Embracing the Lost: A Call to Love and Grace
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of being lost and found, drawing from the parable of the lost sheep. This parable, shared by Jesus, challenges us to reconsider who we perceive as lost and how we respond to them. The story is not just about the sheep that wandered away but also about the shepherd's relentless pursuit to bring it back. This reflects God's unwavering love and commitment to each of us, regardless of how far we may stray. The parable invites us to see ourselves in a new light, recognizing that lostness can manifest in various forms, such as complacency or misplaced confidence, not just in overt rebellion.
We are reminded that Jesus often associated with those whom society deemed unworthy, like tax collectors and sinners, illustrating that God's love extends beyond societal boundaries. The shepherd's joy upon finding the lost sheep is a powerful image of how heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. This joy is not about shaming the lost but celebrating their return and affirming their worth.
As a community, we are called to reflect on who might be missing from our midst and how we can widen our embrace to include them. This parable challenges us to look beyond our comfort zones and seek out those who feel marginalized or forgotten. It is a call to action, urging us to embody the same grace and love that Jesus demonstrated, ensuring that no one feels left out or unloved.
In our personal lives, we are encouraged to examine our own lostness and seek God's guidance to find our way back. Whether we are the lost sheep or part of the 99, we all have a role in God's kingdom, and our journey is enriched by the love and support of our community. Let us strive to be a church that celebrates each person's unique journey and rejoices in the beauty of being found.
Key Takeaways:
1. Redefining Lostness: Lostness is not solely about outward rebellion but can also be about misplaced confidence or complacency. Recognizing our need for God is crucial, as it opens the door to grace and transformation. [49:33]
2. God's Relentless Pursuit: The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's unwavering love and pursuit of each individual. No matter how far we stray, God seeks us out, not to shame us, but to affirm our worth and bring us back into the fold. [56:12]
3. Widening Our Embrace: As a community, we are called to identify those who are missing or marginalized and extend our embrace to include them. This involves challenging our biases and actively seeking to welcome and love those who feel left out. [01:02:45]
4. Celebrating Repentance: Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, highlighting the importance of celebrating each person's journey back to God. Our response should be one of joy and gratitude, reflecting the shepherd's celebration upon finding the lost sheep. [01:08:30]
5. Living with Generosity: When we experience the joy of being found, it should inspire us to live generously, sharing God's love and grace with others. This generosity is not just about material giving but also about offering our time, support, and compassion to those in need. [01:12:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Announcements and Connect Card
- [03:30] - Easter Schedule and Events
- [07:15] - 40 Days of Sharing and Outreach
- [10:45] - Semper Fi Animals and Community Support
- [13:30] - VBS Registration and Community Involvement
- [16:13] - Worship and Apostles' Creed
- [20:00] - Baptism of Aubrey May
- [34:52] - Community's Role in Baptism
- [38:56] - Offering and Generosity
- [42:30] - Introduction to Lost and Found Theme
- [49:33] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- [56:12] - Who is Truly Lost?
- [01:02:45] - The Shepherd's Response
- [01:08:30] - Invitation to Search and Embrace
- [01:12:15] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 15:1-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
2. Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son (alluded to in the sermon)
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions does the shepherd take when he realizes one sheep is missing? How does this reflect God's character? [49:33]
2. In the parable, what is the reaction of the shepherd upon finding the lost sheep, and how does this compare to the reaction of heaven over one sinner who repents? [49:33]
3. How does Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners challenge societal norms, according to the sermon? [49:33]
4. What examples of lostness, other than overt rebellion, are mentioned in the sermon? [49:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the parable of the lost sheep redefine the concept of being "lost" in a spiritual context? [49:33]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the community in seeking out those who are marginalized or forgotten? [01:02:45]
3. How does the shepherd's response to finding the lost sheep illustrate the nature of God's grace and love? [56:12]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage individuals to examine their own "lostness" and seek guidance? [49:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost, either spiritually or emotionally. How did you find your way back, and what role did your community play in that process? [49:33]
2. Identify someone in your life who might feel marginalized or forgotten. What specific steps can you take this week to reach out and include them in your community? [01:02:45]
3. Consider the ways in which you might be complacent or overly confident in your spiritual journey. How can you actively seek God's guidance to address these areas? [49:33]
4. How can you celebrate the "return" of someone who has been lost, whether in your church or personal life, in a way that affirms their worth and encourages their journey? [01:08:30]
5. The sermon emphasizes living with generosity. What is one non-material way you can share God's love and grace with someone in need this week? [01:12:15]
6. Reflect on your own biases or comfort zones. What is one practical step you can take to challenge these and widen your embrace to include others? [01:02:45]
7. How can you cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude in your life, especially when witnessing the transformation of others? [01:08:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Own Lostness
Lostness is not always about overt rebellion; it can also manifest as complacency or misplaced confidence. This understanding challenges us to recognize our own need for God, which is the first step toward grace and transformation. By acknowledging that we can be lost in ways that are not immediately obvious, we open ourselves to the possibility of change and growth. This perspective invites us to examine our lives honestly and seek God's guidance to find our way back to Him. [49:33]
"For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: 'Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.'" (Amos 5:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life might you be experiencing complacency or misplaced confidence? How can you invite God into these areas today to guide you back to Him?
Day 2: Embracing God's Pursuit
The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's relentless pursuit of each individual, affirming our worth regardless of how far we stray. God's love is not about shaming us for being lost but about celebrating our return. This understanding encourages us to embrace God's pursuit in our lives, knowing that His love is unwavering and His desire is to bring us back into the fold. We are reminded that no matter how lost we feel, God is always seeking us out with open arms. [56:12]
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)
Reflection: How have you experienced God's pursuit in your life? What steps can you take today to respond to His love and return to His embrace?
Day 3: Extending Our Embrace
As a community, we are called to identify those who are missing or marginalized and extend our embrace to include them. This involves challenging our biases and actively seeking to welcome and love those who feel left out. By widening our embrace, we reflect the inclusive love of God and create a community where everyone feels valued and loved. This call to action invites us to step out of our comfort zones and actively seek out those who may feel forgotten or overlooked. [01:02:45]
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community might be feeling marginalized or forgotten? How can you extend your embrace to include them today?
Day 4: Celebrating the Journey of Repentance
Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, highlighting the importance of celebrating each person's journey back to God. Our response should be one of joy and gratitude, reflecting the shepherd's celebration upon finding the lost sheep. This perspective encourages us to view repentance not as a moment of shame but as a cause for celebration and affirmation of worth. By celebrating repentance, we affirm the value of each individual's journey and the joy of being found. [01:08:30]
"I say to you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you celebrate the journey of repentance in your own life or in the lives of others today? What does it look like to rejoice in someone's return to God?
Day 5: Living Generously
When we experience the joy of being found, it should inspire us to live generously, sharing God's love and grace with others. This generosity is not just about material giving but also about offering our time, support, and compassion to those in need. By living generously, we reflect the love and grace we have received from God and create a community where everyone feels supported and valued. This call to generosity invites us to consider how we can share the blessings we have received with others. [01:12:15]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live generously today, offering your time, support, or compassion to someone in need? How can you reflect God's love and grace in your actions?
Quotes
Come, all who feel lost, uncertain, or weary. This is a place of welcome. The Good Shepherd calls us by name and searches for us to move onward. Come, all who believe they are found, secure, and sure of their place. The Good Shepherd invites us to see anew, to recognize our own need for grace. Come, all who long for joy, for restoration, for a place at the table. [00:18:46] (31 seconds)
In God's presence, the lost are found, the weary are lifted up, and heaven rejoices. Let us worship the God who never stops seeking, never stops loving, and never stops celebrating when we are found. With open hearts and joyful spirits, we come to worship the Lord. Amen. Let's worship together. [00:19:17] (25 seconds)
You know, sometimes there are private baptisms, I know, but it's best done in community because it really takes a village. It takes the whole church to nurture and raise a child. And so, church family, I present to you Aubrey May, who we recognize this day as a child of God and a member of his holy family. [00:38:57] (22 seconds)
Oh God we have so much to be thankful for and we are grateful Lord we pray that you would help us to be grateful in our giving and in our service in our witnessing Lord help us discover the joy that comes when we give our firstfruits when we realize that we have been blessed to be a blessing and so use now all of these gifts in your service we home we pray. Amen. [00:47:12] (31 seconds)
God we're thankful for how you don't give up on us uh just in our wanderings Lord with the things that distract us and take us off the path and get us out in the wilderness that you haven't given up on us that you rejoice when we discover the error of our ways and and begin to to walk in your light we pray Lord that you would fill us with such love and such grace that we would extend that same kind of mercy and justice to others we pray in the blessed and holy name of Jesus our Lord amen [01:08:37] (40 seconds)
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