Gateway Church of Visalia
From Debt to Forgiveness
From Debt to Forgiveness. Matthew 26:26-29 Pastor Lance Ainsworth April 24th and 27th, 2025
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Saturday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Introduction
Matthew 26:26-29 NASB
26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
Past Covenants (Old Testament):
From dust to dominion. Adam
From corruption to righteousness. Noah
From wandering to purpose. Abraham
From bondage to freedom. Moses
From independent to dependent. David
From dust to dominion. Adam
From corruption to righteousness. Noah
From wandering to purpose. Abraham
From bondage to freedom. Moses
From independent to dependent. David
A New Covenant (New Testament):
From Death to Life.
From Debt to Forgiveness.
From Death to Life.
From Debt to Forgiveness.
Repaying a forgiven debt is like trying to earn a gift—it misunderstands both the giver and the gift.
Colossians 2:13-14 NASB
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
When we try to earn what’s already been given through the cross, we miss the fullness of Christ’s grace.
The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin. God knows your sin but calls you by your name.
Love inspired forgiveness, and love is what flows from it.
What certificate of debt are you still carrying around?
From Debt to Forgiveness.
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Matt. 26:26-29
April 24th & 27th, 2025
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: When did you need and receive forgiveness in your life from another person?
Read Aloud: Matt. 26:26-29
1. What do we learn about God’s character from the five Old Testament Covenants? (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David)
2. v.28 “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Do you see your sins as forgiven/paid for? Do you struggle with the idea of receiving such an extravagant gift?
3. Col. 2:14 “having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Do you agree with this statement “When we try to earn what’s already been given through the cross, we miss the fullness of Christ’s grace?” How does receiving God’s gift of forgiveness motivate us towards love for Jesus?
4. How does the power of the cross continually offer forgiveness?
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Matt. 26:26-29
April 24th & 27th, 2025
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: When did you need and receive forgiveness in your life from another person?
Read Aloud: Matt. 26:26-29
1. What do we learn about God’s character from the five Old Testament Covenants? (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David)
2. v.28 “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Do you see your sins as forgiven/paid for? Do you struggle with the idea of receiving such an extravagant gift?
3. Col. 2:14 “having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Do you agree with this statement “When we try to earn what’s already been given through the cross, we miss the fullness of Christ’s grace?” How does receiving God’s gift of forgiveness motivate us towards love for Jesus?
4. How does the power of the cross continually offer forgiveness?