Forgive Them

A. We are focusing on the cross as we’re nearing the resurrection.

1. As we think about revival, our revival, the New Testament church is our example.

2. The cross and the resurrection was the message of the early church.

B. As we are approaching the cross we have...

1. The trial… the scourging… the crown of thorns

2. The crucifixion itself

Luke 23:34 NKJV

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Jesus Prayed … “Father”

A. At that desperate time on the cross, Jesus prayed.

B. Many have become complacent about the seriousness of the hour.

1. This age is filled with the signs of the times.

2. The prophetic program of the ages is unfolding.

3. The nuclear threat is still hanging over our heads twenty-fours hours a day.

4. Whether we realize it or not, our time is running out.

C. It’s time to pray

D. Prayer is always the foundation of revival.

1. Moody: “Every great work of God can be traced to a kneeling figure”

2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2. I’m calling us to prayer. To pray for a work of God in our midst. To pray for miracles.

3. How about we start with this prayer, “God, please do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.” How did Jesus begin?...

He Prayed a Prayer of Forgiveness … “forgive”

Luke 23:34 NKJV

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

A. What a good word it is!

B. Isn’t it great that our record can be made clean?

C. This was the message of the New Testament church.

D. Joseph Parker (19th century English Congregational minister): “I have a wonderful message if only I could find a sinner” I believe we don’t have any trouble finding anyone in need of forgiveness.

E. Christ was able to forgive sins, and this amazed His critics.

F. Are you guilty? Here’s good news! Jesus forgives.

A Prayer For the Forgiveness of Those Who Had Wronged Him … “forgive them”

Luke 23:34 NKJV

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

A. “Then...” The first and connecting word. Jesus had just been hung on the cross… “Then”

B. The greatest roadblock to revival is the lack of forgiveness among the people of God.

Old grudges… nursing old hurts… malice

The church is crippled by petty grievances.

C. This places barriers between believers

D. But not one of us has been wronged as Jesus was wronged. But He forgave!

E. You can forgive! You must forgive! Will You?

Conclusion:

A. Come to the cross!

B. The call to forgiveness

Since He forgave, we must forgive.

We can forgive because we have been forgiven.