MESSAGE FROM SUNDAY AUGUST 30, 2026

The Lord’s Prayer

(An outline of today’s message)

The Lord’s Prayer originated two thousand years ago when Peter asked Jesus to teach us to pray.

The focus today is on Jesus’ inclusion of forgiveness in his response to Peter.

1. Forgive us our sins (trespasses, debts, transgressions) . . .

To ask for forgiveness requires several understandings:

-admission of our guilt

-remorse over sin

-resolve to reject that sin

-humility before God

2 Samuel 12:13   -David admits and realizes his sin is against the Lord

See also Psalm 51:1-4

John 5:24                     -Faith overthrows judgment

Also John 3:16-21

2. . . . as we forgive those who sin against us.

            Matthew 6:14-15

-It appears that there is more to our forgiveness than just saying we believe.

Read Matthew: 18:23-25

-This forgiveness is much harder than asking God to forgive me.

Minor offenses are hard enough:

• Feeling slighted, overlooked, neglected;
• Jests taken too seriously;
• No one cares;
• Pastor never calls;
• etc.

Major offenses are all-consuming:

• Abuse – physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, financial, even murder.

How can we forgive these perpetrators?

FIRST we must visualize them as souls in need of salvation through forgiveness in Jesus’ name, and we must pray for their salvation “continually”.

SECOND we must begin to call on the Lord for strength.

THIRD we must act with grace towards our enemy, seeking their welfare.

Why does God insist on us forgiving others?

A better question is    . . .

If we have received so great a mercy to overcome judgment on ourselves, how can we deny mercy to others?

A FEW SCRIPTURE VERSES TO FOLLOW UP WITH . . .

1 Peter 5:7 cast your care on Him, He cares for you

Matthew 11:28-30 my yoke is easy, my burden is light

James 2:13 Judgment versus mercy

James 2:14-26 Faith without works

WHEN I FORGIVE I SET A PRISONER FREE, THEN I FIND OUT THAT PRISONER WAS ME

LET JESUS HELP SET YOU FREE

Cecil Cockram