CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH MEMPHIS

Forgive Us Our Debts Matthew 6:9–12 Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. Most people spend their lives trying to prove they're good enough or trying to hide the parts of themselves they're ashamed of. Jesus offers something radically different: a God who already knows your worst, still loves you completely, and invites you to stop pretending and simply come home. Sermon Summary In this message, Coleton continues through the Lord's Prayer by focusing on one of the most uncomfortable—and most freeing—requests Jesus teaches us to pray: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matthew 6:12) Many people assume confession is something spiritually immature Christians do. Once you've followed Jesus long enough, you shouldn't need to confess very often. Coleton challenges that assumption by showing that Jesus teaches the exact opposite. The mark of spiritual maturity is not pretending you've stopped sinning. The mark of maturity is becoming increasingly honest about your sin because you've become increasingly confident in the Father's love. Coleton begins with a simple story about a child being told to own up to a mistake. Owning our failures is difficult, but it is one of the clearest signs of maturity. The same is true spiritually. Jesus invites His followers into a regular rhythm of confession—not because God is angry with them, but because He wants them to experience His grace again and again. Tyler Staton captures this beautifully: "One of the biggest mistakes we've made in the modern church is to reimagine spiritual maturity as the need to confess less... A maturing community is a confessing community—not a church without sin, but a church without secrets." Before explaining why confession matters, Coleton highlights three important observations from Jesus' prayer. Three Things Jesus Wants Us to Notice About This Prayer 1. Confession is not the first thing Jesus tells us to pray. Jesus does not begin the Lord's Prayer with confession. He first teaches us to call God Father, to worship Him, seek His Kingdom, and ask Him for our daily needs. That order matters. God isn't waiting for us to clean ourselves up before He listens to us. He isn't withholding His love until we've confessed every failure. Coleton illustrates this with his son Teddy. He would never refuse Teddy breakfast or a hug until Teddy apologized for everything he did wrong the day before. Healthy relationships don't work that way, and neither does God's relationship with His children. Confession is something we practice within the security of being loved—not something we do to earn God's love. 2. Jesus assumes we will sin. Jesus doesn't say: "If you've sinned..." He simply teaches us to pray: "Forgive us our debts." Jesus assumes every disciple will continue battling sin. If we struggle to keep diets, New Year's resolutions, or promises to ourselves, how much more do we struggle to meet God's perfect holiness? The prayer keeps us humble by reminding us that every believer continually depends upon God's grace. 3. This prayer comes with a warning label. Perhaps the most sobering part of the prayer is this phrase: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Coleton describes this as the "fine print" of the prayer. Every time we pray these words, we're asking God: "Forgive me the same way I've forgiven others." That should cause every Christian to examine their heart. If we refuse to forgive those who have hurt us, we're asking God to respond to us with that same unwillingness. Jesus is exposing whether His grace has truly transformed us. Grace received always becomes grace extended. 1. Jesus Wants Us to Confess So We Experience the Father's Love Many people think confession is primarily about focusing on their failures. Jesus says it's actually about experiencing God's kindness. Coleton points to one of Jesus' greatest stories—the Prodigal Son. The Father runs first. Before the son ever f

Greg begins by highlighting the historic and cultural context of Luke 3. The extensive list of political and religious leaders at the start of the chapter signifies a period of deep corruption and spiritual darkness. In contrast to the urban, powerful center of Jerusalem, God chooses to renew His activity in the desolate wilderness, speaking directly to John, the son of Zechariah. Greg notes that John’s entire life was a journey of learning to seek, listen to, and respond to God. He spent years practicing spiritual disciplines—such as prayer, fasting, solitude, and meditation—not to earn spiritual credentials, but to position himself on the "right channel" to hear from the Lord. John practiced a life rhythm of retreating to seek God and returning to the world to proclaim His word. When John emerges from the desert, his message after 400 years of divine silence is clear: the Messiah is coming, so prepare your hearts through repentance and mark that readiness with baptism. Using Isaiah’s metaphor of flattening mountains and filling valleys, Greg explains that John was calling people to mend their lives rather than physical roads. This message brought a sweeping promise of ultimate deliverance from sin, death, and hell for all of humanity. However, John's message is intentionally jarring to the self-righteous. He famously greets the religious elites as a "brood of vipers," confronting their pride. These leaders relied on their heritage as children of Abraham, but Greg emphasizes that lineage is useless to God if He does not have the heart. True repentance requires crossing a hard line from self-centered pride to humble confession, which manifests in distinct fruit: humility and love. When the convicted crowd asks, "What then shall we do?" John provides highly practical commands tailored to their daily lives: share clothes and food, collect only authorized taxes, and do not extort money. Greg notes that true repentance fundamentally transforms how we treat other people; generosity and contentment serve as an immediate heart test of whether we are abiding in Christ. Finally, Greg looks at John's deep humility in response to speculation that he might be the Christ. John deflects all personal ambition, stating he is unworthy to even untie the Messiah's sandals. He contrasts his own external baptism of water with Jesus' superior, internal baptism of the Holy Spirit and purifying fire, and warns of Christ’s ultimate judgment separating the wheat from the chaff. Greg challenges the congregation to model their lives after John by acting like the moon—having no light of its own, but existing purely to reflect the glory of the Sun. Citing a story from Pastor E.V. Hill about a church member who constantly urged preachers to "Get Him up!", Greg concludes with a powerful reminder that our primary focus must be to lift up and exalt Jesus above ourselves in everything we do. Discussion Questions for Practical Application The Walkie-Talkie Principle: Greg compared classic spiritual practices (solitude, silence, prayer, fasting) to tuning a walkie-talkie to the right channel to hear God. Which of these practices do you find most difficult to implement in modern life, and what is one practical shift you can make this week to create space to listen to the Lord? The "Inner Tax Collector": Reflecting on the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Greg stated that "getting in touch with your inner tax collector makes room for God's energy in your life." In what areas of your life are you tempted to "play the Pharisee" by comparing yourself to others or pretending you have it all together? How can practicing greater vulnerability change your relationships? The Heart Test of Generosity: When the crowd asked John how to live out their repentance, his answers focused entirely on content wages, fair treatment of others, and sharing resources. If God were to look at your current financial habits and daily interactions with neighbors

Rainey’s message centered on the biblical call to forgiveness, respect, and seeing people the way Jesus sees them. Using 1 Samuel 16:7 as her foundation — “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” — she challenged listeners to rethink how they view difficult people, enemies, and those who have caused pain. She began with a story about her son being stung by a jellyfish at the beach. Even after being hurt, he was willing to go back into the ocean once the warning flag was removed. Rainey used this image to illustrate an important spiritual truth: believers are called to remain humble enough to “look again” at people and situations, even after experiencing hurt. She connected this to the word “respect,” explaining its roots mean “to look again.” Respect, therefore, is not merely politeness, but the willingness to believe someone’s story or future may be more than we first assumed. Throughout the message, Rainey emphasized that Jesus modeled this perfectly. While others saw Zacchaeus as a corrupt traitor or the woman at the well as immoral and shameful, Jesus saw dignity, value, and possibility. His compassion and willingness to engage people respectfully became transformational. Rainey pointed out that for the woman at the well, “the respect was the miracle.” Jesus did not simply tolerate people — He restored them through compassion. The core of the message focused on forgiveness. Rainey argued that modern Christianity often reduces faith to “going to heaven,” while the New Testament emphasizes becoming transformed into people who love enemies, forgive deeply, and reflect the character of Christ. She explained that forgiveness is not optional for Christians because forgiveness is part of the culture of God’s kingdom. She carefully addressed several “falsehoods” about forgiveness. First, she challenged the idea that unforgiveness is simply “protecting your peace.” While boundaries are sometimes necessary, bitterness disguised as self-care is still bitterness. Jesus Himself did not “protect His peace” when He entered human suffering, served difficult people, and continued loving others despite pain. Second, Rainey clarified that forgiveness does not mean remaining in abusive situations. Jesus taught confrontation, accountability, and involving community when someone is harmful. Forgiveness does not excuse evil or deny wounds, but it does refuse hatred and keeps the heart open to the possibility of healing and reconciliation. Another major point was that Christians forgive because they themselves have been forgiven. Using Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant, she explained that believers cannot receive God’s mercy while refusing to extend mercy to others. Forgiveness is evidence of belonging to God’s kingdom and becoming like Christ. Rainey also stressed that forgiveness is often an act of obedience before it becomes a feeling. Like Ananias reluctantly welcoming Saul, believers sometimes must “do as they are told” even when emotions lag behind. Christian maturity means choosing love and mercy even when it feels unnatural. She concluded by reminding listeners that forgiveness does not minimize suffering. God fully sees injustice and pain. Yet unforgiveness ultimately poisons the heart and prevents spiritual transformation. Followers of Jesus are called to participate in the life of heaven now by becoming people marked by mercy, humility, and hope. Rainey challenged the church to become a place where respect and forgiveness are normal, and where even small acts of compassion might become miracles in someone’s life. Discussion Questions Who in your life do you struggle to “look at again” with dignity or hope? What is the difference between healthy boundaries and unforgiveness? Why do you think forgiveness is so difficult, even for Christians? How does remembering God’s forgiveness toward you affect your ability to forgive others? Are there relationships in your life where God m

Hallowed Be Your Name Learning to Pray with Wonder, Confidence, and Peace Jesus does something deeply intentional in the Lord’s Prayer. Before He teaches His followers to ask God for anything, He teaches them to remember who God is. Prayer is not meant to begin with panic, requests, or anxiety—it begins with worship. Coleton explains that when Jesus says, “Hallowed be Your name,” He is teaching us to fill our minds and hearts with the greatness, faithfulness, and power of God before we ever bring Him our needs. This message is an invitation to become people who truly pray—not mechanically, not cautiously, but with boldness, awe, confidence, and trust. “Our Father in Heaven” — Remember Who You’re Talking To Matthew 6:9–13 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name…’” Coleton begins by reminding the church why this prayer series matters so much to him personally. About ten years ago, he began pursuing a deeper prayer life because he wanted prayer to become more than a religious duty—he wanted to love it. During that journey, one quote changed the way he viewed prayer forever. Quote “Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” — Samuel Chadwick That quote helped Coleton realize why prayer often feels difficult. The enemy is not intimidated by human strength, intelligence, or activity. He trembles at the power of God accessed through prayer. Prayer matters because God moves through it. Last week’s focus in the series was the phrase “Our Father in heaven.” Jesus first teaches us that prayer begins by remembering who we are talking to: not a distant force, but a loving Father who welcomes His children. Now Jesus takes us one step further. “Hallowed Be Your Name” — Prayer Begins with Worship Coleton explains that “hallowed” means to treat God’s name as holy, weighty, glorious, and worthy of worship. Quote “‘Hallowed be your name’ means ‘let [your name] be regarded as holy.’ It is not so much a petition as an act of worship; the speaker, by his words, exalts the holiness of God.” — Tremper Longman III Quote “Hallowing is an active kind of praying—honoring, adoring, and naming the greatness of God. While ‘Our Father’ is a reminder of God’s intimacy; ‘hallowed’ is a reminder of His incomprehensible greatness.” — Tyler Staton Coleton explains that hallowing God’s name looks like: Saying what is true about God Remembering what He has done Repeating what He has promised Declaring what is possible with Him This kind of prayer fills the heart with worship before requests are ever made. The Psalms Show Us What Hallowing Looks Like Psalm 44 — Remembering God’s Power Scripture “With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors… it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face…” — Psalm 44:2–3 The psalmist spends enormous time recounting God’s past faithfulness. He talks about victories God gave, enemies God defeated, and promises God fulfilled. Coleton points out something fascinating: much of this prayer is telling God things He already knows. Why? Not because God needs reminding—but because we do. We forget who He is. We forget what He has done. We forget His power, His promises, and His faithfulness. Hallowing God’s name recenters the soul. 1. Hallowing His Name Expands Our Vision of What Is Possible One of the main effects of worshipful prayer is that it stretches our faith. Quote “The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something and enter into God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible.” — Corrie ten Boom Coleton says many Christians pray extremely safe prayers: “Keep them safe.” “Help them have a good day.” “Bless this meal.” Those prayers are not wrong—but if we truly believe we are spea

The New Exodus 22 Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” –Mark 14:22-24 ______________________________________ Jesus did not stumble into the Passover meal. He orchestrated it. Every detail was arranged—where to go, who to follow, which room to use—because something deeply important was about to be said. This was not just another meal. This was His meal. A moment where Jesus would say, without speeches or arguments, what His heart most wanted His followers to understand. At that table, Jesus made something unmistakably clear: He chose to suffer for us. He spoke openly about betrayal. Not vaguely, not hypothetically—but personally. One of the Twelve. One dipping bread into the same bowl. Jesus knew exactly what was coming. He could have stopped it. He could have exposed Judas, avoided the cross, escaped the pain. And yet, He did none of that. Why? Because He was not a victim of suffering; He was a volunteer. He chose the path of suffering so that blessing could come to us. This is where Jesus stands apart from every other way of life. Most paths tell us, “You do it. You pay the price. You fix yourself.” Jesus says, “I’ll do it. I’ll pay it. I’ll suffer in your place to bring you to God.” Like a father who works himself to exhaustion so his children can experience joy they could never earn on their own, Jesus bears the weight we could not carry. Then, in the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup, Jesus redefines the ancient Passover story. What once remembered freedom from slavery in Egypt now points to a greater rescue. “This is my body.” “This is my blood.” He takes the symbols of deliverance and makes them about Himself. He is saying, Just as God once rescued His people from Pharaoh, I am rescuing My people from sin. The word Jesus uses for forgiveness means release. Freedom. Liberation from bondage. He does not look at us primarily as rebels to be crushed, but as slaves who need to be set free. Slaves to fear. To habits we hate. To patterns we swore we’d never repeat. To decisions we don’t even want to make—but keep making anyway. We see it in the disciples. They meant what they said. Peter truly believed he would stand strong. The others truly believed they would stay faithful. And yet, they all fell away. Not because they wanted to—but because something else was calling the shots. Sin does that. It promises life and delivers the opposite. Jesus sees that. And He says, I came to rescue you from that. I chose to suffer to set you free. I bled so you could be released. The invitation of this meal still stands. Come. Trust Him. Let Him free you. Whether it’s the first surrender of your life or the bringing of hidden chains you’re tired of carrying—Jesus is gentle, determined, and faithful to finish the work He began.

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How to Hear God - Pete Greig https://www.amazon.com/How-Hear-God-Simple-Normal/dp/0310114608