07.05.26 - 9 AM Sunday Service // My Favorite Story // Mark Henry

>> Good morning and thanks so much for >> Good morning and thanks so much for joining us online for our worship joining us online for our worship joining us online for our worship services today. My name is Mark Henry. services today. My name is Mark Henry. services today. My name is Mark Henry. I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at I'm one of the teaching pastors here at Fellowship and I serve alongside our Fellowship and I serve alongside our Fellowship and I serve alongside our other pastors to help lead and teach our other pastors to help lead and teach our other pastors to help lead and teach our church in a very team-oriented way. And church in a very team-oriented way. And church in a very team-oriented way. And if you're new with us today, we're so if you're new with us today, we're so if you're new with us today, we're so excited that you're here and we'd love excited that you're here and we'd love excited that you're here and we'd love to connect with you and help you take to connect with you and help you take to connect with you and help you take your next step at Fellowship. And you your next step at Fellowship. And you your next step at Fellowship. And you can do that by using the QR code located can do that by using the QR code located can do that by using the QR code located there on the bottom of the screen or there on the bottom of the screen or there on the bottom of the screen or reaching out through our website. And if reaching out through our website. And if reaching out through our website. And if you're attending in person, you can drop you're attending in person, you can drop you're attending in person, you can drop by our connection center on any of our by our connection center on any of our by our connection center on any of our campuses. Fellowship Bible Church campuses. Fellowship Bible Church campuses. Fellowship Bible Church started in a Little Rock, Arkansas, started in a Little Rock, Arkansas, started in a Little Rock, Arkansas, where our West Little Rock campus is, where our West Little Rock campus is, where our West Little Rock campus is, but we've grown into seven different but we've grown into seven different but we've grown into seven different campuses over the last 48 years. Now, campuses over the last 48 years. Now, campuses over the last 48 years. Now, we're located in Benton, Cabot, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Cabot, Midtown, we're located in Benton, Cabot, Midtown, Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock, and our Español campus. We are one Rock, and our Español campus. We are one Rock, and our Español campus. We are one church that meets in multiple locations church that meets in multiple locations church that meets in multiple locations in Central Arkansas. What unites us in Central Arkansas. What unites us in Central Arkansas. What unites us together is a common vision and mission. together is a common vision and mission. together is a common vision and mission. Our mission here at Fellowship is to Our mission here at Fellowship is to Our mission here at Fellowship is to make disciples who live by God's grace make disciples who live by God's grace make disciples who live by God's grace and for his glory at home and across the and for his glory at home and across the and for his glory at home and across the world. And we're so excited that you're world. And we're so excited that you're world. And we're so excited that you're joining us online today and I want to joining us online today and I want to joining us online today and I want to encourage you to fully engage with us encourage you to fully engage with us encourage you to fully engage with us wherever you are. I know that the Lord wherever you are. I know that the Lord wherever you are. I know that the Lord has something he wants to do in your has something he wants to do in your has something he wants to do in your heart and life as we worship and learn heart and life as we worship and learn heart and life as we worship and learn from his word together today. If you from his word together today. If you from his word together today. If you call Fellowship home, I want to call Fellowship home, I want to call Fellowship home, I want to encourage you to worship God with us encourage you to worship God with us encourage you to worship God with us through your giving. There are many ways through your giving. There are many ways through your giving. There are many ways to give at Fellowship. One of the most to give at Fellowship. One of the most to give at Fellowship. One of the most popular is to give through our website.

popular is to give through our website. popular is to give through our website. And when you give, God uses your And when you give, God uses your And when you give, God uses your faithful giving to bless others in faithful giving to bless others in faithful giving to bless others in Central Arkansas and across the world. Central Arkansas and across the world. Central Arkansas and across the world. Again, thank you for joining us today Again, thank you for joining us today Again, thank you for joining us today and we pray that God will move in all and we pray that God will move in all and we pray that God will move in all our hearts as he accomplishes his our hearts as he accomplishes his our hearts as he accomplishes his purpose in us and through us together.

>> Good morning church family. Good to see >> Good morning church family. Good to see you. Glad to have our chapel family in you. Glad to have our chapel family in you. Glad to have our chapel family in here with us and the little kiddos from here with us and the little kiddos from here with us and the little kiddos from elementary and 56. Hey, today's going to elementary and 56. Hey, today's going to elementary and 56. Hey, today's going to look a little different as far as look a little different as far as look a little different as far as worship through song is concerned, but worship through song is concerned, but worship through song is concerned, but that's all right. The Lord deserves his that's all right. The Lord deserves his that's all right. The Lord deserves his praise. And so, let me read Psalm praise. And so, let me read Psalm praise. And so, let me read Psalm chapter 95 verses 1 through 3 over us chapter 95 verses 1 through 3 over us chapter 95 verses 1 through 3 over us before we begin our singing. He says, before we begin our singing. He says, before we begin our singing. He says, "Oh, come let us sing to the Lord. Let "Oh, come let us sing to the Lord. Let "Oh, come let us sing to the Lord. Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of us make a joyful noise to the rock of us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his our salvation. Let us come into his our salvation. Let us come into his presence with Thanksgiving. Let us make presence with Thanksgiving. Let us make presence with Thanksgiving. Let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of a joyful noise to him with songs of a joyful noise to him with songs of praise for the Lord is a great God and praise for the Lord is a great God and praise for the Lord is a great God and the great king above all gods." [music] the great king above all gods." [music] the great king above all gods." [music] And so, when that great king says that And so, when that great king says that And so, when that great king says that we are chosen and that we are forgiving, we are chosen and that we are forgiving, we are chosen and that we are forgiving, we can stand in that and have faith and we can stand in that and have faith and we can stand in that and have faith and rejoice in that. So, let's sing of that rejoice in that. So, let's sing of that rejoice in that. So, let's sing of that today. >> Who am I [music] that the highest >> Who am I [music] that the highest would welcome? [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> I was lost, but he brought me >> I was lost, but he brought me >> I was lost, but he brought me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in his love for >> [music] >> [music] >> Who the son Son >> Who the son Son >> Who the son Son sets free sets free sets free always free indeed.

always free indeed. always free indeed. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm a >> I'm a >> I'm a child of >> [music] >> [music] >> God. Real love that He [music] has rained on Real love that He [music] has rained on me. me. me. His grace His grace His grace >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> runs out. While While I was [music and singing] a slave to I was [music and singing] a slave to I was [music and singing] a slave to sin, Jesus died for me. for me. Yes, He Yes, He Yes, He >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> died for me. Who the Son Who the Son >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> sets free >> sets free >> sets free always free indeed. I'm I'm >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> a child of God. Yes, I am. God. Yes, I am. >> [music] >> In my Father's >> In my Father's house, house, house, there's a [music] place for me. for me. I'm a I'm a I'm a child of child of child of >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God.

Oh, I am Oh, I am chosen, not chosen, not chosen, not forsaken. forsaken. forsaken. I am [music and singing] I am [music and singing] I am [music and singing] who You say who You say who You say I am. I am. I am. You are for You are for You are for me, not against me. me, not against me. me, not against me. I am I am I am who [music] You say I am. who [music] You say I am. who [music] You say I am. You You You am chosen, am chosen, am chosen, not forsaken. not forsaken. not forsaken. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I am >> I am >> I am who You say I am. who You say I am. who You say I am. You are You are You are >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for me, >> for me, >> for me, not against me. not against me. not against me. I am I am I am >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who You say I am. >> who You say I am. >> who You say I am. Oh, I am Oh, I am Oh, I am >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who You say I am. >> who You say I am. >> who You say I am. Who the Who the Who the Son sets Son sets Son sets >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> free >> free >> free always free always free always free indeed. indeed. indeed. of God. of God. of God. Yes, I am. I'm a I'm a >> [music] >> In my >> In my >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Father's >> Father's >> Father's >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> house, there's a >> house, there's a >> house, there's a place for place for place for me.

me. me. I'm I'm I'm >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> a child of >> a child of >> a child of God. God. God. Yes, I am. Let his praise arise. Let his praise arise. Christ be magnified. [music and singing] Christ be magnified. [music and singing] Christ be magnified. [music and singing] Yeah. And all, And all, Christ be magnified [music] Christ be magnified [music] Christ be magnified [music] from the altar of my life. from the altar of my life. from the altar of my life. Christ be magnified. [music] Christ be magnified. [music] Christ be magnified. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All be lifted All be lifted All be lifted high. high. high. Oh, Psalm 34, magnify Oh, Psalm 34, magnify Oh, Psalm 34, magnify the Lord. Magnify the Lord. the Lord. Magnify the Lord. the Lord. Magnify the Lord. Come on, let's sing this together, we're Come on, let's sing this together, we're Come on, let's sing this together, we're creation. creation. creation. We're creation We're creation We're creation suddenly [music] articulate. suddenly [music] articulate. suddenly [music] articulate. And with a thousand And with a thousand And with a thousand tongues to lift one. [music] And then from north And then from north to [music] south, heaven to [music] south, heaven to [music] south, heaven meets us. We'd hear Christ be magnified.

meets us. We'd hear Christ be magnified. meets us. We'd hear Christ be magnified. [music and singing] With the whole earth. With the whole earth. With the whole With the whole With the whole >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> earth, >> earth, >> earth, echoing his eminence. His name [music] His name [music] would burst from sea and sky, oh, from [music and singing] earth oh, from [music and singing] earth rivers to rivers to rivers to the mountain the mountain the mountain tops, tops, tops, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> we hear cries, be magnified. Oh, Oh, be lifted high. Oh, Christ, be magnified. Oh, Christ, be magnified. Let His praise [music] arise. Let His praise [music] arise. Let His praise [music] arise. Christ, be magnified Christ, be magnified Christ, be magnified in me. me. Oh, Christ, [music] be magnified Oh, Christ, [music] be magnified Oh, Christ, [music] be magnified from the altar from the altar from the altar of my Oh, in every season, Oh, in every season, every moment our eyes, be lifted high.

every moment our eyes, be lifted high. every moment our eyes, be lifted high. [music] And I won't [music] And I won't [music] bow bow bow to idols. I'll stand strong and worship to idols. I'll stand strong and worship to idols. I'll stand strong and worship you. [music] And if it puts me in the you. [music] And if it puts me in the you. [music] And if it puts me in the fire, I'll rejoice cuz you're there, fire, I'll rejoice cuz you're there, fire, I'll rejoice cuz you're there, too. too. too. I won't be [music and singing] formed by I won't be [music and singing] formed by I won't be [music and singing] formed by feelings. I'll hold fast to what is feelings. I'll hold fast to what is feelings. I'll hold fast to what is true. true. true. If the cross brings transformation, If the cross brings transformation, If the cross brings transformation, [music] [music] [music] I'll be crucified. Come on, let's sing I'll be crucified. Come on, let's sing I'll be crucified. Come on, let's sing that again. And I won't bow that again. And I won't bow that again. And I won't bow >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> to idols. >> to idols. >> to idols. I'll stand strong and worship you. I'll stand strong and worship you. I'll stand strong and worship you. And if it puts me And if it puts me And if it puts me >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Come on, church, you sing. I'll rejoice I won't be formed [music and singing] by I won't be formed [music and singing] by feelings. I'll hold fast to what is feelings. I'll hold fast to what is feelings. I'll hold fast to what is [music] true. If the cross brings [music] true. If the cross brings [music] true. If the cross brings transformation, transformation, transformation, I'll be crucified I'll be crucified I'll be crucified >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> with you. >> with you. >> with you. Cuz death is just the doorway Cuz death is just the doorway Cuz death is just the doorway to your to your to your resurrection [music] resurrection [music] resurrection [music] life.

life. life. life. If I join you in your sufferings, life. If I join you in your sufferings, life. If I join you in your sufferings, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> then I'll join you >> then I'll join you >> then I'll join you in your rise. >> [music] >> [music] >> And when you're returning in glory >> And when you're returning in glory >> And when you're returning in glory with all the with all the with all the angels and the saints, angels and the saints, angels and the saints, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my >> my >> my heart will still be seated. My soul will be My soul will be >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in >> in >> in awe. awe. awe. Christ be magnified. Christ be magnified. Christ be magnified. Let [music] his praise arise. Let [music] his praise arise. Let [music] his praise arise. Christ be magnified. Christ be magnified. Christ be magnified. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> With singing all, Christ be magnified all, Christ be magnified >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> from the altar >> from the altar >> from the altar of my life. of my life. of my life. Christ be magnified. [music] Christ be magnified. [music] Christ be magnified. [music] In me, we believe In me, we believe In me, we believe it all. it all. it all. Christ be [music] magnified. Let his praise arise. Let his praise arise. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Christ be magnified. >> Christ be magnified. >> Christ be magnified. In me, In me, In me, in in in all, all, all, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Christ be magnified.

The altar The altar of my life. of my life. of my life. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Christ be magnified. >> Christ be magnified. >> Christ be magnified. In In In >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me, we say all be lifted high. all be lifted high. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> From the moment I rise, >> From the moment I rise, >> From the moment I rise, be lifted high. >> I love that song. It reminds me of Psalm >> I love that song. It reminds me of Psalm 46:10 where it says, "Be still and know 46:10 where it says, "Be still and know 46:10 where it says, "Be still and know that I am God, for I'll be exalted among that I am God, for I'll be exalted among that I am God, for I'll be exalted among the earth and in [music] the nations." the earth and in [music] the nations." the earth and in [music] the nations." You may have a seat. Good morning. You may have a seat. Good morning. You may have a seat. Good morning. If you would, just real quick, turn to a If you would, just real quick, turn to a If you would, just real quick, turn to a neighbor, tell them good morning. If we haven't gotten a chance to meet If we haven't gotten a chance to meet yet, my name is Jason Bennett and I'm yet, my name is Jason Bennett and I'm yet, my name is Jason Bennett and I'm one of the junior high pastors here at one of the junior high pastors here at one of the junior high pastors here at our West Campus and we hope you guys had our West Campus and we hope you guys had our West Campus and we hope you guys had a happy 4th of July with fun and a happy 4th of July with fun and a happy 4th of July with fun and fireworks and I don't know about you fireworks and I don't know about you fireworks and I don't know about you guys, but there was a lot of rain this guys, but there was a lot of rain this guys, but there was a lot of rain this weekend and for a second I thought God weekend and for a second I thought God weekend and for a second I thought God was calling me to build an ark. I don't was calling me to build an ark. I don't was calling me to build an ark. I don't know about you, but it was a lot of rain know about you, but it was a lot of rain know about you, but it was a lot of rain and I'm glad it subsided for us to and I'm glad it subsided for us to and I'm glad it subsided for us to celebrate our country's birthday and so celebrate our country's birthday and so celebrate our country's birthday and so we have a ton of fun announcements this we have a ton of fun announcements this we have a ton of fun announcements this morning, but if you're a guest I just morning, but if you're a guest I just morning, but if you're a guest I just want to say welcome. We're so glad that want to say welcome. We're so glad that want to say welcome. We're so glad that you're here joining us in person or you're here joining us in person or you're here joining us in person or online today and we hope you feel right online today and we hope you feel right online today and we hope you feel right at home and we're just so excited. We at home and we're just so excited. We at home and we're just so excited. We believe fellowship is a place where believe fellowship is a place where believe fellowship is a place where we're just a bunch of people living for we're just a bunch of people living for we're just a bunch of people living for God's grace and and by his glory and so God's grace and and by his glory and so God's grace and and by his glory and so if you're a guest at our connection

if you're a guest at our connection if you're a guest at our connection center by the cross, we have some elders center by the cross, we have some elders center by the cross, we have some elders and pastors who would love to meet you, and pastors who would love to meet you, and pastors who would love to meet you, get to know you, hear your story and get to know you, hear your story and get to know you, hear your story and help you take your next step in your help you take your next step in your help you take your next step in your relationship with God. And if you're relationship with God. And if you're relationship with God. And if you're online with us this morning, you can online with us this morning, you can online with us this morning, you can just scan that QR code and we would love just scan that QR code and we would love just scan that QR code and we would love to get connected with you that way. to get connected with you that way. to get connected with you that way. Well, this morning we have a couple of Well, this morning we have a couple of Well, this morning we have a couple of special guests that I want to recognize special guests that I want to recognize special guests that I want to recognize and first off we have our Chapel family and first off we have our Chapel family and first off we have our Chapel family in here today. Can we just welcome our in here today. Can we just welcome our in here today. Can we just welcome our Chapel family? Chapel family? Chapel family? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> They made the hard journey from the >> They made the hard journey from the >> They made the hard journey from the Chapel here to the worship center. So Chapel here to the worship center. So Chapel here to the worship center. So we're glad they're joining us today and we're glad they're joining us today and we're glad they're joining us today and another group of people we want to another group of people we want to another group of people we want to recognize is our elementary and 56ers. recognize is our elementary and 56ers. recognize is our elementary and 56ers. They are in here with us today. Can we They are in here with us today. Can we They are in here with us today. Can we give it up for them one more time too, give it up for them one more time too, give it up for them one more time too, please? please? please? Awesome. And kiddos, we do have a little Awesome. And kiddos, we do have a little Awesome. And kiddos, we do have a little sermon note for you by our entrances. So sermon note for you by our entrances. So sermon note for you by our entrances. So we would love for you to grab one of we would love for you to grab one of we would love for you to grab one of those if you'd like. There's a word those if you'd like. There's a word those if you'd like. There's a word search, there's other fun things and so search, there's other fun things and so search, there's other fun things and so please grab one of those. And one last please grab one of those. And one last please grab one of those. And one last thing I want to celebrate before we thing I want to celebrate before we thing I want to celebrate before we continue [music] through song and continue [music] through song and continue [music] through song and worship and that is our our membership worship and that is our our membership worship and that is our our membership class. So we just had 28 [music] class. So we just had 28 [music] class. So we just had 28 [music] families, parents, young adults go families, parents, young adults go families, parents, young adults go through our membership class.

through our membership class. through our membership class. Isn't that incredible? Isn't that incredible? Isn't that incredible? People from all different life stages, People from all different life stages, People from all different life stages, backgrounds coming together backgrounds coming together backgrounds coming together to come under the banner of Christ in to come under the banner of Christ in to come under the banner of Christ in fellowship. And And I love this because fellowship. And And I love this because fellowship. And And I love this because fellowship isn't just a service to fellowship isn't just a service to fellowship isn't just a service to attend, but it's a family to belong to. attend, but it's a family to belong to. attend, but it's a family to belong to. It's a place where we can come together It's a place where we can come together It's a place where we can come together and actually live out God's mission here and actually live out God's mission here and actually live out God's mission here in Central [music] Arkansas and all in Central [music] Arkansas and all in Central [music] Arkansas and all across the world. And so maybe this morning you're not a And so maybe this morning you're not a member of our church. We would just member of our church. We would just member of our church. We would just lovingly encourage you to take that step lovingly encourage you to take that step lovingly encourage you to take that step of membership. Our next class is of membership. Our next class is of membership. Our next class is September 16th. And the coolest thing September 16th. And the coolest thing September 16th. And the coolest thing about it is our elders are the ones that about it is our elders are the ones that about it is our elders are the ones that actually put on these membership actually put on these membership actually put on these membership classes. The The people that set the classes. The The people that set the classes. The The people that set the vision and direction for our church. And vision and direction for our church. And vision and direction for our church. And so you get to hear their heart. You get so you get to hear their heart. You get so you get to hear their heart. You get to learn what our church is about and to learn what our church is about and to learn what our church is about and help [music] us continue to make heaven help [music] us continue to make heaven help [music] us continue to make heaven more crowded. more crowded. more crowded. And so we're so glad that you're here And so we're so glad that you're here And so we're so glad that you're here today and we hope you feel right at today and we hope you feel right at today and we hope you feel right at home. home. home. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> If you would stand as we continue in >> If you would stand as we continue in >> If you would stand as we continue in worship through song. worship through song. worship through song. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Thanks, Jason. Lot to celebrate this >> Thanks, Jason. Lot to celebrate this >> Thanks, Jason. Lot to celebrate this summer. We've got baptisms going on all summer. We've got baptisms going on all summer. We've got baptisms going on all throughout this summer and [music] throughout this summer and [music] throughout this summer and [music] mission trips being sent out. You know, mission trips being sent out. You know, mission trips being sent out. You know, God's heart is for you. He loves you.

God's heart is for you. He loves you. God's heart is for you. He loves you. But he also loves the whole world and But he also loves the whole world and But he also loves the whole world and that's why we're sending people out to that's why we're sending people out to that's why we're sending people out to the world. And so we've [music] had the world. And so we've [music] had the world. And so we've [music] had student trips to Mission Arlington the student trips to Mission Arlington the student trips to Mission Arlington the last few weeks and I know they came back last few weeks and I know they came back last few weeks and I know they came back exhausted but filled up in the spirit exhausted but filled up in the spirit exhausted but filled up in the spirit and the way that he was working and and the way that he was working and and the way that he was working and moving in them. And then we also want to moving in them. And then we also want to moving in them. And then we also want to highlight the Costa [music] Rica trip uh highlight the Costa [music] Rica trip uh highlight the Costa [music] Rica trip uh that just happened and man, God used that just happened and man, God used that just happened and man, God used them in a mighty mighty way. We got to them in a mighty mighty way. We got to them in a mighty mighty way. We got to see so many students [music] take that see so many students [music] take that see so many students [music] take that step to share the good news of Jesus step to share the good news of Jesus step to share the good news of Jesus around the world, right? And his heart around the world, right? And his heart around the world, right? And his heart is for you, but it's for [music] is for you, but it's for [music] is for you, but it's for [music] the world. And so our encouragement to the world. And so our encouragement to the world. And so our encouragement to you is just that you is just that you is just that maybe this is a season where you go, maybe this is a season where you go, maybe this is a season where you go, "Lord, how can you use me to build your "Lord, how can you use me to build your "Lord, how can you use me to build your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven." kingdom on earth as it is in heaven." kingdom on earth as it is in heaven." Have a heart after him. To have a heart Have a heart after him. To have a heart Have a heart after him. To have a heart after his people. after his people. after his people. Well, let's continue worship [music] Well, let's continue worship [music] Well, let's continue worship [music] this morning. Jesus, you're so so good. this morning. Jesus, you're so so good. this morning. Jesus, you're so so good. And we celebrate the life change that And we celebrate the life change that And we celebrate the life change that we're seeing here in Central Arkansas we're seeing here in Central Arkansas we're seeing here in Central Arkansas and around the globe, and we just say and around the globe, and we just say and around the globe, and we just say more. We want to see more.

more. We want to see more. more. We want to see more. And we want to continue to people that And we want to continue to people that And we want to continue to people that come back keep [music] coming back to come back keep [music] coming back to come back keep [music] coming back to just a heart of worship. Now, we know just a heart of worship. Now, we know just a heart of worship. Now, we know the missions exist cuz worship doesn't. the missions exist cuz worship doesn't. the missions exist cuz worship doesn't. There are people all over the world that There are people all over the world that There are people all over the world that are worshipping the wrong gods. are worshipping the wrong gods. are worshipping the wrong gods. And so, we want them to know about the And so, we want them to know about the And so, we want them to know about the one true king, King Jesus. We love you, one true king, King Jesus. We love you, one true king, King Jesus. We love you, Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Jesus. Amen. Let's sing this. >> When the music fades >> When the music fades >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and all is stripped away, >> and all is stripped away, >> and all is stripped away, and I simply [music] and I simply [music] and I simply [music] come longing [music and singing] just to longing [music and singing] just to bring bring bring something that's of worth something that's of worth something that's of worth that will bless your heart. I'll bring you more than a song [music] I'll bring you more than a song [music] for a song in itself is not [music] what for a song in itself is not [music] what for a song in itself is not [music] what you have required.

You search [music] much deeper within You search [music] much deeper within through the way [music] things appear. through the way [music] things appear. through the way [music] things appear. You're looking into my heart. You're looking into my heart. You're looking into my heart. Come back. Come back. Come back. I'm coming back [music and singing] to I'm coming back [music and singing] to I'm coming back [music and singing] to the heart the heart the heart of worship of worship of worship when it's all about [singing] when it's all about [singing] when it's all about [singing] you. you. you. It's [music] all about you, Jesus. It's [music] all about you, Jesus. It's [music] all about you, Jesus. I'm [music] sorry [singing] I'm [music] sorry [singing] I'm [music] sorry [singing] Lord for the thing I made it when it's all the thing I made it when it's all [music] about [music] about [music] about you. Oh, it's all about [singing] you. Oh, it's all about [singing] you. Oh, it's all about [singing] you. Come on, let's sing. I'm coming you. Come on, let's sing. I'm coming you. Come on, let's sing. I'm coming back. back. back. I'm coming [music] I'm coming [music] I'm coming [music] back [singing] to back [singing] to back [singing] to you. All my you. All my you. All my love and worship love and worship love and worship when it's all about [music] you. It's all about [singing] you, you. It's all about [singing] you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I'm sorry [music] I'm sorry [music] I'm sorry [music] I looked for I looked for I looked for things I things I things I >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> needed >> needed >> needed when it's all about when it's all about when it's all about >> [music] >> Yeah, maybe take a [music] moment and >> Yeah, maybe take a [music] moment and just pray to the Lord and say, "Lord, just pray to the Lord and say, "Lord, just pray to the Lord and say, "Lord, I'm sorry where I made these things I'm sorry where I made these things I'm sorry where I made these things king. I made these things in my life king. I made these things in my life king. I made these things in my life Lord of my life instead of you."

Lord of my life instead of you." Lord of my life instead of you." And just confess right now. Say, "I want And just confess right now. Say, "I want And just confess right now. Say, "I want it to be all about you. My life, my it to be all about you. My life, my it to be all about you. My life, my whole life for your glory, for your whole life for your glory, for your whole life for your glory, for your name, for your renown, Jesus, not my name, for your renown, Jesus, not my name, for your renown, Jesus, not my own." Let's pray that. >> It's all [music] about >> It's all [music] about >> [singing] you. It's all [singing and music] about you. It's all [singing and music] about you. Oh, it's all about you, you. Oh, it's all about you, you. Oh, it's all about you, Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. It's all about It's all about It's all about you. Nothing Nothing else, Jesus. else, Jesus. else, Jesus. It's all about It's all about It's all about >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you, Jesus. Jesus. It's all about It's all about It's all about >> [singing] >> you. It's all [singing] about >> you. It's all [singing] about you. Oh, it's our heart's heart cry.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, and nothing else. Nothing else will do. Nothing else will do. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, I just want you >> Oh, I just want you >> Oh, I just want you and nothing else. and nothing else. and nothing else. >> [music] Nothing else Nothing else >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> will do. Oh, I just >> will do. Oh, I just >> will do. Oh, I just want you and nothing Nothing [music] else Nothing [music] else will do. will do. will do. Oh, I just Oh, I just Oh, I just want you want you want you and nothing else. >> [music] >> [music] >> Nothing else. >> Nothing else. >> Nothing else. Oh, all I want is you. Oh, all I want is you. Oh, all I want is you. I'm caught up. I'm caught up. I'm caught up. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, I'm caught up >> Oh, I'm caught up >> Oh, I'm caught up in your presence. your feet.

your feet. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm caught >> I'm caught >> I'm caught up in this holy moment. up in this holy moment. up in this holy moment. >> [music] >> I never want >> I never want to leave. to leave. to leave. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm not here for me. I'm here for you. >> I'm not here for me. I'm here for you. >> I'm not here for me. I'm here for you. Oh, I'm Oh, I'm Oh, I'm >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> in full blessing. >> Jesus, you don't >> Jesus, you don't >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> owe me >> owe me >> owe me anything. anything. anything. It's more [music] than anything that you that you can do. can do. can do. Oh, I just want you. Oh, I just want you. Oh, I just want you. >> [music] >> I just I you. >> I just I you. Oh, I just want you. Oh, I just want you. Oh, I just want you. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> And nothing else. >> And nothing else. >> And nothing else. And nothing else. And nothing else will do. And nothing else will do. I just [music] want I just [music] want I just [music] want >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> you.

>> you. >> you. And nothing else. >> All we want is you, Jesus. >> All we want is you, Jesus. You're [music] all we need. >> [music] >> [music] >> You are all we need. >> You are all we need. >> You are all we need. We've seen this together, church. We've seen this together, church. We've seen this together, church. [music] I've carried a burden. I wasn't [music] I wasn't [music] created I hear [singing] your invitation I hear [singing] your invitation >> [music] >> to let it all [singing] go. And I >> to let it all [singing] go. And I [music] see it now. I'm laying it down.

[music] see it now. I'm laying it down. [music] see it now. I'm laying it down. [singing] [singing] [singing] All I know [music] is I need you. I'll run to the Father. I'll need you. I'll run to the Father. I'll fall in your grace. I'm done with fall in your grace. I'm done with fall in your grace. I'm done with [music] the hiding. No reason to wait. [music] the hiding. No reason to wait. [music] the hiding. No reason to wait. My heart [music] needs a searching. My My heart [music] needs a searching. My My heart [music] needs a searching. My soul needs a friend. soul needs a friend. soul needs a friend. So, I'll run [singing] to the Father So, I'll run [singing] to the Father So, I'll run [singing] to the Father again again again >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and again >> and again >> and again and again and again and again and again. You sought for redemption. You sought for redemption. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The price for my >> The price for my >> The price for my heart.

>> [music] >> [music] >> And I don't have a context >> [music] >> [music] >> for that kind of love. >> for that kind of love. >> for that kind of love. I don't understand. I don't understand. I don't understand. I can't comprehend. I can't comprehend. I can't comprehend. All [music] I know is I need All [music] I know is I need All [music] I know is I need you. you. you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'll run to the Father. >> I'll run to the Father. >> I'll run to the Father. I'll fall in the grace. I'm done with I'll fall in the grace. I'm done with I'll fall in the grace. I'm done with [music] the hiding, no reasoning [music] the hiding, no reasoning [music] the hiding, no reasoning away. away. away. My heart needs a surgeon. My heart needs a surgeon. My heart needs a surgeon. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My soul >> My soul >> My soul needs a friend. needs a friend. needs a friend. >> Yes, it does. >> Yes, it does. >> Yes, it does. I'll run I'll run I'll run to the Father to the Father to the Father again again again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again. and again. and again. >> [music] >> And again >> And again >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and again. Sing this again. [music] Sing this again. [music] Oh, my heart has been in Oh, my heart has been in Oh, my heart has been in your [singing] your [singing] your [singing] sights [music] sights [music] sights [music] long before my long before my long before my first breath.

first breath. first breath. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Running into >> Running into >> Running into your your your >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> arms. >> arms. >> arms. arms is running to life from death. And arms is running to life from death. And arms is running to life from death. And I feel [music] this rush I feel [music] this rush I feel [music] this rush deep in my deep in my deep in my Your mercy is calling Your mercy is calling Your mercy is calling >> [music] >> Yes, church. >> Yes, church. I'm done with the hiding. Oh. I'm done with the hiding. Oh. I'm done with the hiding. Oh. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My heart needs a searching. Yes, it does. [music] I run to the Yes, it does. [music] I run to the Father. Father. Father. You sing it again. No, I run to the You sing it again. No, I run to the You sing it again. No, I run to the Father. [music] Falling into grace, Falling into grace, I'm done.

>> [music] >> [music] >> My heart found a searching. My soul >> My heart found a searching. My soul >> My heart found a searching. My soul found a friend. So, I run to the [music] found a friend. So, I run to the [music] found a friend. So, I run to the [music] Father again and again Father again and again Father again and again and again and again and again and again. and again. and again. Oh. >> And again and again and again >> And again and again and again >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and again. >> and again. >> and again. Oh. And again [music] And again [music] and again. Yes, King Jesus, [music] we come to you Yes, King Jesus, [music] we come to you arms open wide arms open wide arms open wide because you are good and willing and because you are good and willing and because you are good and willing and ready to receive us again ready to receive us again ready to receive us again and again and again and again and again when we ourselves run away. and again when we ourselves run away. and again when we ourselves run away. Lord, you you stay right by. You stay Lord, you you stay right by. You stay Lord, you you stay right by. You stay waiting [music] for us to come on back waiting [music] for us to come on back waiting [music] for us to come on back because you are a loving father because you are a loving father because you are a loving father who loves his children who loves his children who loves his children and he wants the best for us all. So, we and he wants the best for us all. So, we and he wants the best for us all. So, we thank you, King Jesus. And all God's thank you, King Jesus. And all God's thank you, King Jesus. And all God's children [music] said, "Amen." Amen. You children [music] said, "Amen." Amen. You children [music] said, "Amen." Amen. You guys can be seated.

guys can be seated. guys can be seated. As we enter into our [music] next As we enter into our [music] next As we enter into our [music] next portion of worship, which is our giving, portion of worship, which is our giving, portion of worship, which is our giving, we here at Fellowship [music] believe we here at Fellowship [music] believe we here at Fellowship [music] believe that giving is an act of worship because that giving is an act of worship because that giving is an act of worship because it is when you give back a portion of it is when you give back a portion of it is when you give back a portion of what God has given you and trusting what God has given you and trusting what God has given you and trusting [music] him to make more of that. [music] him to make more of that. [music] him to make more of that. And so, we have the different ways to And so, we have the different ways to And so, we have the different ways to give on the screen there. And if you give on the screen there. And if you give on the screen there. And if you brought [music] your offering in person, brought [music] your offering in person, brought [music] your offering in person, we have the little black boxes in the we have the little black boxes in the we have the little black boxes in the back. Um and while we are engaging in back. Um and while we are engaging in back. Um and while we are engaging in worship [music] through offering, I want worship [music] through offering, I want worship [music] through offering, I want to highlight one of our local partners to highlight one of our local partners to highlight one of our local partners that your generous giving has allowed us that your generous giving has allowed us that your generous giving has allowed us to support. to support. to support. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Um >> Um >> Um this is called the Union Rescue Mission. this is called the Union Rescue Mission. this is called the Union Rescue Mission. And so, they are a Christ-centered rehab And so, they are a Christ-centered rehab And so, they are a Christ-centered rehab center that provides shelter and that center that provides shelter and that center that provides shelter and that provides care [music] for both men and provides care [music] for both men and provides care [music] for both men and women through the Nehemiah House, which women through the Nehemiah House, which women through the Nehemiah House, which is where the men go to receive is where the men go to receive is where the men go to receive discipleship and learn life skills to discipleship and learn life skills to discipleship and learn life skills to help them walk with Christ closer. help them walk with Christ closer. help them walk with Christ closer. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And then the Dorcas House, which is >> And then the Dorcas House, which is >> And then the Dorcas House, which is where women and children can go to where women and children can go to where women and children can go to receive healing and care [music] receive healing and care [music] receive healing and care [music] and can pick up the pieces of maybe some and can pick up the pieces of maybe some and can pick up the pieces of maybe some broken situations. broken situations. broken situations. And what this ministry does is it shows And what this ministry does is it shows And what this ministry does is it shows us that people don't just need a bed, us that people don't just need a bed, us that people don't just need a bed, they don't just need a food, but they they don't just need a food, but they they don't just need a food, but they need a [music] living hope that is in need a [music] living hope that is in need a [music] living hope that is in Jesus Christ. And it's through our Jesus Christ. And it's through our Jesus Christ. And it's through our generous giving as a church that has generous giving as a church that has generous giving as a church that has allowed us to support them and walk allowed us to support them and walk allowed us to support them and walk alongside them. So, we thank God every alongside them. So, we thank God every alongside them. So, we thank God every day that we have a church that gives day that we have a church that gives day that we have a church that gives [music] to his kingdom, to his people, [music] to his kingdom, to his people, [music] to his kingdom, to his people, to the people that he knows and he loves to the people that he knows and he loves to the people that he knows and he loves and he sees. If you're interested in and he sees. If you're interested in and he sees. If you're interested in serving with that mission, [music] um serving with that mission, [music] um serving with that mission, [music] um you can go see the missions wall um you can go see the missions wall um you can go see the missions wall um after service and somebody will help you after service and somebody will help you after service and somebody will help you see what the volunteer options are like.

see what the volunteer options are like. see what the volunteer options are like. But before we hear this word from one of But before we hear this word from one of But before we hear this word from one of our teaching [music] pastors, Mark our teaching [music] pastors, Mark our teaching [music] pastors, Mark Henry, I want to have us all just take a Henry, I want to have us all just take a Henry, I want to have us all just take a moment and ask the Lord what he wants us moment and ask the Lord what he wants us moment and ask the Lord what he wants us to gain from this message, to seek him, to gain from this message, to seek him, to gain from this message, to seek him, clear our minds and our hearts that we clear our minds and our hearts that we clear our minds and our hearts that we may receive what it is he wants us to may receive what it is he wants us to may receive what it is he wants us to receive. So, take [music] that moment receive. So, take [music] that moment receive. So, take [music] that moment now, church. >> Well, good morning on this July 4th >> Well, good morning on this July 4th weekend.

weekend. weekend. And uh it's great to have everybody And uh it's great to have everybody And uh it's great to have everybody together today. Uh the chapel our together today. Uh the chapel our together today. Uh the chapel our elementary 56. Uh thanks for being here elementary 56. Uh thanks for being here elementary 56. Uh thanks for being here on this special on this special on this special uh weekend. It's so great uh to have uh weekend. It's so great uh to have uh weekend. It's so great uh to have everybody. Want to welcome those of you everybody. Want to welcome those of you everybody. Want to welcome those of you that uh may be joining us online on this that uh may be joining us online on this that uh may be joining us online on this holiday weekend as well. Thanks for holiday weekend as well. Thanks for holiday weekend as well. Thanks for being here. Uh if we haven't had a being here. Uh if we haven't had a being here. Uh if we haven't had a chance to meet yet, uh my name is Mark. chance to meet yet, uh my name is Mark. chance to meet yet, uh my name is Mark. I'm one of the teaching pastors here. If I'm one of the teaching pastors here. If I'm one of the teaching pastors here. If you are a guest or maybe exploring uh you are a guest or maybe exploring uh you are a guest or maybe exploring uh the faith, we are so glad you're with us the faith, we are so glad you're with us the faith, we are so glad you're with us today. I want to extend a a special today. I want to extend a a special today. I want to extend a a special welcome to you. Want to encourage you welcome to you. Want to encourage you welcome to you. Want to encourage you maybe after the service today to drop by maybe after the service today to drop by maybe after the service today to drop by the connection center. We'd love uh to the connection center. We'd love uh to the connection center. We'd love uh to get to know you. Well, this summer, get to know you. Well, this summer, get to know you. Well, this summer, we're in a special series that we're we're in a special series that we're we're in a special series that we're calling my favorite story. calling my favorite story. calling my favorite story. And and what we've done is we've asked And and what we've done is we've asked And and what we've done is we've asked each one of our pastors to maybe each one of our pastors to maybe each one of our pastors to maybe identify one of their favorite stories identify one of their favorite stories identify one of their favorite stories in the Bible in the Bible in the Bible and to teach that at our campuses. and to teach that at our campuses. and to teach that at our campuses. And so, my favorite story, or at least And so, my favorite story, or at least And so, my favorite story, or at least one of my favorite stories, is the story one of my favorite stories, is the story one of my favorite stories, is the story of the prodigal son.

of the prodigal son. of the prodigal son. Uh and that story is found in Luke Uh and that story is found in Luke Uh and that story is found in Luke chapter 15. So, let me encourage you chapter 15. So, let me encourage you chapter 15. So, let me encourage you take out your Bible, your Bible app, take out your Bible, your Bible app, take out your Bible, your Bible app, however you might like to follow along however you might like to follow along however you might like to follow along and join me and join me and join me in Luke chapter 15 is where we're going in Luke chapter 15 is where we're going in Luke chapter 15 is where we're going to be uh today. to be uh today. to be uh today. Uh one of the most uh famous painters Uh one of the most uh famous painters Uh one of the most uh famous painters ever is a guy named Rembrandt. ever is a guy named Rembrandt. ever is a guy named Rembrandt. And uh when he was in his early 30s, he And uh when he was in his early 30s, he And uh when he was in his early 30s, he painted a picture painted a picture painted a picture of this story or parable we're going to of this story or parable we're going to of this story or parable we're going to be looking at today. Here it is up here be looking at today. Here it is up here be looking at today. Here it is up here on the screens. on the screens. on the screens. Uh and in this story, you can see that Uh and in this story, you can see that Uh and in this story, you can see that our excuse me, in this painting, you can our excuse me, in this painting, you can our excuse me, in this painting, you can see that uh there is the prodigal. see that uh there is the prodigal. see that uh there is the prodigal. Uh he's obviously enjoying life, living Uh he's obviously enjoying life, living Uh he's obviously enjoying life, living it up, probably in some type of brothel. it up, probably in some type of brothel. it up, probably in some type of brothel. You can see the smile uh on his face as You can see the smile uh on his face as You can see the smile uh on his face as he's enjoying a kind of his new found he's enjoying a kind of his new found he's enjoying a kind of his new found freedom. What's interesting in this freedom. What's interesting in this freedom. What's interesting in this painting painting painting that Rembrandt did in his 30s is he that Rembrandt did in his 30s is he that Rembrandt did in his 30s is he painted his own face on the prodigal painted his own face on the prodigal painted his own face on the prodigal son.

And I really think that's a powerful And I really think that's a powerful reminder to us. reminder to us. reminder to us. Cuz I think so often when we come to Cuz I think so often when we come to Cuz I think so often when we come to this story, this story, this story, we tend to think about someone we know. we tend to think about someone we know. we tend to think about someone we know. Someone we think about that's a prodigal Someone we think about that's a prodigal Someone we think about that's a prodigal out there. out there. out there. When in reality, this story is about When in reality, this story is about When in reality, this story is about you. I- it's about me. I- it's about me. E- every single one of us here today are E- every single one of us here today are E- every single one of us here today are a prodigal. a prodigal. a prodigal. We all are a prodigal in need of God's We all are a prodigal in need of God's We all are a prodigal in need of God's grace and forgiveness. grace and forgiveness. grace and forgiveness. And I love the way Rembrandt captures And I love the way Rembrandt captures And I love the way Rembrandt captures that in in in his painting. That that that in in in his painting. That that that in in in his painting. That that reminder that that what we're talking reminder that that what we're talking reminder that that what we're talking about today is for every single one of about today is for every single one of about today is for every single one of us. Later on in his life, Later on in his life, Rembrandt actually painted a second Rembrandt actually painted a second Rembrandt actually painted a second painting painting painting of the prodigal son story. of the prodigal son story. of the prodigal son story. Uh and here's the way it looks. It's Uh and here's the way it looks. It's Uh and here's the way it looks. It's it's entirely different than the first it's entirely different than the first it's entirely different than the first painting. By the way, this is uh his painting. By the way, this is uh his painting. By the way, this is uh his most famous painting uh of the prodigal most famous painting uh of the prodigal most famous painting uh of the prodigal son story. But, you can see the contrite son story. But, you can see the contrite son story. But, you can see the contrite son there kneeling in front of the son there kneeling in front of the son there kneeling in front of the father. And and the emphasis in this father. And and the emphasis in this father. And and the emphasis in this painting is on the father.

painting is on the father. painting is on the father. His compassion, his His compassion, his His compassion, his his mercy, his his love. And what's his mercy, his his love. And what's his mercy, his his love. And what's interesting in this painting interesting in this painting interesting in this painting is it Rembrandt did not is it Rembrandt did not is it Rembrandt did not put his face put his face put his face on the prodigal. on the prodigal. on the prodigal. And some art experts speculate that the And some art experts speculate that the And some art experts speculate that the reason reason reason Rembrandt painted it this way is he was Rembrandt painted it this way is he was Rembrandt painted it this way is he was inviting us into the story. That we would see ourselves That we would see ourselves in the story of the prodigal son. in the story of the prodigal son. in the story of the prodigal son. Inviting us to experience Inviting us to experience Inviting us to experience God's love. God's love. God's love. See, the See, the See, the the story we're looking at today is the the story we're looking at today is the the story we're looking at today is the story of every single human who has ever story of every single human who has ever story of every single human who has ever lived in human history. lived in human history. lived in human history. This is the story about our relationship This is the story about our relationship This is the story about our relationship with God. with God. with God. And and And and And and and let's not confuse ourselves. So and let's not confuse ourselves. So and let's not confuse ourselves. So often, we come to the story and we think often, we come to the story and we think often, we come to the story and we think the story is about the prodigal, but the the story is about the prodigal, but the the story is about the prodigal, but the story is really about the father.

He's the hero of the story. He's the hero of the story. A father that would love A father that would love A father that would love a wayward son. The father's mentioned 12 a wayward son. The father's mentioned 12 a wayward son. The father's mentioned 12 times times times in these verses. in these verses. in these verses. It It's a powerful reminder to us that It It's a powerful reminder to us that It It's a powerful reminder to us that the the the prodigal son story is really the the the prodigal son story is really the the the prodigal son story is really about the extravagant love that God has about the extravagant love that God has about the extravagant love that God has for us. for us. for us. Now, I want you to sit in that truth for Now, I want you to sit in that truth for Now, I want you to sit in that truth for a moment. Friend, if you don't hear anything else Friend, if you don't hear anything else that I say from this point forward, hear that I say from this point forward, hear that I say from this point forward, hear this. this. this. God has an extravagant love for you. An extravagant love. An extravagant love. And he's going to tell this parable, And he's going to tell this parable, And he's going to tell this parable, Jesus is, to show you, to show me Jesus is, to show you, to show me Jesus is, to show you, to show me just how how vast, how amazing, how just how how vast, how amazing, how just how how vast, how amazing, how wide, how how deep his God's extravagant wide, how how deep his God's extravagant wide, how how deep his God's extravagant love for us.

love for us. love for us. So, with all that being said, let's look So, with all that being said, let's look So, with all that being said, let's look in at Luke chapter 15. This famous in at Luke chapter 15. This famous in at Luke chapter 15. This famous parable will start in verse 11, but parable will start in verse 11, but parable will start in verse 11, but before we read uh this parable together, before we read uh this parable together, before we read uh this parable together, let's get a little bit of context as to let's get a little bit of context as to let's get a little bit of context as to why Jesus is even telling this parable why Jesus is even telling this parable why Jesus is even telling this parable in the first place. Look at the start of in the first place. Look at the start of in the first place. Look at the start of verse Excuse me, it's the start of verse Excuse me, it's the start of verse Excuse me, it's the start of chapter 15, verse 1. chapter 15, verse 1. chapter 15, verse 1. It says this. It says this. It says this. Now, the tax collectors and sinners were Now, the tax collectors and sinners were Now, the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to him, him being all drawing near to him, him being all drawing near to him, him being Jesus, and the Pharisees and the Jesus, and the Pharisees and the Jesus, and the Pharisees and the scribes, that's the religious leaders of scribes, that's the religious leaders of scribes, that's the religious leaders of the day, the day, the day, grumbled saying, "This man receives grumbled saying, "This man receives grumbled saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." sinners and eats with them." sinners and eats with them." So, the religious leaders are upset So, the religious leaders are upset So, the religious leaders are upset cuz Jesus, this this holy man, cuz Jesus, this this holy man, cuz Jesus, this this holy man, is [snorts] hanging out with broken, is [snorts] hanging out with broken, is [snorts] hanging out with broken, sinful people, people of ill repute. sinful people, people of ill repute. sinful people, people of ill repute. And Jesus now, And Jesus now, And Jesus now, as they as they stand condemning him for as they as they stand condemning him for as they as they stand condemning him for for fellowshipping and eating with these for fellowshipping and eating with these for fellowshipping and eating with these sinners, he is going to tell this story sinners, he is going to tell this story sinners, he is going to tell this story to show them to show them to show them just just just how how how vastly they have misunderstood vastly they have misunderstood vastly they have misunderstood the love of God.

the love of God. the love of God. And so what Jesus does after this And so what Jesus does after this And so what Jesus does after this accusation that the religious leaders accusation that the religious leaders accusation that the religious leaders make about him is he goes into three make about him is he goes into three make about him is he goes into three parables. Really to to show the the parables. Really to to show the the parables. Really to to show the the vastness, the wideness, the the vastness, the wideness, the the vastness, the wideness, the the greatness of God's love for you, for me. greatness of God's love for you, for me. greatness of God's love for you, for me. He first talks about a lost coin. He first talks about a lost coin. He first talks about a lost coin. Then then he talks about a lost sheep. Then then he talks about a lost sheep. Then then he talks about a lost sheep. And then really the pinnacle story And then really the pinnacle story And then really the pinnacle story is the story of a lost son. And that's is the story of a lost son. And that's is the story of a lost son. And that's where we pick it up together starting in where we pick it up together starting in where we pick it up together starting in verse 11. verse 11. verse 11. And this Jesus says this, and he said And this Jesus says this, and he said And this Jesus says this, and he said there was a man there was a man there was a man who had two sons, and the younger of who had two sons, and the younger of who had two sons, and the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give them said to his father, "Father, give them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property that is coming me the share of property that is coming me the share of property that is coming to me." to me." to me." And he divided his property between And he divided his property between And he divided his property between them. them. them. And not many days later, the younger son And not many days later, the younger son And not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had, took the journey gathered all he had, took the journey gathered all he had, took the 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 in reckless squandered his property in reckless squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent living. And when he had spent living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in everything, a severe famine arose in everything, a severe famine arose in that country.

that country. that country. And he began to be in need. And he began to be in need. And he began to be in need. So he So he So he went and hired himself out for one of went and hired himself out for one of went and hired himself out for one of the citizens of that country. He sent the citizens of that country. He sent the citizens of that country. He sent him into the fields to feed pigs. him into the fields to feed pigs. him into the fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the And he was longing to be fed with the And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate. pods that the pigs ate. pods that the pigs ate. And no one gave him anything. And no one gave him anything. And no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, But when he came to himself, he said, But when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants "How many of my father's hired servants "How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I have more than enough bread, but I have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger. perish here with hunger. perish here with hunger. I will arise and go to my father, and I I will arise and go to my father, and I I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no against heaven and before you. I am no against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. Trust me as one of your hired servants." Trust me as one of your hired servants." Trust me as one of your hired servants." And he arose and came to his father, but And he arose and came to his father, but And 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 and felt compassion father saw him and felt compassion father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him. and ran and embraced him and kissed him. and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, "Father, I have And the son said to him, "Father, I have And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, sinned against heaven and before you, sinned against heaven and before you, I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your son." son." son." But the father said to his servants, But the father said to his servants, But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe and put it "Bring quickly the best robe and put it "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and on him and put a ring on his hand and on him and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring the shoes on his feet. And bring the shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it and let us eat fattened calf and kill it and let us eat fattened calf and kill it and let us eat and celebrate, for this my son was dead and celebrate, for this my son was dead and celebrate, for this my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is and is alive again. He was lost and is and is alive again. He was lost and is found." And they began to celebrate.

found." And they began to celebrate. found." And they began to celebrate. Now, his older son was in the field and Now, his older son was in the field and Now, his older son was in the field and as he came and drew near the house, he as he came and drew near the house, he as he came and drew near the house, he heard music and dancing and he called heard music and dancing and he called heard music and dancing and he called one of the servants and asked what these one of the servants and asked what these one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your things meant. And he said to him, "Your things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come and your father has brother has come and your father has brother has come and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has killed the fattened calf because he has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound." received him back safe and sound." received him back safe and sound." But the older son was angry and refused But the older son was angry and refused But the older son was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and to go in. His father came out and to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his entreated him, but he answered his entreated him, but he answered his father, "Look, these many years I've father, "Look, these many years I've father, "Look, these many years I've served you. I've never disobeyed your served you. I've never disobeyed your served you. I've never disobeyed your command and yet you never gave me a command and yet you never gave me a command and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with young goat that I might celebrate with young goat that I might celebrate with my friends. my friends. my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has But when this son of yours came, who has But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, devoured your property with prostitutes, devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him." you killed the fattened calf for him." you killed the fattened calf for him." And he said to him, "Son, you're always And he said to him, "Son, you're always And he said to him, "Son, you're always with me and all that is mine is yours. with me and all that is mine is yours. with me and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad It was fitting to celebrate and be glad It was fitting to celebrate and be glad for this your brother was dead and is for this your brother was dead and is for this your brother was dead and is alive. He was lost and is found." alive. He was lost and is found." alive. He was lost and is found." Now again, this parable Now again, this parable Now again, this parable that Jesus is telling is in reaction to that Jesus is telling is in reaction to that Jesus is telling is in reaction to the religious leaders asking him, "Why the religious leaders asking him, "Why the religious leaders asking him, "Why are you eating with sinners?"

And now Jesus, in response to that, And now Jesus, in response to that, is telling this story to show is telling this story to show is telling this story to show the vastness, the of God's love. of God's love. An an unending love that God has for his An an unending love that God has for his An an unending love that God has for his people, broken people, people, broken people, people, broken people, and how he is always looking for the and how he is always looking for the and how he is always looking for the lost, for the broken, and inviting them lost, for the broken, and inviting them lost, for the broken, and inviting them to come home. to come home. to come home. And so, what we're going to do today is And so, what we're going to do today is And so, what we're going to do today is we're going to look at this story, as we're going to look at this story, as we're going to look at this story, as you can tell there on your outline. you can tell there on your outline. you can tell there on your outline. We're going to look at it in four parts. We're going to look at it in four parts. We're going to look at it in four parts. And I think what we'll see is these four And I think what we'll see is these four And I think what we'll see is these four parts parallel our relationship with parts parallel our relationship with parts parallel our relationship with God. God. God. And And the first part of this story is And And the first part of this story is And And the first part of this story is this, that we this, that we this, that we Remember, we're the prodigal in this Remember, we're the prodigal in this Remember, we're the prodigal in this story, have reckless sin. story, have reckless sin. story, have reckless sin. We have reckless sin. It's amazing how this story starts in It's amazing how this story starts in verse 13. We're told that not many days later the We're told that not many days later the younger son gathered all he had. He took younger son gathered all he had. He took younger son gathered all he had. He took a journey into a far country, a journey into a far country, a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in and there he squandered his property in and there he squandered his property in reckless living.

reckless living. reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a And when he had spent everything, a And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country. He severe famine arose in that country. He severe famine arose in that country. He began to be in need, and so he went, began to be in need, and so he went, began to be in need, and so he went, hired himself out hired himself out hired himself out one of the citizens of that country who one of the citizens of that country who one of the citizens of that country who sent him into the fields to feed pigs. sent him into the fields to feed pigs. sent him into the fields to feed pigs. He was longing to be fed with the pods He was longing to be fed with the pods He was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate. No one gave him that the pigs ate. No one gave him that the pigs ate. No one gave him anything. Finally came to himself, and anything. Finally came to himself, and anything. Finally came to himself, and he thought to himself, "How many of my he thought to himself, "How many of my he thought to himself, "How many of my father's hired servants have more than father's hired servants have more than father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with enough bread, but I perish here with enough bread, but I perish here with hunger. I'll arise, go to my father. hunger. I'll arise, go to my father. hunger. I'll arise, go to my father. I'll say to him, 'Father, I've sinned I'll say to him, 'Father, I've sinned I'll say to him, 'Father, I've sinned against heaven before you. I'm no longer against heaven before you. I'm no longer against heaven before you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. worthy to be called your son. worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servant.' Treat me as one of your hired servant.' Treat me as one of your hired servant.' Interesting, the first thing that this Interesting, the first thing that this Interesting, the first thing that this young son did. young son did. young son did. When he received his early inheritance, When he received his early inheritance, When he received his early inheritance, he gathered it together, he gathered it together, he gathered it together, and he left the house. and he left the house. and he left the house. He left the confines of his family. He left the confines of his family. He left the confines of his family. He left the restraints He left the restraints He left the restraints of his father. of his father. of his father. And he didn't just go to the next town And he didn't just go to the next town And he didn't just go to the next town where somebody where somebody where somebody might know him. We're told he went to a might know him. We're told he went to a might know him. We're told he went to a far country far country far country where he would be anonymous.

where he would be anonymous. where he would be anonymous. He went into the darkness where no one He went into the darkness where no one He went into the darkness where no one would see him do the things that he would see him do the things that he would see him do the things that he always wanted to do. He was like a a sailor He was like a a sailor on shore leave with a pocket full of on shore leave with a pocket full of on shore leave with a pocket full of money. money. money. He had no restraint. He had no restraint. He had no restraint. And he chased after sin with parties And he chased after sin with parties And he chased after sin with parties and excitement and freedom. and excitement and freedom. and excitement and freedom. And I love the way Jesus summarizes it And I love the way Jesus summarizes it And I love the way Jesus summarizes it for us best in verse 13. He says this, for us best in verse 13. He says this, for us best in verse 13. He says this, "He lived "He lived "He lived recklessly." Do you see that? Now, the truth is we're just like Now, the truth is we're just like this prodigal. We're quick to leave the God that we say We're quick to leave the God that we say we love. We, too, We, too, have and are have and are have and are living recklessly. living recklessly. living recklessly. All of us All of us All of us every one of us are guilty of sin every one of us are guilty of sin every one of us are guilty of sin before the Father.

before the Father. before the Father. Romans 3:23 says, "For all Romans 3:23 says, "For all Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned have sinned have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." and fallen short of the glory of God." and fallen short of the glory of God." Later on, the Later on, the Later on, the apostle Paul adds more common color apostle Paul adds more common color apostle Paul adds more common color commentary to that in Ephesians 2 commentary to that in Ephesians 2 commentary to that in Ephesians 2 saying, "And you were dead in the saying, "And you were dead in the saying, "And you were dead in the trespasses of your sin in which you once trespasses of your sin in which you once trespasses of your sin in which you once walked, following the course of this walked, following the course of this walked, following the course of this world, world, world, following the prince of the power of the following the prince of the power of the following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that's now at work in air, the spirit that's now at work in air, the spirit that's now at work in the sons of disobedience. the sons of disobedience. the sons of disobedience. Among whom we all once lived in the Among whom we all once lived in the Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh. passions of our flesh. passions of our flesh. In summary reckless living, carrying out In summary reckless living, carrying out In summary reckless living, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind the desires of the flesh and the mind the desires of the flesh and the mind and were by nature children of wrath and were by nature children of wrath and were by nature children of wrath like the rest like the rest like the rest of mankind. of mankind. of mankind. Maybe Rembrandt was onto something. Maybe Rembrandt was onto something. Maybe Rembrandt was onto something. When he When he When he painted his own face on the prodigal. Realizing that Realizing that in reality he was a sinner like the in reality he was a sinner like the in reality he was a sinner like the prodigal in need of God's grace.

prodigal in need of God's grace. prodigal in need of God's grace. And the reckless living of this prodigal And the reckless living of this prodigal And the reckless living of this prodigal son eventually led him where all sin son eventually led him where all sin son eventually led him where all sin leads us to. leads us to. leads us to. Emptiness. Emptiness. Emptiness. To brokenness. To brokenness. To brokenness. His money ran out. His money ran out. His money ran out. His friends left. And this once His friends left. And this once His friends left. And this once promising young man was reduced to promising young man was reduced to promising young man was reduced to begging for food. begging for food. begging for food. His reckless sin took him to the worst His reckless sin took him to the worst His reckless sin took him to the worst place humanly possible for a Jewish place humanly possible for a Jewish place humanly possible for a Jewish person. person. person. And that was taking care of pigs. And that was taking care of pigs. And that was taking care of pigs. Because pigs were seen as unclean and Because pigs were seen as unclean and Because pigs were seen as unclean and defiled defiled defiled by the Jews. by the Jews. by the Jews. And this is where we find the prodigal And this is where we find the prodigal And this is where we find the prodigal in a pigsty in a pigsty in a pigsty of his own doing. of his own doing. of his own doing. Eating pigs food just to survive, Eating pigs food just to survive, Eating pigs food just to survive, wondering to himself how in the world wondering to himself how in the world wondering to himself how in the world did I ever end up here? did I ever end up here? did I ever end up here? And hey, maybe that's you today. May maybe your marriage May maybe your marriage has been turned upside down has been turned upside down has been turned upside down by the choices and decisions that you've by the choices and decisions that you've by the choices and decisions that you've made.

Maybe Maybe maybe alcohol maybe alcohol maybe alcohol has you in the grasp of its control. has you in the grasp of its control. has you in the grasp of its control. Or or drugs. Or or drugs. Or or drugs. Or or pornography. Or or pornography. Or or pornography. Maybe there's a secret sin you've kept Maybe there's a secret sin you've kept Maybe there's a secret sin you've kept hidden and it's it's got you trapped in hidden and it's it's got you trapped in hidden and it's it's got you trapped in darkness and it's eating you alive. In darkness and it's eating you alive. In darkness and it's eating you alive. In your own way, your own way, your own way, you feel stuck in the pigsty you feel stuck in the pigsty you feel stuck in the pigsty of your own reckless sin, wondering of your own reckless sin, wondering of your own reckless sin, wondering today if there's any way out. today if there's any way out. today if there's any way out. And friends, there is. And friends, there is. And friends, there is. The good news is that God has never The good news is that God has never The good news is that God has never stopped loving you. The Father has never stopped looking for The Father has never stopped looking for you. you. you. He's never stopped longing for you to He's never stopped longing for you to He's never stopped longing for you to return home. He loves you even in your return home. He loves you even in your return home. He loves you even in your sin. sin. sin. Romans 5:8 tells us this. Romans 5:8 tells us this. Romans 5:8 tells us this. But God demonstrates his love for us in But God demonstrates his love for us in But God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were yet still sinners, that while we were yet still sinners, that while we were yet still sinners, living in our reckless sin, living in our reckless sin, living in our reckless sin, Christ died for us.

Christ died for us. Christ died for us. What greater love could there be than What greater love could there be than What greater love could there be than that? that? that? God has never stopped loving you, God has never stopped loving you, God has never stopped loving you, never stopped pursuing you. never stopped pursuing you. never stopped pursuing you. All you have to do today All you have to do today All you have to do today is go back to the Father. is go back to the Father. is go back to the Father. Run Run Run back back back to the Father. to the Father. to the Father. And if you will, And if you will, And if you will, he will meet you with love and he will meet you with love and he will meet you with love and forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. Which leads us to the second part Which leads us to the second part Which leads us to the second part of this story where our reckless sin of this story where our reckless sin of this story where our reckless sin meets God's relentless love. meets God's relentless love. meets God's relentless love. God has a relentless love for us. Look again at verse 20. Look again at verse 20. It says, "And he arose and came to his It says, "And he arose and came to his It says, "And he arose and came to his father, but while he was still a long father, but while he was still a long father, but while he was still a long way off, his father [snorts] saw him and way off, his father [snorts] saw him and way off, his father [snorts] saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced felt compassion and ran and embraced felt compassion and ran and embraced him." him." him." Man, are you kidding me? It It This is Jesus This is Jesus This is Jesus describing describing describing the heart of his own father the heart of his own father the heart of his own father to you.

to you. to you. The The God saw his his wayward The The God saw his his wayward The The God saw his his wayward sin-stained son from a distance, and he sin-stained son from a distance, and he sin-stained son from a distance, and he took off took off took off like like LeBron James on a fast break. like like LeBron James on a fast break. like like LeBron James on a fast break. He He just couldn't contain himself. He He just couldn't contain himself. He He just couldn't contain himself. The The love The The compassion The The love The The compassion The The love The The compassion that he felt for his son. that he felt for his son. that he felt for his son. And he runs to him. And he runs to him. And he runs to him. And this is God's heart for you and me. Jesus is telling us this story because Jesus is telling us this story because he doesn't want us to miss he doesn't want us to miss he doesn't want us to miss the the the the extravagance The The depth of God's the extravagance The The depth of God's the extravagance The The depth of God's love for you and me. love for you and me. love for you and me. The father is always ready to run to you The father is always ready to run to you The father is always ready to run to you and embrace you. and embrace you. and embrace you. His love is relentless. His love is relentless. His love is relentless. In fact, back in that culture, for a In fact, back in that culture, for a In fact, back in that culture, for a father to take off and run was father to take off and run was father to take off and run was considered to be undignified.

considered to be undignified. considered to be undignified. Something that a Something that a Something that a an elderly father would never do because an elderly father would never do because an elderly father would never do because it was undignified, and the father it was undignified, and the father it was undignified, and the father didn't care. He didn't care about social norms of the He didn't care about social norms of the day. day. day. What he cared about was his lost son was What he cared about was his lost son was What he cared about was his lost son was finally home. That's what he cared finally home. That's what he cared finally home. That's what he cared about. about. about. Man, this reminds me of 1994. I was at a house with a large group of I was at a house with a large group of people watching the 1994 people watching the 1994 people watching the 1994 basketball national championship. Somebody said it already. Don't steal my Somebody said it already. Don't steal my thunder. thunder. thunder. Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas versus Duke. And And the buzzer went off and Arkansas won the the buzzer went off and Arkansas won the the buzzer went off and Arkansas won the national championship. national championship. national championship. And this large group of people that I And this large group of people that I And this large group of people that I was with in this house started acting in was with in this house started acting in was with in this house started acting in undignified kind of ways. undignified kind of ways. undignified kind of ways. I mean, there was I mean, there was I mean, there was excitement, [clears throat] excitement, [clears throat] excitement, [clears throat] enthusiasm, enthusiasm, enthusiasm, joy. We were hugging each other, crowd joy. We were hugging each other, crowd joy. We were hugging each other, crowd surfing, picking each other up. I mean, surfing, picking each other up. I mean, surfing, picking each other up. I mean, it was unbelievable. The energy, the it was unbelievable. The energy, the it was unbelievable. The energy, the enthusiasm.

And friends, that's the way God And friends, that's the way God feels feels feels when a sinner when a sinner when a sinner comes home. There's joy in his heart. There's joy in his heart. Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. Excitement. There's a celebration Excitement. There's a celebration Excitement. There's a celebration that happens. that happens. that happens. A joy. What's keeping you from coming to the What's keeping you from coming to the Father today? It doesn't look like it on the outside, It doesn't look like it on the outside, but on the inside, where it matters, at but on the inside, where it matters, at but on the inside, where it matters, at the heart level, you've run away from the heart level, you've run away from the heart level, you've run away from God. You've run away from the Father. God. You've run away from the Father. God. You've run away from the Father. And you've been spending your life And you've been spending your life And you've been spending your life chasing after other things. And you sit here today in And you sit here today in in brokenness. in brokenness. in brokenness. What's keeping you from running to the What's keeping you from running to the What's keeping you from running to the Father? Father? Father? He loves you. He's looking for you. He's He loves you. He's looking for you. He's He loves you. He's looking for you. He's longing for you.

If you'll come back to the Father, If you'll come back to the Father, he has a relentless, unending love for he has a relentless, unending love for he has a relentless, unending love for you. you. you. And if you'll run back to him, here's And if you'll run back to him, here's And if you'll run back to him, here's what you'll find. You'll find what you'll find. You'll find what you'll find. You'll find forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. You'll find forgiveness. You'll find forgiveness. You'll find forgiveness. If you come home, you'll find If you come home, you'll find If you come home, you'll find forgiveness. Not just forgiveness, but I forgiveness. Not just forgiveness, but I forgiveness. Not just forgiveness, but I would say this, endless would say this, endless would say this, endless forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. Endless forgiveness. Endless forgiveness. Endless forgiveness. That's the third part of this story. That's the third part of this story. That's the third part of this story. I love when the father finally gets to I love when the father finally gets to I love when the father finally gets to the son. Maybe you picked up on it when the son. Maybe you picked up on it when the son. Maybe you picked up on it when we read through this. What does he do? we read through this. What does he do? we read through this. What does he do? It says he embraces and kisses his son. It says he embraces and kisses his son. It says he embraces and kisses his son. Do you see that in verse 20? It It There's no lecture. Which is often times what I did when one Which is often times what I did when one of my teenage kids messed up, right? of my teenage kids messed up, right? of my teenage kids messed up, right? No No condemning looks. No, he gives him No, he gives him forgiveness and grace in the form of forgiveness and grace in the form of forgiveness and grace in the form of hugs and kisses.

hugs and kisses. hugs and kisses. See, the prodigal eventually turned away See, the prodigal eventually turned away See, the prodigal eventually turned away from his reckless living. And we call that, by the way, we call And we call that, by the way, we call that repentance. And he came And he came to his father. And what he experienced to his father. And what he experienced to his father. And what he experienced was forgiveness. was forgiveness. was forgiveness. And forgiveness of sins And forgiveness of sins And forgiveness of sins is the only way into relationship with is the only way into relationship with is the only way into relationship with God. God. God. You can't get there You can't get there You can't get there based on your own righteousness or good based on your own righteousness or good based on your own righteousness or good works. You have to come to faith in Jesus, and You have to come to faith in Jesus, and you get your sins forgiveness. And you get your sins forgiveness. And you get your sins forgiveness. And that's that's that's your sins forgiven. And that's your sins forgiven. And that's your sins forgiven. And that's where the relationship with God where the relationship with God where the relationship with God is. And the good news is today that no And the good news is today that no matter who you are, matter who you are, matter who you are, no matter what you've done, no matter how no matter how how checkered your past may be, you can find forgiveness today.

you can find forgiveness today. If you'll just come home If you'll just come home If you'll just come home to the Father. I learned the words of Psalm 103:12. I learned the words of Psalm 103:12. It describes God's forgiveness this way. It describes God's forgiveness this way. It describes God's forgiveness this way. It says, and some of you have heard It says, and some of you have heard It says, and some of you have heard this, as far as the east is from the this, as far as the east is from the this, as far as the east is from the west, west, west, so far does he remove our transgressions so far does he remove our transgressions so far does he remove our transgressions from us. from us. from us. What a great statement. What a great statement. What a great statement. It's just saying if you were going to It's just saying if you were going to It's just saying if you were going to measure God's forgiveness, measure God's forgiveness, measure God's forgiveness, it's not like from here to Memphis. it's not like from here to Memphis. it's not like from here to Memphis. No. No. No. It's infinite. It's infinite. It's infinite. It It It it's endless. It's It's immeasurable. it's endless. It's It's immeasurable. it's endless. It's It's immeasurable. From God's perspective, it's as It's From God's perspective, it's as It's From God's perspective, it's as It's It's as far as the the east is from the It's as far as the the east is from the It's as far as the the east is from the west. west. west. Means it's unending, immeasurable, Means it's unending, immeasurable, Means it's unending, immeasurable, endless. We can come to the Father We can come to the Father over and over and over again over and over and over again over and over and over again and find forgiveness.

and find forgiveness. and find forgiveness. Because his forgiveness is endless. It Because his forgiveness is endless. It Because his forgiveness is endless. It never ends. never ends. never ends. And with God, it never stops there. And with God, it never stops there. And with God, it never stops there. He doesn't just forgive us. He doesn't just forgive us. He doesn't just forgive us. And it's enough that we would be And it's enough that we would be And it's enough that we would be forgiven, but God in his grace does even forgiven, but God in his grace does even forgiven, but God in his grace does even more for us. He goes on more for us. He goes on more for us. He goes on to give us speechless restoration. to give us speechless restoration. to give us speechless restoration. That's the fourth and last point. That's the fourth and last point. That's the fourth and last point. God gives us speechless God gives us speechless God gives us speechless restoration. Look at verse 21. Look at verse 21. Says then the son said to him, "Father, Says then the son said to him, "Father, Says then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before I have sinned against heaven and before I have sinned against heaven and before you. you. you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your son." son." son." But the father said to his servants, But the father said to his servants, But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe and put it "Bring quickly the best robe and put it "Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him and put a ring on his hand and on him and put a ring on his hand and on him and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet shoes on his feet shoes on his feet and bring the fattened calf and kill it. and bring the fattened calf and kill it. and bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and celebrate for this is my Let us eat and celebrate for this is my Let us eat and celebrate for this is my son was dead son was dead son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is and is alive again. He was lost and is and is alive again. He was lost and is found. found. found. And they began to celebrate.

And they began to celebrate. And they began to celebrate. I I say speechless I I say speechless I I say speechless because it's as if the son shows up with because it's as if the son shows up with because it's as if the son shows up with a speech a speech a speech to his father to his father to his father to explain away everything that's to explain away everything that's to explain away everything that's happened. I've sinned against you. I've happened. I've sinned against you. I've happened. I've sinned against you. I've I I've sinned against heaven and it's I I've sinned against heaven and it's I I've sinned against heaven and it's like the father stops in mid-sentence. And tells his servants to go prepare for And tells his servants to go prepare for his arrival. his arrival. his arrival. And I would imagine in that moment the And I would imagine in that moment the And I would imagine in that moment the son was speechless. son was speechless. son was speechless. But not just the son, I wonder too if But not just the son, I wonder too if But not just the son, I wonder too if the servants were speechless. I I wonder if they were thinking to I I wonder if they were thinking to themselves, I can't believe themselves, I can't believe themselves, I can't believe that the father that the father that the father would do all of these things for a son would do all of these things for a son would do all of these things for a son who has squandered everything. who has squandered everything. who has squandered everything. Wasted his life. Wasted his life. Wasted his life. He doesn't deserve this. What a great picture of What a great picture of God's grace that is to us, right?

God's grace that is to us, right? God's grace that is to us, right? Here we sit undeserving Here we sit undeserving Here we sit undeserving of anything from God. of anything from God. of anything from God. And and yet all he does is give us grace And and yet all he does is give us grace And and yet all he does is give us grace time and time time and time time and time again. again. again. And look at the specific ways And look at the specific ways And look at the specific ways that the father restores the son here. that the father restores the son here. that the father restores the son here. Very very important in this story. Very very important in this story. Very very important in this story. The first thing he gives his son is the The first thing he gives his son is the The first thing he gives his son is the best robe. See that verse 22, he says best robe. See that verse 22, he says best robe. See that verse 22, he says bring the best robe, not a robe. bring the best robe, not a robe. bring the best robe, not a robe. The best robe. The best robe. The best robe. And and what I envision And and what I envision And and what I envision is that this broken son is standing is that this broken son is standing is that this broken son is standing before his father, overwhelmed by the before his father, overwhelmed by the before his father, overwhelmed by the sinful choices and decisions that he's sinful choices and decisions that he's sinful choices and decisions that he's made, and I would imagine he has an odor made, and I would imagine he has an odor made, and I would imagine he has an odor to him as well. to him as well. to him as well. Keep in mind, he's been living in a Keep in mind, he's been living in a Keep in mind, he's been living in a pigsty. pigsty. pigsty. And what does a father do? He takes his And what does a father do? He takes his And what does a father do? He takes his most beautiful, expensive robe that he most beautiful, expensive robe that he most beautiful, expensive robe that he has and it he puts it over his son.

has and it he puts it over his son. has and it he puts it over his son. Spiritually speaking, that's what God the Father does to us that's what God the Father does to us when we put our faith in Jesus. when we put our faith in Jesus. when we put our faith in Jesus. He He gives us the very best robe. He He gives us the very best robe. He He gives us the very best robe. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says it this way, "For our sake, he" talking about the "For our sake, he" talking about the "For our sake, he" talking about the Father made him, Jesus, Father made him, Jesus, Father made him, Jesus, to be sin who knew no sin so that in him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of we might become the righteousness of we might become the righteousness of God." God." God." See, when we cross the line of faith, we receive we receive the best robe, the robe of righteousness the best robe, the robe of righteousness the best robe, the robe of righteousness from Christ. from Christ. from Christ. There we stand in our brokenness and our There we stand in our brokenness and our There we stand in our brokenness and our sin, and God gives us the robe of sin, and God gives us the robe of sin, and God gives us the robe of righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. It's Christ's robe. It's Christ's robe. It's Christ's robe. But even more than that, But even more than that, But even more than that, Jesus takes our filthy garments on Jesus takes our filthy garments on Jesus takes our filthy garments on himself, our sin.

himself, our sin. himself, our sin. That That's what he did at the cross. He That That's what he did at the cross. He That That's what he did at the cross. He actually nailed it to the cross. actually nailed it to the cross. actually nailed it to the cross. That's why it's called the great That's why it's called the great That's why it's called the great exchange. When you come to faith in exchange. When you come to faith in exchange. When you come to faith in Jesus, he takes all of your sin and we Jesus, he takes all of your sin and we Jesus, he takes all of your sin and we get all of his righteousness. get all of his righteousness. get all of his righteousness. We get the very best robe, We get the very best robe, We get the very best robe, his righteousness. his righteousness. his righteousness. The next thing the father gives, notice, The next thing the father gives, notice, The next thing the father gives, notice, he gives his son a ring. he gives his son a ring. he gives his son a ring. A a ring was a a sign of authority. A a ring was a a sign of authority. A a ring was a a sign of authority. And we've been given authority. And we've been given authority. And we've been given authority. As sons and daughters of the of the As sons and daughters of the of the As sons and daughters of the of the king, we now live in God's kingdom and king, we now live in God's kingdom and king, we now live in God's kingdom and we've been given authority in his we've been given authority in his we've been given authority in his kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. Jesus talks about this in Matthew 28 in Jesus talks about this in Matthew 28 in Jesus talks about this in Matthew 28 in some of his last words called the Great some of his last words called the Great some of his last words called the Great Commission, he said it this way, Commission, he said it this way, Commission, he said it this way, "All authority in heaven and on earth "All authority in heaven and on earth "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. has been given to me. has been given to me. Behold, I am with you to the end of the Behold, I am with you to the end of the Behold, I am with you to the end of the age."

age." age." See, with Jesus we get all authority See, with Jesus we get all authority See, with Jesus we get all authority because we're co-heirs with Christ. because we're co-heirs with Christ. because we're co-heirs with Christ. We And here's the thing, We And here's the thing, We And here's the thing, when Jesus comes back a second time when Jesus comes back a second time when Jesus comes back a second time and he establishes the new heaven and and he establishes the new heaven and and he establishes the new heaven and the new earth, we will reign with him the new earth, we will reign with him the new earth, we will reign with him and rule with him for all of eternity and rule with him for all of eternity and rule with him for all of eternity because of the authority because of the authority because of the authority that that we have been given in Christ. Wow, speechless Wow, speechless restoration. restoration. restoration. Then the father gives his son, notice, Then the father gives his son, notice, Then the father gives his son, notice, sandals or shoes. Now, that feels sandals or shoes. Now, that feels sandals or shoes. Now, that feels awfully insignificant to us. awfully insignificant to us. awfully insignificant to us. Unless you realize that for a hired Unless you realize that for a hired Unless you realize that for a hired servant, they would have most likely servant, they would have most likely servant, they would have most likely been barefoot because they couldn't been barefoot because they couldn't been barefoot because they couldn't afford shoes. afford shoes. afford shoes. And so, when this father in this act of And so, when this father in this act of And so, when this father in this act of giving his son sandals, giving his son sandals, giving his son sandals, he's communicating something.

he's communicating something. he's communicating something. He's saying that He's saying that He's saying that he my son is more than a hired servant. he my son is more than a hired servant. he my son is more than a hired servant. This is my son. This is about identity. This is my son. This is about identity. This is my son. This is about identity. He He is saying to everybody around and He He is saying to everybody around and He He is saying to everybody around and giving these sandals, "This is my son." And by the way, And by the way, spiritually speaking, that's what spiritually speaking, that's what spiritually speaking, that's what happens to us when we cross the line of faith when we cross the line of faith and become a Christ follower. and become a Christ follower. and become a Christ follower. We're given a new identity, aren't we? We're given a new identity, aren't we? We're given a new identity, aren't we? 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 5:17 talks about this. It says, 5:17 talks about this. It says, 5:17 talks about this. It says, "Therefore, anyone "Therefore, anyone "Therefore, anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The who is in Christ is a new creation. The who is in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has old has passed away. Behold, the new has old has passed away. Behold, the new has come." So, yes, we still struggle with sin. So, yes, we still struggle with sin. Yes, we need to confess our sin. Yes, we need to confess our sin. Yes, we need to confess our sin. But, when we come to faith in Jesus, But, when we come to faith in Jesus, But, when we come to faith in Jesus, we're given a new identity, we're given a new identity, we're given a new identity, a new purpose.

a new purpose. a new purpose. And now we have the Holy Spirit in us, And now we have the Holy Spirit in us, And now we have the Holy Spirit in us, and the Holy Spirit is working to to and the Holy Spirit is working to to and the Holy Spirit is working to to shape and and mold us in our our shape and and mold us in our our shape and and mold us in our our identity so that our identity is identity so that our identity is identity so that our identity is becoming more and more like Jesus becoming more and more like Jesus becoming more and more like Jesus in our attitudes in our attitudes in our attitudes and in our actions. Man, speechless restoration. Man, speechless restoration. We we have a new righteousness, We we have a new righteousness, We we have a new righteousness, a new a new a new identity. A new way of life. And then last, notice A new way of life. And then last, notice it says that he killed the fatted calf. it says that he killed the fatted calf. it says that he killed the fatted calf. Now, this is powerful Now, this is powerful Now, this is powerful cuz this is not just talking about cuz this is not just talking about cuz this is not just talking about speechless restoration, but now we're speechless restoration, but now we're speechless restoration, but now we're talking about a speechless relationship. talking about a speechless relationship. talking about a speechless relationship. How many of you have ever eaten How many of you have ever eaten How many of you have ever eaten at a real fancy restaurant that was at a real fancy restaurant that was at a real fancy restaurant that was farm-to-table? Anybody? farm-to-table? Anybody? farm-to-table? Anybody? Maybe I'm the only person, I don't know.

Maybe I'm the only person, I don't know. Maybe I'm the only person, I don't know. They exist. This is the original This is the original farm-to-table. farm-to-table. farm-to-table. If you want to think about it in this If you want to think about it in this If you want to think about it in this day's terms, this is the OG. Because what the father does Because what the father does is he takes his son from the pig farm is he takes his son from the pig farm is he takes his son from the pig farm and brings him to his table. And and in doing so, he's communicating And and in doing so, he's communicating something about their relationship. something about their relationship. something about their relationship. There's restoration there. There's There's restoration there. There's There's restoration there. There's fellowship there. There's intimacy fellowship there. There's intimacy fellowship there. There's intimacy there. there. there. He's saying, "I want to be close to you. He's saying, "I want to be close to you. He's saying, "I want to be close to you. I want us to be in relationship I want us to be in relationship I want us to be in relationship together." And that's exactly the way the father And that's exactly the way the father feels feels feels >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> about you. >> about you. >> about you. About me. About me. About me. He wants to be close He wants to be close He wants to be close to you. Friend, what is it Friend, what is it that's keeping you today from coming to that's keeping you today from coming to that's keeping you today from coming to the father?

You know, if if truth be told, for some You know, if if truth be told, for some of you, you're of you, you're of you, you're you're like the prodigal maybe in small you're like the prodigal maybe in small you're like the prodigal maybe in small ways, and some of us are maybe like the ways, and some of us are maybe like the ways, and some of us are maybe like the prodigal in big ways. But all of us are prodigal in big ways. But all of us are prodigal in big ways. But all of us are like the prodigal here. like the prodigal here. like the prodigal here. All of us need to come back to the All of us need to come back to the All of us need to come back to the father today. father today. father today. And the truth is, for some of you, And the truth is, for some of you, And the truth is, for some of you, you're you're like this prodigal because you're you're like this prodigal because you're you're like this prodigal because there was a time in your life that you there was a time in your life that you there was a time in your life that you were close to the father. were close to the father. were close to the father. You were spending time with the father. You were spending time with the father. You were spending time with the father. Maybe you grew up in the church. Maybe you grew up in the church. Maybe you grew up in the church. Maybe you went to Bible college. Maybe you went to Bible college. Maybe you went to Bible college. But over time, But over time, But over time, in some way, you've drifted away and you in some way, you've drifted away and you in some way, you've drifted away and you found yourself now in a faraway land. found yourself now in a faraway land. found yourself now in a faraway land. And you're far from God. You're far from And you're far from God. You're far from And you're far from God. You're far from the father. the father. the father. Others of you today, man, you feel Others of you today, man, you feel Others of you today, man, you feel broken, you feel helpless, you feel broken, you feel helpless, you feel broken, you feel helpless, you feel hopeless. hopeless. hopeless. And and the truth is it's because of And and the truth is it's because of And and the truth is it's because of your own reckless living. Man, you feel trapped in a pigsty in Man, you feel trapped in a pigsty in your life today and the reason is, just your life today and the reason is, just your life today and the reason is, just like the prodigal, it's because of your like the prodigal, it's because of your like the prodigal, it's because of your own personal choices and decisions that own personal choices and decisions that own personal choices and decisions that you've made.

you've made. you've made. And you sit here today wondering if And you sit here today wondering if And you sit here today wondering if there's any hope for you, and there is. there's any hope for you, and there is. there's any hope for you, and there is. All you have to do today is come back All you have to do today is come back All you have to do today is come back to the Father. He He loves you. He can forgive you. He He He loves you. He can forgive you. He can help you put the broken pieces of can help you put the broken pieces of can help you put the broken pieces of your life back together. Only the Father your life back together. Only the Father your life back together. Only the Father can do that. can do that. can do that. Some of you feel lonely. Some of you feel lonely. Some of you feel lonely. Some of you are fearful. Some of you are facing things in your Some of you are facing things in your life life life that feel unbearable. that feel unbearable. that feel unbearable. And the invitation is to come to the And the invitation is to come to the And the invitation is to come to the Father today. Father today. Father today. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you. He's looking for you. He's waiting for He's looking for you. He's waiting for He's looking for you. He's waiting for you. you. you. He's inviting you to just He's inviting you to just He's inviting you to just come. come. come. And if you will, friend, And if you will, friend, And if you will, friend, you will experience for yourself you will experience for yourself you will experience for yourself the love of God. the love of God. the love of God. It's a relentless love. It's an It's a relentless love. It's an It's a relentless love. It's an overwhelming forgiveness and grace that overwhelming forgiveness and grace that overwhelming forgiveness and grace that you will find.

you will find. you will find. It's found It's found It's found in Jesus. Listen, if you're here today and Listen, if you're here today and you're wrestling with that and you're wrestling with that and you're wrestling with that and you need someone to talk with you, to you need someone to talk with you, to you need someone to talk with you, to pray with you, to encourage you in some pray with you, to encourage you in some pray with you, to encourage you in some way, listen, we're all prodigals. way, listen, we're all prodigals. way, listen, we're all prodigals. Every one of us. You're looking at a Every one of us. You're looking at a Every one of us. You're looking at a prodigal. prodigal. prodigal. But there was a point in my life where I But there was a point in my life where I But there was a point in my life where I said, "I'm going home." said, "I'm going home." said, "I'm going home." Maybe that point for you is today. Maybe that point for you is today. Maybe that point for you is today. Myself and some others will be at the Myself and some others will be at the Myself and some others will be at the Connection Center. We'd love to talk Connection Center. We'd love to talk Connection Center. We'd love to talk with you, pray with you, help you take with you, pray with you, help you take with you, pray with you, help you take whatever step you need to take today to whatever step you need to take today to whatever step you need to take today to get back to the Father. get back to the Father. get back to the Father. And listen, here in a moment I'm going And listen, here in a moment I'm going And listen, here in a moment I'm going to pray, and after I pray, we're going to pray, and after I pray, we're going to pray, and after I pray, we're going to sing a song, and guess what? This is to sing a song, and guess what? This is to sing a song, and guess what? This is your song. your song. your song. This is my song cuz the song is called This is my song cuz the song is called This is my song cuz the song is called the prodigal. the prodigal. the prodigal. It's a song about you. It's a song about you. It's a song about you. It's a song about me, but more than It's a song about me, but more than It's a song about me, but more than that, it is a song about the Father. that, it is a song about the Father. that, it is a song about the Father. His love, his grace, and his His love, his grace, and his His love, his grace, and his forgiveness. Man, let's sing this song forgiveness. Man, let's sing this song forgiveness. Man, let's sing this song with passion.

with passion. with passion. Cuz this is this is the banner of our Cuz this is this is the banner of our Cuz this is this is the banner of our life. life. life. A father A father A father who loves broken sinners like you and who loves broken sinners like you and who loves broken sinners like you and me. Let's pray together. for your love and your grace. for your love and your grace. For a room full of prodigals. For a room full of prodigals. For a room full of prodigals. For people who are prone to wander. For people who are prone to wander. For people who are prone to wander. Prone to leave the God that we say that Prone to leave the God that we say that Prone to leave the God that we say that we love. Some of us find ourselves today in a Some of us find ourselves today in a faraway land. faraway land. faraway land. Far from you. Far from you. Far from you. And your invitation to us And your invitation to us And your invitation to us is to come home. To run back to the Father. To run back to the Father. Friend, would you open up your heart Friend, would you open up your heart Friend, would you open up your heart right now? I don't know what's going on in your I don't know what's going on in your life, what's keeping you from the life, what's keeping you from the life, what's keeping you from the Father.

Father. Father. Doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't Doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't Doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter what you have done. matter what you have done. matter what you have done. What matters in this moment is will you What matters in this moment is will you What matters in this moment is will you turn your heart and your life to the turn your heart and your life to the turn your heart and your life to the Father? Father? Father? What you will find is love and What you will find is love and What you will find is love and forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. He can restore the He can restore the He can restore the the broken and hurting parts of your the broken and hurting parts of your the broken and hurting parts of your life. Only he can do that. I want to give you a moment I want to give you a moment whatever it is to come to the Father. We run to you, Father. There's nowhere We run to you, Father. There's nowhere else to go. We turn to you with all that else to go. We turn to you with all that else to go. We turn to you with all that we are, all that we have, and we give we are, all that we have, and we give we are, all that we have, and we give you everything. you everything. you everything. In Jesus' [music] name. In Jesus' [music] name. In Jesus' [music] name. Amen.

Will you stand and sing [music] this Will you stand and sing [music] this with us? >> You take me in >> You take me in in spite of all I've done. You call me in spite of all I've done. You call me in spite of all I've done. You call me child. child. child. You call [music and singing] me friend. You call [music and singing] me friend. You call [music and singing] me friend. And how could I And how could I And how could I deserve a love so sure? [music] deserve a love so sure? [music] deserve a love so sure? [music] I chose the world I chose the world I chose the world and you still [music] chose me. You still [music and singing] You still [music and singing] chose me. >> The chorus says, "Lord, remind me of >> The chorus says, "Lord, remind me of your mercy." your mercy." your mercy." >> And Lord, remind [music] >> And Lord, remind [music] >> And Lord, remind [music] me me me of your mercy. of your mercy. of your mercy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Won't you teach my heart to know that >> Won't you teach my heart to know that >> Won't you teach my heart to know that you are good?

You'll be [music and singing] as you You'll be [music and singing] as you have been before. You chased down the have been before. You chased down the have been before. You chased down the prodigal. [music] prodigal. [music] prodigal. [music] You're running after, You're running after, You're running after, running after me. running after me. running after me. Yes, you are. You [music] keep running Yes, you are. You [music] keep running Yes, you are. You [music] keep running after, after, after, running [singing] after me. We'll sing that again. You [music] take We'll sing that again. You [music] take me in. me in. me in. You take me in in spite [music] of all I've done. in spite [music] of all I've done. You call me child. [singing] You call me friend. You call me friend. And how could [music] I deserve a love so sure? deserve a love so sure? I chose the [music] world, I chose the [music] world, I chose the [music] world, but you still chose me. but you still chose me. but you still chose me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So, Lord, remind me >> So, Lord, remind me >> So, Lord, remind me of your [music] mercy. Would you teach my heart Would you teach my heart [music and singing] to know that you are [music and singing] to know that you are [music and singing] to know that you are good?

And you'll be [music] as you have been And you'll be [music] as you have been before. You're chasing down the before. You're chasing down the before. You're chasing down the prodigal. You're running after, prodigal. You're running after, prodigal. You're running after, running [music and singing] after me. running [music and singing] after me. running [music and singing] after me. Yes, you are. You keep running [music] Yes, you are. You keep running [music] Yes, you are. You keep running [music] after, after, after, running after me. running after me. running after me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You keep running. You keep running >> You keep running. You keep running >> You keep running. You keep running after, after, after, running after me. >> [music] >> [music] >> And you keep running after, >> And you keep running after, >> And you keep running after, running after me. running after me. running after me. >> [music] You keep on running. You keep on running. Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Running after [music] Running after [music] Running after [music] me. >> Always singing. >> Always singing. >> You welcome [music] me home. >> You welcome [music] me home. >> You welcome [music] me home. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> You're calling me close. >> You're calling me close. >> You're calling me close. I fall [music] at your feet. I fall [music] at your feet. I fall [music] at your feet. You give me a ring.

You give me a ring. You give me a ring. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I don't deserve And I hear you say, And I hear you say, "Prodigal, prodigal, come home." "Prodigal, prodigal, come home." "Prodigal, prodigal, come home." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You welcome me Welcome me home. >> You welcome me Welcome me home. >> You welcome me Welcome me home. You're calling me close. You're calling me close. You're calling me close. >> Calling me [music] close, Father. I fall >> Calling me [music] close, Father. I fall >> Calling me [music] close, Father. I fall at your feet. And I don't deserve [singing] And I don't deserve [singing] >> I don't deserve this. this. >> All that you give [music] to me. >> All that you give [music] to me. >> All that you give [music] to me. I hear you say, I hear you say, I hear you say, "Prodigal, prodigal, come home. "Prodigal, prodigal, come home. "Prodigal, prodigal, come home. Prodigal, Lord, remind [music] Lord, remind [music] me me me of your mercy. of your mercy. of your mercy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Won't you teach my heart to know that >> Won't you teach my heart to know that >> Won't you teach my heart to know that you you you are good? [music and singing] are good? [music and singing] are good? [music and singing] >> Oh, your nearness. >> Oh, your nearness. >> Oh, your nearness. >> It's all your nearness.

It's by your assurance. It's by your assurance. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Cuz you will be as you >> Cuz you will be as you >> Cuz you will be as you have been have been have been before. You're [music] chasing down the before. You're [music] chasing down the before. You're [music] chasing down the prodigal. You're running after prodigal. You're running after prodigal. You're running after running after me. running after me. running after me. Yes, [music] you are. You keep running Yes, [music] you are. You keep running Yes, [music] you are. You keep running after after after running after [music] me. running after [music] me. running after [music] me. You keep running. You keep running. You keep running. You keep running. You keep running. You keep running. >> Running after >> Running after >> Running after >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Oh. >> Oh. >> Oh. I don't deserve you keep on running I don't deserve you keep on running I don't deserve you keep on running after after after running after me. running after me. running after me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We say prodigal, come home. Prodigal, >> We say prodigal, come home. Prodigal, >> We say prodigal, come home. Prodigal, prodigal, prodigal, prodigal, come home. come home. come home. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, you welcome me home, Father. >> Oh, you welcome me home, Father. >> Oh, you welcome me home, Father. Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Yes, you [music] do. >> [music] >> [music] >> God, >> God, >> God, I don't deserve I don't deserve I don't deserve all the things that you give to me, my all the things that you give to me, my all the things that you give to me, my God. God. God. But, I hear you say, "Prodigal, But, I hear you say, "Prodigal, But, I hear you say, "Prodigal, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> prodigal, come home."

>> Amen. That is our story, church. >> Amen. That is our story, church. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We were separated and far from God, >> We were separated and far from God, >> We were separated and far from God, but he, in his mercy and his love, drew but he, in his mercy and his love, drew but he, in his mercy and his love, drew us back in. us back in. us back in. That is not your story. May I encourage That is not your story. May I encourage That is not your story. May I encourage you to talk to one of our pastors out at you to talk to one of our pastors out at you to talk to one of our pastors out at the connection [music] center. We'd love the connection [music] center. We'd love the connection [music] center. We'd love to have a conversation about what it to have a conversation about what it to have a conversation about what it means to run to the Father, about what means to run to the Father, about what means to run to the Father, about what it means it means it means to go back into his grace, [music] that to go back into his grace, [music] that to go back into his grace, [music] that he is sitting there waiting for you, as he is sitting there waiting for you, as he is sitting there waiting for you, as he always has been. he always has been. he always has been. Church, it's [music] been a wonderful Church, it's [music] been a wonderful Church, it's [music] been a wonderful time worshipping together. We hope you time worshipping together. We hope you time worshipping together. We hope you have a safe and blessed week, and we have a safe and blessed week, and we have a safe and blessed week, and we will see you next [music] week. Y'all will see you next [music] week. Y'all will see you next [music] week. Y'all have a good one.