Message Notes for January 21, 2024

Series: Access Granted

Title: The Open Door of Forgiveness

Personal Notes:

Romans 3:23-25 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

1 John 1:8-9 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Jesus was a bringer of grace.

Mark 1:15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

The story of Legion– Mark 5:1-20

The woman caught in adultery – John 8:1- 11

The Rich Fool – Luke 12:13-21

The Lost Son – Luke 15:11-31

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of January 21, 2024

Series: Access Granted

Title: The Open Door of Forgiveness

· Share a time in your life where you needed forgiveness from someone. How hard was it to ask for forgiveness or to say you were sorry? Why is that? How did it feel to be forgiven? Did the relationship change? How did it change access to each other?

· Jesus says that He is the Way, Truth, and the Life. What is the risk of excusing our sin or even re-making our sin to be what is acceptable to us and others?

· Read 1 John 1:5-10. What does Jesus want you to know about himself and sin in this passage? What are the risks raised in denying sin? What is the solution for sin? What is the gift God is giving to us when we acknowledge our sin and come to Jesus?

· Read Mark 1: 14-15. What is Jesus saying in this passage? Where is the Kingdom of God (Jesus) for you at any given moment? What are two things Jesus asked us to do? Why are these two things important in order to have a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus? Why is believing in what God has for us important to repent well?

· Read John 8:1-11. How would you describe the character of Jesus in this passage? How does His character change the direction of the accusers? How does his character change the direction of the women? How would you want to be treated in your sin?

· Read the book of Jonah. What was God asking Jonah to do? What was going on in Jonah’s heart for the people of Ninevah? How can we have a “Jonah heart” for those we don’t agree with? What must change in us? What does Jonah absolutely know about God and His love for people and second changes?

· What was your greatest learning in this study? How will you live differently?

· Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other as you seek to live with the heart of Jesus and the open door to others.