A Look at the Heart of God the Father

November 12, 2006
Luke 15:11-32
Dr. Roger Ferguson, Sr. Pastor

THEME: Luke 15:11-32 is the greatest story ever told. Jesus reveals relationships are the source of your greatest pleasures and your greatest pain. Your relationship to God through Jesus will calibrate every relationship. Do you realize how much God loves and reaches out to you.?

I. The Father loves each of us in the way we need.

1. In rebellion we can either leave the Father's home or flee from His heart.

2. God regrets your rebellion so don't be deceived.

"Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us
away."
James 1:14 (NLT)

"Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Romans 2:4 (NLT)

3. God restores you when you repent and return.

II. For parents in pain, Father God says:

1. "I feel your pain"

2. Don't jump into the pigpen to rescue.

3. Communicate the door is open when they repent and return.

III. If you want what you've never had you must do what you've never done.

"Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.
I Corinthians 3:16, 18-19a

Act on what you've learned:
1. Do you resemble the elder brother or the prodigal son? What is God calling you to do today?
2. If you are a parent in pain, receive the comfort and direction only God can give.
3. What one thing do you need to change today?