Faith and Forgiveness

This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church Los Angeles, March 16, 2025.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV)

We live in a world that often teaches us to hold onto grudges, to nurse our wounds, and to demand retribution. We are told that forgiveness is weakness, that it allows injustice to prevail. But the truth, as revealed in the scriptures, is profoundly different. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness; it is a demonstration of the strength that comes from faith.

The two things that greatly enhance our ability to find peace and overcome life's difficulties are faith and forgiveness; they work together to cause transformative change in our lives.

Scripture

Matthew 18:21-35 NIV [21] Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. [23]  “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. [24] As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. [25] Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. [26]  “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ [27] The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. [28]  “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. [29]  “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ [30]  “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. [31] When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. [32]  “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. [33] Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ [34] In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. [35]  “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Text 

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV [14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

We live in a world that often teaches us to hold onto grudges, to nurse our wounds, and to demand retribution. We are told that forgiveness is weakness, that it allows injustice to prevail. 

But the truth, as revealed in the scriptures, is radically different. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness; it is a demonstration of the strength that comes from faith.

The two things that greatly enhance our ability to find peace and overcome life's difficulties are faith and  forgiveness; they work together to cause a transformative change in our lives.

Faith as the Foundation:

Faith in God, faith in His promises, and faith in His power to heal and restore is our firm foundation. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Life is filled with uncertainties. 

• But, faith in God provides an anchor, a source of stability. When we are faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, our faith in God gives us hope, reminding us that God is still in control and capable of working miracles.

• Knowing that God is our source of strength gives us the power to persevere through difficult times, even when we feel weak and inadequate.

• Faith in God gives us a sense of purpose and meaning, giving our lives direction and grounding us in something greater than ourselves.

• Trusting God provides a level of peace that surpasses understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV says [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As I have said several times before, our faith is not blind. It is rooted in our understanding of God's character: His love, His mercy, and His unwavering commitment to our well-being. When we truly believe that God is in control, that He works all things together for good, we can begin to release the burdens of resentment and anger.

Romans 8:28 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Think about what Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 when He gave His disciples the pattern for prayer

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV [14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

This is a powerful reminder that forgiveness is not optional. It is a requirement for a thriving relationship with God. It’s a reflection of the forgiveness we have received through Christ's sacrifice.

The Burden of Unforgiveness

On the other hand, unforgiveness is a heavy weight. It ties us to the past, poisons our present, and robs us of our future. Unforgiveness breeds bitterness, resentment, and even physical illness. It creates a barrier between us and God, and between us and others.

Jesus told a parable in which he pointed out the consequence of unforgiveness.  Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving, unmerciful servant is in Matthew 18:21-35.  James read it this morning to summarize it; There was a servant, who had been forgiven a huge debt by his master. That servant then refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a small debt. 

The servant’s unforgiving heart revealed a lack of understanding of the mercy he had received.

Here’s what Jesus said at the end of this parable.

Matthew 18:32-35 NIV [32]  “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. [33] Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ [34] In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. [35]  “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother  or sister from your heart.”

Just like the unmerciful servant, holding onto unforgiveness results in our own suffering. We end up trapped by our pain, caught in a loop of negative thoughts and feelings of despair.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness, on the other hand, is liberating. It releases us from the chains of resentment and allows us to move forward. It brings healing to our hearts and restores broken relationships.

Forgiving does not mean condoning wrongdoing. It does not mean forgetting the pain that was inflicted. It means choosing to release the offender from the debt they owe us, just as God has released us from our debt of sin.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV  [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

I know that forgiveness can sometimes be a long journey. In some instances it requires patience, prayer, and sometimes even professional help to fully let go of pain and resentment. Despite the difficulty, forgiveness is possible when guided by God. When we trust in His goodness and grace, we can start to release the burdens that weigh us down, and we can discover the freedom and peace that forgiveness brings.

Let me give you a real world example of forgiveness that has made a tremendous impact on me.  I have talked about it a couple of times in our Bible study so those of you that have heard this please bear with me.  I am going to read a section of a book that I read several years ago, titled “The Christian Atheist:Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn't Exist”, which was written by Greg Groeschel who is the pastor of a megachurch in Oklahoma.   In his book he writes about a time in his life when he didn’t want to forgive someone and how with God’s help he was able  to forgive although it took many years.

The background here is that Greg’s sister had been molested for years by a close family friend and although he knew that God says we should forgive he just couldn't. Here’s the except from the book;

“My heart was stone hard. And only God could soften it to the point that I could even consider forgiving this molester. Miraculously, that’s what God did. To this day, I don’t know exactly how or when it happened. But it did. By God’s grace, I had forgiven Max for his sin and abuse. With God’s help I’d done the humanly impossible, and I felt as though a spiritual weight had been lifted. The Bible became clearer. God seemed nearer. My heart was purer.

One Christmas, when I was visiting my parents, I decided to write Max a letter expressing my forgiveness. The task wasn’t easy, but that’s often par for the course. In the letter, I explained how much God had forgiven me. I told Max the story of Jesus and his love for us. I explained that I had forgiven him and that God could as well. I included a short prayer he might pray, asking Jesus to heal his heart and forgive his sins.

I didn’t realize that Max’s sickness had advanced. He was losing the battle with muscular dystrophy. In fact, at the time he received the letter, Max was under the care of a hospice nurse, waiting for inevitable death.

 Months after Max passed away, his nurse sent us a letter asking if she could talk to us. When we agreed, she told us about the last days of Max’s life, believing we needed to know. The caregiver explained that Max’s eyesight had deteriorated and that he had asked her to read him my note. Although she wasn’t aware of what he had done (and I never told her), it was obvious to her that he had done something grievously wrong. According to the nurse, he listened with tears streaming down his face. He asked her to pray the prayer with him. She recalled that his whole countenance changed as he asked Christ to forgive him and make him new. He died a few days later.

We Christians, can find in God the sheer strength to battle through the feelings of anger, hatred, and bitterness, and fight our way back to the cross. That’s where Christ forgave us. And that’s where, by faith, we can find the ability to forgive those who’ve wronged us.

So the question for us today is How do we Cultivate Forgiveness

• Acknowledge your pain: Don't deny or minimize the hurt you have experienced.

• Pray for the person who hurt you: This may seem counterintuitive, but it can soften your heart.

• Reflect on God's forgiveness: Remember how much you have been forgiven.

• Choose to release the burden: Make a conscious decision to let go of the anger and resentment.

• Remember, forgiveness is for you: It's not about the person who wronged you. It's about your own peace and freedom.

Today let’s embrace the power of faith and forgiveness. Let’s break free from the shackles of resentment and walk in the light of God's love. Let’s extend to others the same mercy and grace that we have received. And let’s trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, will bring healing and restoration to our hearts and our relationships. 

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we are humbled by your grace and awed by your love. We thank you for the powerful reminder that faith and forgiveness are the keys to transformative change in our lives. Lord, we confess that we often struggle with both these things. We hang on to our hurts, and we find it difficult to trust in your promises when life throws us curves.

Lord, strengthen our faith. Help us to truly know that you are in control, that you work all things for good, and that your peace surpasses all understanding. When doubt creeps in, remind us of your unwavering love and your commitment to our well-being.

Father, we also ask for the courage to forgive. Help us to release the heavy burdens of unforgiveness that weigh us down. Show us how to extend to others the same mercy and grace that you have so freely given us. Help us to see those who have wronged us through your eyes of compassion.

We thank you, Lord, for the example of Greg’s story, a testament to your ability to soften even the hardest of hearts. We thank you for the power of your word, which guides us on the path of faith and forgiveness.

Now, Lord, as we leave this place today, may we carry your love and your grace with us. May we be instruments of your peace and reconciliation in the world. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Fruits of Faith

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday March 9, 2025. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)

Let’s turn our hearts to the very essence of our Christian Walk, the tangible evidence of our faith. This tangible evidence is not just intellectual assent, a passive belief, but tangible evidence is a living, vibrant faith that produces fruit, a faith that transforms our lives from the inside out.

Let's strive to live lives marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let's be a living example of the power of faith, bearing fruit that brings glory to God and blessings to those around us. Let's ask God to grant us the grace to bear the fruits of faith, that our lives may reflect His love and a testament to His saving power.

Scripture 

Galatians 5:16-25 NIV [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let's keep in step with the Spirit.  

Today let's talk about the tangible evidence of our faith.  This tangible evidence is not just intellectual assent, or a passive belief, but a living, vibrant faith that produces fruit, it is a faith that transforms our lives from the inside out.

As James asks in 

James 2:14 NIV What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 

James is challenging us to look beyond mere words and examine the reality of our belief through our actions. Just as a fruit tree is known by its yield, our faith is known by its fruit.

Imagine an orchard that is  lush and abundant. Each tree bears its own unique fruit. An apple tree doesn't work to produce oranges, an orange tree doesn’t wish it produced grapes. In the same way, a living faith, a faith rooted in the Spirit of God, will naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit.

And what is this fruit? let's turn to our text for today: 

Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

This fruit shows the very characteristics of a life surrendered to God. 

Let’s look at each fruit, not as abstract concepts, but as practical realities in our daily lives.

Let’ start with Love

Love, as John 13:34-35 reminds us, is not a sentimental emotion, but a sacrificial, unconditional love that reflects the love of Christ. 

John 13:34-35 NIV [34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This love, emphasizes, the very essence of God. 

1 John 4:16-21 NIV [16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. [19] We love because he first loved us. [20] Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. [21] And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Genuine love, the kind that eliminates fear, pushes us to actively love and care for others. This visible action of loving our brothers and sisters is proof that our love for God is real.

Then there's Joy

According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, joy is a profound and lasting emotion that prevails regardless of external situations. It is "inexpressible and glorious".  It is a joy rooted in our relationship with God, a joy that the world cannot give or take away. 

1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

This joy originates from trusting God and it is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

So love, joy, Then there's Peace

The peace that Jesus offers which is a peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This peace is also a gift from the Holy Spirit.  It’s not like the temporary peace the world provides.

John 14:26-27 NIV [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Jesus offers an inner peace that transcends external circumstances. It's a peace that can exist even in the midst of trials and tribulations.   It is a peace that comes from a relationship with God and a trust in His provision. The world's peace is often superficial and dependent on external factors, while Jesus' peace is a deep, internal, and lasting peace that comes from a relationship with God.

Then there's Patience (Forbearance)

Patience, or forbearance, is the ability to endure trials and bear with others with grace and understanding. Patience is an essential quality for living in harmony with God and others.

Colossians 3:12-13 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

Then there's Kindness

Kindness shows compassion and generosity to others, reflecting the very kindness of God. God is kind, even to the ungrateful and wicked.  

Luke 6:32-36 NIV [32]  “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

This scripture says that we are to imitate God.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Then Goodness

Goodness is living a life that is morally upright and pleasing to God. 

Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. 

We see here that goodness, righteousness and truth, which are all aspects of the life God desires for us, are all linked together. Let’s read verse 9 again “for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth”

When we live in God's light, which means following His teachings and allowing His Spirit to guide us, our lives will naturally produce the "fruit" characterized by goodness, righteousness and truth.  When we exhibit this fruit we reflect God's character and bring glory to Him.

Then Faithfulness

Faithfulness is being reliable and trustworthy in our commitments to God and others. Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to hold fast to the hope we say that we have, because God is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23 NIV Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 

Then Gentleness 

Gentleness is showing humility and meekness in our interactions with others. 

Colossians 3:12 NIV Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

We are to "clothe ourselves" with gentleness, meaning that we actively cultivate and demonstrate gentleness in our daily lives.

And the final fruit Self-Control

Self-control is exercising discipline over our thoughts, words, and actions. God empowers us through the Holy Spirit so that we can cultivate strength, love, and self-control, allowing us to live with purpose.

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

This fruit; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is not produced by our own strength or effort. They are the work of the Holy Spirit within us. But we must cultivate the soil of our hearts, allowing the Spirit to work. 

We do this through prayer, through studying God’s Word, through fellowship with other believers, and through actively serving others.

Let's ask ourselves: Are we bearing the fruits of faith? Are our lives a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel? Or are we merely claiming to have faith, while our actions tell a different story?

Let's strive to live lives marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let's be living examples of the power of faith, bearing fruit that brings glory to God and blessings to those around us.

Let's ask God to give us the grace to bear the fruits of faith so that our lives will be a reflection of His love and a testament to His saving power. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, for the powerful reminder of the fruits of faith. We thank You for the Holy Spirit, who works within us to produce these fruits. Lord, we confess that at times, our lives do not reflect the abundance of Your Spirit. We ask for Your forgiveness for the times we have fallen short, for the times we have claimed faith without demonstrating it through our actions.

Father, we humbly ask that You cultivate the soil of our hearts. Help us to be more like Christ, to embody love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in every aspect of our lives. Grant us the strength to surrender to Your Spirit, to allow Him to work in us and through us.

Lord, we pray that our lives would be a living testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Help us to be a beacon of Your love to those around us, to bear fruit that brings glory to Your name and blessings to our community.

We ask that You equip us with the wisdom and courage to examine our own hearts, to honestly assess whether we are truly bearing the fruits of faith. Help us to not just hear Your Word, but to live it out each and every day.

Father, we dedicate ourselves to You, asking for Your grace to live lives that are pleasing in Your sight. May we walk in obedience and love, always seeking to reflect Your image to the world.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

Bold Prayers- Aligning Our Hearts with God's

This is the manuscript of the sermon at Christ Church Los Angeles, Sunday March 2, 2025.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NIV

What do your prayers sound like? Are they whispered requests, hesitant hopes, or bold declarations of faith? We're diving into the heart of prayer, exploring how to move beyond the timid and into the territory of bold prayers. Not prayers born of our own ambition, but prayers that resonate with the very heartbeat of God. We're talking about aligning our hearts with His, so that our petitions become echoes of His perfect will.

We’re not just seeking bigger answers; we’re seeking a deeper connection. A connection that transforms our prayers from wishful thinking to powerful expressions of trust and surrender. To do this, we'll look at the raw honesty of Psalm 51, a testament to the kind of vulnerability and faith that paves the way for truly bold prayers. Today we will discover how to lay aside our fears and insecurities, and step into a prayer life that is both courageous and deeply aligned with God’s heart."

Psalms 51:1-10 NIV[1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. [5] Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. [6] Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. [7] Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. [9] Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. [10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Text

Psalms 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Introduction

What do your prayers sound like? Are they whispered requests, hesitant hopes, or bold declarations of faith? Today, we're going to talk about how to move from timid to 'bold prayers.' Prayers that are aligned with God's will, not our own desires. I mean prayer that aligns our hearts with His, so that they really become echoes of His perfect will.

We are going to talk about prayer that seeks a deeper connection with God not that just seeks bigger answers. 

Prayer that seeks a connection that transforms our prayers from wishful thinking to powerful expressions of trust and surrender. 

We will discover how to lay aside our fears and insecurities, and step into a prayer life that is both courageous and deeply aligned with God’s heart.

I.We often hold back in prayer. 

Yes, we pray for safety, for comfort, and small blessings. But are we truly praying with the boldness God wants? The question is why do we hesitate?

Let me give you three possible reasons;

• One fear of Rejection: We worry that our requests are too big, too audacious. We’re afraid God will say no. 

But remember, God tells us to come boldly.  It's right here in

Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV [14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

• Number two. We limit God by our own limited understanding. 

Matthew 21:20-22 NIV [20] When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. [21] Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. [22] If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” 

Jesus emphasizes that faith, without doubt, can result in the accomplishment of  seemingly impossible things. God is capable of extraordinary things, and faith unlocks the potential for those things to manifest. 

Matthew 19:26 NIV…with God all things are possible.”

Jeremiah 32:17 NIV “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. 

This underscores the importance of approaching God with confident belief when we pray.

Remember these two things;

Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for.

And 

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

• The first reason that we don’t pray bold prayers is the fear of rejection, we’re afraid God will say no.  The second reason is that we  limit God by our own limited understanding, and the third reason is that we feel unworthy. We feel we don't deserve God's blessings. 

This is where we need to understand God's grace. 

Like David in Psalm 51, which James read this morning, we must acknowledge our sin, but we must also embrace God's mercy.

II. Psalm 51 is not a timid prayer. It's a raw, honest outpouring of a heart desperate for God.

• First of all it is honest Confession

Psalms 51:1-4 NIV [1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

David doesn't sugarcoat his sin. He lays it bare before God. "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercies blot out my transgressions." Radical honesty is the foundation of bold prayer. We must acknowledge our need for God's forgiveness.

• Next we should ask that God transform our hearts.  

Psalms 51:10-12 NIV [10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. [11] Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

David's prayer is for deep, internal change. He desires a heart that is aligned  with God's heart. The ultimate goal of bold prayer is to be conformed to Jesus’ image.

Romans 8:29 NIV 29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

• When we pray bold prayers we praying for God's purpose in our lives and in the world 

How did Jesus begin the pattern prayer he taught His disciples and the prayer we pray together every Sunday?

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV…“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10]  your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

David's prayer isn't just about himself. He wants to be used by God. When our hearts are aligned with God's heart, our prayers will reflect His desires..

Listen to  what David prayed.

Psalms 51:13-15 NIV [13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. [14] Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. [15] Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

III. When we align our hearts with God's heart, our prayers become powerful instruments of His will.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV [14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Prayers that are aligned with God's heart are not about getting what we want, but about asking for what God wants.

Psalms 37:4 NIV [4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart

Asking for what God wants causes us to  shift our perspective from self-centered requests. God is ultimately in control. He knows what is best for us, even when we don't. Prayer that is aligned with God’s heart acknowledges His sovereignty and trusts His wisdom.

Prayer is not a transaction where we demand things from God. It's a relationship where we seek to align our hearts with His. Genuine prayer is about transformation, not just getting what we want. God has a purpose for our lives and for the world and prayer that is aligned Him seeks to understand and participate in His purpose.

Instead of praying for specific outcomes, pray for God's guidance and wisdom; “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

 Instead of focusing on our own desires, we focus on God's kingdom and His glory.; “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

• Bold prayers require faith. 

We must trust that God is able to do what He promises.

Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

• Bold prayers often require persistence. 

Don’t give up on praying for God's will to be done. Jesus gave us an example of persistence in a parable.  Let’s look at it. 

Luke 18:1-8 NIV [1] Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. [2] He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. [3] And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ [4]  “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, [5] yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” [6] And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. [7] And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? [8] I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” 

While the parable emphasizes persistence, it also implies that we must trust in God's timing. God hears our prayers and will respond, though perhaps not always in the way or at the time we expect. Our persistent prayer is an act of faith.

IV. How do we cultivate the kind of prayer life where our prayers become bold prayers?

• Spend Time in God's Word: The Bible reveals God's heart and His will.

• Practice Honest Self-Reflection: Ask God to reveal any areas of your life that need His transformation.

• Step Out in Faith: Don't be afraid to pray for big things. God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

Ephesians 3:20 NIV[20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  

• Pray with Others: Praying with fellow believers can strengthen our faith and encourage us to pray boldly.

• Practice Humility: Remember that bold prayers are not about our own power, but about God's power.

Zechariah 4:6 NIV [6] So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Conclusion

God is calling us to a deeper level of prayer. He wants us to move beyond timid requests and into the realm of bold prayers, prayers that are aligned with His heart. Let us embrace the honesty of Psalm 51, the confidence of 

Hebrews 4:16 NIV Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

and the faith of 

Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

Let us pray boldly, knowing that God hears us and is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. 

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV [20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Heavenly Father,

May your words take root in our hearts and transform us from the inside out. Lord, we long for our hearts to be aligned with yours. Forgive us for the times we've strayed, for the moments we've prioritized our own desires over your will. Help us to follow your commands with joy and conviction. In Jesus' name, Amen.