In his message he focused on Luke 15 with the prodigal son. Most people know the story of the prodigal son and that he wanted his fathers money and went and spent all of it leaving himself to starve in the famine. He was probably doing lots of sinning. He had so much money and just wanted to spend it and blow the money however his flesh pleased.
The reason he told the parable of the prodigal son and the lost sheep was because, the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1, 2 NIV). The people didn't get why Jesus was eating and hanging out with sinners. Well if Jesus were to not eat with any sinners he would be at a table for 1 all the time. He would be all by Himself. He wants to make it clear that everyone is sinners and that no matter how far lost you are God has a deep deep love for you. He will do anything to save you and welcome you back! He wants you back! Jesus is like a doctor. He doesn't treat normal healthy patients who are perfect. Doctors treat people who need help and that's exactly what Jesus did.
Sin is bad. The son got surrounded by sin. Sin will take you farther than you want to go and keep you longer than you want to stay. The devil promises things that he has no intention of doing just that. He may tell you to go have sex and then make you addicted to it. Satan will tell you to click on a website and then tell you to keep going a step farther and farther. Everything in this world has a price. I had never realized how much this means till now. Jesus paid the price. He paid the price for heaven. Many people have to pay the price themselves in this world and then get thirsty and need something else again.
The son finally decided to go home. Not only did he decide to go home but he went home. He took the road home. The road to hell is full of good intentions and then never actually doing them. The son got home and his father ran out to him. The father was so excited to see him! The son was dirty and filthy but the father kissed him and loved him. He was so full of joy. The son thought he would have to plead with his father for a job but the father said no I don't want to give you a job but I want a relationship with you. He gave him a tuxedo and nice and elegant food for him. He threw a party for his son even though his son had sinned. Here is the sons apology. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ (Luke 15:21 NIV). I think it's pretty powerful! He knows his sin and how unworthy he is.
1. It's never too late to do the right thing.
The sons actions were bad and sinful and outrageously bad. But he decided to stop sinning.
Everyone can be forgiven. God can bring beauty of the ashes and darkness. Even if they don't forgive you and bring you the robe and a ring God will still love and honor you for doing the right thing.
2. Value the relationship being right ahead of being right.
Put the relationship ahead of your need to be right.
3. It's hip to be square but don't stop there.
Remedy must involve restitution. If you damaged someone's jacket try to fix it if you can't buy them a new one. Anything that has been damaged must be replaced.
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8 NIV).
Be committed to your word. Make it up to them. Do it out of a heart of love though.
4. Make sure your apology gets to the right place.
Separate sinning against God and doing evil against someone else.
Don't over apologize. Some people aren't victims until you make them victims with an apology. Go on in love.
5. There might not be a tomorrow.
The son thought he should go home. And then he did go home. It's never too late to do the right thing as long as it's today. The bible always says go and do it. Don't want until tomorrow to do it.
I love this! Sin the longer it sits the harder it gets. This is so true! You have to get away from the sin!! Don't give room to the devil he will fill whatever space you let him so don't give him that space give the space to God!! Get out of sin! Go on in love! Rejoice in God!!
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