Forgiveness on SermonAudio

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-8 Psalters: 72 283:1,2 152 83 233:4,5,6 420:5

Our human tendency is to put certain successful, prominent people up on pedestals, only to discover that they are flawed individuals. Those who listed in the "Saints Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 were spiritually flawed. All of them were sinners in need of a Savior! In this message entitled the "Hodge Podge" of Faith, we consider the rest of those listed in Hebrews 11, both the individuals and their exploits of faith. Some of them were example of Triumphant Faith when God responds positively to their impossible situations and brings about their deliverance. Some listed we might not include in our list of faithful men and women. They are not included because of their weaknesses, but because of their faith in God. God honors faith. But some were also examples of Struggling Faith. Those times when God chooses not to deliver from their dire situations or problems but instead He gives power to see His people through their problems. All of the Old Testament saints, whether triumphant or suffering, received a good report card from God! They were honored for their faith. But what they did not receive was the promise, the ultimate promise of the Redeemer and salvation through Him. God has provided for us something better, that being the ultimate fulfillment of the promise in the person of Jesus Christ!

Love for Christ grows in proportion to how deeply we grasp his grace. Simon the Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, shows coldness toward Jesus, while the sinful woman—aware of her great need—lavishly loves him. Jesus' parable of the two debtors reveals that all are spiritually bankrupt, and only those who know they've been forgiven much respond with gratitude and worship: grace given, forgiveness received, love expressed.