Intro: Colossians 1:13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness
Rescued Greek Erry-Sáto: snatch someone out of danger, child stepping out into the street.
and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves
Not only saved from something, you are saved to something.
You are a citizen of a brand-new Kingdom, now you need to be integrated (refugees). So what is this Kingdom all about? Learn language, value system. Become ambassadors.
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Vertical and horizontal forgiveness (the shape of the cross).
• The Perspective That Releases Forgiveness
Peter: “How many times do I have to?” (Peter’s backstory?)
Matt 18:23-30 NKJV
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.”
10,000 talents – 100 denarii
(One day’s wages) – 1 denarius (silver coin)
1 talent = 6,000 denarii
1 denarius = $154.64/day (2021 avg U.S. daily wage)
1 talent (= 154.64 x 6,000) = $927,840
6,000 talents = $9 billion, 278 million, 400 thousand
$15,464
• The Pride That Kills Forgiveness
Pride robs you of blessing.
1 John 1:9-10 NKJV
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
• The Peace Found in Forgiveness
Pic Sara back then
Pic Sara now – married
• The Power Unleashed Through Forgiveness
Pic ISIS image—2015—“People of the Cross”
Pic Egypt—miracle unlocked by power of forgiveness