Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Forgiveness
Subject: Forgiveness
Yahweh Remembers
The book of Zechariah was written after the return of the remnant from captivity. The temple was only half built, and the prophet encouraged the people to complete the task.
The name Zechariah is significant. The Hebrew name means “Yahweh remembers” or “Yahweh has remembered.” What we know is that even through such a strong chastisement of the people (the captivity), God was always aware of the covenant He had with the people of Israel. He had promised the Messiah would come to them, and the captivity and destruction of the temple had not changed His intent. As Zechariah said, “The Lord has been very angry with your fathers” (1:2). However, it was the Lord’s intent to reconcile with his people.
Note these words, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of Hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Turn now from evil ways and your evil deeds.’” But they did not hear nor heed me,’ says the Lord” (1:3-4).
A lesson for us today. Our acceptance by God is conditioned upon our hearing and heeding His appeals. If we will return to God, be assured He is waiting and willing to receive us! (cf. 1 John 1:9).
Forgiveness
Paul wrote about our reconciliation in Romans 5. That reconciliation is accomplished through the grace extended by God as a demonstration of His love for man. It was that love that compelled God to send His son to die for us. In order for reconciliation to come, it was necessary for us to be justified through His blood, and forgiven by God. “And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (5:11).
Love can and should be expressed in a myriad of ways. One such expression (in reflecting God Himself) is through forgiveness. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Forgiveness is an action (deed) that comes naturally toward those we love. Less naturally, to strangers or enemies. This difference is explained through that link between forgiveness and love. As God is our supreme example, the Christian should be more gracious and expansive in his willingness to forgive. “We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:19-21). Continue reading “Forgiveness”
Sermon: Forgive the Offender
The apostle reveals the primary purpose of church discipline (to save the soul) in 2 Corinthians 2:3-11).
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:12-15
Here Paul established the basis of his standing before God. It was not his merit. His salvation came despite his condition as a sinner. He described his pre-conversion life and person by writing he was a blasphemer, persecutor, insolent, and ignorant. In fact, he wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (vs 15).
Despite Paul’s shortcomings and sin, Jesus Christ chose him to be an apostle. It is understandable that Paul would state that the grace of the Lord (freely given gift) was “exceedingly abundant” toward him.
The phrase, “because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” Does indicate the good conscience of Paul (cf. Acts 23:1), but good intentions do not equal acceptance. Paul had to do what everyone has to do to receive that grace from God. (We can read from Acts 9 and Acts 22 to see what that was).
God grants second chances (and more) to the penitent and honest individuals who want to change and serve him. If he did it for Paul (chief among sinners), he will do it for anyone.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11
The text here consists of two main points. The first is that Paul determined to deal with the issues with the Corinthians through writing them, instead of coming personally. Most probably he thought the letter would be a more advantageous way to bring them to repentance, and joy. They were at present at odds because of their carnality, but he wanted to be joyful, and for them to be joyful so he wrote them with “much affliction and anguish of heart,… with many tears” (4).
The second point is regarding the call to withdraw from an immoral man in 1 Corinthians 5. They had done so, which had led to sorrow and repentance on his part. Now, rather than continuing the punishment, Paul encouraged the church to take him back and comfort him, as it is possible for such sorrow to eventually be destructive.
To forgive is the responsibility of the church, based upon the repentance, and was also done by Paul. His reason? “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Freedom in Christ
Freedom in Christ is freedom from the bondage of sin, and all that goes along with it. When we are redeemed by Christ’s blood, our burden becomes light, and our destiny is immortality in the presence of the Almighty.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermons: And Such Were Some of You
Ian Tilley discusses the state of sin as men transgress God’s laws, and assures that no matter the sin, forgiveness is possible for all.
Sermon: Forgiveness
Speaker: Josh Cox
The lesson uses the text of 2 Corinthians to explain aspects of the concept of forgiveness.
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The Fragrance of Christ
In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul poetically refers to the knowledge of Christ (which he preached) as a fragrance. He wrote, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (15).
It is interesting to note that in the NKJV the word “fragrance” is used in verses 14 and 15. But, the word “aroma” is used in verse 16. These are two similar, but different Greek words.
“Fragrance” comes from the Greek (euodia) and refers to a sweet or good scent. The KJV translates it “sweet savour.”
However, “aroma” is from the Greek (osme), and simply means a smell or odor. The KJV translates it “savour.” Why the difference?
Verses 14 and 15 refer to the objective reality. The gospel of Jesus Christ is sweet. It is good. There is no disputing this truth. Jesus died on the cross for mankind. His death was an expression of God’s grace, and love toward man.
Verse 16 refers to the subjective perception individuals have about the gospel of Christ. “To the one [those who are perishing] we are the aroma of death [a stench] leading to death, and to the other [those who are being saved] the aroma of life [a sweet scent] leading to life.”
The good news of the gospel is a sweet smell. But, the most important question is, “How does it smell to you?”
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Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
Sermon: Psalm 80
Preacher: Justin Carrell.
This analysis of Psalm 80 emphasizes the Psalmists appeal to God for forgiveness and renewal.
The Patternists: Walking in the Light
In 1 John 1:7-9, John gives us a wonderful promise. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Our question, since the promise is that God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness, is, “What does it mean to walk in the light?” John gives us some idea of that in his phrase, “as He is in the light.”
Sermon: Spring Meeting, 2021 with JR Bronger
JR Bronger from Blue Springs, MO preached a wonderful series of gospel sermons for the West Side congregation, May 1-6, 2021:
Saturday PM: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)
- A discussion of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. A religious terrorist who became a wonderful example of the saving power of God’s grace.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday 1st Service: Evangelizing the World
- In the first century, Christians were able to spread the gospel throughout the known world, despite opposition and challenges. If we have the same mindset today, we can be just as successful!
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday Class: Successful Marriages
- Foundational teaching on the subject of marriage. Principles which, if followed, will guarantee strong marriages existing in accord with God’s desire.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday 2nd Service: The Hate of Christ and Christians
- The world hated Jesus Christ because of His mission and righteousness. He promised that the world would hate his followers as well. In our day such hate is prominent.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Monday PM: Christians Are Running a Race
- A runner himself, brother Bronger uses the Hebrew writer’s imagery in Hebrews 12:1-2 to establish a few important truths regarding the race the Christian runs.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Tuesday PM: A Rebel Returns
- A powerful lesson on rebellion and redemption, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Young people need to hear this message!
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Wednesday PM: Do You Want to be Made Well?
- If you really wish for spiritual healing, you must stop thinking of yourself as a victim, stop blaming others for your failings, free yourself from fear and recognize the difference between wanting relief, and wanting a cure.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Thursday PM: Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
- There were three responsible parties in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. God Himself with His demands. The wicked court magicians. And most prominently, Pharaoh himself.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Conveyed into the Kingdom
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).
WHO? God. He is the one to whom we owe our inclusion in the kingdom. It was God’s intention from before the world began to redeem us through the sacrifice of His Son (cf. Ephesians 1:3-6).
WHAT? Conveyed. The word is defined by Thayer: “to transpose, transfer, remove from one place to another.” It is otherwise rendered “translated” (KJV), and “transferred” (ESV). Being in the kingdom separates the Christian from all others. He is granted all the privileges of citizenship.
WHEN? Already. Note the word conveyed is in the past tense. Those who are Christians are already in the kingdom. That means that the kingdom is already in existence. Those who believe it is yet to be established are wrong.
WHERE? The kingdom of Christ. The bondage of sin puts us into the domain of the wicked one. However, to be in the kingdom of Christ removes us from the reach of the Devil. We belong to the Lord. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). So long as we are citizens in good standing, the Devil can’t touch us.
WHY? Why are we in the kingdom? Because we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ! Any who respond in faith to the gospel of the Lord are automatically worthy of citizenship in the Kingdom of God! Christ died for all, and is the Savior of those who believe! Have you believed the gospel Christ?
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Sermon: Lessons from a Wayward Son
In the parable of the prodigal son, (Luke 15), an examination is made of the motivation and actions of the son which led to his return to his father. Applications are made.
