Part 3: The Lost Son
In God's family, nobody gets what they deserve.
Gospel Math
The rebellious: Repentence = Coming Home
The religious: Activity ≠ Intimacy
The righteous: Grace > Fairness
Throughout his ministry, Jesus told stories that, at first glance, seemed pretty straightforward: ordinary people performing familiar tasks. But below the surface of each story are truths of incredible importance. These stories are called parables: tales that use simple examples to lead people's minds toward deeper spiritual understanding.
Jesus' parables reveal truths about the kingdom of God: His rule and reign in the hearts and lives of people. If we want to see genuine transformation -- in our lives and in our relational world -- we've got to dive deep into the foundational principles of these stories and apply them to our everyday interactions.
As we seek to influence our oikos, let's approach these parables with fresh eyes, exploring below the surface to discover the profound wisdom that Jesus imparts. Only then will we see His kingdom change lives.
-- Pastor Jeff