Finding our Way back to God

“The powers of darkness around us are strong; our world finds it easier to manipulate self-

rejecting people than self-accepting people.”-Henri Nouwen

Determination – I’ve got to prove myself

Despair – I’m a failure, a mistake, a nothing

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelations 3:17

Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves

REGRET for the past and FEAR of the future.

You can’t know how good the Good News is,

until You know how bad the Bad News is.

Scandalous

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So 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.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it.

Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.Luke 15:17-24

FIGHTING FEAR – running from death

“Here I am starving to death!” V17

SELF-REJECTION – I am not worthy!

I am no longer worthy … v19

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

Henry David Thoreau

Kezazah “the cutting off”

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction will become the biggest Leap of your Life!

Scandalous – Divine MercyFor this child of mine was dead and is alive again; was

lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. V24

The Robe – The Purity of God“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” Romans 4:7 (Psalm 31)

The Robe – The Purity of GodIf God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:31-33

The Ring –The Privileges of God“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:4-7

The Robe – The Presence of GodThe Ring –The Privileges of GodThe Shoes – The Freedom of God

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Fatted Calf – CommunityWorship is a natural response to

God’s extravagant grace.

Love has a Name – JESUS“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While

we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rms 5:8

Do you know someone who

has forgotten how to celebrate life?

is too afraid to let loose with

forgiveness?

is too beaten down to rise up and Believe?

“God, if you are real, make Yourself real to me!”