Turning Points at God’s House

                                                                   Luke 15:8-10

 

Introduction:

 

1.         One day last week I saw one of the Lord’s beautiful parables acted out in real life in the middle of our kitchen floor.

 

2.         What if we could act with that same spirit at all the key points throughout this new year?

 

Discussion:

 

1.         That’s just how God is

 

a.         Valuing each person: “...if she loses one...”

 

b.         Searching for the lost heart: “...and seek diligently until she finds it?”

i.          The effort of seeking

ii.         The thoroughness of diligence

iii.        The persistence of until

 

c.         Celebrating over one found: “...there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

i.          The loss had been personal

ii.         The rejoicing needed to be shared

 

2.         People with hearts like His

 

a.         Biblical religion is about something more than conforming to a moral standard and observing a set of rituals.

 

b.         Forgiveness is not the end biblical religion is after, but the means to the end.

 

3.         With Him at the turning points

 

a.         When those who have received his word have to settle into the everyday living of it ... Acts 2:42-47

 

b.         When those who are serving meet unsettling opposition ... Acts 4:29-30

 

c.         When a complaint arises among brothers and sisters about how the work is being done ... Acts 6:1-7

 

d.         When a terrible loss is experienced by everybody ... Acts 7:59-60; 8:1, 4

 

e.         When a former enemy must be accepted and made welcome ... Acts 9:26-27

 

f.          When a visit needs to be made in a setting which would be uncomfortable if it were not for the heart of God ... Acts 11:18

 

g.         When individuals are sent out for the work to which God has called his people, and when they return ... Acts 13:2; 14:27

 

Conclusion:

 

1.         Luke’s record ends with the story still in progress (Acts 28:30-31)...Perhaps this year will for us, too.

 

2.         But what if we bring a heart like God’s to all the turning points this year may bring to us?