The Power of the Blessing

Genesis 27:26-29

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • May 11, 2025

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1. Components of a Biblical Blessing

But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Mark 10:14 (NASB95)

And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Mark 10:16 (NASB95)

and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Matthew 3:17 (NASB95)

2. Communicating the Blessing

A. Affection

So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Luke 15:20 (NASB95)

B. Affirmation

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 (NASB95)

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 3:27 (NASB95)

C. Acceptance

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Psalms 127:3 (NASB95)

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”

Judges 6:12 (NIV84)

D. Aspiration

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 (NASB95)

E. Alignment

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Deuteronomy 6:7 (NASB95)

Why Is Children's Ministry So Important to Us?

Mark 10:13–16

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • May 4, 2025

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1. Children’s Ministry Shapes Lifelong Faith

Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.

Psalm 78:3–4 (NASB95)

2. Children’s Ministry Impacts Whole Families

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 16:31 (NASB95)

3. Children’s Ministry Prepares the Church for the Future

Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;

let them proclaim your power.

Psalm 145:4 (NLT)

How Do I Forgive?

Ephesians 4:31-32

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • April 27, 2025

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1. Lift them to God.

You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:43-44 (NASB)

“Forgiveness is not about my determination, but about my cooperation with God.”

Lysa Terkeurst

2. Leave them with God.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Romans 12:18-19 (NASB)

“Forgive and Forget” is not in the Bible.

3. Love them through God.

BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:20-21 (NASB)

‘To the person who stole my bike. You really hurt my feelings when you took my bike. But I am a Christian and because Jesus forgave me, I forgive you.”

How Can I Experience Forgiveness?

Luke 24:13-34

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • April 20, 2025

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1. Forgiveness denied.

• When we think Jesus is only a religious teacher.

• When we think Jesus came to give us an easy life.

• When we refuse to believe the truth of scripture.

Basic problem: Fans but not followers.

2. Forgiveness delivered.

Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

Luke 24:27 (NASB95)

• Creation – “Where did we come from?”

• Fall – “What went wrong?”

The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.

Genesis 6:5-6 (NLT)

• Redemption – “How can it be fixed?”

“Substitutionary Atonement.”

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:2 (NIV)

He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

Romans 4:25 (NASB95)

• Restoration – “Is there hope for the future?”

Today's Message:

Pardoned - Matthew 18:21-35

Dr. Bob McCartney • April 13th, 2025

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1. Stop setting limitations on forgiveness.

a. The Hurt is too big.

b. I need more time.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

Hebrews 12:15 (NASB95)

c. They aren’t really sorry.

d. They’ll just do it again.

2. See your great need for forgiveness.

“Until you see the seriousness of your sin, you will never grasp the greatness of His grace.”

3. Start practicing authentic forgiveness.

a. Unforgiveness leaves shattered relationships.

b. We lose the respect of others.

c. We experience the displeasure of our King.

For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

Matthew 6:14–15 (NASB95)