Forgive Them
Luke 23:35
I. Introduction
A. The Focus on the Cross to Bring Revival
1. The New Testament church our example of revival
2. The cross and resurrection their message
B. Approaching the Cross
1. The trial … the scourging … the crown of thorns
2. The crucifixion itself
3. The first word of Jesus from the cross
II. Body
A. A Prayer … “Father”
1. At that desperate time, Jesus prayed
2. We have become complacent about the seriousness of the hour
a. The sky is filled with storm clouds
b. The prophetic program of the ages is unfolding
c. The nuclear threat twenty-four hours a day
d. Time is running out
3. It’s time to pray
4. Prayer is always the foundation of revival
a. Moody: “Every great work of God can be traced to a kneeling figure”
b. 2 Chronicles 7:14: A revival text that emphasizes prayer
c. Calling churches to prayer
B. A Prayer for Forgiveness … “forgive …”
1. What a good word it is!
2. How good that the record can be made clean
3. This was the message of the New Testament church
4. Joseph Parker: “I have a wonderful message if only I could find a sinner”
5. Christ was able to forgive sins, and this amazed His critics
6. Are you guilty? Here’s good news! Jesus forgives
C. A PRAYER FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF THOSE WHO HAD WRONGED HIM … “forgive them”
1. “Then …” The first and connecting word
2. The greatest roadblock to revival is the lack of forgiveness among the people of God
a. Old grudges … nursing old hurts … malice
b. The church crippled by petty grievances
3. Barriers between believers
4. But not one has been wronged as Jesus was wronged
5. You can forgive! Will you?
III. Conclusion
A. Come to the Cross!
B. The Call to Forgiveness
1. Since He forgave, we must forgive
2. We can forgive because we have been forgiven
Campbell, R. F. (1997). Preach for a year . Kregel Publications.
