FBCWF

How Do I Forgive?

Ephesians 4:31-32

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • April 27, 2025

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For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.

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1. Lift them to God.

You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:43-44 (NASB)

“Forgiveness is not about my determination, but about my cooperation with God.”

Lysa Terkeurst

2. Leave them with God.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Romans 12:18-19 (NASB)

“Forgive and Forget” is not in the Bible.

3. Love them through God.

BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:20-21 (NASB)

‘To the person who stole my bike. You really hurt my feelings when you took my bike. But I am a Christian and because Jesus forgave me, I forgive you.”

How Can I Experience Forgiveness?

Luke 24:13-34

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • April 20, 2025

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For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.

To give, click here.

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1. Forgiveness denied.

• When we think Jesus is only a religious teacher.

• When we think Jesus came to give us an easy life.

• When we refuse to believe the truth of scripture.

Basic problem: Fans but not followers.

2. Forgiveness delivered.

Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

Luke 24:27 (NASB95)

• Creation – “Where did we come from?”

• Fall – “What went wrong?”

The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.

Genesis 6:5-6 (NLT)

• Redemption – “How can it be fixed?”

“Substitutionary Atonement.”

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 (NIV)

He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

Romans 4:25 (NASB95)

• Restoration – “Is there hope for the future?”

Today's Message:

Pardoned - Matthew 18:21-35

Dr. Bob McCartney • April 13th, 2025

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For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.

To give, click here.

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1. Stop setting limitations on forgiveness.

a. The Hurt is too big.

b. I need more time.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

Hebrews 12:15 (NASB95)

c. They aren’t really sorry.

d. They’ll just do it again.

2. See your great need for forgiveness.

“Until you see the seriousness of your sin, you will never grasp the greatness of His grace.”

3. Start practicing authentic forgiveness.

a. Unforgiveness leaves shattered relationships.

b. We lose the respect of others.

c. We experience the displeasure of our King.

For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Matthew 6:14–15 (NASB95)

Today's Message:

Tough Love: Is It Pointless to Serve God? - Malachi 3:13-4:3

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For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.

To give, click here.

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1. Don’t give in to cynicism.

For I was envious of the arrogant, As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For there are no pains in their death; And their body is fat.

They are not in trouble as other men; Nor are they plagued like mankind.

Psalm 73:3–5 (NASB)

1. Remember God never forgets.

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

Revelation 13:8 (NASB95)

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

You have taken account of my miseries; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

Psalm 56:8 (NASB 2020)

1. God does not ignore sin, but He is patient.

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”

Romans 2:5–6 (NIV84)

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (NASB95)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV84)