October 18, 2010

Forgiveness
Written by Joe Gibbs

Lastly, I want to share something with you that I've been studying recently. In Matthew 27, Judas has turned over Jesus. When you think about this, there is no greater sin. Judas has said to the chief priests and elders, I'm going to turn Jesus over to you and you can crucify him. Then Judas goes and receives his 30 pieces of silver and realizes what a sin he has committed. He tries to give the money back but they don't want it back and ask him to leave. At one point in this story, Judas is standing before Jesus as the chief priests and elders take him to be crucified. Jesus says to him, "Where for art thou come?" Even at this point, Judas had an opportunity to ask for forgiveness. Isn't that marvelous, that no matter what our sins are--we have the ability to ask forgiveness. Think about the thief on the cross--Jesus says to him that he will see him in heaven. No matter what we've done, God can forgive us.

So, I say to everyone out there, just as a I said to the prisoners at Turbeville, we serve a God of second chances. There's nothing you've done that God can't forgive. Look at David--sex sins, murder, lying, etc. He committed almost every sin you ever could yet he threw himself at God's feet. God saw what was on his heart and said this is a man after my own heart. So, if you're wondering out there if God can forgive you for your past, the answer is yes. God sent his only Son to die on a cross for our sins and if you trust what Christ did on the cross and ask God to forgive your sins and be your Lord and personal Savior--he will enter your life.