I HEART GUELPH

GAINING THE HEART OF GOD FOR OTHERS.

LUKE 15:1-32

1. PEOPLE ARE REALLY IMPORTANT TO GOD, ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO YOU? 

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  Luke 15:1

2. WHEN PEOPLE REPENT, THERE IS INCREDIBLE JOY.

And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  Luke 15:5-7

And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  Luke 15:9-10

But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.  Luke 15:22-24

3. I MUST SEE MYSELF AS LOST.

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 

31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”

MY ASSIGNMENT:

1. Acknowledge my own need of a Saviour.  Surrender to God.  Humbly ask him for His grace to forgive and redeem you.
2. Change my worldview. Replace judgment and contempt with prayer and care for others.
3. Pray for people who are different than you.
4. Make new friends.  Include people who are different than you – open your friendship circle.