To 160 th Ave Church of Christ S.R.: 2 Tim. 2:15

Phil. 3:12-14

Getting over the past  Many people struggle to leave the past behind. Even when hearing about baptism and the forgiveness offered in prayer “Why can’t I get past this?” “Why can’t I leave these things behind?” It’s like a bad dream they are stuck in.

Why Some don’t feel forgiven:  Because they aren’t. Harboring sin. Not dealing with their sin. Try to Run/forget past mistakes  To be forgiven: Stop denying, making excuses (1 John 1:8) Start repenting (Acts 8:22- Simon) Confess sins in prayer (1 John 1:9)- Be specific.

Being Specific About sin  Rather than completely Generic  Specific Confession: Lord, I fell to lust… Lord, forgive me for giving into my temper.. Lord, I gossiped about my neighbor…  WE must take sin seriously

Our Image of God  Forgiveness is not something we deserve We did not initially deserve salvation God is gracious  See that God wants to forgive us!!!! Ex. 34:6 (God’s description of himself) Psalm 103:2-3,8

Our Image of God  Forgiveness is not something we deserve  God WANTS to forgive us!!!! Ex. 34:6 (God’s description of himself) Psalm 103:2-3,8 Luke 15:20 Zechariah 3:1-5

 “The Devil put a horror picture poster in the movie theater window. But in reality what is playing is a story of a father’s love.”

Our Image of God  Forgiveness is not something we deserve  God WANTS to forgive us!!!! Ex. 34:6 (God’s description of himself) Psalm 103:2-3,8 Luke 15:20 Zechariah 3:1-5 Hebrews 8:12 (God forgets completely)  “Are you sure God will forgive you?” “It’s God’s Job” This is God’s desire!!!

Accepting a New Identity  What is my identity in Jesus Christ? “Wretched sinners who are forgiven” or “Saints who sometimes sin.”  A positive portrayal of the Christian’s Identity Col. 3:9-10 Rom. 6:4-6

Accepting a New Identity  The term sinner in the NT is used almost exclusively for those who do not know God Rom. 5:8  We must see ourselves the way God sees us Not as: ○ Wretched sinner ○ Miserable offender But as: ○ A new creature in Christ ○ Christian ○ A Child of God

Stand on the Word of God  Jesus defeated Satan this way (Matt. 4)  Standing on the Promises of God Isa. 1:18 (white like wool) Micah 7: John 1:5-9  Do we believe that God will do what he says he will do? Ex. “the door”  Forgiving ourselves? God is the only one who forgives We must trust his forgiveness