The Authority of Forgive Sins
Forgiveness is a very nuanced concept. The normal way we tend to use it in our day-to-day speech is to overlook some offense — this time. It is similar to a pardon in the sense that you’re still guilty, you are just not enduring the consequences of your offense.
As we’ve learned previously, the Greek word used is “aphiemi” (transliteration) and it carries more significance than our English/American meaning. Aphiemi instead means to release or take away — to make it as if it were never there. And we, through Christ, have been authorized to grant this aphiemi to one another.
Learn more about it in today’s sermon which is based on text from Matthew 9,
And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing[a] their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Click here for this week’s bulletin or scroll past the Announcements to view it.
Announcements
Our doors are open. We are holding the Divine Service again and it is a delight to see familiar faces. Please come prepared with a face mask or covering and new rules to follow. There will NOT be Sunday School but we will continue to hold the Divine Service at 11 am. You can read the full policy here. Another post covers the highlights.
Voters Meeting. There is a scheduled Voters Meeting for TODAY –Sunday, October 18 at 4 pm. Please contact Pastor or Milton for the Zoom information.
Wednesday Bible Study – RESUMES THIS WEEK. Please join us via Zoom at 7 pm. Contact Pastor Jenson or Milton for the Zoom information.
Donations: Unfortunately the expenses go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James Post office box as that is a secure location.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.