Jesus, the Real St. Patrick, and the Power of Forgiveness

Jesus, the Real St. Patrick, and the Power of Forgiveness—Sermon 3.16.2012

A. Introduction: Forgiveness and flowing with the Holy Ghost go together. You want more power than you must forgive your enemies, yourself, and others (who do you blame?--maybe even forgive God for your pain, suffering, past)

B. Power in forgiveness (forgiving enemies): Luke 23:34 (Jesus on the Cross), Acts 7:58b-60a (Stephen getting killed/stoned)

1. St. Patrick finding God & Christ in captivity, escaping, & forgiving captors—slave of Ireland  slave of Gospel
2. Patrick went after captor, former master Milchu first, but he (Milchu) burned himself and his house up (suicide) before Patrick could testify/preach to him

C. Forgiveness connected with receiving (flowing with) the Holy Spirit: John 20:22-23—true representation of St. Patrick (not wearing green but being disciple of Christ)

1. “The Breastplate” of St. Patrick

Christ shield me today against poison, against burning, against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward,
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

D. Overcoming evil/serpents/demons: Mark 16:15-18—Show (These signs shall follow…) and tell (preach Gospel) See also Luke 10:19

1. St. Patrick and the legend of ridding Ireland of “snakes”/removing “snakes” from island

E. Conclusion: I want the “snakes”/demons out of Independence, out of Kansas City—get your training, forgive God, yourself, others, your enemies, move in power through forgiveness and humility