so many things for us to be thankful for each day. Think about how our lives could have been. If we were not under God’s mercy where would we be today? By God’s mercy He has protected us from our greatest enemy. That truth should motivate us to live for Him each day.

Are we happy with our lives? Where does our happiness come from? In today’s teaching, Pastor Ed will warn us that if we try to find happiness in the things of this world we will be disappointed. This world will not fill the emptiness of our souls. We may be blessed with a good family, friends and job, but it’s not a lasting joy. Only Christ can fill us with true happiness that is eternal. Don’t make a tragic mistake trying to find happiness in things or successes, but find it in following Jesus.

What is at the center of our lives? Can we honestly say that Christ is at the center? We live in a world today that can easily distract us from what is most important. In today’s message, Pastor Ed will exhort us to keep Christ at the center of our lives. Even good things like family and friends can become a priority above Christ. Be careful not to allow our self centered culture to manipulate how we as Christians are to live. Look to Jesus and how he lived, that is how we are to live.

What do we focus on during our trials? Do we lean on God’s strength and His promises? As we continue to study the life of Paul we see how he puts his trust in God in the midst of his trials. In today’s teaching, Pastor Ed will exhort us to look for ways to worship God through our difficult circumstances. We must be aware that the devil wants us to resent our trials so he can defeat us. Don’t be overcome by hard circumstances but rely on the power of the Lord.