Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Christlikeness; Grace; Imitation of Christ; Love; Mercy; Pardon; Reconciliation; Relationships References: Matthew 5:43–48; 6:14–15; 18:21–35; Luke 6:27–36 Mandisa Hundley, a gospel singer, was one of the twelve finalists on American Idol. When she met with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson to find out if she had made it through to the … Continue reading “FORGIVING
SIMON”

Topics: Bitterness; Forgiveness; God’s Love; Resentment Reference: Matthew 18:21–35 A traveler was making his way with a guide through the jungles of Burma. They came to a shallow, wide river and waded through it to the other side. When the traveler came out of the river, numerous leeches were on his torso and legs. His … Continue reading “LOSING
THE LEECHES”

Topics: Anger; Forgiveness; Mistakes; Relationships; Stress References: Psalm 25:11; 32:1–2; Matthew 6:12–15; 18:21–35; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; Acts 2:38–39; Colossians 3:13 According to a 2001 study of 1,423 adults by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research: •     52 percent of those surveyed have forgiven others for past transgressions •     75 percent believe they have been … Continue reading “WHOM
WE FORGIVE”

Topics: Compassion; Consequences; Foolishness; Forgiveness; Grace; Mercy; Pardon; Suffering; Values; Youth References: Matthew 18:21–35; Romans 12:14–21; Galatians 6:1–10; Colossians 3:12–14 Victoria Ruvolo, forty-five, of Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, was driving to her niece’s voice recital when she passed a car driven by Ryan Cushing, nineteen. Cushing was with five other teens and had just used … Continue reading “VICTIM
OF THROWN TURKEY”

Topics: Character; Forgiveness; Guilt; Motives; Pardon; Redemption; Regret; Self-centeredness; Shame; Sin; Values References: Psalm 39:6; Isaiah 45:13; 55:1–2; Colossians 3:12–13 Upon the death of Pope John Paul II, Rogers Cadenhead, a self-described “domain hoarder,” registered www.BenedictXVI.com before the new pope’s name was announced. Cadenhead had the name before Rome knew it was needed. The right … Continue reading “ABSOLUTION
FOR A WEEK”

Topics: Apology; Confession; Forgiveness; Meditation; Pardon; Quiet Time; Reconciliation; Sin References: Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Acts 3:19; Hebrews 10:22; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9 When I left for college, my mother—who had always done my laundry—made a canvas duffel bag for me. “Put your dirty clothes in this every night,” she said. “At the end … Continue reading “LAUNDERING
EACH SIN”

Topics: Depression; Evangelism; Excuses; Witnessing References: Matthew 28:19–20; John 14:6–7; Colossians 4:3–6; 1 Peter 3:15 My job as a psychiatric nurse brought me in touch with many people who were searching for answers to problems in their lives. I knew that Jesus was the answer, but I couldn’t bring myself to talk to them about … Continue reading “WANDA’S
LEGACY”

Topics: Courage; Forgiveness; Freedom; Grace; Healing; Mercy References: Matthew 6:14–15; 18:21–35; Colossians 3:12–15 For two decades, Wayne Messmer, forty-nine, was an announcer and singer for sports teams in the Windy City. After singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Chicago Blackhawks game in 1994, Messmer was shot by two teenage boys. The bullet passed through the … Continue reading “FORGIVING
HIS SHOOTER”

Topics: Hatred; Love; Unity References: Matthew 25:31–46; 1 John 4:20–21 Sally took a seminary class taught by Professor Smith, who was known for his object lessons. One day, Sally walked into class to find a large target placed on the wall and several darts on a nearby table. Professor Smith told the students to draw … Continue reading “THROWING
DARTS AT THE ENEMY”

Topics: Forgiveness; Grace; Hatred; Love for Enemies; Racism; Violence References: Matthew 5:38–48; Luke 23:34 A South African woman stood in an emotionally charged courtroom listening to white police officers acknowledge the atrocities they had perpetrated in the name of apartheid. Officer van de Broek acknowledged his responsibility in the death of her son. Along with … Continue reading “JUDGING
APARTHEID ATROCITIES”