Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
Biblical word for forgiveness = to with a
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
Why would Jesus ask us to forgive like that?
We need to forgive others so that Jesus can free us from our past and to stop Satan from stealing our future.
(2 Corinthians 2: 10–11)
1. Know what forgiveness is and isn’t:
Forgiveness is a
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
Forgiveness is not (Hebrews 10:17; Psalm 103:12)
Forgiveness is the gift you offer
Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14
How do I forgive from the heart?
• It begins with honesty—acknowledging the hurt and even the anger
• You can’t wait until you feel ready to forgive
• Am I willing to choose forgiveness, even before my feelings catch up?
Forgiveness is dealing with and leaving the other person
2. Release the Debt
The “How” of Forgiveness
Start with prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the incredible kindness, patience, and mercy you have shown me. Your love has been so gentle in leading me back to you, and I’m deeply grateful.
I confess that I haven’t always reflected that same kindness toward others. At times, I’ve held on to hurt, bitterness, and resentment instead of offering grace. Please forgive me.
As I take time to examine my heart, would you lovingly bring to mind anyone I need to forgive? Give me the willingness and strength to release those hurts and extend the same mercy you’ve given me.
Thank you for walking with me in this process and for continuing to shape my heart.
I pray all of this in your precious name, Jesus. Amen
The Path of Forgiveness Letter
1. Dear ______, this is what you did to me…
2. And now I forgive you for…
3. And [your own name], I forgive you too. I forgive you for carrying all these destructive and disgusting thoughts, emotions and/or actions and for letting them have an impact on any part of my life.
4. Lord Jesus, I ask your forgiveness. You instructed me to forgive in your Word and I didn’t. Forgive me for holding on to the pain instead of holding on to you.
5. On a different page: Now that I have forgiven and have been forgiven, my life will be different in the following ways _____________ and I bless you, _______, with the same forgiveness Jesus gave me.
Small Group Questions
- When was the last time you received or gave a heartfelt apology? What happened in your heart during that time?
- Forgiveness can be challenging. Why do you believe so many people battle with letting go of past offenses?
- Who do you need to forgive? Who is on your list right now?
- Read Colossians 3:13 out loud. How did God forgive you?
- Read the steps in the forgiveness letter. Which statement would be the hardest for you to write out?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
The tongue has the power of life and death…
Proverbs 18:21
James 3:5–10
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings… Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
The Point:
If what we contradicts what we ,
that’s a problem!
The dark side of our words:
(Ephesians 4:31)
(Proverbs 16:28)
(Exodus 20:16)
(Exodus 20:7)
speech (Psalm 12:3)
words (Ephesians 4:29)
of words – If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin. James 4:17
Use the life-giving expression of…
(Romans 12:10)
(Ephesians 4:25)
(Hebrews 13:15)
(Proverbs 27:2)
(Proverbs 15:1)
(Proverbs 31:8)
A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
Small Group Questions
- Have you ever embarrassed yourself with your words? Share!
- Can you think of a person who changed the direction of your life through the power of their words? What did they say?
- Read James 3:5–10 out loud. What are these verses saying to you about your heart right now?
- What is the biggest trap you fall into when it comes to your words?
- How can use your words to build up or honor someone right now?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Brian Behrends, Creative Pastor
John 20:24–29
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
“If you have never wrestled with God,
you have never known Him deeply.”
A. W. Tozer
Mark 9:24 (Evangelical Heritage Version)
The child’s father immediately cried out and said with tears, “I do believe. Help me with my unbelief!”
Matthew 28:17–20
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Small Group Questions
- When something doesn’t make sense to you, do you tend to lean in or pull back?
- In your experience, is doubt something Christians talk about openly, or something people tend to hide? Why do you think that is?
- When you have doubts, what do you typically do with them? Push them away, sit with them, talk to someone, or ignore them?
- Read John 20:24-29. What stands out to you most about Thomas in this story? What does this story teach us about what Jesus is like when we bring him our doubts?
- What does it look like practically to bring your doubts to God? What are different ways we can do that?
- If God is not afraid of your doubts, what might he be inviting you into right now?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
What does God look like to you?
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
Psalm 139:7
Three Attributes of God
Omniscience (God knows everything)
Omnipresence (God is everywhere)
Omnipotence (God is all-powerful)
Psalm 139:1–10
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
…God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20
Small Group Questions
- What was the highlight of your Easter week?
- What does God look like to you?
- What comes to mind when you contemplate the:
- Omnipresence of God
- Omniscience of God
- Omnipotence of God
- Read Psalm 139:1–10 out loud. Where do you find the three attributes of God in this passage, and how do those truths impact your regular everyday life?
- Where have you experienced God’s power in nature?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
John 20:1–8
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
The Story of Two Brothers
A moment of
The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Luke 15:12
A pattern of
…the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:13
A moment of
After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. Luke 15:14
A moment of
So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Luke 15:15–15
The Pivot Point
When he came to his senses… Luke 15:17a
A decision to
I will set out and go back to my father… Luke 15:18a
Luke 15:20–24
20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:28–32
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Small Group Questions
- How did/are you planning on celebrating the resurrection of Jesus this year?
- What evidence do you believe supports the validity of the Resurrection of Jesus?
- Read Luke 15: 11-31 out loud. Where do you find yourself in the story? Care to share?
- If you know Jesus as your Savior, how did your salvation moment come about?
- How do you respond to the phrase “Jesus was running for a runaway”?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Brian Behrends, Creative Pastor
Matthew 21:1–11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
3 Lessons from a Donkey
1. God keeps his promises.
“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
2. God partners with people.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19
3. Jesus is King.
They took palm branches and went out to meet him… John 12:13
Small Group Questions
- What’s something you really wanted until you realized how much it would cost?
- Why do you think the crowd was so excited when Jesus arrived? What did they think they were going to get from him?
- When was the last time Jesus asked you to do something that didn’t make sense? What makes those moments difficult and how can you learn to say yes?
- Why do you think it’s so hard to admit we need saving?
- What is God inviting you to lay down today?
- What area of your life right now needs a “Hosanna” prayer? How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
The Two-fold Great Commission
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20
The Call: (while you are going)
The Mission:
The Promise:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
The Who: will be my witnesses
Witnesses to what?
- Depth of human compassion
- Onset of godly hope
- Joy of transformation
You have a on your life to be God’s witnesses.
The of the Great Commission is not multiple choice!
For a follower of Jesus, participation in the
The Great Commission is not .
It’s a biblical .
Isaiah 61:1–4,6
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
6 And you will be called priests of the Lord,
you will be named ministers of our God.
Small Group Questions
- What is the most exciting adventure you have ever been on?
- What is the call God has placed on your life?
- How have you participated in the Great Commission?
- Read Isaiah 61 out loud. What part of that scripture speaks to you? Why?
- How can you participate in the mission of Jesus this coming week?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Tommy Manay, CTK Global Director
Isaiah 61:11
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.
– Isaiah 61:1-3
…to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners… Isaiah 61:1
– Isaiah 61:4-7
…to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes… Isaiah 61:3
– Isaiah 61:11
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3
Ivan’s Story
Seed: street beggar, no home, no name in a family
Sprout: first day on campus, learning to read the Bible at 18
Growth: preacher of the gospel to thousands
Christine’s Story
Seed: red light worker, The Chosen, woman at the well, something cracked open
Sprout: daughter in our family, home is where we water
Growth: sent to prostitution centers across the Philippines
She didn’t just get her story redeemed.
She became the answer for someone else’s.
We planted in grief. God grew a family.
Small Group Questions:
- CTK is part of a global family of churches making impact around the world. What does it mean to you to be part of something bigger than your local church?
- Read Isaiah 61:1-3 out loud. Who are the broken, the captive, the poor in your city? In the nations?
- Isaiah 61:4 says the broken become the builders. Where, locally or globally, have you seen God build something through someone’s brokenness?
- The farmer plants and waters but God causes the growth. What is your role in what God is doing through CTK Global this month?
- Ivan and Christine’s stories began with someone who didn’t leave. Who in your life needs someone to stay?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
& Tommy Manay, CTK Global Director
5 Elements that Make a Home
1. and
2. and
3.
4. and
5. and Experiences
Isaiah 32:18
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.
Psalm 84:3-4
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.”
John 14:23
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teachings. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”
Small Group Questions
- What’s your favorite spring activity?
- Where do you find comfort when the world spins out of control?
- What comes to mind when you hear the word home? How would you characterize the home you grew up in?
- Read Isaiah 32:18, Psalm 84:3-4 and John 14:23 out loud. What is God saying to you about his desire to make a home within your heart?
- What excites you the most about heaven–your heavenly home?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?
Brian Behrends, Creative Pastor
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
How do we run ?
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
How do we run ?
Psalm 63:1-7 New Living Translation (NLT)
O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.
– African Proverb
How do we ?
Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Small Group Questions
- What’s the hungriest you’ve ever been?
- Have you ever experienced a season where you were genuinely hungry for more of God? What was different about that season and what did you do to satisfy that hunger?
- If running after Jesus is the goal, what’s currently hindering your ability to race after him? What’s one step you could take to change that?
- Do you personally know someone who has followed Jesus faithfully over time? What stands out about their life and what’s one way you could follow their example?
- What’s holding you back from investing spiritually in others, and what would it take to move past it?
- Who’s one person you could intentionally encourage or invest in this week?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?