valuable - meeting needs
Water cooler conversation:
What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?
Where do you feel the most “at home?” Where is your happy place?
Unpack the Message:
EXPECTATION CHURCH EXISTS SO THAT PEOPLE FAR FROM GOD WILL EXPERIENCE FAITH IN CHRIST.
This week we unpack our core value, WELCOME HOME because we believe EVERY PERSON IS WORTH CELEBRATING.
In Luke 15, tax collectors and "sinners" have gathered to hear Jesus preach and teach. He's fellowshipped and had meals with them. The Pharisees and other religious leaders are appalled that He would stoop so low and have anything to do with unworthy, socially outcast people.
Jesus responds by telling the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). While tending his sheep, one wanders from the flock. The shepherd immediately leaves the 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost. When he finds it, he calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him. Remember, Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners. How are they seen by Jesus? Lost sheep - those outside the flock. Jesus wants the self-righteous Pharisees and teachers of the law to know how much he cares for those outside the fold and says, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Jesus then tells the parable of the lost coin in which a woman loses a silver coin(Luke 15:8-10). She searches her house until she finds it, then invites friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. Again, Jesus reminds his audience that, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Finally, He tells the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 11:31). A young man selfishly demands his inheritance and immediately squanders it. Finally, he hits rock bottom, and with no hope, humiliated, he comes home expecting to be nothing more than a servant in his father's home. But rather than rejecting him, his father welcomes him home and celebrates his return with a lavish celebration.
The father was willing to look past his son's selfishness and irresponsibility and instead focused on the joy of knowing what was lost was found. So, likewise, we know there is great joy and celebration in heaven any time a sinner repents.
WELCOME HOME CELEBRATES REPENTANCE
Jesus wanted the religious leaders who were so hard-hearted to understand His focus wasn't on them, but on those who had yet to repent and turn their hearts and lives to Him, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). Even if they had not yet become Christians, the tax collectors and sinners were drawn to Jesus' message. Just as the prodigal son recognized his brokenness and desperate state, so he turned in humility to his father, so we must humble ourselves and come to Christ. When people come to church still lost in sin, that’s a first step toward repentance.
WELCOME HOME EXPRESSES ALIGNMENT WITH GOD
If heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, we too should be compelled to celebrate alongside them because it aligns our heart with that of our Heavenly Father (Luke 15:7, 10).
WELCOME HOME EXPRESSES GOD'S GRACE
Romans 5:8 promises that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Celebrating someone coming to Christ is a reminder of the grace extended to us. While we were lost in our sin, not unlike the prodigal son, God Himself sought us and drew us to Him because He longs to be in fellowship with His people (1 Timothy 2:2-3).
WELCOME HOME EXPRESSES HEAVEN'S JOY
The Bible says a lot about heaven, including how to get there and what it will be like. It answers questions like "Is heaven real?" "Where is heaven?" "Who is in heaven?" and many more. We know we will spend eternity worshipping Jesus in a communion relationship with Him. God allows us a glimpse into the glory of heaven every time we celebrate someone coming to faith.
Consider Jesus's audience as He tells these parables - "tax collectors and sinners." What impact would this story have on this particular group of people? How would you have felt in their place?
Do you think the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son came in to celebrate his brother's return? Why did Jesus tell not us? How would you respond in his position?
How did you know Expectation Church was your church home? Do you feel "home?"
What can we do to ensure that no matter where they are in their spiritual journey, people feel welcomed and at home at Expectation Church?
Write your one-minute testimony so that as you meet people far from God, you can lead them home to Jesus.
I gave my life to Jesus when (age/date) when I realized (what motivated you to come to faith - e.g., I was afraid, I was hopeless, I recognized I couldn't do life on my own strength...). My life hasn't been the same since that day. Since then, I've seen (what changed/improved), and now I cannot imagine what my life would be like or where I would be without Him. Recently, He (how has He blessed you lately?). Today I'm thankful for (simple gratitude). I'd love to share more whenever you have time.
Make a Move:
Is there someone in your life that may have drifted from the Lord or who is still far from faith in Christ? Pray for them. Don’t give up. Love them. Reach out to them this week because that reflects the heart of our heavenly Father.
Prayer Prompt:
God, just as you left the ninety-nine to find me and welcomed me as the father welcomed the prodigal son, give me a heart like yours, desperate to bring the lost to You. You redeemed us from an eternity separated from You through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus. May we see the lost as You see them, Father, souls in need of a savior. Amen