Awakening to Love
Finding Your Way Back to God

Pastor Colin, Jan 26^th, 2020

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Summary: When we find our way back to God, we discover our identity as a deeply loved, unconditionally accepted child of God.

Main Thought: God has identified you as His own dearly beloved child.

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here): 

• Have you ever broken something of great worth to you or someone else?

Going Deeper: 

1. Have you ever focused on the items that the father gives the son in the parable? How and when does God give these items to those who begin to follow Christ?
2. God has given you a robe, a ring, and sandals that represent his rest, security, and acceptance. Do you struggle to receive one of them in particular? Which one do you need more of in your life?
3. Read Matt 11:25-12:14 – Discuss Jesus statements and actions in regard to rest, security and acceptance. How does he declare them and demonstrate them?
4. What do you think is the significance of the party at the end of the parable? Are there other instances of celebration or promised celebration in the Bible?
5. Do you think that we as the church do a good job of celebrating those who come home? What could we do to celebrate better? (Write your ideas down and share them with the pastoral staff)
6. Why do you think that the statement the son prepared before heading home and the one he gives to the father are different?
7. Share your testimony of coming home to God through Jesus Christ with your group. Think about how you felt and who celebrated with you.

Apply it:

• Speak a blessing over each other. You _______ are dearly beloved by God. He has clothed you with a robe of rest, given you a ring of security, and shod you with sandals of acceptance. God is holding you and saying, “You are my child and I celebrate you. Welcome home.”

Pray without ceasing:

              Pray for the people being affected by the coronavirus. Pray for comfort and recover for those who are infected and need to recover. Ask that that the area of Wahun will be cared for. Pray that the church in China will minister with care and grace in the midst of the turmoil. Pray that we will not shut out the needy during this isolation time in China.

Community Reading Plan: Genesis 31&32

This week add Genesis 31&32 to your devotions. Look at the relationships that are present in these chapters and keep two questions in mind.

• What do I need to know from this chapter (a truth about my reality or God or a life lesson)?
• What do I need to grow (Is there something God is trying to teach me through His Word)?

Keep a journal nearby and write down any questions or thoughts you can share with your Community Group. Remind and encourage each other to participate in this group devotion.