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An Unpayable Debt and Obligation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe stand before Him in penniless insolvency with empty pockets and hands, having nothing with which to pay our debt. No justification on our part will clear us, yet this recognition of our deep insolvency is necessary if we expect to be forgiven and desire to be like Him. If we are to pay, we must pay it all; if He will forgive, we must let Him forgive it all on His terms. Choosing forgiveness puts us under obligation to the One who pays our otherwise unpayable debt. Jesus draws a direct correlation between acts of love directed toward Him and the recognition of the enormity of the forgiven sins, contrasting this with the payment made to remove our indebtedness. We are obligated to love Him, and if this recognition is strong, we are virtually driven to do so, grasping the enormity of what we have been saved from and the tremendous value of what we are now free to pursue. The person who knows he has been forgiven much feels more strongly obliged to the One who paid his debt than one who thinks his indebtedness and forgiveness are of little consequence. The one forgiven of much feels obligated to live the way his Redeemer instructs. Jesus teaches that those most conscious of forgiveness will be the most fruitful in love. The depth, fervor, and growth of our response depend largely on the clarity of our consciousness of this contrast. A person less gifted but more aware of his obligation to Christ will be more motivated to act in accordance with this recognition.
An Incredible Debt
Sermonette by Ryan McClureBecause all people have sinned, we must all emulate the gratitude displayed by the woman who sacrificed the expensive alabaster bottle of fragrance for Christ.
Parable of the Two Debtors
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJust as we have been forgiven a huge, unpayable debt, so must we extend forgiveness to those who owe us, showing that we appreciate what has been done for us.
Debt and Obligation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live in a time when people have acquired a weak sense of obligation to family, society, or nation. Because sin cannot be undone, all are debtors to God.
Forgiveness and Forgiving
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod offered His Son to pay our penalties even before we realized the need for Him, and He wants us to acknowledge His Son's sacrifice, and confess our sins.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus teaches us how to deal with offenses and sins against us in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.
Sins in the Balance (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Bible is full of commands to forgive and examples of forgiveness, and none of them stipulates that we wait for the sinner to repent before we forgive.
God's Enduring Mercy
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamOur hearts may overflow with compassion for someone in need, and it could be in our power to help, but if we take no positive action, what good is it?
Mercy
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMercy is an important dimension of God's character, displayed by our compassion on and forgiveness of those over whom we have power.
The Prisoner
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del CastilloWe tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness.
God Always Defaults in Mercy
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaAs we strive to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect, we should be as merciful as Our Heavenly Father, making mercy our default.
Passover, Obligation, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChrist's redemption obligates us to obey and serve Him. We show our gratitude for this priceless gift by doing good in acts of love and service to others.
Atonement: Physical and Spiritual Cleansing
Sermonette by Ryan McClurePhysical fasting provides insights to a parallel spiritual process of cleansing and removal of sin. Our High Priest commands us to let go to lighten our burden.
Forgiveness and the Perpetual Covenant of Peace
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIt is commonly thought that we pay no price for forgiveness, yet Scripture shows that God gives us significant responsibilities to be a part of His family.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride destroys relationships, rendering righteous judgment next to impossible. Self-righteousness (a product of pride) makes an idol out of self.
Potential for Good
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe chief tool we can use to do good (building positive relationships between other people) is to develop and exercise the mind of God within us.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.