Word Night, January 15th-21st

Luke 15:11-24

-Prodigal means "recklessly extravagant; to spend until you have nothing left."  Even though the story name is often affiliated with the younger son, explain how the father was prodigal in this passage?  What elements of the story are related to God?

-What are ways in our lives sometimes when we ask God for our inheritance early?  How do we say, "God I want what you can offer me, but I'm not really interested in you?"

-The word repent means to "turn around and go in the opposite direction."  What made the youngest son turn around and go home?  (thinking of the Father's goodness).  When is the last time you have reflected on the goodness of God?  What is your natural reaction to that?

-How does it make you feel that "while you were still a long way off," the Father noticed you and came after you?  Wow!

-Have you ever convinced yourself that you weren't worthy to be called a son/daughter?  Have you ever been on such a spiritual high that you convinced yourself you were worthy of favor and blessings from God?  How are both of these thoughts theologically flawed?

Here are some great points to be reminded of this week:

1. We aren't worthy of anything from God.  Everything we have and everything He has given was out of love and grace, not because we deserved it.
2.  When you are at your lowest point, the goodness of God will convince you about the direction you need to go.
3.  There is no sin that is a match for the grace of God.
4. The Father's love is not contingent on us.  Our repentance doesn't merit God's acceptance.  It's the other way around!  God's love for us should drive us to our knees in repentance.

So what now?  Who needs to hear this message?  What do you need to do this week to share this message of grace?

How incredible is the invitation to sit at the table with God?