Sermon Luke 15:1-
What is the value of a person
Find a penny pick it up……Do you see this person, did you give them any thought on the way into church today?
The field trip, we got most of the kids back, doesn’t work for the parent who is still looking for their kid
Every sheep is sacred…..The soul is silver, of intrinsic worth and value; every piece of silver is stamped with an image…..every human is stamped with the image of God
What are you doing to find that person-How we go about winning people.
Jesus was hanging around with undesirables….the son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Some Christians are so holy, that no one wants to hang with them….some churches only for the devout. The church should not be a haven for the holy, the church should be a hospital for sinners
If you only hang around with church folks…..are you reaching anyone?
How do we reach folks?
Bill 90 years old
If you were talking to 65 men would you assume that they were all Christians or would you tell them the gospel story again …no altar calls…why
· Jesus didn't have them
· It can never be about the pastors ego....or how many came up front
· it takes a long time to win someone
· the holy spirit doesn’t need us to do his job
How God finds people
· Lighting the candle of his love
· Stay out of the way and let the spirit work
· He doesn't just pursue you at church
· You can receive him in your car
· You can accept him in your basement
God is seeking you constantly
Relentless search-Hounds of heaven
God plays the principle role in the drama of rescue….
The question isn’t the method, the question is the results….
Is there anyone here who in the last 5 years at this church has cried out for more of God? Yes, how can that be….because God works best in those places where people are not manipulated…..real change takes place when people are allowed to choose when they are ready, not when the preacher says it is time. We do not arrange marriages, we do not pressure people to join the church and the holy spirit is quite willing and able to call people to himself in an effective manner.
Joy of being found
There is more joy over one sinner that repenteth, and turneth to be religious from a course of life that had been notoriously vile and vicious, than there is over ninety-nine just persons, who need no repentance.
Reminder of one of our themes..Is it primarily about us or about others?
Rejoice with me. No greater hug shared than by those who are redeemed. Not greater handshake, no greater party thrown, that when we gather as gods people and celebrate that we have found our way home. I grabbed a church friend the other night from behind. They said, is that all you got? What is the real message….I love, you I am glad to see you, I am so glad that you are my friend, I am so glad that we have faith in Christ
Summary conclusion…there is hope for others,
· because we care, because God cares….Gods grace goes out to all people….they are all special…..
· There is hope for others and for us because God seeks those who are away from him
· There is hope for others and for us because when that sheep is found, they know they are home, and there is a fullness, a completeness that draws us and keeps us in him.
What is the value of a person
Find a penny pick it up……Do you see this person, did you give them any thought on the way into church today?
The field trip, we got most of the kids back, doesn’t work for the parent who is still looking for their kid
Every sheep is sacred…..The soul is silver, of intrinsic worth and value; every piece of silver is stamped with an image…..every human is stamped with the image of God
What are you doing to find that person-How we go about winning people.
Jesus was hanging around with undesirables….the son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Some Christians are so holy, that no one wants to hang with them….some churches only for the devout. The church should not be a haven for the holy, the church should be a hospital for sinners
If you only hang around with church folks…..are you reaching anyone?
How do we reach folks?
Bill 90 years old
If you were talking to 65 men would you assume that they were all Christians or would you tell them the gospel story again …no altar calls…why
· Jesus didn't have them
· It can never be about the pastors ego....or how many came up front
· it takes a long time to win someone
· the holy spirit doesn’t need us to do his job
How God finds people
· Lighting the candle of his love
· Stay out of the way and let the spirit work
· He doesn't just pursue you at church
· You can receive him in your car
· You can accept him in your basement
God is seeking you constantly
Relentless search-Hounds of heaven
God plays the principle role in the drama of rescue….
The question isn’t the method, the question is the results….
Is there anyone here who in the last 5 years at this church has cried out for more of God? Yes, how can that be….because God works best in those places where people are not manipulated…..real change takes place when people are allowed to choose when they are ready, not when the preacher says it is time. We do not arrange marriages, we do not pressure people to join the church and the holy spirit is quite willing and able to call people to himself in an effective manner.
Joy of being found
There is more joy over one sinner that repenteth, and turneth to be religious from a course of life that had been notoriously vile and vicious, than there is over ninety-nine just persons, who need no repentance.
Reminder of one of our themes..Is it primarily about us or about others?
Rejoice with me. No greater hug shared than by those who are redeemed. Not greater handshake, no greater party thrown, that when we gather as gods people and celebrate that we have found our way home. I grabbed a church friend the other night from behind. They said, is that all you got? What is the real message….I love, you I am glad to see you, I am so glad that you are my friend, I am so glad that we have faith in Christ
Summary conclusion…there is hope for others,
· because we care, because God cares….Gods grace goes out to all people….they are all special…..
· There is hope for others and for us because God seeks those who are away from him
· There is hope for others and for us because when that sheep is found, they know they are home, and there is a fullness, a completeness that draws us and keeps us in him.
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