A FORGIVING COMMUNITY 4 August 2018 Cynthia Tay

A FORGIVING COMMUNITY 4 August 2018 Cynthia Tay

1. God is merciful. He forgives us all our sins because Christ died for us

2. As we receive mercy, we are to be merciful. As God in Christ forgave us, we are commanded to forgive one another.

3. The choice is ours To forgive or not to forgive

4. The example of Stephen A man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit Acts 6: 3

4. The example of Stephen “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God” Acts 7: 56

4. The example of Stephen As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ”Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. ” Acts 7: 59

4. The example of Stephen And falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ”Lord, do not hold this sin against them. ” Acts 7: 60

4. The example of Jesus “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” Luke 23: 34

4. The example of Jesus “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. ” Luke 23: 46

4. The example of Jesus For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2: 21

4. The example of Jesus He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 1 Peter 2: 22

4. The example of Jesus When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2: 23

4. The example of Jesus He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2: 24

4. The example of Jesus For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. ” 1 Peter 2: 25