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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Message Notes:
What is a parable?
- DEF. = An fictional story anyone can understand, which teaches a deeper truth about how God’s kingdom works.
Parables were designed to do 2 things: They illuminated a truth, or they hid a truth
The Prodigal Son
GOOD NEWS: God can be the Father you never had, and he can help YOU be the father you never had!
MAIN IDEA:
It doesn’t matter how far you have strayed…God’s love will keep calling you home.
For God (The Father) so loved the world that HE sent his son… —John 3:16
Parable of the Prodigal Son:
Remember – parables always have a purpose and meaning.
11Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13”Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17”When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 20So 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. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. —Luke 15:11-24 (NIV)
If you are set on doing your own thing…God won’t stop you
vs 12: The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
Make no mistake…Life outside of God will only produce famine in your life
vs 14: After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need
God is compassionately waiting for you with open arms
vs 20: “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.
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. NIV —Psalm 86:15
IN CLOSING:
God doesn’t want us back as a visitor hanging out in the field, He wants to restore sonship
19 ‘I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ 22b 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. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.
IMPORTANT:
When the son came back…he had a heart change…”I am no longer worthy”
- He had repentant and a contrite heart
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. NLT —Psalm 51:17
MAIN IDEA:
It doesn’t matter how far you have strayed…God’s love will keep calling you home.
TAKE HOME:
God wants you home. You are wanted and missed.
CHALLENGE QUESTION:
Have you been struggling with thinking life will be better away from the Father’s house?
If you have left the Father’s house…what is keeping you from coming home?
If you prayed the prayer to start fresh with God today text “startagain” (one word) to 97000 so we can connect with you and help you take the next steps in this amazing decision.
My Notes:
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