Sermon by Pastor Tom Brown · Nov 16, 2025 · Means of Grace Series
Here’s the big idea: because Jesus eagerly came to take away our sin, we can eagerly bring our sin and shame out in the light to let him wash it away.He’s more zealous to save and heal you than you are to be saved. Praise the Lord!John 1:5-10 tells us that those who confess their sin to God will be cleansed by the blood of Christ.James 5:16 adds another dimension to our truth telling about sin. When we confess our sin to one another, we open our lives to healing grace.

Here’s a few guidelines for giving and receiving confession.

Giving Confession

1. Know that you are justified by Christ and not your confession.
2. Don’t wait until you have it together.
3. Find a trustworthy, mature believer (or two).
4. Speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
5. Receive the healing grace of God by faith.

Receiving Confession

1. Listen before you speak.
2. Guide them in a prayer of repentance and receiving of grace.
3. Lay hands on them and pray for healing from the effects of sin.
4. Be gentle and vocalize love and acceptance. (Galatians 6:1)
5. Discern next steps. (Restitution? Plans to resist sin? Further counsel? etc.)Would you ask the Lord this morning, “is there some secret guilt or shame I am carrying that you want to heal me from Lord?” If so, run don’t walk to receive the healing mercies of the lamb.

Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown