December 18, 2016

Come Home for Christmas

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Luke 15:11–32

Christmas 2016
Come Home For Christmas
Luke 15:11-32

Life works best when we are connected to God, when we are close to God, when we are home with God

  • Two Audiences (15:1-2)
  • Three Main Characters

What This Story Tells Us About God

1. God Is Patient Enough To Not Give Up (20)

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

2. God Is Passionate Enough To Show Extreme Love (20)

“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.” (Psalm 145:17, NIV84)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

3. God Is Forgiving Enough To Accept Me (21-22)

“To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him” (Daniel 9:9)

God loves you just the way that you are and He loves you way too much to leave you that way

What Does This Mean For Me?

1. Come To My Senses (17)

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)

2. Come Clean (18-19)

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

Some people are more concerned about getting Caught than they are about getting help

3. Come Home (20)

“Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (John 14:6)

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

Runaways and the disconnected can always come home to God

4. Come Celebrate (22-24)

“More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:11)

Celebration is the result of being connected with God

God’s Invitation To You This Christmas Is To Come Home!

Making It Personal

In what areas of my life is God calling me to “come to my senses” and “come clean” about my sin?

What will it look like for me to “come home” to God this Christmas? What might be hindering me from coming home?

How can I celebrate the goodness, love and mercy of God toward me this Christmas?

Who do I know that needs to “come home to God” this Christmas? How will I pray for them? How will I share with them God’s invitation to come home to Him?