There's No Place Like Home
We often focus on the son who was lost in the parable in Luke 15. However if we change our perspective we will discover that Jesus was telling this story to teach about the Father’s heart towards the groups of people who were listening, the sinners and the religious people (Pharisees and Scribes). Each of us can be found in one of these categories. We can all learn about the Father’s heart. Our message to the world is that Home is where the Father is, and Jesus is the way back home.
Sermon Theme
We often focus on the son who was lost in the parable in Luke 15. However if we change our perspective we will discover that Jesus was telling this story to teach about the Father’s heart towards the groups of people who were listening, the sinners and the religious people (Pharisees and Scribes). Each of us can be found in one of these categories. We can all learn about the Father’s heart. Our message to the world is that Home is where the Father is, and Jesus is the way back home.
Scriptures
Luke 15:11-31
Discussion
Which son have you been? Do you consistently wonder what the Father thinks about your past mistakes, overcome with shame, or do you pride yourself on your performance? His heart for either is for us to experience His embrace.
Have you experienced the grace of His embrace? What would it look like if you lived every moment in his embrace?
Like the robe given to the son in verse 22, we were given a robe. The robe of Christ’s righteousness. We no longer carry the stench of our sin. Have you accepted His approval? Have you really opened your heart to Him?
If you wonder How to experience His love, take some time to ask Him. Every one of us has different experiences, and He knows what has made you close your heart. Ask Him how to open it to Him. He’s a safe Father.
Prayer
Father, we thank you that you are a safe Father and that like the father in this parable, you have accepted us as we have run back to you. Help us to live every day in your embrace as we realize that nothing matters more than your arms. As we continually experience your loving embrace we pray that we will come to the place where no one’s opinion of us matters more than what you have said about us.
Living in the Father's Love
Living in the ongoing experience of the Father’s Love brings transformation to our lives. We’re no longer trying to be like Jesus. We experience more of Him expressing His love through us. His love makes us loving. Disarmingly, we learn our own strategies to protect ourselves are unnecessary because we trust in His Love for us. Naturally, we become an expression of His love on the earth…
Sermon Theme
Living in the ongoing experience of the Father’s Love brings transformation to our lives. We’re no longer trying to be like Jesus. We experience more of Him expressing His love through us. His love makes us loving. Disarmingly, we learn our own strategies to protect ourselves are unnecessary because we trust in His Love for us. Naturally, we become an expression of His love on the earth. Through Him and in Him, His love dispels darkness. Wonderfully, His love is the solution to every offensive situation, abuse, tragedy, and crisis. His love is so magnificent. He loves his enemies, betrayers, and sinners. Increase your awareness of the flow of His love through you. His love will captivate you!
Scriptures
John 3:16; Galatians 5, 1 John 4:12-19
Discussion
Saturate yourselves in the Love of God. Read out loud those scriptures that melt your fears away.
What happens to you and the atmosphere around you when you say Jesus’ name out loud and, or call out an attribute of His character? Together, begin to call on His Name and attributes.
Talk about what Holy Spirit shows you about His Love for you.
Prayer
Father you have flooded our lives with Your Love with the perfect demonstration of Your love, Jesus. The life of your only begotten Son permeates and flows through us that You may have expression on this earth. By the power of Holy Spirit, hover over us that we may see, feel, and taste Your Love every moment of our day. Grow us up, Lord, change our hearts to beat like yours. Heal, deliver, and save us every day that we may be more like You and know eternal life, that's You Jesus. Demonstrate Your life of love in us. In Jesus Name, oh Savior and King.