Total Forgiveness--Tony Capoccia (CD) - 49:36 min

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life." (1Timothy 1:15-16).

When one thinks of the great men of God in the Bible, those who have been used mightily by the Lord, the names Moses, King David, and the Apostle Paul come to mind. These three men all have something in common, which is, that they each committed major sins in their lives. Moses committed murder as a Christian; David committed adultery and murder as a Christian; and the Apostle Paul, prior to salvation was a mass murderer--of Christians!

How do such men, with such severe sins against God and His Word, end up being used in the ministry of the Gospel?

The answer comes through the Grace of God and the Total Forgiveness granted through the Cross of Jesus Christ. The text that teaches this is found in 1st Timothy, Chapter 1, verses 15 and 16. This portion of Scripture addresses the subject of forgiveness with the conversion story of the Apostle Paul.

This message exposes a common fault found in most evangelical, fundamental churches, which is that they discriminate and restrict the ministry of many church members because of some major sins in their past. Our text reveals a God of Total Forgiveness and restoration.