As we gather together each week at this time at the table we look at it from a different perspective. This week I wish to look at the table before us as a table of forgiveness, and when I say that the first image that probably comes to your mind is the forgiveness that is ours because of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus; and indeed, that is where we find our forgiveness in Christ Jesus when we think of how much that we have been forgiven and the price that was paid for our redemption and salvation so that we could enjoy a relationship with God. This week I want to expand that because this is not only the table of forgiveness between us and God, but also the table of forgiveness between us and others. God has a very real interest in our relationship with others.

When He taught the disciples how to pray, this is what He said. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. So many of us stop because we see that amen, and we fail to go on, but Jesus didn't. Because the very next verse says: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father little also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

And so truly for us to enjoy the forgiveness that is ours in Christ requires us to forgive others. Forgiving is no trivial task for our heavenly Father. Jesus said, Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against the; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

As we examine ourselves this day before the altar the Holy Spirit of God may bring to our remembrance those against whom we hold a grudge, those that we have not forgiven. As much as it depends upon us, let us be swift to right the wrong and restore relationship. I invite you if you're physically able to join with me as we kneel in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Lord, as we hold these elements we are reminded of the great price that was paid for our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins. And Your Spirit, as we have examined ourselves, has prompted us of relationships that need to be mended, forgiveness that needs to be bestowed. Lord we think You for the great love with which You have love to us. May we love others as You have loved us. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. Thank you for the promise that if we confess our sins You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank you for the forgiveness that can be ours this day in Jesus. Let's partake of the bread and also the cup. Let's pray together the Lord's Prayer, and let's do so in song.

(Music starts)

Our Father which art in heaven Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

(Music ends)

Hallelujah. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Let's give the Lord a clap offering, shall we? (Congregation claps) Thank you Lord. Thine be the kingdom Lord. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Lord, thank you for Your great love and forgiveness for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray, together we say, amen. Let's stand and greet at least 15 of our neighbors.