Religion, Rebellion, and Why Neither Work

Well, hey everybody. Good to be with Well, hey everybody. Good to be with you. Today is a great weekend. Number you. Today is a great weekend. Number you. Today is a great weekend. Number one, because it's the start of the NFL one, because it's the start of the NFL one, because it's the start of the NFL season. Come on, we're back. season. Come on, we're back. season. Come on, we're back. And I just want to say from the And I just want to say from the And I just want to say from the beginning, I think we should pray more beginning, I think we should pray more beginning, I think we should pray more for our quarterbacks this year. for our quarterbacks this year. for our quarterbacks this year. >> You know, keep them free from harm. Joe >> You know, keep them free from harm. Joe >> You know, keep them free from harm. Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, our friends over Burrow in Cincinnati, our friends over Burrow in Cincinnati, our friends over in Indianapolis, I see you. Daniel Jones in Indianapolis, I see you. Daniel Jones in Indianapolis, I see you. Daniel Jones coming back. Cleveland, coming back. Cleveland, coming back. Cleveland, four quarterbacks on your roster. four quarterbacks on your roster. four quarterbacks on your roster. I'm not sure prayer is going to help to I'm not sure prayer is going to help to I'm not sure prayer is going to help to be honest, but uh we should try. be honest, but uh we should try. be honest, but uh we should try. >> We should try. And then our friends in >> We should try. And then our friends in >> We should try. And then our friends in Columbus, I don't know what happened Columbus, I don't know what happened Columbus, I don't know what happened yesterday. I went to bed and I was like, yesterday. I went to bed and I was like, yesterday. I went to bed and I was like, this is in hand and I woke up. I haven't this is in hand and I woke up. I haven't this is in hand and I woke up. I haven't seen the highlights. No idea. I just seen the highlights. No idea. I just seen the highlights. No idea. I just want you to know Psalm 34 says, "The want you to know Psalm 34 says, "The want you to know Psalm 34 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." Lord is close to the brokenhearted." Lord is close to the brokenhearted." So God is with you this morning. Want So God is with you this morning. Want So God is with you this morning. Want you to know that. Lexington, you're you to know that. Lexington, you're you to know that. Lexington, you're like, "Why are we talking about like, "Why are we talking about like, "Why are we talking about football? Talking basketball season football? Talking basketball season football? Talking basketball season yet?" I hear you. I hear you. Awesome. yet?" I hear you. I hear you. Awesome. yet?" I hear you. I hear you. Awesome. Because we're starting football. We're Because we're starting football. We're Because we're starting football. We're also starting a brand new series today also starting a brand new series today also starting a brand new series today at Crossroads called raw. You know, some at Crossroads called raw. You know, some at Crossroads called raw. You know, some things in life are better raw. Sushi, things in life are better raw. Sushi, things in life are better raw. Sushi, medium rare steak, and some things are medium rare steak, and some things are medium rare steak, and some things are not. Chicken. Never seen raw chicken on not. Chicken. Never seen raw chicken on not. Chicken. Never seen raw chicken on a menu for a reason. But at Crossroads, a menu for a reason. But at Crossroads, a menu for a reason. But at Crossroads, we believe that church belongs in the we believe that church belongs in the we believe that church belongs in the list of things that are better raw. And list of things that are better raw. And list of things that are better raw. And that's not always the case when you go that's not always the case when you go that's not always the case when you go to a church. Sometimes it feels like you to a church. Sometimes it feels like you to a church. Sometimes it feels like you got to come in your Sunday best. You got got to come in your Sunday best. You got got to come in your Sunday best. You got to put on your happy smile, pretend like to put on your happy smile, pretend like to put on your happy smile, pretend like everything's okay. pretend like you everything's okay. pretend like you everything's okay. pretend like you understand it. Pretend like you believe understand it. Pretend like you believe understand it. Pretend like you believe it. Pretend like you're good. That's not it. Pretend like you're good. That's not it. Pretend like you're good. That's not what we do here at all. You heard that what we do here at all. You heard that what we do here at all. You heard that announcement before about uh revival. We

announcement before about uh revival. We announcement before about uh revival. We as a church, we're pushing to see as a church, we're pushing to see as a church, we're pushing to see revival. We're pushing to see awakening revival. We're pushing to see awakening revival. We're pushing to see awakening in our in our country. And part of that in our in our country. And part of that in our in our country. And part of that is that revival event you heard about. is that revival event you heard about. is that revival event you heard about. Save the date for that. But part of it Save the date for that. But part of it Save the date for that. But part of it is also expanding into new cities, is also expanding into new cities, is also expanding into new cities, taking the message of Jesus in a taking the message of Jesus in a taking the message of Jesus in a language people can understand into more language people can understand into more language people can understand into more places. We had a popup in Cleveland last places. We had a popup in Cleveland last places. We had a popup in Cleveland last night. 100 people showed up. It was night. 100 people showed up. It was night. 100 people showed up. It was great. And when we do these events, we great. And when we do these events, we great. And when we do these events, we hear the same thing from people when we hear the same thing from people when we hear the same thing from people when we ask this question. Why would you want ask this question. Why would you want ask this question. Why would you want Crossroads to be your church? And they Crossroads to be your church? And they Crossroads to be your church? And they say, 'Because it feels like it's a place say, 'Because it feels like it's a place say, 'Because it feels like it's a place where I can be the real me, the real where I can be the real me, the real where I can be the real me, the real raw, unfiltered me. And then that real raw, unfiltered me. And then that real raw, unfiltered me. And then that real me can be put into action as part of the me can be put into action as part of the me can be put into action as part of the team. It's a value we hold very, very team. It's a value we hold very, very team. It's a value we hold very, very dearly around here. So much so, you'll dearly around here. So much so, you'll dearly around here. So much so, you'll even see it reflected in the buildings. even see it reflected in the buildings. even see it reflected in the buildings. If you go to a Crossroads own site, If you go to a Crossroads own site, If you go to a Crossroads own site, maybe you're in one right now, you'll maybe you're in one right now, you'll maybe you're in one right now, you'll see exposed duck work to communicate see exposed duck work to communicate see exposed duck work to communicate this value. You'll see floors that are this value. You'll see floors that are this value. You'll see floors that are nasty. They're just kind of we we put a nasty. They're just kind of we we put a nasty. They're just kind of we we put a little like a stain on top of them, but little like a stain on top of them, but little like a stain on top of them, but they're pretty much raw. If you're at they're pretty much raw. If you're at they're pretty much raw. If you're at Dayton right now, maybe you walked in Dayton right now, maybe you walked in Dayton right now, maybe you walked in for the first time and you're like, "Why for the first time and you're like, "Why for the first time and you're like, "Why does this atrium floor look so weird?"

does this atrium floor look so weird?" does this atrium floor look so weird?" It's because it was a Sears. And the It's because it was a Sears. And the It's because it was a Sears. And the floor is from Sears. That's why. No more floor is from Sears. That's why. No more floor is from Sears. That's why. No more appliances when we kept the floor. We're appliances when we kept the floor. We're appliances when we kept the floor. We're not trying to hide who we are. That's not trying to hide who we are. That's not trying to hide who we are. That's the value we try to communicate. And in the value we try to communicate. And in the value we try to communicate. And in this series, we're taking a a raw look this series, we're taking a a raw look this series, we're taking a a raw look at some of the most important parts of at some of the most important parts of at some of the most important parts of life. Love, sex, purpose, identity. In life. Love, sex, purpose, identity. In life. Love, sex, purpose, identity. In this series, addiction. And today, we're this series, addiction. And today, we're this series, addiction. And today, we're going to start with love and ask this going to start with love and ask this going to start with love and ask this question honestly. Again, not looking question honestly. Again, not looking question honestly. Again, not looking for the religious right answer, not for the religious right answer, not for the religious right answer, not looking for what would you say if your looking for what would you say if your looking for what would you say if your grandma was here because she taught you grandma was here because she taught you grandma was here because she taught you in Sunday school or whatever, but what in Sunday school or whatever, but what in Sunday school or whatever, but what do you really truly actually believe and do you really truly actually believe and do you really truly actually believe and feel? The question we're tackling today feel? The question we're tackling today feel? The question we're tackling today is, how do I gain God's approval and is, how do I gain God's approval and is, how do I gain God's approval and love? And if I were to gain it, how do I love? And if I were to gain it, how do I love? And if I were to gain it, how do I keep it? But God knew that would be a keep it? But God knew that would be a keep it? But God knew that would be a question that was on all of our hearts question that was on all of our hearts question that was on all of our hearts since he talks about it all over the since he talks about it all over the since he talks about it all over the Bible. But today, we're going to zoom Bible. But today, we're going to zoom Bible. But today, we're going to zoom into one chapter, Luke 15, and look at into one chapter, Luke 15, and look at into one chapter, Luke 15, and look at three parables that Jesus tells in three parables that Jesus tells in three parables that Jesus tells in sequence. Now, parables are literally sequence. Now, parables are literally sequence. Now, parables are literally madeup stories. And that might seem kind madeup stories. And that might seem kind madeup stories. And that might seem kind of weird, like how are we going to get of weird, like how are we going to get of weird, like how are we going to get truth from madeup stories? Well, the truth from madeup stories? Well, the truth from madeup stories? Well, the answer is that Jesus's words are not answer is that Jesus's words are not answer is that Jesus's words are not like our words. The same words that like our words. The same words that like our words. The same words that spoke these stories, the same mouth that spoke these stories, the same mouth that spoke these stories, the same mouth that spoke them is the same mouth that spoke spoke them is the same mouth that spoke spoke them is the same mouth that spoke creation into existence. So, I just want creation into existence. So, I just want creation into existence. So, I just want to invite you to look at these stories to invite you to look at these stories to invite you to look at these stories maybe differently than you ever have maybe differently than you ever have maybe differently than you ever have before. These are words that create before. These are words that create before. These are words that create reality. And I'm telling you today, they reality. And I'm telling you today, they reality. And I'm telling you today, they can create a different reality inside of can create a different reality inside of can create a different reality inside of your life. Jesus himself described his

your life. Jesus himself described his your life. Jesus himself described his words this way. I think it's the right words this way. I think it's the right words this way. I think it's the right place for us to start. Matthew 7, place for us to start. Matthew 7, place for us to start. Matthew 7, therefore, everyone who hears these therefore, everyone who hears these therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into words of mine and puts them into words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built practice is like a wise man who built practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came his house on the rock. The rain came his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the wind down, the streams rose, and the wind down, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against that house. Yet, blew and beat against that house. Yet, blew and beat against that house. Yet, it did not fall because it had its it did not fall because it had its it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. Maybe in your foundation on the rock. Maybe in your foundation on the rock. Maybe in your life right now, you feel tossed around. life right now, you feel tossed around. life right now, you feel tossed around. You feel kind of turned upside down. Or You feel kind of turned upside down. Or You feel kind of turned upside down. Or maybe when it comes to this question of maybe when it comes to this question of maybe when it comes to this question of how do I know that God really loves me? how do I know that God really loves me? how do I know that God really loves me? How can I earn? How can I gain his How can I earn? How can I gain his How can I earn? How can I gain his approval? How can I keep it? Maybe it approval? How can I keep it? Maybe it approval? How can I keep it? Maybe it feels like some days you have it and feels like some days you have it and feels like some days you have it and some days you don't. And what you're some days you don't. And what you're some days you don't. And what you're looking for is stability today. My hope looking for is stability today. My hope looking for is stability today. My hope and my prayer for you is that you find and my prayer for you is that you find and my prayer for you is that you find it. Let's pray together before we go any it. Let's pray together before we go any it. Let's pray together before we go any further. God, I'm asking that today we further. God, I'm asking that today we further. God, I'm asking that today we would hear your word. That you would would hear your word. That you would would hear your word. That you would anchor all of us, whether we believe anchor all of us, whether we believe anchor all of us, whether we believe zero or whether we believe as most as we zero or whether we believe as most as we zero or whether we believe as most as we ever have before in life. God, that you ever have before in life. God, that you ever have before in life. God, that you would still drill us down deeper to the would still drill us down deeper to the would still drill us down deeper to the rock, to the truth. Anchor us to your rock, to the truth. Anchor us to your rock, to the truth. Anchor us to your words. help us understand how we can words. help us understand how we can words. help us understand how we can have your love. Amen. So, the parable have your love. Amen. So, the parable have your love. Amen. So, the parable we're looking at, it's one of the most we're looking at, it's one of the most we're looking at, it's one of the most famous parables and most important ones famous parables and most important ones famous parables and most important ones in the entire Bible. It's called the in the entire Bible. It's called the in the entire Bible. It's called the parable of the prodigal son. It's what parable of the prodigal son. It's what parable of the prodigal son. It's what it's usually known by. But that title it's usually known by. But that title it's usually known by. But that title actually does not show up in the Bible.

actually does not show up in the Bible. actually does not show up in the Bible. And it's fairly misleading because it's And it's fairly misleading because it's And it's fairly misleading because it's not actually a story about one prodigal not actually a story about one prodigal not actually a story about one prodigal son. It's actually a story about one son. It's actually a story about one son. It's actually a story about one father in two lost sons. This one story father in two lost sons. This one story father in two lost sons. This one story contains this incredible, powerful, contains this incredible, powerful, contains this incredible, powerful, profound truth. And that is that every profound truth. And that is that every profound truth. And that is that every single human idea about how to gain single human idea about how to gain single human idea about how to gain God's love and approval, how to gain it God's love and approval, how to gain it God's love and approval, how to gain it and keep it, every single human idea and keep it, every single human idea and keep it, every single human idea about that is 100% wrong. Every about that is 100% wrong. Every about that is 100% wrong. Every religion, every guru, every mystic, religion, every guru, every mystic, religion, every guru, every mystic, every philosopher throughout human every philosopher throughout human every philosopher throughout human history has always been wrong. history has always been wrong. history has always been wrong. Jesus explodes all of it in this Jesus explodes all of it in this Jesus explodes all of it in this parable. You know, when Christianity parable. You know, when Christianity parable. You know, when Christianity first arose, the Romans referred to first arose, the Romans referred to first arose, the Romans referred to Christians as atheist. And in part, it's Christians as atheist. And in part, it's Christians as atheist. And in part, it's because of the truth that Jesus shows because of the truth that Jesus shows because of the truth that Jesus shows through this parable. They look at what through this parable. They look at what through this parable. They look at what he says about how to gain God's love and he says about how to gain God's love and he says about how to gain God's love and approval and they're like, "That's not approval and they're like, "That's not approval and they're like, "That's not religion. It's like an unreligion." So religion. It's like an unreligion." So religion. It's like an unreligion." So much so that the people who follow this much so that the people who follow this much so that the people who follow this unreligion, we're going to call them unreligion, we're going to call them unreligion, we're going to call them atheists. Jesus explodes all of it in atheists. Jesus explodes all of it in atheists. Jesus explodes all of it in this story. That basic idea about how to this story. That basic idea about how to this story. That basic idea about how to connect to God, how to gain his approval connect to God, how to gain his approval connect to God, how to gain his approval and how his love is you do the right and how his love is you do the right and how his love is you do the right things and if you do the right things things and if you do the right things things and if you do the right things you gain his approval and love and if you gain his approval and love and if you gain his approval and love and if you ever do the wrong things you have to you ever do the wrong things you have to you ever do the wrong things you have to regain it. That's the basic concept. Now regain it. That's the basic concept. Now regain it. That's the basic concept. Now Jesus doesn't jump into the story about Jesus doesn't jump into the story about Jesus doesn't jump into the story about the sons though in Luke 15. He actually the sons though in Luke 15. He actually the sons though in Luke 15. He actually starts with two opening parables and he starts with two opening parables and he starts with two opening parables and he starts to tell them to an audience with starts to tell them to an audience with starts to tell them to an audience with two groups in it. Here's the beginning

two groups in it. Here's the beginning two groups in it. Here's the beginning in Luke 15:1. It says, "Now the tax in Luke 15:1. It says, "Now the tax in Luke 15:1. It says, "Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing collectors and sinners were all drawing collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him, and the Pharisees and the near to him, and the Pharisees and the near to him, and the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man scribes grumbled, saying, "This man scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." receives sinners and eats with them." receives sinners and eats with them." So, you have an audience that's So, you have an audience that's So, you have an audience that's literally divided. You have the sinners literally divided. You have the sinners literally divided. You have the sinners on one side, and then you have the on one side, and then you have the on one side, and then you have the religious people, the self-righteous religious people, the self-righteous religious people, the self-righteous people, the Pharisees on the other. And people, the Pharisees on the other. And people, the Pharisees on the other. And one of the things I love about one of the things I love about one of the things I love about Crossroads is, you know, we kind of Crossroads is, you know, we kind of Crossroads is, you know, we kind of intermingle. People from all over, intermingle. People from all over, intermingle. People from all over, different backgrounds. We kind of all different backgrounds. We kind of all different backgrounds. We kind of all mingle together. It's awesome. It looks mingle together. It's awesome. It looks mingle together. It's awesome. It looks like the kingdom of God. That's not how like the kingdom of God. That's not how like the kingdom of God. That's not how this scene would have looked. This scene this scene would have looked. This scene this scene would have looked. This scene would have looked like one group on one would have looked like one group on one would have looked like one group on one side of the street and another group on side of the street and another group on side of the street and another group on the other because the religious people the other because the religious people the other because the religious people wanted nothing to do with the bad wanted nothing to do with the bad wanted nothing to do with the bad people. So there been a line down the people. So there been a line down the people. So there been a line down the sand. But Jesus doesn't start by talking sand. But Jesus doesn't start by talking sand. But Jesus doesn't start by talking to them distinctly. Instead, he starts to them distinctly. Instead, he starts to them distinctly. Instead, he starts with the thing that they share in common with the thing that they share in common with the thing that they share in common and that is that they and all of us are and that is that they and all of us are and that is that they and all of us are lost. lost. lost. He starts with these two parables. tells He starts with these two parables. tells He starts with these two parables. tells a story about a man who has a hundred a story about a man who has a hundred a story about a man who has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off and sheep and one of them wanders off and sheep and one of them wanders off and gets lost. But rather than stay with the gets lost. But rather than stay with the gets lost. But rather than stay with the 99 sheep, the man leaves them and he 99 sheep, the man leaves them and he 99 sheep, the man leaves them and he wanders off to go find to hunt down the wanders off to go find to hunt down the wanders off to go find to hunt down the lost sheep. He he searches high and low lost sheep. He he searches high and low lost sheep. He he searches high and low until he finds the sheep and then he until he finds the sheep and then he until he finds the sheep and then he follows it up with a story about a woman follows it up with a story about a woman follows it up with a story about a woman with 10 coins. She loses one of them, with 10 coins. She loses one of them, with 10 coins. She loses one of them, but rather than be satisfied with the but rather than be satisfied with the but rather than be satisfied with the nine that she still has, she turns her nine that she still has, she turns her nine that she still has, she turns her house upside down. She flips over house upside down. She flips over house upside down. She flips over furniture. She she hunts and she and she furniture. She she hunts and she and she furniture. She she hunts and she and she digs until she finds her lost coin. And digs until she finds her lost coin. And digs until she finds her lost coin. And in both cases, the man with the sheep in both cases, the man with the sheep in both cases, the man with the sheep and the woman with the coin, when they

and the woman with the coin, when they and the woman with the coin, when they find the lost thing that's precious to find the lost thing that's precious to find the lost thing that's precious to them, they celebrate. them, they celebrate. them, they celebrate. Jesus starts with this story and he Jesus starts with this story and he Jesus starts with this story and he says, "This is you. You are lost." And says, "This is you. You are lost." And says, "This is you. You are lost." And then he goes into the parable that we then he goes into the parable that we then he goes into the parable that we call the prodigal son. Verse 11, he call the prodigal son. Verse 11, he call the prodigal son. Verse 11, he said, "There was a man who had two said, "There was a man who had two said, "There was a man who had two sons." sons." sons." It's two sons. They represent the two It's two sons. They represent the two It's two sons. They represent the two types of lost. Two two types of lost. types of lost. Two two types of lost. types of lost. Two two types of lost. You call them rebellion and religion. You call them rebellion and religion. You call them rebellion and religion. There's a a famous theologian. He passed There's a a famous theologian. He passed There's a a famous theologian. He passed away a few years ago. Probably the best away a few years ago. Probably the best away a few years ago. Probably the best teacher, best theologian of of the last teacher, best theologian of of the last teacher, best theologian of of the last hundred years. His name was Dr. Timothy hundred years. His name was Dr. Timothy hundred years. His name was Dr. Timothy Keller. And he described these two sons Keller. And he described these two sons Keller. And he described these two sons as moral conformity and self-discovery. as moral conformity and self-discovery. as moral conformity and self-discovery. They're the two ways to go seeking God's They're the two ways to go seeking God's They're the two ways to go seeking God's approval to go earn his love. The approval to go earn his love. The approval to go earn his love. The self-discovery route is the rebellious self-discovery route is the rebellious self-discovery route is the rebellious route. It's the one that says, "I'm route. It's the one that says, "I'm route. It's the one that says, "I'm going to take everything I've ever going to take everything I've ever going to take everything I've ever heard, whatever tradition I grew up in, heard, whatever tradition I grew up in, heard, whatever tradition I grew up in, and I'm going to rebel against that. I'm and I'm going to rebel against that. I'm and I'm going to rebel against that. I'm going to reject it, and I'll go discover going to reject it, and I'll go discover going to reject it, and I'll go discover for myself how to have the good life, for myself how to have the good life, for myself how to have the good life, what it looks like to gain favor." And what it looks like to gain favor." And what it looks like to gain favor." And then there's the religious route. The then there's the religious route. The then there's the religious route. The religious route in this case is the the religious route in this case is the the religious route in this case is the the Pharisees in the crowd. It's the class Pharisees in the crowd. It's the class Pharisees in the crowd. It's the class that says, "I'm going to do everything that says, "I'm going to do everything that says, "I'm going to do everything right. I'm going to hit every mark. I'm right. I'm going to hit every mark. I'm right. I'm going to hit every mark. I'm going to earn it. I'm going to deserve going to earn it. I'm going to deserve going to earn it. I'm going to deserve it. I'm going to have the perfect it. I'm going to have the perfect it. I'm going to have the perfect resume, and then I'll get God's love and resume, and then I'll get God's love and resume, and then I'll get God's love and get God's approval." two ways to end up get God's approval." two ways to end up get God's approval." two ways to end up lost. And the secret that I want you to lost. And the secret that I want you to lost. And the secret that I want you to hear from the very beginning is that the hear from the very beginning is that the hear from the very beginning is that the lostness is the same in both cases. The lostness is the same in both cases. The lostness is the same in both cases. The same. I think it can be easy to approach

same. I think it can be easy to approach same. I think it can be easy to approach this parable, you know, ask the this parable, you know, ask the this parable, you know, ask the question, well, you know, which am I? Am question, well, you know, which am I? Am question, well, you know, which am I? Am I in the self-righteous kind of camp, I in the self-righteous kind of camp, I in the self-righteous kind of camp, the the religious camp, or am I in the the the religious camp, or am I in the the the religious camp, or am I in the rebellion camp? Which one am I? And I rebellion camp? Which one am I? And I rebellion camp? Which one am I? And I actually don't think that's the point of actually don't think that's the point of actually don't think that's the point of this parable. I think the point of the this parable. I think the point of the this parable. I think the point of the parable is to say that you and I are parable is to say that you and I are parable is to say that you and I are usually both. usually both. usually both. It's this weird thing, you know, I have It's this weird thing, you know, I have It's this weird thing, you know, I have both voices going on inside of my heart. both voices going on inside of my heart. both voices going on inside of my heart. In the same day, I can make mistakes. I In the same day, I can make mistakes. I In the same day, I can make mistakes. I can feel like a rebel. I can feel like can feel like a rebel. I can feel like can feel like a rebel. I can feel like an outsider and a sinner. On the same an outsider and a sinner. On the same an outsider and a sinner. On the same exact day, even moments later, I can exact day, even moments later, I can exact day, even moments later, I can have a self-righteous moment. I'm right have a self-righteous moment. I'm right have a self-righteous moment. I'm right and you're wrong, or I'm I might be bad, and you're wrong, or I'm I might be bad, and you're wrong, or I'm I might be bad, but at least I'm not as bad as you. Both but at least I'm not as bad as you. Both but at least I'm not as bad as you. Both voices are inside of each of us. And voices are inside of each of us. And voices are inside of each of us. And Jesus starts with the the rebel inside Jesus starts with the the rebel inside Jesus starts with the the rebel inside of us. Kind of act one, so to speak. of us. Kind of act one, so to speak. of us. Kind of act one, so to speak. rebellion. The younger son, he says this rebellion. The younger son, he says this rebellion. The younger son, he says this verse 12, the younger of them said to verse 12, the younger of them said to verse 12, the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share his father, "Father, give me the share his father, "Father, give me the share of property that's coming to me." And he of property that's coming to me." And he of property that's coming to me." And he divided his property between them. Now, divided his property between them. Now, divided his property between them. Now, it seems fairly cut and dried here, you it seems fairly cut and dried here, you it seems fairly cut and dried here, you know, not a good thing to do when when know, not a good thing to do when when know, not a good thing to do when when he asked for property. He's saying, "I he asked for property. He's saying, "I he asked for property. He's saying, "I wish you were dead." Maybe you've heard wish you were dead." Maybe you've heard wish you were dead." Maybe you've heard that before. 100% that's in there. But that before. 100% that's in there. But that before. 100% that's in there. But it looks like he asked for stuff, it looks like he asked for stuff, it looks like he asked for stuff, property, and then he gets stuff. But property, and then he gets stuff. But property, and then he gets stuff. But critically, if you go to the original critically, if you go to the original critically, if you go to the original language, the Greek that this was first language, the Greek that this was first language, the Greek that this was first recorded in, you'll find a noteworthy recorded in, you'll find a noteworthy recorded in, you'll find a noteworthy difference. And that is this. The first difference. And that is this. The first difference. And that is this. The first time property is used, give me the share time property is used, give me the share time property is used, give me the share of property, the word is oa, the Greek of property, the word is oa, the Greek of property, the word is oa, the Greek word, and it does mean stuff. It means word, and it does mean stuff. It means word, and it does mean stuff. It means possessions, money, whatever. But the possessions, money, whatever. But the possessions, money, whatever. But the second time when it says the father gave

second time when it says the father gave second time when it says the father gave him his property, it's actually the him his property, it's actually the him his property, it's actually the Greek word bios where we get the word Greek word bios where we get the word Greek word bios where we get the word biology and it means life. So don't miss biology and it means life. So don't miss biology and it means life. So don't miss this in the story. The son asks for this in the story. The son asks for this in the story. The son asks for stuff and the father gives him not stuff stuff and the father gives him not stuff stuff and the father gives him not stuff but his very own life. but his very own life. but his very own life. Critical and important amazing gift to Critical and important amazing gift to Critical and important amazing gift to be given life. Now what does the son do be given life. Now what does the son do be given life. Now what does the son do with this life? What does he do with the with this life? What does he do with the with this life? What does he do with the gift that his father gave him? He gift that his father gave him? He gift that his father gave him? He completely utterly wastes it. Verse 13. completely utterly wastes it. Verse 13. completely utterly wastes it. Verse 13. Not many days later, the younger son Not many days later, the younger son Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey gathered all he had and took a journey gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country. And there he into a far country. And there he into a far country. And there he squandered his property, squandered his squandered his property, squandered his squandered his property, squandered his life in reckless living. He kind of life in reckless living. He kind of life in reckless living. He kind of wastes everything, blows everything. By wastes everything, blows everything. By wastes everything, blows everything. By the way, this is enough money should the way, this is enough money should the way, this is enough money should have lasted him for a lifetime. This is have lasted him for a lifetime. This is have lasted him for a lifetime. This is decades worth of money. And he blows it. decades worth of money. And he blows it. decades worth of money. And he blows it. No one's sure how long it takes. Best No one's sure how long it takes. Best No one's sure how long it takes. Best guesses are it's two to three years guesses are it's two to three years guesses are it's two to three years before he runs completely dry. He ends before he runs completely dry. He ends before he runs completely dry. He ends up in a pig pin wishing he could have up in a pig pin wishing he could have up in a pig pin wishing he could have their food. And and here's the raw their food. And and here's the raw their food. And and here's the raw moment for me with this story. Raw moment for me with this story. Raw moment for me with this story. Raw moment number one. If I'm honest, I read moment number one. If I'm honest, I read moment number one. If I'm honest, I read this story and I look at what the guy this story and I look at what the guy this story and I look at what the guy did. I'm like, man, that's really bad.

did. I'm like, man, that's really bad. did. I'm like, man, that's really bad. You know, I And to be clear, I I've had You know, I And to be clear, I I've had You know, I And to be clear, I I've had some moments where I I've had reckless some moments where I I've had reckless some moments where I I've had reckless living in my life. I've had some living in my life. I've had some living in my life. I've had some prodigal type moments. I went to prodigal type moments. I went to prodigal type moments. I went to college. I was in a fraternity. First college. I was in a fraternity. First college. I was in a fraternity. First time I ever drank bourbon, I poured an time I ever drank bourbon, I poured an time I ever drank bourbon, I poured an entire pint glass of it and drank the entire pint glass of it and drank the entire pint glass of it and drank the whole thing. That's a bad idea, in case whole thing. That's a bad idea, in case whole thing. That's a bad idea, in case you didn't know. woke up at 3 p.m. the you didn't know. woke up at 3 p.m. the you didn't know. woke up at 3 p.m. the next day on my buddy's floor with a next day on my buddy's floor with a next day on my buddy's floor with a tongue that tasted like sandpaper. Bad. tongue that tasted like sandpaper. Bad. tongue that tasted like sandpaper. Bad. But do you know what I've never done? But do you know what I've never done? But do you know what I've never done? I've never looked at my dad and said, "I I've never looked at my dad and said, "I I've never looked at my dad and said, "I wish you were dead. I've never taken an wish you were dead. I've never taken an wish you were dead. I've never taken an inheritance that should last a lifetime inheritance that should last a lifetime inheritance that should last a lifetime and blown it in a couple of years. I've and blown it in a couple of years. I've and blown it in a couple of years. I've never never done that." And so I can never never done that." And so I can never never done that." And so I can look at this story and I can go, you look at this story and I can go, you look at this story and I can go, you know, that's really bad. And I'm not as know, that's really bad. And I'm not as know, that's really bad. And I'm not as bad as that guy. I haven't done what he bad as that guy. I haven't done what he bad as that guy. I haven't done what he did. I'm not the prodigal. did. I'm not the prodigal. did. I'm not the prodigal. I think for most of us in in in I think for most of us in in in I think for most of us in in in churches, that's probably how I feel. churches, that's probably how I feel. churches, that's probably how I feel. And I want to recognize there are some And I want to recognize there are some And I want to recognize there are some of us in the audience who we hear this of us in the audience who we hear this of us in the audience who we hear this story and we're like, that's exactly story and we're like, that's exactly story and we're like, that's exactly what I've done. Exactly what I've done. what I've done. Exactly what I've done. what I've done. Exactly what I've done. It feels that way. But for many of us, It feels that way. But for many of us, It feels that way. But for many of us, it it doesn't. And so we have to ask it it doesn't. And so we have to ask it it doesn't. And so we have to ask this question. What was the prodigal this question. What was the prodigal this question. What was the prodigal son's primary sin? Was it the wild party son's primary sin? Was it the wild party son's primary sin? Was it the wild party lifestyle? Was it drinking and lifestyle? Was it drinking and lifestyle? Was it drinking and carousing? Is that that the primary carousing? Is that that the primary carousing? Is that that the primary problem in here? No.

problem in here? No. problem in here? No. The prodigal son's primary sin is The prodigal son's primary sin is The prodigal son's primary sin is squandering, wasting the life the father squandering, wasting the life the father squandering, wasting the life the father gave him. It's taking the life he had, gave him. It's taking the life he had, gave him. It's taking the life he had, the life he couldn't earn, the life he the life he couldn't earn, the life he the life he couldn't earn, the life he didn't even ask for but was given and didn't even ask for but was given and didn't even ask for but was given and wasting it on a zero impact, zero wasting it on a zero impact, zero wasting it on a zero impact, zero meaning life. That's the prodigal sin. meaning life. That's the prodigal sin. meaning life. That's the prodigal sin. One of the most impactful sermons I ever One of the most impactful sermons I ever One of the most impactful sermons I ever heard in my life um was when I was 19 heard in my life um was when I was 19 heard in my life um was when I was 19 years old. Um, and it was a sermon by a years old. Um, and it was a sermon by a years old. Um, and it was a sermon by a guy named John Piper. And when I was 19, guy named John Piper. And when I was 19, guy named John Piper. And when I was 19, I I wasn't trying to waste my life. To I I wasn't trying to waste my life. To I I wasn't trying to waste my life. To be clear, wasn't trying to do that. I be clear, wasn't trying to do that. I be clear, wasn't trying to do that. I didn't wake up one day and go, you know, didn't wake up one day and go, you know, didn't wake up one day and go, you know, I'm just going to completely kind of I'm just going to completely kind of I'm just going to completely kind of waste the life God gave me. I I had a waste the life God gave me. I I had a waste the life God gave me. I I had a dream at that point in my life. My my dream at that point in my life. My my dream at that point in my life. My my dream was to go to a good college. Got dream was to go to a good college. Got dream was to go to a good college. Got into one, get good grades, get a good into one, get good grades, get a good into one, get good grades, get a good job, buy a good house, meet a good job, buy a good house, meet a good job, buy a good house, meet a good woman, have good kids, take nice woman, have good kids, take nice woman, have good kids, take nice vacations, have a good retirement, and vacations, have a good retirement, and vacations, have a good retirement, and die in like a not so painful kind of die in like a not so painful kind of die in like a not so painful kind of way. That was my basic dream in life, way. That was my basic dream in life, way. That was my basic dream in life, right?

right? right? And then someone shared this sermon with And then someone shared this sermon with And then someone shared this sermon with me and it messed me up. me and it messed me up. me and it messed me up. It messed me up in a way that has It messed me up in a way that has It messed me up in a way that has changed the course of my life. changed the course of my life. changed the course of my life. And I'm going to share it with you raw. And I'm going to share it with you raw. And I'm going to share it with you raw. It is It is ugly old footage. It's 20 It is It is ugly old footage. It's 20 It is It is ugly old footage. It's 20 plus years old. And the guy giving it plus years old. And the guy giving it plus years old. And the guy giving it looks like Larry David. Okay. He's got looks like Larry David. Okay. He's got looks like Larry David. Okay. He's got pleated khakis up to his waist. He does pleated khakis up to his waist. He does pleated khakis up to his waist. He does not look raw, but the way that he not look raw, but the way that he not look raw, but the way that he communicates is completely completely communicates is completely completely communicates is completely completely raw. He flipped my understanding of what raw. He flipped my understanding of what raw. He flipped my understanding of what it means to waste a life. Check this it means to waste a life. Check this it means to waste a life. Check this out. Anybody out. Anybody out. Anybody in this crowd in this crowd in this crowd can make a worldwide difference because can make a worldwide difference because can make a worldwide difference because it isn't you. it isn't you. it isn't you. It's what you're gripped with. But one of the really sad things about But one of the really sad things about this moment right now is that there are this moment right now is that there are this moment right now is that there are hundreds of you in this crowd hundreds of you in this crowd hundreds of you in this crowd who do not want your life to make a who do not want your life to make a who do not want your life to make a difference.

finish school, finish school, get a good job, find a husband or a get a good job, find a husband or a get a good job, find a husband or a wife, a nice house, a nice car, good wife, a nice house, a nice car, good wife, a nice house, a nice car, good vacations, vacations, vacations, grow old, healthy, grow old, healthy, grow old, healthy, have a fun retirement, die easy, no have a fun retirement, die easy, no have a fun retirement, die easy, no hell, and that's all you want. and you don't give a rip and you don't give a rip whether your life counts on this earth whether your life counts on this earth whether your life counts on this earth for eternity. That's a tragedy in the making. That's a tragedy in the making. That is a tragedy in the making. About That is a tragedy in the making. About That is a tragedy in the making. About three weeks ago, we got news at our three weeks ago, we got news at our three weeks ago, we got news at our church that Ruby Elias Ruby Elias and Laura Edwards were killed in and Laura Edwards were killed in and Laura Edwards were killed in Cameroon. And I asked my people, is this Cameroon. And I asked my people, is this Cameroon. And I asked my people, is this a tragedy? a tragedy? a tragedy? Two women in their 80s in their 80s almost.

almost. almost. A a WHOLE LIFE DEVOTED TO ONE IDEA. A a WHOLE LIFE DEVOTED TO ONE IDEA. A a WHOLE LIFE DEVOTED TO ONE IDEA. Jesus Christ magnified Jesus Christ magnified Jesus Christ magnified among the poor and the sick in the among the poor and the sick in the among the poor and the sick in the hardest places. And 20 years after most of their And 20 years after most of their American counterparts had begun to throw American counterparts had begun to throw American counterparts had begun to throw their lives away on trivialities in their lives away on trivialities in their lives away on trivialities in Florida and New Mexico. Is this a Florida and New Mexico. Is this a Florida and New Mexico. Is this a tragedy? I asked. It is not a tragedy. I'll read you what It is not a tragedy. I'll read you what a tragedy is. Title of the article, a tragedy is. Title of the article, a tragedy is. Title of the article, Start Now, retire early. Bob and Penny Start Now, retire early. Bob and Penny Start Now, retire early. Bob and Penny took early retirement took early retirement took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast five from their jobs in the Northeast five from their jobs in the Northeast five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Puna Gorda, Florida, Now they live in Puna Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 30foot where they cruise on their 30foot where they cruise on their 30foot trwler, trwler, trwler, play softball play softball play softball and collect shells.

That's a tragedy. And there are people That's a tragedy. And there are people in this country that are spending in this country that are spending in this country that are spending billions of dollars to get you to buy billions of dollars to get you to buy billions of dollars to get you to buy it. With all my heart, I plead with you. it. With all my heart, I plead with you. it. With all my heart, I plead with you. Don't buy that dream. >> The American dream. >> The American dream. A nice house, a nice car, a nice job, a A nice house, a nice car, a nice job, a A nice house, a nice car, a nice job, a nice family, a nice retirement nice family, a nice retirement nice family, a nice retirement collecting shells collecting shells collecting shells as the last chapter before you stand as the last chapter before you stand as the last chapter before you stand before the creator of the universe to before the creator of the universe to before the creator of the universe to give an account with what you did. Here give an account with what you did. Here give an account with what you did. Here it is, Lord. My shell collection. it is, Lord. My shell collection. it is, Lord. My shell collection. Look, Lord, my shell collection. Look, Lord, my shell collection. Look, Lord, my shell collection. And I've got a good swing. And I've got a good swing. And I've got a good swing. And look at my boat. God, God, look at my boat. God.

Well, not for Ruby and not for Well, not for Ruby and not for Laura. Laura. Laura. Don't waste your life. Don't waste it. I did exactly what you guys did when I I did exactly what you guys did when I when I saw that. I laugh cuz I'm like, when I saw that. I laugh cuz I'm like, when I saw that. I laugh cuz I'm like, "Yeah, how ridiculous. At the end of "Yeah, how ridiculous. At the end of "Yeah, how ridiculous. At the end of YOUR LIFE, LOOK, LORD, AT MY SHELL YOUR LIFE, LOOK, LORD, AT MY SHELL YOUR LIFE, LOOK, LORD, AT MY SHELL COLLECTION." COLLECTION." COLLECTION." How crazy is that? How crazy is that? How crazy is that? But I had a realization. But I had a realization. But I had a realization. I might not have ended up collecting I might not have ended up collecting I might not have ended up collecting shells with the life God gave me. But shells with the life God gave me. But shells with the life God gave me. But whatever answer I was going to give him whatever answer I was going to give him whatever answer I was going to give him with what I did do, God, look at my bank with what I did do, God, look at my bank with what I did do, God, look at my bank account. Look at my large house. Look at account. Look at my large house. Look at account. Look at my large house. Look at my nice cars. Look at my vacation photos my nice cars. Look at my vacation photos my nice cars. Look at my vacation photos that I took, God. Look at my trinkets I that I took, God. Look at my trinkets I that I took, God. Look at my trinkets I collected. God, it was going to be the collected. God, it was going to be the collected. God, it was going to be the same thing. See, I realized that I was same thing. See, I realized that I was same thing. See, I realized that I was the prodigal. the prodigal. the prodigal. It's the same thing. Whether you waste It's the same thing. Whether you waste It's the same thing. Whether you waste your life fast or whether you waste your your life fast or whether you waste your your life fast or whether you waste your life slow doesn't really matter. What life slow doesn't really matter. What life slow doesn't really matter. What matters is are you wasting your life?

matters is are you wasting your life? matters is are you wasting your life? Are you squandering the life that God Are you squandering the life that God Are you squandering the life that God gave you? And please hear me clearly. gave you? And please hear me clearly. gave you? And please hear me clearly. For me, when I watched that, it messed For me, when I watched that, it messed For me, when I watched that, it messed me up. It put me on the on the path to me up. It put me on the on the path to me up. It put me on the on the path to where I am now. If I had never seen that where I am now. If I had never seen that where I am now. If I had never seen that sermon, I don't know that I'd be a sermon, I don't know that I'd be a sermon, I don't know that I'd be a pastor right now. I really don't. But pastor right now. I really don't. But pastor right now. I really don't. But I'm not telling you that what you're I'm not telling you that what you're I'm not telling you that what you're supposed to do with your life is exactly supposed to do with your life is exactly supposed to do with your life is exactly what I did with mine. Because the life what I did with mine. Because the life what I did with mine. Because the life God gave you is not the life he gave me. God gave you is not the life he gave me. God gave you is not the life he gave me. It's different. The calling that God It's different. The calling that God It's different. The calling that God gave you is not the calling that he gave gave you is not the calling that he gave gave you is not the calling that he gave me. We're not all supposed to become me. We're not all supposed to become me. We're not all supposed to become pastors. That's not the point of what pastors. That's not the point of what pastors. That's not the point of what I'm saying. But we are supposed to do, I'm saying. But we are supposed to do, I'm saying. But we are supposed to do, all of us, is to use the life that God all of us, is to use the life that God all of us, is to use the life that God gave us to invest it in the eternal gave us to invest it in the eternal gave us to invest it in the eternal reality of his kingdom coming more and reality of his kingdom coming more and reality of his kingdom coming more and more and more on this earth. more and more on this earth. more and more on this earth. It's why your community pastors just It's why your community pastors just It's why your community pastors just spent time begging you to open your spent time begging you to open your spent time begging you to open your phone and tap a sticker in front of you phone and tap a sticker in front of you phone and tap a sticker in front of you like, "Would you please just volunteer like, "Would you please just volunteer like, "Would you please just volunteer and sign up and would you please get in and sign up and would you please get in and sign up and would you please get in the game?" We all have a jersey and the the game?" We all have a jersey and the the game?" We all have a jersey and the point is not to keep it clean. The point point is not to keep it clean. The point point is not to keep it clean. The point is to get it dirty by serving in the is to get it dirty by serving in the is to get it dirty by serving in the kingdom. And I'll be clear, it might not kingdom. And I'll be clear, it might not kingdom. And I'll be clear, it might not be a crossroads. That's okay. You don't be a crossroads. That's okay. You don't be a crossroads. That's okay. You don't want to volunteer crossroads. Fine. want to volunteer crossroads. Fine. want to volunteer crossroads. Fine. Don't worry about it. Maybe not not for Don't worry about it. Maybe not not for Don't worry about it. Maybe not not for you. But where are you making a you. But where are you making a you. But where are you making a difference? We are using the life that difference? We are using the life that difference? We are using the life that God gave you, the energy in the gifts God gave you, the energy in the gifts God gave you, the energy in the gifts that he invested in you for him and his that he invested in you for him and his that he invested in you for him and his kingdom. Don't waste your life. That's kingdom. Don't waste your life. That's kingdom. Don't waste your life. That's the prodigal sin. A life given by the the prodigal sin. A life given by the the prodigal sin. A life given by the father. Gifts given by the father and father. Gifts given by the father and father. Gifts given by the father and completely, utterly wasted. Do not waste completely, utterly wasted. Do not waste completely, utterly wasted. Do not waste your life. Now, what's amazing in this your life. Now, what's amazing in this your life. Now, what's amazing in this story is that the prodigal son wastes story is that the prodigal son wastes story is that the prodigal son wastes his life. The entire thing. And

his life. The entire thing. And his life. The entire thing. And eventually he comes to in the pig pit eventually he comes to in the pig pit eventually he comes to in the pig pit and he's like, "Oh no, I've wasted it. and he's like, "Oh no, I've wasted it. and he's like, "Oh no, I've wasted it. I've squandered everything." And so he I've squandered everything." And so he I've squandered everything." And so he formulates this plan about how to come formulates this plan about how to come formulates this plan about how to come back to the father. And the plan follows back to the father. And the plan follows back to the father. And the plan follows the ideals of every human idea ever the ideals of every human idea ever the ideals of every human idea ever about how to gain God's love and about how to gain God's love and about how to gain God's love and approval. It's I will earn it. He goes, approval. It's I will earn it. He goes, approval. It's I will earn it. He goes, you know, I'm going to approach him and you know, I'm going to approach him and you know, I'm going to approach him and uh I'm going to say make me one of your uh I'm going to say make me one of your uh I'm going to say make me one of your hired hands. Now a hired hand know about hired hands. Now a hired hand know about hired hands. Now a hired hand know about this story. Hired hand is not a slave. A this story. Hired hand is not a slave. A this story. Hired hand is not a slave. A hired hand was somebody apprenticed in a hired hand was somebody apprenticed in a hired hand was somebody apprenticed in a really valuable skill who earned a good really valuable skill who earned a good really valuable skill who earned a good income. In fact, they had their own income. In fact, they had their own income. In fact, they had their own property. And so what the son is doing property. And so what the son is doing property. And so what the son is doing with his hired hand plan is he's saying, with his hired hand plan is he's saying, with his hired hand plan is he's saying, "I'm going to be able to pay my dad "I'm going to be able to pay my dad "I'm going to be able to pay my dad back. I'll show up and I'll talk to him back. I'll show up and I'll talk to him back. I'll show up and I'll talk to him about how much I might earn per year as about how much I might earn per year as about how much I might earn per year as a hired hand. I'll make a payment plan. a hired hand. I'll make a payment plan. a hired hand. I'll make a payment plan. Maybe we'll put some interest in there Maybe we'll put some interest in there Maybe we'll put some interest in there and I'll I'll give him my pay you back, and I'll I'll give him my pay you back, and I'll I'll give him my pay you back, earn my way back into your love and earn my way back into your love and earn my way back into your love and approval plan." approval plan." approval plan." That's not what the father does to him. That's not what the father does to him. That's not what the father does to him. You know, I used to imagine that the You know, I used to imagine that the You know, I used to imagine that the father in this story was just sort of father in this story was just sort of father in this story was just sort of like sitting and waiting for his son to like sitting and waiting for his son to like sitting and waiting for his son to come home. You know, like every day he come home. You know, like every day he come home. You know, like every day he was on at the farmhouse and he would was on at the farmhouse and he would was on at the farmhouse and he would wake up in the morning, he would make wake up in the morning, he would make wake up in the morning, he would make his coffee, he would go out to the his coffee, he would go out to the his coffee, he would go out to the porch, he'd sit in the front porch and porch, he'd sit in the front porch and porch, he'd sit in the front porch and he'd just kind of sip his coffee and he'd just kind of sip his coffee and he'd just kind of sip his coffee and look over the horizon. Wonder if my look over the horizon. Wonder if my look over the horizon. Wonder if my son's coming home today. Don't see him.

son's coming home today. Don't see him. son's coming home today. Don't see him. Oh well, put the coffee down, go about Oh well, put the coffee down, go about Oh well, put the coffee down, go about his day. But you know, the father didn't his day. But you know, the father didn't his day. But you know, the father didn't do that. This is what's incredible. How do that. This is what's incredible. How do that. This is what's incredible. How does the father respond does the father respond does the father respond to a wasted life? To a to to a kid who's to a wasted life? To a to to a kid who's to a wasted life? To a to to a kid who's so rebellious, they're squandering so rebellious, they're squandering so rebellious, they're squandering everything. The father goes after them. everything. The father goes after them. everything. The father goes after them. Remember our first two parables, the guy Remember our first two parables, the guy Remember our first two parables, the guy with the sheep and the woman with the with the sheep and the woman with the with the sheep and the woman with the coin. Those actually weren't about the coin. Those actually weren't about the coin. Those actually weren't about the lost object. Very little is said about lost object. Very little is said about lost object. Very little is said about the sheep. We don't know anything about the sheep. We don't know anything about the sheep. We don't know anything about it. Very little is about the coin. We it. Very little is about the coin. We it. Very little is about the coin. We don't know how much money it was. The don't know how much money it was. The don't know how much money it was. The point of those stories was to tell us point of those stories was to tell us point of those stories was to tell us about the person who lost something about the person who lost something about the person who lost something precious to them and root us and precious to them and root us and precious to them and root us and establish us and what God is like. He establish us and what God is like. He establish us and what God is like. He hunts them down. He goes after you. Do hunts them down. He goes after you. Do hunts them down. He goes after you. Do you know you have a God your entire life you know you have a God your entire life you know you have a God your entire life who's come after you? That father wasn't who's come after you? That father wasn't who's come after you? That father wasn't sitting on the porch waiting and sipping sitting on the porch waiting and sipping sitting on the porch waiting and sipping his coffee. He was sending out search his coffee. He was sending out search his coffee. He was sending out search teams. He was buying billboards. He was teams. He was buying billboards. He was teams. He was buying billboards. He was mailing letters to cities saying, "Hey, mailing letters to cities saying, "Hey, mailing letters to cities saying, "Hey, if you see my son, would you read him if you see my son, would you read him if you see my son, would you read him this note for me? I just I just want him this note for me? I just I just want him this note for me? I just I just want him to know." It says, "Son, I love you. I to know." It says, "Son, I love you. I to know." It says, "Son, I love you. I want you back. I'm still here for you. I want you back. I'm still here for you. I want you back. I'm still here for you. I believe in you. I accept you. I have believe in you. I accept you. I have believe in you. I accept you. I have good plans for you. In fact, I can't good plans for you. In fact, I can't good plans for you. In fact, I can't wait to celebrate you when you finally wait to celebrate you when you finally wait to celebrate you when you finally come home. If you see my son, would you come home. If you see my son, would you come home. If you see my son, would you give him this letter? That's the father.

>> And whether you realize that your entire >> And whether you realize that your entire life you have a father who even if life you have a father who even if life you have a father who even if you've squandered your life, he goes, "I you've squandered your life, he goes, "I you've squandered your life, he goes, "I don't care. I'M COMING AFTER YOU. I'M don't care. I'M COMING AFTER YOU. I'M don't care. I'M COMING AFTER YOU. I'M sending letters after you. I'm coming. I sending letters after you. I'm coming. I sending letters after you. I'm coming. I want you to hear what I what I what I want you to hear what I what I what I want you to hear what I what I what I have for you." Has anybody in here seen have for you." Has anybody in here seen have for you." Has anybody in here seen the Odyssey? Anybody seen the Odyssey? the Odyssey? Anybody seen the Odyssey? the Odyssey? Anybody seen the Odyssey? I'm going to spoil it for you. And I'm going to spoil it for you. And I'm going to spoil it for you. And before you complain, the book came out before you complain, the book came out before you complain, the book came out 3,000 years ago. 3,000 years ago. 3,000 years ago. You had time. In the movie version, Christopher Nolan In the movie version, Christopher Nolan focuses on this story. He tells an focuses on this story. He tells an focuses on this story. He tells an incredible story about a father who will incredible story about a father who will incredible story about a father who will stop at nothing to be reunited with his stop at nothing to be reunited with his stop at nothing to be reunited with his lost son. It's the reason the movie is lost son. It's the reason the movie is lost son. It's the reason the movie is so powerful. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, so powerful. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, so powerful. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, it's artistic. Yes, you should see it it's artistic. Yes, you should see it it's artistic. Yes, you should see it for those reasons. But the reason that for those reasons. But the reason that for those reasons. But the reason that resonates so deeply and setting records resonates so deeply and setting records resonates so deeply and setting records is because it is this story, the re real is because it is this story, the re real is because it is this story, the re real story of a God who loves us so much, story of a God who loves us so much, story of a God who loves us so much, he'll stop at nothing to be re reunited he'll stop at nothing to be re reunited he'll stop at nothing to be re reunited with us. So when the father does finally with us. So when the father does finally with us. So when the father does finally see his son, we don't know if it's close see his son, we don't know if it's close see his son, we don't know if it's close to home. We don't know if it's far away to home. We don't know if it's far away to home. We don't know if it's far away from home. When he finally sees his son, from home. When he finally sees his son, from home. When he finally sees his son, he runs to him. Here's the story. Verse he runs to him. Here's the story. Verse he runs to him. Here's the story. Verse 20. He arose and came to his father. But 20. He arose and came to his father. But 20. He arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his while he was still a long way off, his while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, felt compassion, and ran father saw him, felt compassion, and ran father saw him, felt compassion, and ran and embraced and kissed him. He ran.

and embraced and kissed him. He ran. and embraced and kissed him. He ran. I don't know if you know this about us I don't know if you know this about us I don't know if you know this about us dads, we don't run. dads, we don't run. dads, we don't run. Don't do that. There was a time in my Don't do that. There was a time in my Don't do that. There was a time in my life I ran. I My kids are all running life I ran. I My kids are all running life I ran. I My kids are all running right now. They're all doing cross right now. They're all doing cross right now. They're all doing cross country. This is a couple Saturdays ago. country. This is a couple Saturdays ago. country. This is a couple Saturdays ago. They had a cross country meet and they They had a cross country meet and they They had a cross country meet and they they run their their their race and I'm they run their their their race and I'm they run their their their race and I'm cheering them on and I don't know what cheering them on and I don't know what cheering them on and I don't know what happened to me but something snapped in happened to me but something snapped in happened to me but something snapped in my mind cuz I went to Chipotle for lunch my mind cuz I went to Chipotle for lunch my mind cuz I went to Chipotle for lunch extra rice extra rice extra rice sour cream sour cream sour cream and then as soon as I get home I had and then as soon as I get home I had and then as soon as I get home I had this thought I was like you know what this thought I was like you know what this thought I was like you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to run. I'm going to do? I'm going to run. I'm going to do? I'm going to run. I haven't run in years I haven't run in years I haven't run in years like three miles. They make it look like three miles. They make it look like three miles. They make it look easy. How hard can it be? Turns out very easy. How hard can it be? Turns out very easy. How hard can it be? Turns out very hard. I almost died. Very hard. hard. I almost died. Very hard. hard. I almost died. Very hard. Don't recommend it. Dads don't run. Don't recommend it. Dads don't run. Don't recommend it. Dads don't run. In Middle Eastern culture, Middle In Middle Eastern culture, Middle In Middle Eastern culture, Middle Eastern dads did not run. It was Eastern dads did not run. It was Eastern dads did not run. It was actually a sign of shame. You didn't run actually a sign of shame. You didn't run actually a sign of shame. You didn't run to people. The the more prestigious you to people. The the more prestigious you to people. The the more prestigious you were, the more powerful, the more were, the more powerful, the more were, the more powerful, the more influential, you didn't run to people, influential, you didn't run to people, influential, you didn't run to people, they ran to you. And so when the father they ran to you. And so when the father they ran to you. And so when the father does this, he's violating everything does this, he's violating everything does this, he's violating everything that's known about how dads are supposed that's known about how dads are supposed that's known about how dads are supposed to act. And here's the wild part. When to act. And here's the wild part. When to act. And here's the wild part. When the father runs up to him, huffing and the father runs up to him, huffing and the father runs up to him, huffing and puffing for sure, hands on knees. Here's puffing for sure, hands on knees. Here's puffing for sure, hands on knees. Here's what he says. 21. The son said to him, what he says. 21. The son said to him, what he says. 21. The son said to him, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and "Father, I've sinned against heaven and "Father, I've sinned against heaven and before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be before you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to called your son." But the father said to called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best his servants, "Bring quickly the best his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him. Bring a a ring robe and put it on him. Bring a a ring robe and put it on him. Bring a a ring and put it on his hands, shoes on his and put it on his hands, shoes on his and put it on his hands, shoes on his feet, and bring the fattened calf and feet, and bring the fattened calf and feet, and bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate. For

kill it. Let us eat and celebrate. For kill it. Let us eat and celebrate. For this my son, my son was dead and is this my son, my son was dead and is this my son, my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found." alive again. He was lost and is found." alive again. He was lost and is found." on and they began to celebrate. Wild on and they began to celebrate. Wild on and they began to celebrate. Wild what he does. Here's the best robe. My what he does. Here's the best robe. My what he does. Here's the best robe. My robe. Put a ring on his finger. My ring. robe. Put a ring on his finger. My ring. robe. Put a ring on his finger. My ring. Kill the fattened calf. The one I've Kill the fattened calf. The one I've Kill the fattened calf. The one I've been saving and hoping and and waiting been saving and hoping and and waiting been saving and hoping and and waiting and wishing that he's going to he's and wishing that he's going to he's and wishing that he's going to he's going to show up. It's amazing what he going to show up. It's amazing what he going to show up. It's amazing what he does. But what's even more amazing is does. But what's even more amazing is does. But what's even more amazing is what he doesn't do. Because what he what he doesn't do. Because what he what he doesn't do. Because what he doesn't do is say, "Hey son, I got a doesn't do is say, "Hey son, I got a doesn't do is say, "Hey son, I got a couple of questions. couple of questions. couple of questions. There are some rumors about you. There There are some rumors about you. There There are some rumors about you. There are some some accusations out there are some some accusations out there are some some accusations out there about what you did and this wild party about what you did and this wild party about what you did and this wild party lifestyle. has got a couple questions lifestyle. has got a couple questions lifestyle. has got a couple questions for you. Does not do that at all. for you. Does not do that at all. for you. Does not do that at all. Doesn't even let him get his plan out Doesn't even let him get his plan out Doesn't even let him get his plan out about the hired hand thing. Completely about the hired hand thing. Completely about the hired hand thing. Completely cuts him off. All the son says is, cuts him off. All the son says is, cuts him off. All the son says is, "Father, I've sinned." And he's like, "Father, I've sinned." And he's like, "Father, I've sinned." And he's like, "That's enough for me." No apology, "That's enough for me." No apology, "That's enough for me." No apology, no excuses, no questions, just now no excuses, no questions, just now no excuses, no questions, just now you're my son. Welcome home, son. Why you're my son. Welcome home, son. Why you're my son. Welcome home, son. Why would he do that? Because when the would he do that? Because when the would he do that? Because when the father views his son, when your father father views his son, when your father father views his son, when your father views you, he's not looking at your views you, he's not looking at your views you, he's not looking at your past. He's not reciting the rolodex of past. He's not reciting the rolodex of past. He's not reciting the rolodex of your sins. He says this in Psalm 103, your sins. He says this in Psalm 103, your sins. He says this in Psalm 103, "As far as the east is from the west, so "As far as the east is from the west, so "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgression far does he remove our transgression far does he remove our transgression from us. As a father shows compassion, from us. As a father shows compassion, from us. As a father shows compassion, we just read those words in this story.

we just read those words in this story. we just read those words in this story. As a father shows compassion to his As a father shows compassion to his As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion children, so the Lord shows compassion children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." Compassion to those who fear him." Compassion to those who fear him." Compassion And what's wild though is is how many And what's wild though is is how many And what's wild though is is how many people who who are around faith and in people who who are around faith and in people who who are around faith and in faith circles struggle to actually faith circles struggle to actually faith circles struggle to actually believe this. It was a couple years ago believe this. It was a couple years ago believe this. It was a couple years ago I was on a a trip a kind of a spiritual I was on a a trip a kind of a spiritual I was on a a trip a kind of a spiritual growth centered trip with some people growth centered trip with some people growth centered trip with some people from crossroads. We were in Germany from crossroads. We were in Germany from crossroads. We were in Germany studying the life of Martin Luther. studying the life of Martin Luther. studying the life of Martin Luther. Amazing people, deep spiritual people, Amazing people, deep spiritual people, Amazing people, deep spiritual people, people who follow Jesus for a long time, people who follow Jesus for a long time, people who follow Jesus for a long time, people who know a lot of Bible verses. people who know a lot of Bible verses. people who know a lot of Bible verses. But this strange theme emerged as the But this strange theme emerged as the But this strange theme emerged as the trip went on and it was this. There were trip went on and it was this. There were trip went on and it was this. There were a lot of people who had been divorced in a lot of people who had been divorced in a lot of people who had been divorced in their past on this trip. And I would get their past on this trip. And I would get their past on this trip. And I would get in these conversations with people and in these conversations with people and in these conversations with people and it become really clear they all still it become really clear they all still it become really clear they all still held this view of like God looked at held this view of like God looked at held this view of like God looked at them as less than. Like if they were to them as less than. Like if they were to them as less than. Like if they were to show up at God's house, God might not show up at God's house, God might not show up at God's house, God might not kick them out the door, but God wasn't kick them out the door, but God wasn't kick them out the door, but God wasn't going to welcome them in, give them a going to welcome them in, give them a going to welcome them in, give them a hug, call him son, call them daughter, hug, call him son, call them daughter, hug, call him son, call them daughter, say he was proud of them, and give them say he was proud of them, and give them say he was proud of them, and give them a seat at the table. That was never a seat at the table. That was never a seat at the table. That was never going to happen to them. It's like God going to happen to them. It's like God going to happen to them. It's like God would still hold on the past. And so and would still hold on the past. And so and would still hold on the past. And so and conversation after conversation, I just conversation after conversation, I just conversation after conversation, I just had to go like, "Have you read the had to go like, "Have you read the had to go like, "Have you read the Bible?

Bible? Bible? Do you know what the gospel says as far Do you know what the gospel says as far Do you know what the gospel says as far as the east is from the west?" Do you as the east is from the west?" Do you as the east is from the west?" Do you know how far apart that is? Infinitely know how far apart that is? Infinitely know how far apart that is? Infinitely far apart. far apart. far apart. See, when you come to the father and See, when you come to the father and See, when you come to the father and they ask this question, how do I gain they ask this question, how do I gain they ask this question, how do I gain God's love and approval? How do I keep God's love and approval? How do I keep God's love and approval? How do I keep it? THE ANSWER IS YOU DON'T. YOU DON'T. it? THE ANSWER IS YOU DON'T. YOU DON'T. it? THE ANSWER IS YOU DON'T. YOU DON'T. THE LOST thing can't find itself. The THE LOST thing can't find itself. The THE LOST thing can't find itself. The one who's fallen out of favor can't one who's fallen out of favor can't one who's fallen out of favor can't regain favor. Instead, the incredible, regain favor. Instead, the incredible, regain favor. Instead, the incredible, crazy, seen nowhere else gospel that's crazy, seen nowhere else gospel that's crazy, seen nowhere else gospel that's an unreligion is the truth that the an unreligion is the truth that the an unreligion is the truth that the father just loves you and gives it to father just loves you and gives it to father just loves you and gives it to you. you. you. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. If you've been in a spot in your life If you've been in a spot in your life If you've been in a spot in your life where you're like, man, I got to earn my where you're like, man, I got to earn my where you're like, man, I got to earn my way back. I got to overcome my past. I way back. I got to overcome my past. I way back. I got to overcome my past. I got to follow through on my mistakes. got to follow through on my mistakes. got to follow through on my mistakes. No. No, you don't. No, you don't. That No. No, you don't. No, you don't. That No. No, you don't. No, you don't. That is not That is not it. That's religion. is not That is not it. That's religion. is not That is not it. That's religion. If you've been wearing a low opinion of If you've been wearing a low opinion of If you've been wearing a low opinion of yourself as a religious merit badge, I yourself as a religious merit badge, I yourself as a religious merit badge, I would suggest you get a new religion would suggest you get a new religion would suggest you get a new religion because that's not Jesus. It's not what because that's not Jesus. It's not what because that's not Jesus. It's not what he has for you.

he has for you. he has for you. Now, there is this voice in us though Now, there is this voice in us though Now, there is this voice in us though that we got to talk about. There's the that we got to talk about. There's the that we got to talk about. There's the voice of the rebel that speaks to us voice of the rebel that speaks to us voice of the rebel that speaks to us that wants to keep us in shame and keep that wants to keep us in shame and keep that wants to keep us in shame and keep us stuck in our past. But then there's us stuck in our past. But then there's us stuck in our past. But then there's the religious voice that tells us that the religious voice that tells us that the religious voice that tells us that we have to stay there. This religious we have to stay there. This religious we have to stay there. This religious voice and that is the voice of the older voice and that is the voice of the older voice and that is the voice of the older son. Now, it's a it's more like a button son. Now, it's a it's more like a button son. Now, it's a it's more like a button at the end of the story. There's not as at the end of the story. There's not as at the end of the story. There's not as much about the older son, but we need to much about the older son, but we need to much about the older son, but we need to look at it. Verse 25. Now, his older son look at it. Verse 25. Now, his older son look at it. Verse 25. Now, his older son was in the field, and as he came and was in the field, and as he came and was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music drew near to the house, he heard music drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the and dancing. And he called one of the and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and he asked what these things servants, and he asked what these things servants, and he asked what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother meant. And he said to him, "Your brother meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the has come, and your father has killed the has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he's received him fattened calf because he's received him fattened calf because he's received him back safe and sound." But he, the older back safe and sound." But he, the older back safe and sound." But he, the older son, was angry and refused to go in. His son, was angry and refused to go in. His son, was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and intreated him, but father came out and intreated him, but father came out and intreated him, but he answered his father look. he answered his father look. he answered his father look. Husbands, if you start a conversation Husbands, if you start a conversation Husbands, if you start a conversation with your wife with the word look, with your wife with the word look, with your wife with the word look, does it go well for you? does it go well for you? does it go well for you? Doesn't for me. If I did that, I would Doesn't for me. If I did that, I would Doesn't for me. If I did that, I would be looking for a new place to sleep.

be looking for a new place to sleep. be looking for a new place to sleep. That would happen for me. That would happen for me. That would happen for me. But the but the older son, he's so full But the but the older son, he's so full But the but the older son, he's so full of self-righteousness. I am right. I of self-righteousness. I am right. I of self-righteousness. I am right. I have done what's right. I I I have have done what's right. I I I have have done what's right. I I I have earned and I deserve your affection. I earned and I deserve your affection. I earned and I deserve your affection. I deserve your approval. I deserve the deserve your approval. I deserve the deserve your approval. I deserve the stuff that you should give me. I am owed stuff that you should give me. I am owed stuff that you should give me. I am owed it. He's so sure of this that he starts it. He's so sure of this that he starts it. He's so sure of this that he starts with look. And then he says, "These many with look. And then he says, "These many with look. And then he says, "These many years I've served you. I've never years I've served you. I've never years I've served you. I've never disobeyed your command. Yet you never disobeyed your command. Yet you never disobeyed your command. Yet you never gave me a young goat, a cheeseburger. gave me a young goat, a cheeseburger. gave me a young goat, a cheeseburger. You're not asking for a fattened calf. You're not asking for a fattened calf. You're not asking for a fattened calf. You never bought me Taco Bell that I You never bought me Taco Bell that I You never bought me Taco Bell that I might celebrate with my friends. But might celebrate with my friends. But might celebrate with my friends. But when the son of yours came who's when the son of yours came who's when the son of yours came who's devoured your property with prostitutes, devoured your property with prostitutes, devoured your property with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him. And you kill the fattened calf for him. And you kill the fattened calf for him. And here's the moment. The two kinds of lost here's the moment. The two kinds of lost here's the moment. The two kinds of lost are actually the same. are actually the same. are actually the same. Both think they have to earn God's love. Both think they have to earn God's love. Both think they have to earn God's love. Both think they need to deserve. Both Both think they need to deserve. Both Both think they need to deserve. Both think there's something called I can be think there's something called I can be think there's something called I can be owed. I can earn it. Both think there's owed. I can earn it. Both think there's owed. I can earn it. Both think there's a there's a thing called enough. I can a there's a thing called enough. I can a there's a thing called enough. I can do enough.

do enough. do enough. And the father says says no. What's And the father says says no. What's And the father says says no. What's amazing is the father responds to them amazing is the father responds to them amazing is the father responds to them both the same way. He runs to the both the same way. He runs to the both the same way. He runs to the younger son and he goes to the older one younger son and he goes to the older one younger son and he goes to the older one too. Verse 28. He was angry and refused too. Verse 28. He was angry and refused too. Verse 28. He was angry and refused to go in. His father came out again. The to go in. His father came out again. The to go in. His father came out again. The father goes to the lost older son and he father goes to the lost older son and he father goes to the lost older son and he calls him son. Verse 31, he says,"Son, calls him son. Verse 31, he says,"Son, calls him son. Verse 31, he says,"Son, you were always with me. All that is you were always with me. All that is you were always with me. All that is mine is yours. It was fitting to mine is yours. It was fitting to mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad. For this, your celebrate and be glad. For this, your celebrate and be glad. For this, your brother was dead and is alive. He was brother was dead and is alive. He was brother was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found." lost and is found." lost and is found." And that's where the story ends. Do you And that's where the story ends. Do you And that's where the story ends. Do you know what we don't get in the stories? know what we don't get in the stories? know what we don't get in the stories? We don't know how the older son We don't know how the older son We don't know how the older son responds. responds. responds. Did you notice we also didn't get how Did you notice we also didn't get how Did you notice we also didn't get how the younger son responds? the younger son responds? the younger son responds? There's nothing in the parable the There's nothing in the parable the There's nothing in the parable the younger son goes, "Oh my gosh, amazing. younger son goes, "Oh my gosh, amazing. younger son goes, "Oh my gosh, amazing. Wow." We don't get that moment. There's Wow." We don't get that moment. There's Wow." We don't get that moment. There's not a moment where the older son either not a moment where the older son either not a moment where the older son either rejects it. Dad, that's ridiculous. I I rejects it. Dad, that's ridiculous. I I rejects it. Dad, that's ridiculous. I I just can't stand for it. And stays just can't stand for it. And stays just can't stand for it. And stays outside. Or where he goes, "You're outside. Or where he goes, "You're outside. Or where he goes, "You're right. You're right, Dad. I I just want right. You're right, Dad. I I just want right. You're right, Dad. I I just want to receive your love. I I'll come back to receive your love. I I'll come back to receive your love. I I'll come back inside. I'll celebrate." We don't get inside. I'll celebrate." We don't get inside. I'll celebrate." We don't get that moment. Why? Because the point of that moment. Why? Because the point of that moment. Why? Because the point of the parable is how will you respond? Not the parable is how will you respond? Not the parable is how will you respond? Not somebody else, not theory, not head somebody else, not theory, not head somebody else, not theory, not head knowledge, raw, unfiltered. How will you knowledge, raw, unfiltered. How will you knowledge, raw, unfiltered. How will you respond to this kind of love? How will

respond to this kind of love? How will respond to this kind of love? How will you tell how you have a father? He's got you tell how you have a father? He's got you tell how you have a father? He's got a raw, unfiltered view of you. He knows a raw, unfiltered view of you. He knows a raw, unfiltered view of you. He knows it all. He's seen it all. He's He's seen it all. He's seen it all. He's He's seen it all. He's seen it all. He's He's seen your rebellion. He's seen your religion. your rebellion. He's seen your religion. your rebellion. He's seen your religion. And his response to you is the same as And his response to you is the same as And his response to you is the same as in this story. He runs to you. And he in this story. He runs to you. And he in this story. He runs to you. And he just wants to tell you he loves you. He just wants to tell you he loves you. He just wants to tell you he loves you. He just wants to tell you that you are just wants to tell you that you are just wants to tell you that you are enough. enough. enough. And in my life, this was a a And in my life, this was a a And in my life, this was a a transformative time for me. But back transformative time for me. But back transformative time for me. But back when I saw that video and started when I saw that video and started when I saw that video and started thinking these thoughts and going, man, thinking these thoughts and going, man, thinking these thoughts and going, man, I don't want to waste my life. And God, I don't want to waste my life. And God, I don't want to waste my life. And God, I I I think I've been working to gain I I I think I've been working to gain I I I think I've been working to gain your approval. I thought I had it. And I your approval. I thought I had it. And I your approval. I thought I had it. And I now I feel feel all kind of knocked now I feel feel all kind of knocked now I feel feel all kind of knocked sideways. And so I spent two years sideways. And so I spent two years sideways. And so I spent two years searching through scripture trying to searching through scripture trying to searching through scripture trying to find every place I could with God. What find every place I could with God. What find every place I could with God. What do you say about your love and how I can do you say about your love and how I can do you say about your love and how I can earn it, how I can gain it, how I can earn it, how I can gain it, how I can earn it, how I can gain it, how I can keep it? What do you actually say? Spent keep it? What do you actually say? Spent keep it? What do you actually say? Spent two years, wrote it all down. By the two years, wrote it all down. By the two years, wrote it all down. By the way, if you tack the sticker in front of way, if you tack the sticker in front of way, if you tack the sticker in front of you, it's the thing you'll get when you you, it's the thing you'll get when you you, it's the thing you'll get when you click on Kyle's notes and verses. It's click on Kyle's notes and verses. It's click on Kyle's notes and verses. It's many pages of scripture. I don't have many pages of scripture. I don't have many pages of scripture. I don't have time to go through all of them right time to go through all of them right time to go through all of them right now. But as we end our experience, I now. But as we end our experience, I now. But as we end our experience, I just want you to hear the words of your just want you to hear the words of your just want you to hear the words of your father. Enough from me. You've heard my father. Enough from me. You've heard my father. Enough from me. You've heard my interpretation. You've heard my interpretation. You've heard my interpretation. You've heard my thoughts. But I want you to hear the thoughts. But I want you to hear the thoughts. But I want you to hear the words of your father. Do you know before words of your father. Do you know before words of your father. Do you know before you were born, he started hunting you you were born, he started hunting you you were born, he started hunting you down? He was buying billboards.

down? He was buying billboards. down? He was buying billboards. He sent [music] out search teams, his He sent [music] out search teams, his He sent [music] out search teams, his church, to hunt you down and find you. church, to hunt you down and find you. church, to hunt you down and find you. He sent letters, his word, across the He sent letters, his word, across the He sent letters, his word, across the universe in hopes that one day you would universe in hopes that one day you would universe in hopes that one day you would hear it and believe it. Maybe you're in hear it and believe it. Maybe you're in hear it and believe it. Maybe you're in a spot in your life where you're like, a spot in your life where you're like, a spot in your life where you're like, I've already heard it. I heard it a long I've already heard it. I heard it a long I've already heard it. I heard it a long time ago and I'm good. friend, if if you time ago and I'm good. friend, if if you time ago and I'm good. friend, if if you ever think ever think ever think you're past the point of needing to hear you're past the point of needing to hear you're past the point of needing to hear how God loves you, [music] warning sign, how God loves you, [music] warning sign, how God loves you, [music] warning sign, flashing red light in your life, none of flashing red light in your life, none of flashing red light in your life, none of us are too far gone. None of us know us are too far gone. None of us know us are too far gone. None of us know this enough. No, all of us approach God this enough. No, all of us approach God this enough. No, all of us approach God the same way as children. The father who the same way as children. The father who the same way as children. The father who [music] loves us. These are the words of [music] loves us. These are the words of [music] loves us. These are the words of your father. I'm going to give them to your father. I'm going to give them to your father. I'm going to give them to you. We'll have some song between to you. We'll have some song between to you. We'll have some song between to give you time to sit and to soak on the give you time to sit and to soak on the give you time to sit and to soak on the words. If there's something that jumps words. If there's something that jumps words. If there's something that jumps out to you, I encourage you take a out to you, I encourage you take a out to you, I encourage you take a picture of it on the screen or write picture of it on the screen or write picture of it on the screen or write down [music] where it is in the Bible. down [music] where it is in the Bible. down [music] where it is in the Bible. Here's God's words. Jeremiah 31:3, Here's God's words. Jeremiah 31:3, Here's God's words. Jeremiah 31:3, [music] [music] [music] "I have loved you with an everlasting "I have loved you with an everlasting "I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with unfailing love. I have drawn you with unfailing love. I have drawn you with unfailing [music] [music] [music] kindness."

kindness." kindness." John 15:15 John 15:15 John 15:15 Jesus says, "No longer do I call you Jesus says, "No longer do I call you Jesus says, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know servants, for the servant does not know servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing, but I have what his master is doing, but I have what his master is doing, but I have called you friends. For all that I've called you friends. For all that I've called you friends. For all that I've heard from my father, I have made known heard from my father, I have made known heard from my father, I have made known to you. closer than a brother. closer than a brother. And there is [music] no judgment. Oh, And there is [music] no judgment. Oh, And there is [music] no judgment. Oh, how he loves me. I've got a friend how he loves me. I've got a friend how he loves me. I've got a friend and he is my strength. and he is my strength. and he is my strength. He is [music] my portion. [singing] He's with me in the valley, with me in He's with me in the valley, with me in the fire, with me in the storm. the fire, with me in the storm. the fire, with me in the storm. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So let all my life >> So let all my life >> So let all my life testify.

We are not alone. We are not alone. And God really loves us. And God really loves us. And God really loves us. And God really loves us. And God really loves us. And God really loves us. [singing] [singing] [singing] Hallelujah. God really loves us. God really loves us. God really loves us. >> Jeremiah 15, Before I formed you in the >> Jeremiah 15, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. womb, I knew you. womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart. Before you were born, I set you apart. Before you were born, I set you apart. 1 John 3:1, "See what great [music] love 1 John 3:1, "See what great [music] love 1 John 3:1, "See what great [music] love the Father has lavished on us that we the Father has lavished on us that we the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. And should be called children of God. And should be called children of God. And that is what we are." that is what we are." that is what we are." Galatians 4:7. Galatians 4:7. Galatians 4:7. You are no longer a slave, [music] but a You are no longer a slave, [music] but a You are no longer a slave, [music] but a son. And if a son, if a daughter, then son. And if a son, if a daughter, then son. And if a son, if a daughter, then an heir through God.

His [music] mercies enough. His [music] mercies enough. His grace is sufficient. [singing] So come if you need [music] So come if you need [music] forgiveness or healing, his grace is forgiveness or healing, his grace is forgiveness or healing, his grace is [singing] [singing] [singing] enough. enough. enough. And this is our hope. And this is our hope. And this is our hope. The cross it [music] is spoken The cross it [music] is spoken The cross it [music] is spoken and death is no more. Christ is the and death is no more. Christ is the and death is no more. Christ is the Lord. Oh, [music] this is our home. Lord. Oh, [music] this is our home. Lord. Oh, [music] this is our home. Hallelujah. [singing] We [music] are not We [music] are not alone. alone. alone. And God really [singing] loves us. And God really [singing] loves us. And God really [singing] loves us. Yes, God really loves us. Oh, praise my soul. Oh, praise my soul. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> God really loves us.

>> God really loves us. >> God really loves us. Yes, God [music] really loves us. Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the [music] plans I have for "For I know the [music] plans I have for "For I know the [music] plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for you, declares the Lord. Plans for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a welfare and not for evil, to give you a welfare and not for evil, to give you a hope in a future." hope in a future." hope in a future." Psalm [music] 18:19. Psalm [music] 18:19. Psalm [music] 18:19. He brought me out into a broad place. He He brought me out into a broad place. He He brought me out into a broad place. He rescued me because he delighted in me. rescued me because he delighted in me. rescued me because he delighted in me. When God thinks about you, he's not When God thinks about you, he's not When God thinks about you, he's not going through the rolodex of sins in going through the rolodex of sins in going through the rolodex of sins in your past. And he's also not looking at your past. And he's also not looking at your past. And he's also not looking at the list of great stuff you've [music] the list of great stuff you've [music] the list of great stuff you've [music] done. He just delights in you because he done. He just delights in you because he done. He just delights in you because he made you, because you're his son and his made you, because you're his son and his made you, because you're his son and his daughter. Psalm [music] 27 says, "Even daughter. Psalm [music] 27 says, "Even daughter. Psalm [music] 27 says, "Even though my father and mother forsake me, though my father and mother forsake me, though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord [music] will receive me. No the Lord [music] will receive me. No the Lord [music] will receive me. No matter what your earthly father did or matter what your earthly father did or matter what your earthly father did or didn't model about a good God who loves didn't model about a good God who loves didn't model about a good God who loves you no matter what. No matter what your you no matter what. No matter what your you no matter what. No matter what your earthly mother modeled or not, God says, earthly mother modeled or not, God says, earthly mother modeled or not, God says, "I am the father who loves you just "I am the father who loves you just "I am the father who loves you just because you're mine." What a father we because you're mine." What a father we because you're mine." What a father we have. What a father.

have. What a father. have. What a father. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] what a father. What a friend. what a father. What a friend. what a father. What a friend. What a savior he is. [music and singing] What a savior he is. [music and singing] What a savior he is. [music and singing] Oh, what a father. What a friend. Oh, what a father. What a friend. Oh, what a father. What a friend. What a savior he is. Hallelujah. What a savior he is. Hallelujah. What a savior he is. Hallelujah. [singing] We are not We are not alone [singing] alone [singing] alone [singing] cuz God really loves us. cuz God really loves us. cuz God really loves us. Yes, God [singing] really loves us. Oh, praise my soul. [singing] Oh, praise my soul. [singing] God really loves us God really loves us God really loves us cuz God really loves us. Would you stand right now? Would you stand right now? Remember these words are not normal Remember these words are not normal Remember these words are not normal words.

words. words. These [music] are the words of the one These [music] are the words of the one These [music] are the words of the one who spoke in reality came to be. These who spoke in reality came to be. These who spoke in reality came to be. These are the [music] words that can change are the [music] words that can change are the [music] words that can change you and reshape you. These are the words you and reshape you. These are the words you and reshape you. These are the words that can put your feet on the solid that can put your feet on the solid that can put your feet on the solid rock. These are the words [music] that rock. These are the words [music] that rock. These are the words [music] that can change the past and give you a can change the past and give you a can change the past and give you a vision for the future. And so I want you vision for the future. And so I want you vision for the future. And so I want you to stand as a sign of saying, "God, to stand as a sign of saying, "God, to stand as a sign of saying, "God, would you [music] saturate me with your would you [music] saturate me with your would you [music] saturate me with your word, with believing that what you say word, with believing that what you say word, with believing that what you say is true for me, even me, from head to is true for me, even me, from head to is true for me, even me, from head to toe?" Your father says this, James toe?" Your father says this, James toe?" Your father says this, James [music] 1:18, he chose to give birth to [music] 1:18, he chose to give birth to [music] 1:18, he chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we us by giving us his true word. And we us by giving us his true word. And we out of all creation, out of every out of all creation, out of every out of all creation, out of every amazing majestic mountainscape, out of amazing majestic mountainscape, out of amazing majestic mountainscape, out of every [music] sunrise, out of every every [music] sunrise, out of every every [music] sunrise, out of every beautiful sunset he ever painted, he beautiful sunset he ever painted, he beautiful sunset he ever painted, he says we out of all creation [music] says we out of all creation [music] says we out of all creation [music] became his prized possession. Us, you. became his prized possession. Us, you. became his prized possession. Us, you. Isaiah 46:4, [music] Isaiah 46:4, [music] Isaiah 46:4, [music] even through your old age and gray even through your old age and gray even through your old age and gray hairs, I am he. I'm he who will sustain hairs, I am he. I'm he who will sustain hairs, I am he. I'm he who will sustain [music] you. I have made you and I will [music] you. I have made you and I will [music] you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Doesn't matter how old you rescue you. Doesn't matter how old you rescue you. Doesn't matter how old you are. Doesn't matter how far away you've are. Doesn't matter how far away you've are. Doesn't matter how far away you've walked. Doesn't matter how much life you walked. Doesn't matter how much life you walked. Doesn't matter how much life you [music] think you've squandered. God [music] think you've squandered. God [music] think you've squandered. God says, "I am still for you." Still. In says, "I am still for you." Still. In says, "I am still for you." Still. In Zephaniah [music] 3:17, "The Lord your Zephaniah [music] 3:17, "The Lord your Zephaniah [music] 3:17, "The Lord your God is in your midst. A mighty one who God is in your midst. A mighty one who God is in your midst. A mighty one who will save. He will [music] rejoice over will save. He will [music] rejoice over will save. He will [music] rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you by you with gladness. He will quiet you by you with gladness. He will quiet you by his love. He will exalt over you with his love. He will exalt over you with his love. He will exalt over you with loud singing." I encourage you to sing loud singing." I encourage you to sing loud singing." I encourage you to sing loud right now. I just want you to know loud right now. I just want you to know loud right now. I just want you to know as loud as you sing, as loud as you ever

as loud as you sing, as loud as you ever as loud as you sing, as loud as you ever shout to God, [music] God sings and he shout to God, [music] God sings and he shout to God, [music] God sings and he shouts louder over you and I love you. shouts louder over you and I love you. shouts louder over you and I love you. [music] [music] [music] >> What a friend. >> What a friend. >> What a friend. What a savior is. Yeah. [music] What a What a savior is. Yeah. [music] What a What a savior is. Yeah. [music] What a father. What a friend. father. What a friend. father. What a friend. What a savior he is. [music] What a What a savior he is. [music] What a What a savior he is. [music] What a father. What a father. father. What a father. father. What a father. What a friend. What a friend. What a friend. What a savior he is. [music] What a savior he is. [music] What a savior he is. [music] What a father. What a father. What a father. What a friend. What a friend. What a friend. What [music] a sing. Sing it again. What What [music] a sing. Sing it again. What What [music] a sing. Sing it again. What a father. What a father. a father. What a father. a father. What a father. What a friend. [music] What a friend. [music] What a friend. [music] What a savior he is. What a savior he is. What a savior he is. What [music] a father. What [music] a father. What [music] a father. What a friend. What a friend. What a friend. What a savior he is. [music] What a savior he is. [music] What a savior he is. [music] Hallelujah. cuz God [music] really loves us. Yes, he cuz God [music] really loves us. Yes, he does. And God really loves us.

does. And God really loves us. does. And God really loves us. [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] And hallelujah. [music] Oh, pray my [singing] soul [music] Oh, pray my [singing] soul cuz God really loves us. cuz God really loves us. cuz God really loves us. And God [singing and music] really loves And God [singing and music] really loves And God [singing and music] really loves us.