Forgiveness Revival
Mercy Culture Church | Senior Lead Pastor Landon Schott
0 Likes
0 Views
93 Cards
47 min read
Pinned
If you would like to learn more about our culture, how you connect with God, get plugged into community and begin your journey to encountering God daily, MC Connect is your next step!
Text CONNECT to 59090 or visit mercyculture.com/connect
Text CONNECT to 59090 or visit mercyculture.com/connect
Welcome to Mercy Culture Church! We are so excited you're here.
Text NEW to 59090 so we can connect with you.
For everyone that texts NEW, we will donate $10 to The Justice Reform, an organization that is answering the cry for justice by bringing reformation from city to city.
Text NEW to 59090 so we can connect with you.
For everyone that texts NEW, we will donate $10 to The Justice Reform, an organization that is answering the cry for justice by bringing reformation from city to city.
We run because every step has a purpose. Sex trafficking is a billion-dollar industry that preys on the vulnerable, but together we can push back against it. When we lace up our shoes and hit the pavement, we’re not just running for ourselves—we’re running for women who deserve freedom, safety, and a future filled with hope. Every mile we cover helps raise awareness and funds to support women breaking free from trafficking.
Join us, and let’s run with purpose, run with passion, and run for freedom!
This weekend only:
15% off Fort Worth and Austin Justice Run when you use the code JUSTICE at checkout.
Text RUN to 59090 or visit justicerun.com for more information.
Join us, and let’s run with purpose, run with passion, and run for freedom!
This weekend only:
15% off Fort Worth and Austin Justice Run when you use the code JUSTICE at checkout.
Text RUN to 59090 or visit justicerun.com for more information.
Cards
Luke 15:11-24
BSB
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons.
12 The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living.
14 After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.
16 He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing.
17 Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death!
18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
21 The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’
22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
12 The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living.
14 After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.
15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs.
16 He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing.
17 Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death!
18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’
20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
21 The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’
22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
BSB
We’re in a forgiveness revival!
Biblical forgiveness means releasing debt, guilt, or offense and restoring relationship through mercy.
Hebrew: נָשָׂא (Nasa) = To lift, carry, take away guilt
Hebrew: סָלַח (Salach) = To forgive, pardon
Hebrew: כָּפַר (Kaphar) = To cover, to atone
Yom Kippur — "The Day of Atonement”
Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Once a year, Israel’s high priest entered the Holy of Holies and sprinkled blood on the mercy seat to cover the people’s sins (Leviticus 16). It reminded them that sin always requires a sacrifice, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. But in Hebrews 9, Jesus is shown to be the greater High Priest who entered once for all—not with goats and bulls, but with His own blood—securing eternal redemption. Yom Kippur was the shadow; the cross is the substance.
This year, Yom Kippur was observed from sunset on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, until nightfall on Thursday, October 2, 2025
Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Once a year, Israel’s high priest entered the Holy of Holies and sprinkled blood on the mercy seat to cover the people’s sins (Leviticus 16). It reminded them that sin always requires a sacrifice, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. But in Hebrews 9, Jesus is shown to be the greater High Priest who entered once for all—not with goats and bulls, but with His own blood—securing eternal redemption. Yom Kippur was the shadow; the cross is the substance.
This year, Yom Kippur was observed from sunset on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, until nightfall on Thursday, October 2, 2025
Greek: ἀφίημι (Aphiēmi) = To send away, release, let go, forgive
"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you." - Charles Spurgeon
Greek: χαρίζομαι (Charizomai) = To show grace, to graciously forgive
Greek: ἄφεσις (Aphesis) = Total release and freedom
Forgiveness is spiritually letting go!
Colossians 2:13-15
BSB
13 When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,
14 having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
14 having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
BSB
Ephesians 4:32
BSB
32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
BSB
Colossians 3:13
BSB
13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
BSB
1 John 1:9
BSB
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
BSB
Salvation is rooted in receiving God’s forgiveness and extending it to others.
Matthew 18:23-27
BSB
23 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents.
25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
26 Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’
27 His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.
24 As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents.
25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
26 Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’
27 His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.
BSB
Matthew 18:28-30
BSB
28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.
29 So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
30 But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.
BSB
Matthew 18:31-34
BSB
31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master.
32 Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.
33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed.
32 Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.
33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed.
BSB
Matthew 18:35
BSB
35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
BSB
"To forgive freely is the highest exercise of charity; it is to imitate God Himself." - St. John Chrysostom
You are most like Jesus when you are forgiving!
Caution:
There is no Scripture that supports forgiving yourself.
There is no Scripture that supports forgiving yourself.
Question:
Why is forgiveness so hard?
Why is forgiveness so hard?
3 Reasons Christians Struggle With Forgiveness
1. They think it's a one-time event
1. They think it's a one-time event
Forgiveness is a journey.
Matthew 18:21-22
BSB
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!
BSB
3 Reasons Christians Struggle With Forgiveness
1. They think it's a one-time event
2. They do it wrong—"Try to forgive sin"
1. They think it's a one-time event
2. They do it wrong—"Try to forgive sin"
Both sin and people need forgiveness.
Sin = Missing the mark; a violation of God’s standards.
Hebrews 10:11-12
BSB
11 Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
12 But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
BSB
Jesus forgives sin. We forgive people!
1 John 1:9
BSB
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
BSB
Acts 13:38
BSB
38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
BSB
John 1:29
BSB
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
BSB
Colossians 3:13
BSB
13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
BSB
3 Reasons Christians Struggle With Forgiveness
1. They think it's a one-time event
2. They do it wrong—"Try to forgive sin"
3. They think forgiveness means "relationship"
1. They think it's a one-time event
2. They do it wrong—"Try to forgive sin"
3. They think forgiveness means "relationship"
Proverbs 4:23
BSB
23 Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
BSB
Forgiveness is about your relationship with God—not your relationship with them!
Caution:
Forgiveness affects your relationship with God!
Forgiveness affects your relationship with God!
3 Ways Forgiveness Affects Your Relationship with God
1. Forgiveness affects your prayer life "intimacy"
1. Forgiveness affects your prayer life "intimacy"
Mark 11:25
BSB
25 And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well. ”
BSB
1 John 4:20
BSB
20 If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
BSB
Matthew 6:12
BSB
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
BSB
3 Ways Forgiveness Affects Your Relationship with God
1. Forgiveness affects your prayer life "intimacy"
2. Forgiveness affects your healing
1. Forgiveness affects your prayer life "intimacy"
2. Forgiveness affects your healing
Psalm 103:2-3
BSB
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—
3 He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,
3 He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,
BSB
Genesis 45:4-5
BSB
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt!
5 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.
5 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.
BSB
Genesis 50:20-21
BSB
20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
21 Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
21 Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.
BSB
3 Ways Forgiveness Affects Your Relationship with God
1. Forgiveness affects your prayer life "intimacy"
2. Forgiveness affects your healing
3. Forgiveness affects your salvation
1. Forgiveness affects your prayer life "intimacy"
2. Forgiveness affects your healing
3. Forgiveness affects your salvation
Matthew 6:14-15
BSB
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
BSB
Don’t let unforgiveness hinder your relationship with God!
Forgiveness—It's Not Optional
We love mercy, so we show mercy. Forgiveness is for you, not for them. There is no spiritual growth without forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13.)
We love mercy, so we show mercy. Forgiveness is for you, not for them. There is no spiritual growth without forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13.)
When you stop forgiving, you stop spiritually growing!
5 Forgiveness Tests Every Christian Will Face
1. Forgiving your family
1. Forgiving your family
Matthew 13:54-58
BSB
54 Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked.
55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
56 Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?”
57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”
58 And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
56 Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?”
57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”
58 And He did not do many miracles there, because of their unbelief.
BSB
Matthew 12:46-50
BSB
46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him.
47 Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”
48 But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”
49 Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers.
50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
47 Someone told Him, “Look, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to You.”
48 But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”
49 Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers.
50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
BSB
5 Forgiveness Tests Every Christian Will Face
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
Using the Bible to hurt people is witchcraft!
Matthew 16:21-23
BSB
21 From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
23 But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
23 But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
BSB
Church abuse is when submitted people get wounded by bad leaders.
Church hurt is when unsubmitted people get offended by good leaders.
Church hurt is when unsubmitted people get offended by good leaders.
Forgiveness breaks the power of church hurt.
5 Forgiveness Tests Every Christian Will Face
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
3. Forgiving a betrayal
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
3. Forgiving a betrayal
John 13:2-5
BSB
2 The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.
4 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
3 Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.
4 So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
BSB
John 13:11-12
BSB
11 For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?
12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?
BSB
Jesus is on the cross forgiving!
Luke 23:34
BSB
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
BSB
5 Forgiveness Tests Every Christian Will Face
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
3. Forgiving a betrayal
4. Forgiving your enemy
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
3. Forgiving a betrayal
4. Forgiving your enemy
Enemies Today Look Like
- Racism & prejudice
- Political opposition
- Other denominations/churches
- Persecutors of the faith
- Workplace rivals
- Online agitators
- Cultural activists
- Racism & prejudice
- Political opposition
- Other denominations/churches
- Persecutors of the faith
- Workplace rivals
- Online agitators
- Cultural activists
Luke 10:33-34
BSB
33 But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
BSB
John 4:9
BSB
9 “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
BSB
Only forgiveness will heal a racial divide!
Question:
Who is your enemy?
Who is your enemy?
Romans 12:20-21
BSB
20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
BSB
Practical Advice:
Let God deal with His enemies.
Let God deal with His enemies.
5 Forgiveness Tests Every Christian Will Face
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
3. Forgiving a betrayal
4. Forgiving your enemy
5. Forgiving the accuser
1. Forgiving your family
2. Forgiving the Church
3. Forgiving a betrayal
4. Forgiving your enemy
5. Forgiving the accuser
Revelation 12:10
BSB
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God.
BSB
Accusation ends where forgiveness begins!
Luke 23:34
BSB
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
BSB
Forgiveness overcomes the cancel culture of the accuser of the brethren.
Luke 23:34
BSB
34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
BSB
Forgiveness creates spiritual promotion and spiritual authority!
Across history when people forgave each other, God poured out His Spirit.
We’re in a grace for forgiveness!
Luke 15:17
BSB
17 Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death!
BSB
While the prodigal son was still far away, his father ran to him, embraced him, and restored him.
This is the picture of the Father forgiving us!
This is the picture of the Father forgiving us!
Question:
Who are you in the story?
Who are you in the story?
Forgiveness revival is when you’re running after people with the heart of the Father!
We’re in a forgiveness revival—there’s grace to forgive today!
