The Unrelenting Love of the Father

Good morning, Crossings family. What a Good morning, Crossings family. What a great day it is to be together in great day it is to be together in great day it is to be together in church. If you have a Bible, if you'll church. If you have a Bible, if you'll church. If you have a Bible, if you'll turn in your Bibles to Luke 15. I want turn in your Bibles to Luke 15. I want turn in your Bibles to Luke 15. I want to jump right in because I'm going to to jump right in because I'm going to to jump right in because I'm going to cover one whole chapter of the Bible. cover one whole chapter of the Bible. cover one whole chapter of the Bible. We'll be here till about noon. We'll We'll be here till about noon. We'll We'll be here till about noon. We'll send out for Pete about 11:15. Uh so, uh send out for Pete about 11:15. Uh so, uh send out for Pete about 11:15. Uh so, uh buckle up and hold on. But it's a great buckle up and hold on. But it's a great buckle up and hold on. But it's a great text and I thought I would just go all text and I thought I would just go all text and I thought I would just go all the way through it with the basic themes the way through it with the basic themes the way through it with the basic themes because it's part of this series, because it's part of this series, because it's part of this series, entrusted and empowered. Two weeks ago, entrusted and empowered. Two weeks ago, entrusted and empowered. Two weeks ago, we looked at the biblical teaching of we looked at the biblical teaching of we looked at the biblical teaching of giving. And the Old Testament taught the giving. And the Old Testament taught the giving. And the Old Testament taught the importance of tithing 10% of your importance of tithing 10% of your importance of tithing 10% of your earnings. And and that was in the Old earnings. And and that was in the Old earnings. And and that was in the Old Testament and 10% of your crops or Testament and 10% of your crops or Testament and 10% of your crops or whatever you had. The New Testament, it whatever you had. The New Testament, it whatever you had. The New Testament, it was usually just money. And Jesus said was usually just money. And Jesus said was usually just money. And Jesus said in Luke 11, "Do not ignore or neglect in Luke 11, "Do not ignore or neglect in Luke 11, "Do not ignore or neglect your duty to tithe, but also not ignore your duty to tithe, but also not ignore your duty to tithe, but also not ignore the justice and love of God. For the justice and love of God. For the justice and love of God. For crossings to continue responding to crossings to continue responding to crossings to continue responding to opportunities that God puts in our path, opportunities that God puts in our path, opportunities that God puts in our path, we've got to be generous people." We we've got to be generous people." We we've got to be generous people." We talked about that two weeks ago today. talked about that two weeks ago today. talked about that two weeks ago today. Last week we talked about the power of Last week we talked about the power of Last week we talked about the power of prayer. Realizing that prayer is a prayer. Realizing that prayer is a prayer. Realizing that prayer is a privilege. It's something that we can do privilege. It's something that we can do privilege. It's something that we can do anytime, anywhere. And then Jesus gave anytime, anywhere. And then Jesus gave anytime, anywhere. And then Jesus gave us a pattern of of praying and what we us a pattern of of praying and what we us a pattern of of praying and what we today call the Lord's Prayer. And again today call the Lord's Prayer. And again today call the Lord's Prayer. And again for crossings to continue hearing God's for crossings to continue hearing God's for crossings to continue hearing God's voice voice voice to continue sensing that holy nudge that to continue sensing that holy nudge that to continue sensing that holy nudge that we get as a church frequently we must be we get as a church frequently we must be we get as a church frequently we must be people of prayer. Today we talk about people of prayer. Today we talk about people of prayer. Today we talk about being lost and found being lost and found being lost and found and having the right heart and attitude and having the right heart and attitude and having the right heart and attitude about finding what has been lost and

about finding what has been lost and about finding what has been lost and then celebrate the joy of a lost person then celebrate the joy of a lost person then celebrate the joy of a lost person coming to the father. So, the series has coming to the father. So, the series has coming to the father. So, the series has been entitled by the words entrusted and been entitled by the words entrusted and been entitled by the words entrusted and empowered. To entrust means to give empowered. To entrust means to give empowered. To entrust means to give someone responsibility for carrying a someone responsibility for carrying a someone responsibility for carrying a caring, I'm sorry, for caring for caring, I'm sorry, for caring for caring, I'm sorry, for caring for something or doing an important job something or doing an important job something or doing an important job because you believe they'll not let you because you believe they'll not let you because you believe they'll not let you down. I'll say it again. To entrust down. I'll say it again. To entrust down. I'll say it again. To entrust means to give someone the responsibility means to give someone the responsibility means to give someone the responsibility of caring for something or doing an of caring for something or doing an of caring for something or doing an important job because you believe they important job because you believe they important job because you believe they will not let you down. And in this text will not let you down. And in this text will not let you down. And in this text in Luke 15, we have a lost lamb, a lost in Luke 15, we have a lost lamb, a lost in Luke 15, we have a lost lamb, a lost coin, and a lost son. coin, and a lost son. coin, and a lost son. Empowered means receiving divine Empowered means receiving divine Empowered means receiving divine strength. strength. strength. To be entrusted means we've been given To be entrusted means we've been given To be entrusted means we've been given responsibility. To be empowered means we responsibility. To be empowered means we responsibility. To be empowered means we receive divine strength. It's not our receive divine strength. It's not our receive divine strength. It's not our power. power. power. It's ability and power and authority It's ability and power and authority It's ability and power and authority from God to do his work in our lives. from God to do his work in our lives. from God to do his work in our lives. It's not about human skill or It's not about human skill or It's not about human skill or self-reliance. self-reliance. self-reliance. Instead, God gives his power through the Instead, God gives his power through the Instead, God gives his power through the Holy Spirit, his spirit that moves among Holy Spirit, his spirit that moves among Holy Spirit, his spirit that moves among us. And we sense that all the time.

us. And we sense that all the time. us. And we sense that all the time. Anytime we're in church, sometimes for Anytime we're in church, sometimes for Anytime we're in church, sometimes for me in worship, you can you just sense me in worship, you can you just sense me in worship, you can you just sense something special happening. something special happening. something special happening. Particularly when you think about the Particularly when you think about the Particularly when you think about the music we experience in our rooms, music we experience in our rooms, music we experience in our rooms, it's not about some human uh effort on it's not about some human uh effort on it's not about some human uh effort on our part. Just something happens when our part. Just something happens when our part. Just something happens when we're together in worship. And I think we're together in worship. And I think we're together in worship. And I think it's incredible to have that experience. it's incredible to have that experience. it's incredible to have that experience. And God gives us his power through his And God gives us his power through his And God gives us his power through his Holy Spirit to help people serve others, Holy Spirit to help people serve others, Holy Spirit to help people serve others, speak with courage, live a holy life. speak with courage, live a holy life. speak with courage, live a holy life. So, if you have a Bible, turn to Luke So, if you have a Bible, turn to Luke So, if you have a Bible, turn to Luke 15. And I'm I'm not going to take time 15. And I'm I'm not going to take time 15. And I'm I'm not going to take time to read all of it. Uh it's a lengthy to read all of it. Uh it's a lengthy to read all of it. Uh it's a lengthy chapter, but it's good. It's worth every chapter, but it's good. It's worth every chapter, but it's good. It's worth every word, and I hope take some notes along word, and I hope take some notes along word, and I hope take some notes along the way. Follow me in your Bibles as we the way. Follow me in your Bibles as we the way. Follow me in your Bibles as we go through this entire chapter, and then go through this entire chapter, and then go through this entire chapter, and then perhaps take time to read it sometime perhaps take time to read it sometime perhaps take time to read it sometime today uh from verse one all the way to today uh from verse one all the way to today uh from verse one all the way to the end. the end. the end. First thing we have in this text is a First thing we have in this text is a First thing we have in this text is a lost lamb. lost lamb. lost lamb. And there's a lamb that is lost. And And there's a lamb that is lost. And And there's a lamb that is lost. And there's a intentional rescue. The there's a intentional rescue. The there's a intentional rescue. The shepherd leaves the flock of sheep to shepherd leaves the flock of sheep to shepherd leaves the flock of sheep to find the one that has wandered off.

find the one that has wandered off. find the one that has wandered off. And three things happen here. And three things happen here. And three things happen here. First of all, there's a rescue. First of all, there's a rescue. First of all, there's a rescue. There's a lamb that cannot rescue There's a lamb that cannot rescue There's a lamb that cannot rescue itself. It depends entirely on the itself. It depends entirely on the itself. It depends entirely on the shepherd's pursuit. A shepherd then in shepherd's pursuit. A shepherd then in shepherd's pursuit. A shepherd then in this story leaves the 99 sheep in the this story leaves the 99 sheep in the this story leaves the 99 sheep in the open pasture to hunt down a single open pasture to hunt down a single open pasture to hunt down a single missing lamb. And when he finds it, he missing lamb. And when he finds it, he missing lamb. And when he finds it, he joyfully carries it home on his joyfully carries it home on his joyfully carries it home on his shoulders and throws a party with his shoulders and throws a party with his shoulders and throws a party with his neighbors. So one lamb is lost neighbors. So one lamb is lost neighbors. So one lamb is lost and the shepherd goes after it. There's and the shepherd goes after it. There's and the shepherd goes after it. There's a point here that Jesus wants us to get a point here that Jesus wants us to get a point here that Jesus wants us to get very clearly. very clearly. very clearly. There's a restoration. And when the There's a restoration. And when the There's a restoration. And when the shepherd finds that that lamb, he shepherd finds that that lamb, he shepherd finds that that lamb, he doesn't punish the lamb, but he puts it doesn't punish the lamb, but he puts it doesn't punish the lamb, but he puts it on his shoulders. on his shoulders. on his shoulders. He carries it home. That was my dad's He carries it home. That was my dad's He carries it home. That was my dad's signature sermon. If you ask people here signature sermon. If you ask people here signature sermon. If you ask people here at Bell Isle who've been around this at Bell Isle who've been around this at Bell Isle who've been around this church uh for probably uh 50 years, uh church uh for probably uh 50 years, uh church uh for probably uh 50 years, uh they've heard that sermon. My dad would they've heard that sermon. My dad would they've heard that sermon. My dad would come to Oklahoma long before I knew come to Oklahoma long before I knew come to Oklahoma long before I knew where Oklahoma was. and he would come where Oklahoma was. and he would come where Oklahoma was. and he would come and speak to our this church at the and speak to our this church at the and speak to our this church at the time, a small church of probably 150 time, a small church of probably 150 time, a small church of probably 150 people. And one of his sermons that he people. And one of his sermons that he people. And one of his sermons that he would preach when he came was put a lamb would preach when he came was put a lamb would preach when he came was put a lamb on your shoulder.

on your shoulder. on your shoulder. And that became such a popular sermon, And that became such a popular sermon, And that became such a popular sermon, people were asking dad to speak that people were asking dad to speak that people were asking dad to speak that message and in gatherings all around the message and in gatherings all around the message and in gatherings all around the country. And he did. Dad was a great country. And he did. Dad was a great country. And he did. Dad was a great preacher. He really was. And he could preacher. He really was. And he could preacher. He really was. And he could really paint this picture of Jesus really paint this picture of Jesus really paint this picture of Jesus picking up this lamb, putting it over picking up this lamb, putting it over picking up this lamb, putting it over his shoulders. And so that became dad's his shoulders. And so that became dad's his shoulders. And so that became dad's signature sermon. put a lamb on your signature sermon. put a lamb on your signature sermon. put a lamb on your shoulder. I've got the cassette tape of shoulder. I've got the cassette tape of shoulder. I've got the cassette tape of dad speaking and preaching on that. Many dad speaking and preaching on that. Many dad speaking and preaching on that. Many of you don't know what a cassette tape of you don't know what a cassette tape of you don't know what a cassette tape is. Um I have a CD of my dad preaching is. Um I have a CD of my dad preaching is. Um I have a CD of my dad preaching that sermon. Many of you don't know what that sermon. Many of you don't know what that sermon. Many of you don't know what that is. Uh then what's next after CD is that is. Uh then what's next after CD is that is. Uh then what's next after CD is uh I don't know what's next. All I know uh I don't know what's next. All I know uh I don't know what's next. All I know is now I can't find anything. It's all is now I can't find anything. It's all is now I can't find anything. It's all on some little box called a phone or an on some little box called a phone or an on some little box called a phone or an iPod and you play it and it comes on the iPod and you play it and it comes on the iPod and you play it and it comes on the card somehow someway, which is great card somehow someway, which is great card somehow someway, which is great with me. But those were great days and with me. But those were great days and with me. But those were great days and I've got dad's sermon on every every I've got dad's sermon on every every I've got dad's sermon on every every kind of uh opportunity I've got to have kind of uh opportunity I've got to have kind of uh opportunity I've got to have it on, whether it's a CD or a cassette it on, whether it's a CD or a cassette it on, whether it's a CD or a cassette tape or whatever it is. And dad would tape or whatever it is. And dad would tape or whatever it is. And dad would speak many many times on the shoulders speak many many times on the shoulders speak many many times on the shoulders of Jesus when he would pick up a lamb of Jesus when he would pick up a lamb of Jesus when he would pick up a lamb and he would and he would and he would put him on his shoulders.

put him on his shoulders. put him on his shoulders. The shepherd understood how limited a The shepherd understood how limited a The shepherd understood how limited a lamb is. lamb is. lamb is. They're really not like a dog. I mean, I They're really not like a dog. I mean, I They're really not like a dog. I mean, I of course I'm talking about my dogs. of course I'm talking about my dogs. of course I'm talking about my dogs. They're both pretty brilliant, actually. They're both pretty brilliant, actually. They're both pretty brilliant, actually. Um, Um, Um, my dogs are smart. Um, if you can't find my dogs are smart. Um, if you can't find my dogs are smart. Um, if you can't find them, you usually can call their name or them, you usually can call their name or them, you usually can call their name or whistle and they'll they'll come running whistle and they'll they'll come running whistle and they'll they'll come running if they're out in the backyard. if they're out in the backyard. if they're out in the backyard. Ask any pastor about leading a flock Ask any pastor about leading a flock Ask any pastor about leading a flock after 45 years. And I've seen and heard after 45 years. And I've seen and heard after 45 years. And I've seen and heard about everything. about everything. about everything. People come to us for counsel, for People come to us for counsel, for People come to us for counsel, for prayer, for guidance, for direction. prayer, for guidance, for direction. prayer, for guidance, for direction. Sometimes when a person is really messed Sometimes when a person is really messed Sometimes when a person is really messed up, they they've come to us, which I'm up, they they've come to us, which I'm up, they they've come to us, which I'm glad they do, and they want to talk glad they do, and they want to talk glad they do, and they want to talk through it. They want to work out what's through it. They want to work out what's through it. They want to work out what's got to happen in their life to to get got to happen in their life to to get got to happen in their life to to get their their life back on the right their their life back on the right their their life back on the right track. They tell me what they've said or track. They tell me what they've said or track. They tell me what they've said or done that might have hurt a spouse or a done that might have hurt a spouse or a done that might have hurt a spouse or a friend, a son or a daughter. And friend, a son or a daughter. And friend, a son or a daughter. And sometimes I want to say, "You did what?" sometimes I want to say, "You did what?" sometimes I want to say, "You did what?" But I've never done that. And if you But I've never done that. And if you But I've never done that. And if you want to talk to me, I'll never say that. want to talk to me, I'll never say that. want to talk to me, I'll never say that. I won't do that at all. I promise I I won't do that at all. I promise I I won't do that at all. I promise I won't. You said what?

won't. You said what? won't. You said what? You did what? You did what? You did what? What were you thinking? What were you thinking? What were you thinking? Jesus does none of that. Jesus does none of that. Jesus does none of that. He just picks up this lamb, puts him on He just picks up this lamb, puts him on He just picks up this lamb, puts him on his shoulders, and gets him back his shoulders, and gets him back his shoulders, and gets him back to the pasture to the pasture to the pasture with the sheep. with the sheep. with the sheep. We have to remember there's a verse in We have to remember there's a verse in We have to remember there's a verse in the Bible that says, "We all like sheep the Bible that says, "We all like sheep the Bible that says, "We all like sheep have gone astray. We've strayed away. have gone astray. We've strayed away. have gone astray. We've strayed away. We've all left God's path to follow our We've all left God's path to follow our We've all left God's path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Jesus the sins own. Yet the Lord laid on Jesus the sins own. Yet the Lord laid on Jesus the sins of all of us. That's in Isaiah 53:es of all of us. That's in Isaiah 53:es of all of us. That's in Isaiah 53:es 1-6. 1-6. 1-6. This is an example of the Bible making This is an example of the Bible making This is an example of the Bible making sense. This is a reminder that our sense. This is a reminder that our sense. This is a reminder that our savior Jesus, the lamb of God, as he's savior Jesus, the lamb of God, as he's savior Jesus, the lamb of God, as he's called in the Bible, he gets us. He called in the Bible, he gets us. He called in the Bible, he gets us. He understands us. He knows the worst about understands us. He knows the worst about understands us. He knows the worst about us and still loves us more than any us and still loves us more than any us and still loves us more than any human being ever could. human being ever could. human being ever could. And throughout my years of as a pastor, And throughout my years of as a pastor, And throughout my years of as a pastor, I've constantly had to remember when I'm I've constantly had to remember when I'm I've constantly had to remember when I'm talking to someone about their life or talking to someone about their life or talking to someone about their life or their issues or some kind of mess that their issues or some kind of mess that their issues or some kind of mess that might be occurring in their life, I have might be occurring in their life, I have might be occurring in their life, I have to remind them a phrase I've really, for to remind them a phrase I've really, for to remind them a phrase I've really, for whatever reason, been on my mind all whatever reason, been on my mind all whatever reason, been on my mind all summer. I have to remind them, we really summer. I have to remind them, we really summer. I have to remind them, we really don't know what we don't know as don't know what we don't know as don't know what we don't know as individuals.

We really don't know what we don't know We really don't know what we don't know at any stage of life. I thought by the at any stage of life. I thought by the at any stage of life. I thought by the time I got to this ripe old age of 45, I think that's the first time I've lied I think that's the first time I've lied on stage. on stage. on stage. Probably not. I'm just realizing even at this ripe I'm just realizing even at this ripe age, age, age, I don't know what I don't know. I know a I don't know what I don't know. I know a I don't know what I don't know. I know a lot about what I've done. I know a lot lot about what I've done. I know a lot lot about what I've done. I know a lot about things that have happened in my about things that have happened in my about things that have happened in my life and things I've learned all through life and things I've learned all through life and things I've learned all through the years, but even right now, I don't the years, but even right now, I don't the years, but even right now, I don't know what I don't know. I don't know know what I don't know. I don't know know what I don't know. I don't know what tomorrow's going to bring what tomorrow's going to bring what tomorrow's going to bring or next week or next month or next year. or next week or next month or next year. or next week or next month or next year. I don't know. We don't know what we I don't know. We don't know what we I don't know. We don't know what we don't know. And this is why we need a don't know. And this is why we need a don't know. And this is why we need a professional counselor. I'm a big fan of professional counselor. I'm a big fan of professional counselor. I'm a big fan of that, by the way, who understands the that, by the way, who understands the that, by the way, who understands the human condition. human condition. human condition. And in this text, Jesus gets us. He And in this text, Jesus gets us. He And in this text, Jesus gets us. He understands us. He's comparing us to understands us. He's comparing us to understands us. He's comparing us to sheep at this point. Then there'll be sheep at this point. Then there'll be sheep at this point. Then there'll be two more comparisons. You know, when I two more comparisons. You know, when I two more comparisons. You know, when I walk into a bank, I don't re I realize I walk into a bank, I don't re I realize I walk into a bank, I don't re I realize I don't know what I don't know about a don't know what I don't know about a don't know what I don't know about a bank. I know I got I've got a a paper bank. I know I got I've got a a paper bank. I know I got I've got a a paper check. I'm going to make a deposit.

check. I'm going to make a deposit. check. I'm going to make a deposit. They're going to take it. They're going They're going to take it. They're going They're going to take it. They're going to do something with it. And then I get to do something with it. And then I get to do something with it. And then I get home and I'll look it up on my phone or home and I'll look it up on my phone or home and I'll look it up on my phone or the computer and and they got it and the computer and and they got it and the computer and and they got it and it's there. It's showing up on my it's there. It's showing up on my it's there. It's showing up on my account, which is always a good thing. account, which is always a good thing. account, which is always a good thing. I don't know what I don't know when I I don't know what I don't know when I I don't know what I don't know when I walk in a bank. I just know what to do. walk in a bank. I just know what to do. walk in a bank. I just know what to do. Give them the check or write a check if Give them the check or write a check if Give them the check or write a check if you're withdrawing funds or whatever. I you're withdrawing funds or whatever. I you're withdrawing funds or whatever. I do know ATMs exist, don't get me wrong. do know ATMs exist, don't get me wrong. do know ATMs exist, don't get me wrong. I go to those, too. But there's times I go to those, too. But there's times I go to those, too. But there's times you just have to go in. I feel I need to you just have to go in. I feel I need to you just have to go in. I feel I need to go in the bank. But in that thing, in go in the bank. But in that thing, in go in the bank. But in that thing, in that situation or and frankly even the that situation or and frankly even the that situation or and frankly even the cars these days, you know, my car is cars these days, you know, my car is cars these days, you know, my car is it's three, four years old, but there's it's three, four years old, but there's it's three, four years old, but there's still technology on it I don't even care still technology on it I don't even care still technology on it I don't even care about. I don't even want to I don't have about. I don't even want to I don't have about. I don't even want to I don't have I don't know how to find it. I'm not I don't know how to find it. I'm not I don't know how to find it. I'm not sure what to do with it. There's sure what to do with it. There's sure what to do with it. There's something that beeps all the time. I something that beeps all the time. I something that beeps all the time. I just want to figure out how do I turn it just want to figure out how do I turn it just want to figure out how do I turn it off? That's all I want to know. I don't off? That's all I want to know. I don't off? That's all I want to know. I don't need to know. I don't know what I don't need to know. I don't know what I don't need to know. I don't know what I don't know. So, here's a lost lamb that's know. So, here's a lost lamb that's know. So, here's a lost lamb that's rescued. Their life is spared. There's rescued. Their life is spared. There's rescued. Their life is spared. There's an expert in sheep that carries this an expert in sheep that carries this an expert in sheep that carries this lamb back to the flock, restores the lamb back to the flock, restores the lamb back to the flock, restores the lamb back to the flock. And when the lamb back to the flock. And when the lamb back to the flock. And when the lost lamb is found, it says in the lost lamb is found, it says in the lost lamb is found, it says in the scripture, there's rejoicing. Jesus scripture, there's rejoicing. Jesus scripture, there's rejoicing. Jesus concludes that heaven experiences concludes that heaven experiences concludes that heaven experiences greater. Now listen to this. I could greater. Now listen to this. I could greater. Now listen to this. I could stop right here and spend the rest of stop right here and spend the rest of stop right here and spend the rest of the morning on this, but I can't.

the morning on this, but I can't. the morning on this, but I can't. Jesus says that heaven experiences Jesus says that heaven experiences Jesus says that heaven experiences greater celebration over one returning greater celebration over one returning greater celebration over one returning lost lost lost sinner than over 99 self-righteous sinner than over 99 self-righteous sinner than over 99 self-righteous people who feel no need for repentance. Jesus said this. I I didn't make this Jesus said this. I I didn't make this up. He says they have heaven is greatly He says they have heaven is greatly rejoicing over one returning sinner. rejoicing over one returning sinner. rejoicing over one returning sinner. That's all of us frankly. We're all That's all of us frankly. We're all That's all of us frankly. We're all Bible tells us we're all sinners. Bible tells us we're all sinners. Bible tells us we're all sinners. But through Jesus Christ, we've been But through Jesus Christ, we've been But through Jesus Christ, we've been saved by grace. His love given so saved by grace. His love given so saved by grace. His love given so freely. freely. freely. Jesus says one I they get so excited Jesus says one I they get so excited Jesus says one I they get so excited about one lost lamb coming home than about one lost lamb coming home than about one lost lamb coming home than over 99 righteous individuals who feel over 99 righteous individuals who feel over 99 righteous individuals who feel no need for repentance. Jesus knows what no need for repentance. Jesus knows what no need for repentance. Jesus knows what we don't know about ourselves.

we don't know about ourselves. we don't know about ourselves. The longer you've been a follower of The longer you've been a follower of The longer you've been a follower of Christ, the more likely you are to not Christ, the more likely you are to not Christ, the more likely you are to not find joy in helping a lost lamb find find joy in helping a lost lamb find find joy in helping a lost lamb find their way back to this flock. their way back to this flock. their way back to this flock. Any lost lambs in your life? Have you loved him? Just said, "I'm Have you loved him? Just said, "I'm going to walk with you. Get through going to walk with you. Get through going to walk with you. Get through this." this." this." And have you at times had to say some And have you at times had to say some And have you at times had to say some hard truth in love? hard truth in love? hard truth in love? That's what Jesus does. So, the lost That's what Jesus does. So, the lost That's what Jesus does. So, the lost lamb. Second story in this text is the lamb. Second story in this text is the lamb. Second story in this text is the lost coin. lost coin. lost coin. again to the scripture. Suppose a woman again to the scripture. Suppose a woman again to the scripture. Suppose a woman has 10 valuable silver coins and loses has 10 valuable silver coins and loses has 10 valuable silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and look in one. Won't she light a lamp and look in one. Won't she light a lamp and look in every corner of the house and sweep every corner of the house and sweep every corner of the house and sweep every nook and cranny? That put me on a every nook and cranny? That put me on a every nook and cranny? That put me on a search cuz I didn't know that I really search cuz I didn't know that I really search cuz I didn't know that I really understood. If you asked me yesterday, understood. If you asked me yesterday, understood. If you asked me yesterday, what is a nook and a cranny? I wouldn't what is a nook and a cranny? I wouldn't what is a nook and a cranny? I wouldn't have known what it was. I don't know have known what it was. I don't know have known what it was. I don't know why. It doesn't take much to get me why. It doesn't take much to get me why. It doesn't take much to get me curious anymore. You know, I can be curious anymore. You know, I can be curious anymore. You know, I can be thrilled by a lot of things anymore, but thrilled by a lot of things anymore, but thrilled by a lot of things anymore, but a nook and a cranny. So, I looked it up.

a nook and a cranny. So, I looked it up. a nook and a cranny. So, I looked it up. Just for those of you that don't know Just for those of you that don't know Just for those of you that don't know what that is, uh, a nook is a small, what that is, uh, a nook is a small, what that is, uh, a nook is a small, cozy, sheltered corner, recess, or cozy, sheltered corner, recess, or cozy, sheltered corner, recess, or hidden space in your home. So, we have hidden space in your home. So, we have hidden space in your home. So, we have several nooks and crannies. We in my several nooks and crannies. We in my several nooks and crannies. We in my house, a cranny is a small narrow crack, house, a cranny is a small narrow crack, house, a cranny is a small narrow crack, split, or opening in a hard surface like split, or opening in a hard surface like split, or opening in a hard surface like a rock or a wall. a rock or a wall. a rock or a wall. I didn't know that's what a nook and I didn't know that's what a nook and I didn't know that's what a nook and cranny is. But that's what that's what cranny is. But that's what that's what cranny is. But that's what that's what this lady had lost something so valuable this lady had lost something so valuable this lady had lost something so valuable she looked everywhere under the she looked everywhere under the she looked everywhere under the furniture on the floor anywhere she furniture on the floor anywhere she furniture on the floor anywhere she could pull a a piece of furniture or could pull a a piece of furniture or could pull a a piece of furniture or something away so she could see every something away so she could see every something away so she could see every square little foot of whatever she was square little foot of whatever she was square little foot of whatever she was living in to see where that coin might living in to see where that coin might living in to see where that coin might be. be. be. Uh Kim and I are very loyal. Um Uh Kim and I are very loyal. Um Uh Kim and I are very loyal. Um uh what's what's that green thing you uh what's what's that green thing you uh what's what's that green thing you take out of the trash? The green one. take out of the trash? The green one. take out of the trash? The green one. The recycling bin. Recycling. Yeah. The recycling bin. Recycling. Yeah. The recycling bin. Recycling. Yeah. Yeah. I'm I don't take time to memorize Yeah. I'm I don't take time to memorize Yeah. I'm I don't take time to memorize that. I just know it's green and I know that. I just know it's green and I know that. I just know it's green and I know when it has to go out to the curb. when it has to go out to the curb. when it has to go out to the curb. So I was taking stuff out. We I crush So I was taking stuff out. We I crush So I was taking stuff out. We I crush every box and every piece of paper. If every box and every piece of paper. If every box and every piece of paper. If whatever goes supposed to go in the whatever goes supposed to go in the whatever goes supposed to go in the green thing, I'll take it to the green green thing, I'll take it to the green green thing, I'll take it to the green thing. And then one day I'd done that thing. And then one day I'd done that thing. And then one day I'd done that and uh it was probably a couple hours and uh it was probably a couple hours and uh it was probably a couple hours later. It was on a Saturday and I don't later. It was on a Saturday and I don't later. It was on a Saturday and I don't know 3 4 hours later uh I realized I know 3 4 hours later uh I realized I know 3 4 hours later uh I realized I didn't have my wedding ring on and I I'm didn't have my wedding ring on and I I'm didn't have my wedding ring on and I I'm always wearing my wedding ring and I always wearing my wedding ring and I always wearing my wedding ring and I thought I thought I put that on this thought I thought I put that on this thought I thought I put that on this morning. So I went to my closet and morning. So I went to my closet and morning. So I went to my closet and wasn't sitting there on the counter and wasn't sitting there on the counter and wasn't sitting there on the counter and and then it hit me. Surely it didn't and then it hit me. Surely it didn't and then it hit me. Surely it didn't come off of my hand while I was filling come off of my hand while I was filling come off of my hand while I was filling up the big green recycling bin. So I

up the big green recycling bin. So I up the big green recycling bin. So I thought, "Okay, I'll go look." And I thought, "Okay, I'll go look." And I thought, "Okay, I'll go look." And I thought, "This thing's full." I I you thought, "This thing's full." I I you thought, "This thing's full." I I you know know know and God showed up in my recycling bin and God showed up in my recycling bin and God showed up in my recycling bin and four box flat boxes down there it and four box flat boxes down there it and four box flat boxes down there it was was was slid right off my finger sitting right slid right off my finger sitting right slid right off my finger sitting right there on the box and I I shouted there on the box and I I shouted there on the box and I I shouted hallelujah more than I've ever shouted hallelujah more than I've ever shouted hallelujah more than I've ever shouted hallelujah in any church service because hallelujah in any church service because hallelujah in any church service because I didn't want to tell Kim I can't find I didn't want to tell Kim I can't find I didn't want to tell Kim I can't find my wedding ring but I found it and boy my wedding ring but I found it and boy my wedding ring but I found it and boy was I rejoicing like this lady was when was I rejoicing like this lady was when was I rejoicing like this lady was when She found this valuable coin that she She found this valuable coin that she She found this valuable coin that she thought she had lost. This woman has thought she had lost. This woman has thought she had lost. This woman has something of value and she finds it. something of value and she finds it. something of value and she finds it. She's diligent. She lights a lamp, She's diligent. She lights a lamp, She's diligent. She lights a lamp, sweeps every corner, searches untaringly sweeps every corner, searches untaringly sweeps every corner, searches untaringly until the object is recovered. She until the object is recovered. She until the object is recovered. She celebrates. The recovery leads to a celebrates. The recovery leads to a celebrates. The recovery leads to a communal celebration with her neighbors. communal celebration with her neighbors. communal celebration with her neighbors. That's what the text says. They go and That's what the text says. They go and That's what the text says. They go and they they shout together and rejoice they they shout together and rejoice they they shout together and rejoice together because something of value has together because something of value has together because something of value has been found. Just like the lost lamb, been found. Just like the lost lamb, been found. Just like the lost lamb, she celebrates.

she celebrates. she celebrates. And then there's reward. Jesus says And then there's reward. Jesus says And then there's reward. Jesus says she's rewarded because there is joy she's rewarded because there is joy she's rewarded because there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner before the angels of God over one sinner before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Jesus says this this joy who repents. Jesus says this this joy who repents. Jesus says this this joy she has and this is a collection of she has and this is a collection of she has and this is a collection of three stories. three stories. three stories. She's rewarded because there's joy She's rewarded because there's joy She's rewarded because there's joy before the angels of God when something before the angels of God when something before the angels of God when something lost is found. And then the third story in this text is And then the third story in this text is the familiar one, probably we're more the familiar one, probably we're more the familiar one, probably we're more familiar with, and that's the prodigal familiar with, and that's the prodigal familiar with, and that's the prodigal son, the lost son. son, the lost son. son, the lost son. You know the story. You know the story. You know the story. Son comes to dad and says, "I want all Son comes to dad and says, "I want all Son comes to dad and says, "I want all that I've got coming to me. I want my that I've got coming to me. I want my that I've got coming to me. I want my inheritance. I want it all right now. inheritance. I want it all right now. inheritance. I want it all right now. And I'm going to go take off and live my And I'm going to go take off and live my And I'm going to go take off and live my own life and do my own thing." This is own life and do my own thing." This is own life and do my own thing." This is Jesus. This is an illustration he's Jesus. This is an illustration he's Jesus. This is an illustration he's crafting as he tells it. crafting as he tells it. crafting as he tells it. father gives the son what he's asked for father gives the son what he's asked for father gives the son what he's asked for and the son takes off. It's a very and the son takes off. It's a very and the son takes off. It's a very famous story. Most all of you know this.

famous story. Most all of you know this. famous story. Most all of you know this. The risk this father took was to be The risk this father took was to be The risk this father took was to be viewed by the community as a weak father viewed by the community as a weak father viewed by the community as a weak father who won't properly discipline a son who won't properly discipline a son who won't properly discipline a son who's embarrassed the family. who's embarrassed the family. who's embarrassed the family. He's walked away. The older brother was He's walked away. The older brother was He's walked away. The older brother was a good son. He knew that dad had given a good son. He knew that dad had given a good son. He knew that dad had given his way brother his inheritance. The his way brother his inheritance. The his way brother his inheritance. The older brother's far more concerned about older brother's far more concerned about older brother's far more concerned about this lousy loser of a brother. He's not this lousy loser of a brother. He's not this lousy loser of a brother. He's not that worried about him now. he was going that worried about him now. he was going that worried about him now. he was going to get his share of the estate when his to get his share of the estate when his to get his share of the estate when his time came and we're done with the time came and we're done with the time came and we're done with the brother. brother. brother. There are many possible reasons here There are many possible reasons here There are many possible reasons here that Jesus says the father then one day that Jesus says the father then one day that Jesus says the father then one day sees him coming. This son that had been sees him coming. This son that had been sees him coming. This son that had been gone and the father sees him coming up gone and the father sees him coming up gone and the father sees him coming up the lane and does something. If you've the lane and does something. If you've the lane and does something. If you've read the history there, most fathers in read the history there, most fathers in read the history there, most fathers in those days wouldn't take off running those days wouldn't take off running those days wouldn't take off running toward a son that deserved punishment. toward a son that deserved punishment. toward a son that deserved punishment. But this father had a different idea in But this father had a different idea in But this father had a different idea in mind. mind. mind. He sees his son coming up the road. He sees his son coming up the road. He sees his son coming up the road. Jesus paints this picture of a father Jesus paints this picture of a father Jesus paints this picture of a father who never gave up on his son. A father who never gave up on his son. A father who never gave up on his son. A father who might sit on the front porch hoping who might sit on the front porch hoping who might sit on the front porch hoping to see that wavered son return at some to see that wavered son return at some to see that wavered son return at some point wondering every day, could it be point wondering every day, could it be point wondering every day, could it be today?

today? today? Will I see him coming up the road? This Will I see him coming up the road? This Will I see him coming up the road? This is this great example again of our is this great example again of our is this great example again of our mission statement. People who want to mission statement. People who want to mission statement. People who want to live by faith, be a voice of hope, and live by faith, be a voice of hope, and live by faith, be a voice of hope, and be known by love. We mean that. We don't be known by love. We mean that. We don't be known by love. We mean that. We don't pick just one of those. We want to have pick just one of those. We want to have pick just one of those. We want to have great faith that makes us and encourages great faith that makes us and encourages great faith that makes us and encourages us to take great steps of faith. We take us to take great steps of faith. We take us to take great steps of faith. We take steps of faith independently, steps of faith independently, steps of faith independently, individually. We take steps of faith as individually. We take steps of faith as individually. We take steps of faith as a church. We've taken steps that have a church. We've taken steps that have a church. We've taken steps that have scared me to death through the years. scared me to death through the years. scared me to death through the years. Terrified at sometimes. Oh, Marty Grubs Terrified at sometimes. Oh, Marty Grubs Terrified at sometimes. Oh, Marty Grubs of little faith of little faith of little faith in some moments. in some moments. in some moments. But look what God has done But look what God has done But look what God has done with our faith, with your faith. with our faith, with your faith. with our faith, with your faith. This father is presented to us as one This father is presented to us as one This father is presented to us as one who never lost faith that God might who never lost faith that God might who never lost faith that God might answer his prayer and send that kid answer his prayer and send that kid answer his prayer and send that kid home. You've got a father who protects. home. You've got a father who protects. home. You've got a father who protects. You've also got a father then who You've also got a father then who You've also got a father then who restores. The father embraces him, restores. The father embraces him, restores. The father embraces him, stops his rehearsed speech, stops his rehearsed speech, stops his rehearsed speech, says, "Nope, don't want to hear it."

says, "Nope, don't want to hear it." says, "Nope, don't want to hear it." And orders the best robe and a fine ring And orders the best robe and a fine ring And orders the best robe and a fine ring and sandals to be placed on his feet, and sandals to be placed on his feet, and sandals to be placed on his feet, immediately restoring immediately restoring immediately restoring in the brother's eyes this lousy, messed in the brother's eyes this lousy, messed in the brother's eyes this lousy, messed up, runaway brother. And now he's up, runaway brother. And now he's up, runaway brother. And now he's getting treated like he's just won the getting treated like he's just won the getting treated like he's just won the Olympics. Olympics. Olympics. And that doesn't sit right with a And that doesn't sit right with a And that doesn't sit right with a brother. And honest to goodness, if we brother. And honest to goodness, if we brother. And honest to goodness, if we all ask ourselves, it doesn't sit right all ask ourselves, it doesn't sit right all ask ourselves, it doesn't sit right with us. But this is Jesus now But this is Jesus now telling this story. telling this story. telling this story. This loving father This loving father This loving father welcoming home one he thought he might welcoming home one he thought he might welcoming home one he thought he might never see again. never see again. never see again. But then there's the older brother. Come But then there's the older brother. Come But then there's the older brother. Come on, Dad. on, Dad. on, Dad. He's wrong. He's a mess. He's He's wrong. He's a mess. He's He's wrong. He's a mess. He's embarrassed us. embarrassed us. embarrassed us. I'm good. He's bad. He doesn't deserve I'm good. He's bad. He doesn't deserve I'm good. He's bad. He doesn't deserve anything from you, Dad. anything from you, Dad. anything from you, Dad. But he's missing the point. Jesus knows But he's missing the point. Jesus knows But he's missing the point. Jesus knows where he's headed with this parable, where he's headed with this parable, where he's headed with this parable, this story.

this story. this story. And we don't know how that ended. We And we don't know how that ended. We And we don't know how that ended. We know the brother would not come to the know the brother would not come to the know the brother would not come to the celebration celebration celebration that was thrown to celebrate a brother that was thrown to celebrate a brother that was thrown to celebrate a brother that has returned home who they thought that has returned home who they thought that has returned home who they thought could be dead. could be dead. could be dead. And the story ends without revealing And the story ends without revealing And the story ends without revealing whether the older brother came to the whether the older brother came to the whether the older brother came to the feast or not, leaving the decision feast or not, leaving the decision feast or not, leaving the decision directly to Jesus's religious listeners. older brother, younger brother. older brother, younger brother. You know, one of my great fears, and You know, one of my great fears, and You know, one of my great fears, and I've probably said it more than I I've probably said it more than I I've probably said it more than I should, doesn't stop me, though. Say it should, doesn't stop me, though. Say it should, doesn't stop me, though. Say it again. again. again. Churches can easily get full of older Churches can easily get full of older Churches can easily get full of older brother types. brother types. brother types. It happens. It's a hazard. It happens. It's a hazard. It happens. It's a hazard. You don't realize it's even happened. You don't realize it's even happened. You don't realize it's even happened. Older brothers who are good, they're Older brothers who are good, they're Older brothers who are good, they're just good. Somehow they're disciplined. just good. Somehow they're disciplined. just good. Somehow they're disciplined. Somehow they figured out how to live a Somehow they figured out how to live a Somehow they figured out how to live a life of that made some sense and be very life of that made some sense and be very life of that made some sense and be very disciplined and very uh direct and how disciplined and very uh direct and how disciplined and very uh direct and how they would deal with life.

they would deal with life. they would deal with life. And hopefully we all get taught that at And hopefully we all get taught that at And hopefully we all get taught that at some level. We all have different some level. We all have different some level. We all have different personalities. We're all wired personalities. We're all wired personalities. We're all wired differently. differently. differently. But somewhere in life we figure out But somewhere in life we figure out But somewhere in life we figure out there's a a good path and there's a bad there's a a good path and there's a bad there's a a good path and there's a bad path. path. path. And if we're wise, we choose the good And if we're wise, we choose the good And if we're wise, we choose the good path. But this story is a warning to us But this story is a warning to us because churches can get really because churches can get really because churches can get really comfortable when we're all just a bunch comfortable when we're all just a bunch comfortable when we're all just a bunch of older brother types. of older brother types. of older brother types. And churches can get really nervous, And churches can get really nervous, And churches can get really nervous, particularly particularly particularly if younger brothers start showing up if younger brothers start showing up if younger brothers start showing up and they're kind of a mess and you know and they're kind of a mess and you know and they're kind of a mess and you know they're a mess. One thing I love love love about this One thing I love love love about this church church church is you the the most weward prodigal is you the the most weward prodigal is you the the most weward prodigal child can ramble in this place child can ramble in this place child can ramble in this place and be loved and be loved and be loved unconditionally.

unconditionally. unconditionally. And we'll walk with you as long as you And we'll walk with you as long as you And we'll walk with you as long as you need to walk. need to walk. need to walk. And if we ever lose sight of that And if we ever lose sight of that And if we ever lose sight of that church, it won't be a church anymore. church, it won't be a church anymore. church, it won't be a church anymore. That won't be a church anymore. You all know that uh back in it's been You all know that uh back in it's been now quite a number of years ago, 40 now quite a number of years ago, 40 now quite a number of years ago, 40 years ago at least I think when uh years ago at least I think when uh years ago at least I think when uh something happened in our family that I something happened in our family that I something happened in our family that I never thought possible and I many of you never thought possible and I many of you never thought possible and I many of you have heard the story, many of you have heard the story, many of you have heard the story, many of you haven't. Um haven't. Um haven't. Um but my parents had gone through a but my parents had gone through a but my parents had gone through a divorce. Never ever dreamed in a million divorce. Never ever dreamed in a million divorce. Never ever dreamed in a million years that my mom and dad would end up years that my mom and dad would end up years that my mom and dad would end up divorcing. Dad had a pretty goodiz large divorcing. Dad had a pretty goodiz large divorcing. Dad had a pretty goodiz large church at the time and it was it was church at the time and it was it was church at the time and it was it was pretty tough uh on our family uh to pretty tough uh on our family uh to pretty tough uh on our family uh to suddenly not be known in town as maybe suddenly not be known in town as maybe suddenly not be known in town as maybe the largest church in town but the known the largest church in town but the known the largest church in town but the known in town as the the pastor that left his in town as the the pastor that left his in town as the the pastor that left his wife wife wife was a tough one. was a tough one. was a tough one. And so we I tell you what we learned so And so we I tell you what we learned so And so we I tell you what we learned so much through that. And I just just want much through that. And I just just want much through that. And I just just want you to know that God did some amazing you to know that God did some amazing you to know that God did some amazing things in our family and in my mom and things in our family and in my mom and things in our family and in my mom and dad through those years they both would dad through those years they both would dad through those years they both would remarry.

We've had some we before dad died, mom We've had some we before dad died, mom died, we had some really good years, died, we had some really good years, died, we had some really good years, 20ome years or more 20ome years or more 20ome years or more being good family. being good family. being good family. Somehow in our world, we didn't forget Somehow in our world, we didn't forget Somehow in our world, we didn't forget this concept of forgiveness. And that's a situation, as you know, And that's a situation, as you know, that's hard to forgive. It took some that's hard to forgive. It took some that's hard to forgive. It took some time. time. time. One day, I'm standing in the foyer down One day, I'm standing in the foyer down One day, I'm standing in the foyer down at Bellis between services. And that's at Bellis between services. And that's at Bellis between services. And that's when we were having to set up chairs and when we were having to set up chairs and when we were having to set up chairs and all this stuff. And it there was no room all this stuff. And it there was no room all this stuff. And it there was no room to walk. I mean, sometimes I couldn't to walk. I mean, sometimes I couldn't to walk. I mean, sometimes I couldn't even get off the stage. I just had to even get off the stage. I just had to even get off the stage. I just had to sit up there till the next bunch came sit up there till the next bunch came sit up there till the next bunch came in. We couldn't literally walk off the in. We couldn't literally walk off the in. We couldn't literally walk off the stage because it was so crowded. But I stage because it was so crowded. But I stage because it was so crowded. But I somebody had run by walked by me and somebody had run by walked by me and somebody had run by walked by me and said, "Hey, how's your mom and dad?" And said, "Hey, how's your mom and dad?" And said, "Hey, how's your mom and dad?" And this was now probably 3 months after the this was now probably 3 months after the this was now probably 3 months after the divorce and a few close friends knew divorce and a few close friends knew divorce and a few close friends knew about it and somebody's I'm in the I'm about it and somebody's I'm in the I'm about it and somebody's I'm in the I'm standing there at the edge of the stage standing there at the edge of the stage standing there at the edge of the stage and a couple of my friends are kind of and a couple of my friends are kind of and a couple of my friends are kind of standing there too with me and and some standing there too with me and and some standing there too with me and and some person comes up and they says, "How person comes up and they says, "How person comes up and they says, "How how's your mom and dad?" I said, how's your mom and dad?" I said, how's your mom and dad?" I said, "They're fine." "They're fine." "They're fine." But they weren't. They're divorced. And But they weren't. They're divorced. And But they weren't. They're divorced. And I had a friend that just stuck his nose I had a friend that just stuck his nose I had a friend that just stuck his nose in my business and ticked me off and in my business and ticked me off and in my business and ticked me off and said, "We're going to have to talk about said, "We're going to have to talk about said, "We're going to have to talk about this." And I wanted to say, "It's none this." And I wanted to say, "It's none this." And I wanted to say, "It's none of your business." But I knew that it of your business." But I knew that it of your business." But I knew that it was. He's a friend. Let's talk. So the was. He's a friend. Let's talk. So the was. He's a friend. Let's talk. So the next morning, I thought we're going to next morning, I thought we're going to next morning, I thought we're going to go to lunch. And many of you know the go to lunch. And many of you know the go to lunch. And many of you know the story. He took me to an AA meeting. I story. He took me to an AA meeting. I story. He took me to an AA meeting. I thought, "What in the heck am I doing at thought, "What in the heck am I doing at thought, "What in the heck am I doing at an AA meeting?" And who's going to know an AA meeting?" And who's going to know an AA meeting?" And who's going to know I went to one? And who's going to wonder I went to one? And who's going to wonder I went to one? And who's going to wonder why I went to it? You know, you know, why I went to it? You know, you know, why I went to it? You know, you know, you all been at AA. know somebody sees

you all been at AA. know somebody sees you all been at AA. know somebody sees you walking in. I wonder what his you walking in. I wonder what his you walking in. I wonder what his problem is. problem is. problem is. So I walked in with this friend of mine So I walked in with this friend of mine So I walked in with this friend of mine who stayed a very close friend until he who stayed a very close friend until he who stayed a very close friend until he died. And it was just to me the beginning of a And it was just to me the beginning of a seminary I never had a chance to get. seminary I never had a chance to get. seminary I never had a chance to get. There were some sitting there who had There were some sitting there who had There were some sitting there who had clothes more expensive than my little clothes more expensive than my little clothes more expensive than my little apartment and some sitting there that apartment and some sitting there that apartment and some sitting there that literally had walked in with whatever literally had walked in with whatever literally had walked in with whatever they had on them. Some were in they had on them. Some were in they had on them. Some were in hangovers, some were wealthy, some hangovers, some were wealthy, some hangovers, some were wealthy, some successful. I was quick to assume that successful. I was quick to assume that successful. I was quick to assume that the men had nothing in common. But boy the men had nothing in common. But boy the men had nothing in common. But boy was I wrong. They all had one thing in was I wrong. They all had one thing in was I wrong. They all had one thing in common. They were broken and had come to common. They were broken and had come to common. They were broken and had come to believe there was hope and forgiveness believe there was hope and forgiveness believe there was hope and forgiveness and a new life available in a man named and a new life available in a man named and a new life available in a man named Jesus who was willing to forgive and Jesus who was willing to forgive and Jesus who was willing to forgive and willing to walk alongside and help us willing to walk alongside and help us willing to walk alongside and help us find a brand new life. We've all had to find a brand new life. We've all had to find a brand new life. We've all had to face temptations and desires that were face temptations and desires that were face temptations and desires that were very destructive in our lives. very destructive in our lives. very destructive in our lives. Being human means we're all runaway Being human means we're all runaway Being human means we're all runaway slaves in some at some to some degree, slaves in some at some to some degree, slaves in some at some to some degree, enslaved to something that we think is enslaved to something that we think is enslaved to something that we think is okay, that has us bound in ways we never okay, that has us bound in ways we never okay, that has us bound in ways we never thought could happen. And sometimes I've thought could happen. And sometimes I've thought could happen. And sometimes I've watched followers of Jesus decide that a watched followers of Jesus decide that a watched followers of Jesus decide that a prodigal is not worth love and grace.

prodigal is not worth love and grace. prodigal is not worth love and grace. They're just too bad, too messed up. And They're just too bad, too messed up. And They're just too bad, too messed up. And what are they doing in our church? I've never heard that in this church. I've never heard that in this church. Honestly, we've all had to face temptations and we've all had to face temptations and desires that were destructive in our desires that were destructive in our desires that were destructive in our lives. Being human means we're all lives. Being human means we're all lives. Being human means we're all runaway slaves, enslaved to things we runaway slaves, enslaved to things we runaway slaves, enslaved to things we think is acceptable, but but it has us think is acceptable, but but it has us think is acceptable, but but it has us bound in ways we never thought could bound in ways we never thought could bound in ways we never thought could happen. And sometimes I've watched happen. And sometimes I've watched happen. And sometimes I've watched followers of Jesus decide that a prodal followers of Jesus decide that a prodal followers of Jesus decide that a prodal is not worth their love. and is not worth their love. and is not worth their love. and forgiveness. We are all prodigals, forgiveness. We are all prodigals, forgiveness. We are all prodigals, folks. Bible says we have all sinned. I folks. Bible says we have all sinned. I folks. Bible says we have all sinned. I wish that wasn't true, but it is. wish that wasn't true, but it is. wish that wasn't true, but it is. And the verse continues, And the verse continues, And the verse continues, "And we've fallen short of God's "And we've fallen short of God's "And we've fallen short of God's glorious standard." Or as the me message glorious standard." Or as the me message glorious standard." Or as the me message says it this way. I love this. This is says it this way. I love this. This is says it this way. I love this. This is the paraphrase of this of this text. the paraphrase of this of this text. the paraphrase of this of this text. The God setting things right The God setting things right The God setting things right that we read about has become Jesus that we read about has become Jesus that we read about has become Jesus setting things right for us. And not setting things right for us. And not setting things right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who only for us, but for everyone who only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there's no believes in him. For there's no believes in him. For there's no difference between us and them in this.

difference between us and them in this. difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long, sorry Since we've compiled this long, sorry Since we've compiled this long, sorry record of sinners, both us and them. And record of sinners, both us and them. And record of sinners, both us and them. And prove that we're utterly incapable of prove that we're utterly incapable of prove that we're utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God's wills living the glorious lives God's wills living the glorious lives God's wills for us. God wills for us. God did it for for us. God wills for us. God did it for for us. God wills for us. God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity, he put us us. Out of sheer generosity, he put us us. Out of sheer generosity, he put us right in right standing with Jesus. right in right standing with Jesus. right in right standing with Jesus. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess A pure gift. He got us out of the mess A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we were in. Restored us to where he we were in. Restored us to where he we were in. Restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by always wanted us to be. And he did it by always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. means of Jesus Christ. means of Jesus Christ. That's what That's what That's what forgiveness is all about. forgiveness is all about. forgiveness is all about. And maybe you've been the prodigal that And maybe you've been the prodigal that And maybe you've been the prodigal that ran away, ran away, ran away, maybe embarrassed somebody, hurt maybe embarrassed somebody, hurt maybe embarrassed somebody, hurt somebody. Who knows? somebody. Who knows? somebody. Who knows? It's interesting when you have Dr. Cliff It's interesting when you have Dr. Cliff It's interesting when you have Dr. Cliff Sanders down the hallway. Uh you kind of Sanders down the hallway. Uh you kind of Sanders down the hallway. Uh you kind of have a I have a quick uh trip down the have a I have a quick uh trip down the have a I have a quick uh trip down the hall to get the the wisdom of this hall to get the the wisdom of this hall to get the the wisdom of this brilliant theologian who So he sent me brilliant theologian who So he sent me brilliant theologian who So he sent me this fact about this son that had run this fact about this son that had run this fact about this son that had run away and is coming back. He said in the away and is coming back. He said in the away and is coming back. He said in the Greek the term used is not a servant.

Greek the term used is not a servant. Greek the term used is not a servant. When the young son said I I I'll be a When the young son said I I I'll be a When the young son said I I I'll be a servant. I don't expect to be a son servant. I don't expect to be a son servant. I don't expect to be a son again. I'll be a servant. says someone again. I'll be a servant. says someone again. I'll be a servant. says someone who is part of the house even though who is part of the house even though who is part of the house even though enslaved and lives in the property. The enslaved and lives in the property. The enslaved and lives in the property. The term the son uses is the equivalent of a term the son uses is the equivalent of a term the son uses is the equivalent of a day worker. So in other words, he wasn't day worker. So in other words, he wasn't day worker. So in other words, he wasn't coming to have a permanent place to coming to have a permanent place to coming to have a permanent place to sleep every night. No, no. It says they sleep every night. No, no. It says they sleep every night. No, no. It says they were in they were enslaved. It was a day were in they were enslaved. It was a day were in they were enslaved. It was a day worker. This this would be someone who worker. This this would be someone who worker. This this would be someone who goes to the town square and hopes to get goes to the town square and hopes to get goes to the town square and hopes to get hired that day. It's a pretty low hired that day. It's a pretty low hired that day. It's a pretty low expectation for sure. Day laborers ate expectation for sure. Day laborers ate expectation for sure. Day laborers ate when they worked and of course didn't when they worked and of course didn't when they worked and of course didn't eat when they didn't work. The son still eat when they didn't work. The son still eat when they didn't work. The son still has a pretty low expectation of but has a pretty low expectation of but has a pretty low expectation of but that's what he was signing up for. And the father knew that. And the father knew that. And the father said, "Nope, And the father said, "Nope, And the father said, "Nope, that's not how we roll. that's not how we roll. that's not how we roll. We believe in second chances, We believe in second chances, We believe in second chances, third chances, third chances, third chances, fourth chances, fourth chances, fourth chances, 10 chances.

The number can get pretty high. The number can get pretty high. There's always I hope somebody in all of There's always I hope somebody in all of There's always I hope somebody in all of our lives, certainly been the case our lives, certainly been the case our lives, certainly been the case probably for most of us, they just probably for most of us, they just probably for most of us, they just wouldn't give up on us wouldn't give up on us wouldn't give up on us because they saw in us what maybe God because they saw in us what maybe God because they saw in us what maybe God saw in us, someone worth loving and saw in us, someone worth loving and saw in us, someone worth loving and saving and helping. Folks, that's what a saving and helping. Folks, that's what a saving and helping. Folks, that's what a church does. And if we ever stop doing church does. And if we ever stop doing church does. And if we ever stop doing that, we're not a church. John Horton, I remember when he said John Horton, I remember when he said this years ago, this years ago, this years ago, many of us struggles not so much with many of us struggles not so much with many of us struggles not so much with understanding the message of understanding the message of understanding the message of forgiveness, but living in the reality forgiveness, but living in the reality forgiveness, but living in the reality of it. of it. of it. So let's not forget we exist, Crossings So let's not forget we exist, Crossings So let's not forget we exist, Crossings Community Church exists to help people Community Church exists to help people Community Church exists to help people find and follow Jesus. And to accomplish find and follow Jesus. And to accomplish find and follow Jesus. And to accomplish this, we agree to be people who will this, we agree to be people who will this, we agree to be people who will live by faith and be a voice of hope and live by faith and be a voice of hope and live by faith and be a voice of hope and be known by love. be known by love. be known by love. If we'll hang on to that, this church If we'll hang on to that, this church If we'll hang on to that, this church will be thriving will be thriving will be thriving long after we're all gone.

long after we're all gone. long after we're all gone. And isn't that what we want? And isn't that what we want? And isn't that what we want? To pass it to a future To pass it to a future To pass it to a future that they may not know much when they that they may not know much when they that they may not know much when they come in the door, they're going to find come in the door, they're going to find come in the door, they're going to find out they are loved unconditionally by a out they are loved unconditionally by a out they are loved unconditionally by a group of people and by God himself. And group of people and by God himself. And group of people and by God himself. And they will never give up on us. they will never give up on us. they will never give up on us. That's a church. That's a church. That's a church. I'm going to close in prayer in just a I'm going to close in prayer in just a I'm going to close in prayer in just a moment after I pray. Our prayer teams moment after I pray. Our prayer teams moment after I pray. Our prayer teams will be at the front of every room and will be at the front of every room and will be at the front of every room and uh please feel free to come to the front uh please feel free to come to the front uh please feel free to come to the front of those rooms as everybody leaves the of those rooms as everybody leaves the of those rooms as everybody leaves the room and our pastors and prayer teams room and our pastors and prayer teams room and our pastors and prayer teams will be there to pray with you or talk will be there to pray with you or talk will be there to pray with you or talk with you about anything that may be on with you about anything that may be on with you about anything that may be on your mind. Let's pray. Father, how your mind. Let's pray. Father, how your mind. Let's pray. Father, how thankful we are for this chance to thankful we are for this chance to thankful we are for this chance to gather. How we thank you for our church. gather. How we thank you for our church. gather. How we thank you for our church. How we thank you for the privilege we How we thank you for the privilege we How we thank you for the privilege we have to uh touch the lives of so many have to uh touch the lives of so many have to uh touch the lives of so many people in our community and beyond. people in our community and beyond. people in our community and beyond. Thank you for loving us and forgiving us Thank you for loving us and forgiving us Thank you for loving us and forgiving us and still finding us worthy to be put to and still finding us worthy to be put to and still finding us worthy to be put to work with gifts you've given us to use work with gifts you've given us to use work with gifts you've given us to use for your glory and your purpose.

for your glory and your purpose. for your glory and your purpose. Father, we thank you for these words in Father, we thank you for these words in Father, we thank you for these words in Luke chapter 15. And we thank you, Luke chapter 15. And we thank you, Luke chapter 15. And we thank you, Father, for all you're going to do with Father, for all you're going to do with Father, for all you're going to do with those words as we ponder them and think those words as we ponder them and think those words as we ponder them and think through what we've heard today. We pray through what we've heard today. We pray through what we've heard today. We pray this in Jesus name as we go. And this in Jesus name as we go. And this in Jesus name as we go. And everyone said, "Amen." Amen. and have a everyone said, "Amen." Amen. and have a everyone said, "Amen." Amen. and have a great day.