April 20 2014 Finding Forgiveness

Finding Forgiveness

Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” – Romans 6:4

Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

“A man had two sons. younger son told his father, ‘‘I want my share of your estate now, instead of waiting until you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and took a trip to a distant land.” – Luke 15:11-13a

RECOGNIZE I Need God.

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired men have food enough to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger!’” – Luke 15:17

TO FIND FORGIVENESS:

Memory Verse: “Jesus was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God.” – Romans 4:25

“So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us.” – John 1:14a

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son…” – John 3:16a

RETURN Home to God.

“I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man.’ So he returned home to his father.” – Luke 15:18-20a

“Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” – Mark 15:37-38’

“…so that everyone who believes in Him…” – John 3:16b

RECEIVE God’s forgiveness through Christ.

“And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20b

“His father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’’ So the party began.” – Luke 15:22-24

June 10 2012 Healing For Hurting Parents

Healing For Hurting Parents

Luke 15:11-24

Jesus' beautiful story of the Prodigal Son is more than a lesson about God's love. It also illustrates some powerful principles for parenting. We see 3 stages in this parent-child conflict.

STAGE ONE: REBELLION (verses 11-16)

"... give me..."

What to do:

1. Let them go.
"... the younger son... set off for a distant country..."

2. Let them make their own mistakes.
"... and there squandered his wealth in wild living..."

3. Let them suffer the consequences of their choices.
"... after he spent everything... he began to be in need"

STAGE TWO: RE-EVALUATION & REGRET
(vs. 17-19)

"When he came to his senses... I will go back..."

What to do:

* You Pray.

* Commit them to God.

* Wait Patiently.

STAGE THREE: THE RETURN (vs. 20-24)

What to do: 

1. Love them faithfully
"... his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him..." 

2. Accept them unconditionally.
"... he threw his arms around him and kissed him."

THE SON'S CONFESSION: (Vs 21)

3. Forgive them completely.
"Bring the best robe... put a ring on his finger... and sandals on his feet."

"For this son of mine was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found!