Awakening to Life
Finding Your Way Back to God

Pastor Colin, Feb 9^th, 2020

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Summary: When we find our way back to God, we discover that we are called into a joyful life of celebration.

Main Thought: Christ’s righteousness is my only righteousness.

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here): 

• What is the best party that you have ever been to?

Going Deeper: 

1. What do you think was being restored in each of the parables (sheep, coin, sons)?
2. When you read about the Pharisees and Scribes do you ever judge them for their unbelief?
3. There are 3 indicators of self-righteous pride found in the statements of the eldest brother. Read verses 28-30 and try and figure them out. ((((answers: 1) A sense of being wronged by God. That he has withheld something from us. 2) An over inflated view of self and personal achievements. 3) The blame and contempt of others.)))
4. Jesus kept taking the Pharisees and Scribes into the presence of sinners. Has God ever taken you somewhere you felt uncomfortable?
5. Look up Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son. Take some time as a group discussing who the characters are and how you feel about them. What do you think is the center of the painting? Have some fun discussing the art.
6. Read Luke 6:27-42: compare judgement and compassion. Do you see the prodigal son parable in these verses?
7. Luke 6:36 – says to be merciful as your heavenly father is merciful. If we are to live as Christ then how can we step into the place of the father in the parable and celebrate others? Is there something you could do to encourage one of the young people who were baptized? (phone the office for contact info).
8. The eldest brother withheld himself from celebrating his brother’s repentance and restoration: Is there a time when you removed yourself from a party that God was throwing? How do we participate in the righteous ruckus?
9. At the end of the parable the father says, “everything I have is yours.” Is this a truth that you believe? That God has equipped you for a joy filled life? (John 10:10)

Apply it:

• Where is God inviting you into celebration for someone else?

Pray without ceasing:

              Pray for our International Workers who are in areas of unrest. Pray for those in the Asian Spice region that they would stay healthy and be able to care for their communities in the face of the coronavirus. Pray that those in war torn regions of Dessert Sand would be upheld to preach the gospel boldly and minister with compassion. Pray for protection over the local church around and in Mosul Iraq. That they would live lives of divine love.

Community Reading Plan: Genesis 33&34

This week add Genesis 33&34 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.