Back Together Again
We are back we are finally back!
Tomorrow marks a beginning that should have taken place over 2 weeks ago, but oh well who cares we are finally back...
Vintage 2011: Prodigal
for the whole month of February we wanted to study the stories of reconciliation, consider the idea of true ministry, the true calling of restoring and mending broken things... we all live with hurt and see the brokenness of our world... what does God have to say about it, what are we to do about it?
Landing in Luke 15
Luke 15 is the theme chapter for all the parts of our next weeks together guiding us to a great finale in Vintage Weekend (Feb 25-27 signup online @ www.vintageweekend.com)
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.””
(Luke 15:1–2 ESV)
I love that in this first section the religious leaders that were around Jesus were dismayed by his company. They preachers and church leaders didn't really much care for Jesus' friends thinking they (and probably He) were of bad reputation and dirty living... so upon hearing their grumbling and frustration Jesus tells stories about the nature of what God is really like and the way things oughta be...
Studying the Character of God
God comes looking- the opening story is so classically Jesus; sheep, shepherds, and a good natured person set ought to bring the lost one home...
“So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
(Luke 15:3–7 ESV)
A sheep of a shepherd goes missing so what does the shepherd do? take the loss? consolidate the remainder? NO he goes after the one and hauls it back to the fold!
Jesus was sent- like a shepherd after His sheep so too must the gospel be delivered- the good news must be carried to a recipient. I don't think we linger on this enough that Jesus didn't just happen upon a broken place but was sent to it to redeem and reconcile it. This is the part of "purpose" that we need to understand. Having purpose is not just figuring out what job you want to do in your 30s but living out the purpose of "bringing back" lost lambs to God
The nature of God is that He wants what was/is lost to be found... it is not enough to have "enough" He desires all and if someone belongs to God He goes after them...
Celebrates the Return-
There is joy that the sheep was returned the shepherd, God, is thankful to have it back. Are we so happy, thankful for those that have run away, disowned, disobeyed to return?
or would we rather (quietly and secretly) them suffer and be punished for their running away?
Don't miss the beginning
"What man of you" The whole story was meant to be put back on us (oh loving, forgiven, redeemed Christians). Kind of a "If you liked this story so much then why don't you...." kind of thing. We are also sent to go and do likewise... action statements/stories/parables are earthly/heavenly in content but also in force. The point of the story is not for us to feel good that God is like that but participate in the actions and ways of God. That is the heart of true ministry and discipleship.
Look forward to seeing you tomorrow night to discuss this more!
theBrightside starts at 6:30pm but doors open at 5:30pm
come hang out make new friends learn about God and be blessed in love and grace!
First Baptist Church of Bethany Student Ministries (FBCBSM)
3800 N Mueller Ave
Bethany, OK 73008
(405) 789-3312
Youth Center
3700 N Mueller Ave
Bethany, OK 73008
Open Hours
Sundays 9am-11am, 4pm-7pm
Wednesdays 5pm-8pm
No comments:
Post a Comment