LET YOUR FAITH ROAR

Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. James 2:17 (BSB).

Grace For The Wandering Heart

Finally, as members of God’s beloved family, we must go after the one who wanders from the truth and bring him back. For the one who restores the sinning believer back to God from the error of his way, gives back to his soul life from the dead, and covers over countless sins by

When Faith Drifts

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth… James 5:19 (NIV)

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1 (NIV)

We are called to reach out, not to write people off!

…and someone should bring that person back. James 5:19 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1–2 (NIV)

The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners. – Abigail Van Buren

Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20 (NIV)

Living Loved By The Father

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:Luke 15:1–3 (NIV)

1. The Younger Son — The Drift Of Self-Centredness

The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. Luke 15:12–14 (NIV)

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! Luke 15:15–17 (NIV)

“When he came to his senses…”

Living your life without God, who created you, is an act of madness.

I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:18–20 (NIV)

The Older Brother — Prideful Proximity

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 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.Luke 15:28–29 (NIV)

All these years I’ve been slaving for you… This son of yours…

Religion without relationship breeds resentment.

The danger of prideful proximity is that you can be lost in the father’s house.

The Father — The Heart Of Grace

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ Luke 15:20–21 (NIV)

God’s grace runs faster than our sin. — Max Lucado

God knows every darkened corner of our existence, every rebellious thought, every distorted passion, every insecurity … and still God chooses to reach out with forgiveness and grace. Mark R. McMinn

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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.Luke 15:20–24 (NIV)

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Communion

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.Matthew 26:28–29 (NIV)

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:4–5 (NIV)