God's Relentless Love: Reaching the Lost

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound love and relentless pursuit that God has for each one of us, especially those who are lost and broken. We began by envisioning a world filled with love, peace, and unity, emphasizing that with God, anything is possible. We then transitioned into a time of worship, acknowledging the worthiness of Jesus and His continuous work in our lives. This led us into a sacred moment of communion, where we remembered the sacrifice of Jesus—His body broken and His blood shed for our sins.

The heart of the message focused on God's deep desire for the "whosoever"—those who are lost, broken, and far from Him. Through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, we saw how God values every individual, regardless of their past or present circumstances. Each story illustrated that no one is too far from God's reach and that He rejoices immensely when one sinner repents and returns to Him.

We were reminded that as believers, we are called to reach out to the "whosoever" in our lives, just as God has relentlessly pursued us. This is not just a call to action but a reflection of God's own heart and desire for humanity. We were encouraged to be like Jesus, full of compassion and grace, ready to embrace and celebrate the return of those who are lost.

Finally, we were invited to participate in the mission of Limitless Church through various summer classes and community events, emphasizing the importance of growth, community, and outreach. We concluded with a call to give generously, not out of obligation, but as an act of gratitude for all that God has done for us.

### Key Takeaways

1. **God's Relentless Pursuit**: God's love for us is relentless and unwavering. He pursues us no matter how far we have strayed or how deep we have fallen. His desire to be in relationship with us is so profound that He will leave the 99 to find the one lost sheep. This pursuit is a testament to His boundless love and grace. [01:06:55]

2. **The Sacredness of Communion**: Communion is not just a ritual; it is a sacred act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice. His body was broken, and His blood was shed for our sins. When we partake in communion, we are reminded of the immense love Jesus has for us and the new covenant established through His sacrifice. This act calls us to reflect on His love and our relationship with Him. [33:57]

3. **The Value of Every Individual**: Through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, we learn that every individual is valuable to God. Whether it's 1%, 10%, or 50%, God will go to great lengths to find and restore the lost. This teaches us that no one is beyond redemption and that God's love extends to all, regardless of their past. [01:12:12]

4. **Our Call to Reach the Lost**: As believers, we are commissioned to reach out to the "whosoever" in our lives. This means extending grace, compassion, and love to those who are lost and broken. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing the message of hope and salvation to those who need it most. [01:28:14]

5. **Living in Anticipation**: We should live in anticipation of the return of the lost. Just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son was looking for his son's return, we should be expectant and hopeful for the return of those who are far from God. This anticipation should drive us to pray, reach out, and never give up on anyone. [01:31:53]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - Vision of a World with Love and Peace
[05:25] - Introduction to Limitless Church AI Chatbot
[29:15] - Worship and Acknowledgment of Jesus' Worthiness
[31:24] - Sacredness of Communion
[33:57] - The Last Supper and Jesus' Sacrifice
[36:16] - Remembering Jesus' Love
[37:50] - The Importance of Honoring Communion
[39:19] - Preparing for Communion
[41:37] - Participating in Communion
[58:03] - Introduction to Summer Classes
[59:33] - Limitless Lunch Invitation
[01:01:13] - Series on "The Whosoever"
[01:03:00] - God's Desire for the Unbeliever
[01:06:55] - Personal Story of Relentless Love
[01:10:11] - Parable of the Lost Sheep
[01:12:12] - Parable of the Lost Coin
[01:14:01] - Parable of the Prodigal Son
[01:28:14] - Call to Reach the Whosoever
[01:31:53] - Living in Anticipation of the Return
[01:34:15] - Prayer and Giving
[01:40:37] - Blessing Over the Offering
[01:41:22] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[01:42:29] - Recommitment and Prayer
[01:44:42] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
[01:46:11] - Farewell and Invitation to Connect

### Bible Reading
1. **Luke 15:1-7 (Parable of the Lost Sheep)**
2. **Luke 15:8-10 (Parable of the Lost Coin)**
3. **Luke 15:11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son)**

### Observation Questions
1. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, what does the shepherd do when he realizes one sheep is missing? How does he react when he finds it? (Luke 15:4-6)
2. What actions does the woman take in the Parable of the Lost Coin to find her lost coin? (Luke 15:8-9)
3. Describe the younger son's journey and actions in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. What leads him to return home? (Luke 15:13-20)
4. How does the father react when he sees his prodigal son returning from a distance? (Luke 15:20) [01:17:50]

### Interpretation Questions
1. What do the actions of the shepherd, the woman, and the father in these parables reveal about God's character and His pursuit of the lost? (Luke 15:4-6, 8-9, 20) [01:06:55]
2. How does the concept of "relentless pursuit" in these parables challenge our understanding of God's love and grace? (Luke 15:4-6, 8-9, 20) [01:06:55]
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that God's love is for the broken and the sinner. How do these parables illustrate this truth? (Luke 15:1-32) [01:08:29]
4. The older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son reacts with anger and resentment. What does this reveal about his understanding of his father's love and grace? (Luke 15:28-30) [01:24:28]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt far from God. How did you experience His relentless pursuit and love during that period? [01:06:55]
2. The sermon emphasized the sacredness of communion as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. How can you approach communion with a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude? [33:57]
3. Think about someone in your life who might be considered a "whosoever"—lost, broken, or far from God. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to them with compassion and grace? [01:28:14]
4. The father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son was looking for his son's return. How can you cultivate a similar sense of anticipation and hope for the return of those who are far from God? [01:31:53]
5. The sermon called us to live in anticipation of the return of the lost. How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily prayers and interactions with others? [01:31:53]
6. The pastor shared a personal story about his wife's desire to be with their son, comparing it to God's desire for us. How does this story impact your understanding of God's longing for a relationship with you? [01:04:38]
7. How can you participate in the mission of Limitless Church through community events and classes to grow in your faith and help others do the same? [58:03]

Day 1: God's Relentless Pursuit
God's love for us is relentless and unwavering. He pursues us no matter how far we have strayed or how deep we have fallen. His desire to be in relationship with us is so profound that He will leave the 99 to find the one lost sheep. This pursuit is a testament to His boundless love and grace. [01:06:55]

Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt far from God. How did you experience His pursuit and love during that season? How can you share that experience with someone who feels lost today?


Day 2: The Sacredness of Communion
Communion is not just a ritual; it is a sacred act of remembering Jesus' sacrifice. His body was broken, and His blood was shed for our sins. When we partake in communion, we are reminded of the immense love Jesus has for us and the new covenant established through His sacrifice. This act calls us to reflect on His love and our relationship with Him. [33:57]

1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"

Reflection: As you prepare for your next communion, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. How does this act of remembrance deepen your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to honor this sacred moment more fully?


Day 3: The Value of Every Individual
Through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, we learn that every individual is valuable to God. Whether it's 1%, 10%, or 50%, God will go to great lengths to find and restore the lost. This teaches us that no one is beyond redemption and that God's love extends to all, regardless of their past. [01:12:12]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV): "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel undervalued or forgotten. How can you show them that they are valuable to God and to you? What practical steps can you take to reach out to them this week?


Day 4: Our Call to Reach the Lost
As believers, we are commissioned to reach out to the "whosoever" in our lives. This means extending grace, compassion, and love to those who are lost and broken. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing the message of hope and salvation to those who need it most. [01:28:14]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who is far from God. How can you intentionally reach out to them with grace and compassion this week? What specific actions can you take to share the love of Jesus with them?


Day 5: Living in Anticipation
We should live in anticipation of the return of the lost. Just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son was looking for his son's return, we should be expectant and hopeful for the return of those who are far from God. This anticipation should drive us to pray, reach out, and never give up on anyone. [01:31:53]

Luke 15:20 (ESV): "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."

Reflection: Reflect on someone you have been praying for to return to God. How can you continue to live in hopeful anticipation for their return? What steps can you take to show them that you are ready to welcome them back with open arms?

Won't stop and we won't go.
Can't quit till we let y'all know.
This love and peace I found,
It never ends and it won't come down.

I had a great idea,
A world with no hate and no fear.
All grace, love, and all cheers,
Families, hugs, and no tears.

And let me just bask for a minute,
Brand new with no windows tinted.
Party in the street till the sun come get us,
And tell the whole crew they can all come with us.

And we ain't gotta lock the doors,
And we don't need cops, of course.
And we don't care about your skin,
We just want an all-out win.

They tell me it's illogical,
But anything is possible.
If God be for us,
We can overcome all obstacles.

They say love covers a multitude of sins,
So I'm here to put some love in the wind.
Tell a friend,
Hi, Limitless.

I want to remind you of a great tool that you have access to here at Limitless Church,
And it is the Limitless Church AI chatbot, and it is available at LimitlessWoodland.com.
The chatbot is amazing because you can ask any questions in regards to our sermons or our services,
And it will give you the answer right there on the spot.

Maybe you have a question about the last series that we preached about.
Maybe you missed a scripture because you were so busy engulfed in the service
And you didn't get a chance to write it down.
Well, you can go to the chatbot and say, "Hey, what was the last sermon series that was preached?"
"Hey, give me an overview of the sermon."
"Hey, what do we believe about faith?"
"What do we believe about Christianity?"
And many of the other questions.

And the AI chatbot will give you answers based on the sermons that we've preached here at Limitless Church
From the beginning of our church up until now.
Thank you. This is an awesome tool, and I want to make you aware of it and have you to have an opportunity to use it.
Again, you can go to LimitlessWoodland.com, and you'll see the AI chatbot in the bottom left or right-hand corner.

Forever hallelujah the name of Jesus,
The name of Jesus, worthy, worthy, worthy.
He's done so much,
He continues to do so much, he is worthy.
He is worthy of the praise, he is worthy to sing his name for the things that he's done.
He's worthy, he's worthy, he's worthy.

You were before I was here, worthy.
You are as you continue to move in every area of my life, worthy.
You will be for the things that you will do, you are worthy forever.
Forever, your name is great, the name of Jesus.

In the midst of your anxiety, the name of Jesus.
In the midst of your turmoil, the name of Jesus.
In the midst of everything that's happening in your life,
The name of Jesus, worthy.

Heaven sings, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come."
He is the name of Jesus, the name of Jesus.
We just take this moment to recognize who you are, God.
We take this moment to acknowledge your presence in this place.
You are worthy to be praised.

Hallelujah, we thank you for being here today with us, God.
Thank you for moving on the behalf of your people even right now in this moment, God.
Thank you, worthy.
You were worthy, you are worthy, you will be.
We declare you are worthy in this place.
You are worthy in our life, you are worthy in our marriage,
You are worthy in our family, you are worthy in our circumstances.
Right in the middle of it, God, right in the depth, in the dark of our situation,
God, you are worthy.

We will lift your name,
We will declare the name of Jesus.
You are worthy, we acknowledge you, God.
Acknowledge you in this place, Jesus' name.

As we're here, I want to set this moment by participating in communion.
This is not just something that we do here, this isn't a ritual, this isn't ritualistic.
This has nothing to do with that.
This is something way bigger.
This is something that has so much more meaning than a ritualistic thing.
We celebrate in the blood and the body of Jesus.

This communion is sacred, it is set apart.
There was a time when Jesus was here and the disciples would regularly break bread,
But this moment, this moment in scripture was different.
This meant something different because Jesus knew that this was the last one that he would be able to participate in with his disciples.
He says, "This one's different, guys. When we pass the bread today, you take of my body."
This bread represents my body that will be broken for you.
He says, "When you're eating this, you're participating in this."

And he says, "When you drink of this cup, this cup represents the blood that will be shed on your behalf.
I'm doing this for you, so when you're drinking it, you're participating in this moment with me.
My blood, my body."
And he said, "Whenever you do this, do this in remembrance of me,
Because I am going to do something that will set history on its head.
I am going to pay the price so that you won't have to pay it.
I am going, my body will be broken, my blood will be shed on your behalf.
Because of the love that I have for you, I am willingly going to the cross.
So when you do this, you do this in remembrance of me.
I want you to know every time you do it, you do it in remembrance of me."

First Corinthians 11 says, "For I received from the Lord the instruction which I passed to you,
That on the night in which Jesus was betrayed, he took bread.
And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is and represents my body, which is offered as a sacrifice for you.'
He says, 'Do this in affectionate remembrance of me. Remember the love that I have for you.'"

A lot of times we want to sing about the love that we have for him,
But our love is faulty. It'll be on 10 today and on two tomorrow.
Our love will change.
He says, "No, no, no, no. I want you to remember the love that I have for you.
Do this in affectionate remembrance of me."

In the same way, after supper, he took the cup saying, "This cup is the new covenant.
It has been established. It has been ratified in my blood."
He said, "No longer is this about what you are going to do.
No longer is this about your perfection.
No longer is this about your rule keeping.
No longer is this about how you are going to do it."
He said, "No longer. Now it's about what I'm doing.
This is the new covenant. Now it's about me.
I'm establishing a covenant with myself on your behalf.
Now it's about me."

And he says, "As often as you drink of this cup, you do so in remembrance of me.
For every time you drink this cup and eat this bread, you are symbolically proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes."

So then whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup in a way that is unworthy will be guilty of profaning and sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord.
But a person must examine himself and his relationship to Christ.
And only when he has done so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

So we have cups today. If you don't have a communion cup, please raise your hand.
We'll get one to you. If you are new here and this is your very first time,
There is no pressure for you to participate.
But we want you to understand what we're about to partake in because this isn't an ordinary thing.
This isn't something that we just do haphazardly.

See, when he talks about eating and drinking unworthily, what happened was the people during that time,
They would come together and they would throw these lavish parties.
And the communion, the cup would be there and the bread would be there and the juice would be there.
And they would just take it and they would have no honor and no respect for the moment.
They would just take it as part of the dinner.

Paul says, "No, no, no, no, no, no. You don't drink unworthily or eat of this unworthily.
This is holy. This is set apart. This is serious business and it should be respected and it should be revered as such.
This is the body of Jesus. This is the blood of Jesus that we are participating in the sacrifices.
So when you take this, we don't take it just as it's dinner. No, this is something way different.
So he says, when you do so, you honor this moment."

So father, we are here today in this moment, preparing to take of communion,
And we don't do so haphazardly. We don't do so in a way that will be dishonorable to you.
No, Lord, we set aside this moment to remember who you are, to remember what you've done,
To remember your body that was broken on our behalf, your blood that was shed for us.
And we say, thank you, Jesus, worthy you were, worthy you are, worthy you will be.

God, and as we eat and drink of this cup, we do so in remembrance of what you've done.
Jesus' name. I'm going to read this scripture again.
As we participate in this moment, "For I received from the Lord that which I passed on to you,
That the Lord Jesus on a night in which he was betrayed, he took the bread.
And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This represents my body, which is offered as a sacrifice for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.'"
You may eat the bread.

Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus, for your body.
In the same way, after supper, he took the cup saying, "This cup is the new covenant that has been established in my blood.
Do this, and as often as you drink it, do so in affectionate remembrance of me."
You may drink.

Father, thank you for your blood and your body.
Thank you for this opportunity to participate with our brothers and sisters in remembering your sacrifice.
Thank you, Jesus, for what you've done. Thank you for what you continue to do.
We honor you in this moment. We acknowledge you in this moment.
And we say, thank you, Jesus. In your name, we pray. Amen.

And even having discussions about mental health, man, Dr. Leona, well, I am so excited and grateful for her testimony and what God has done in her life.
It leads us right into our two things, and the very first one I'm highlighting her testimony is our summer, our Limitless summer classes.

I'm very big on community and having an opportunity for us to engage in community,
But more important than that, I'm really big on us growing as believers,
Not just sitting here and coming to church every Sunday and it's just something to do.
No, I desire that you would grow in what God has called you to do and that you would go and pursue the thing that God has for you to do.

And one of the ways we do that is through our summer classes, and she is leading our mental health and our mental health and our mental health and our mental health and our mental health and the church summer class,
And it's called "Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health and the Church."
And this is just one of the many classes that we will have here beginning this Wednesday.

This Wednesday is when our classes will be. They will start at 6:30 and they all will be here in our church.
Some is going to be in the living room, some is going to be here upstairs through the various places,
And we're going to be in the living room. Some is going to be in the...
My plan is to use every corner of this building that God has given us so that we can equip the saints.

And so we have that class. We have a class called "Brand Jesus."
And so if you're a new believer and you're like, "Hey, I'm new to this Jesus thing and I really want to learn how to walk this life out,"
And you want to be equipped in that way, we have that class.
We also have a marriage class that we're having as well, "Let's Talk About Never Stop Becoming One."
And so if you are married, this is a class where we want to be able to equip you to have better marriages as well.

All right, and so that is this Wednesday. Sign up at the QR code, sign up outside so that we can get you registered.
And on Tuesday, we will send you an email. Be on the lookout for it with all the information for what you need to do.
But bottom line, sign up, be here Wednesday at 6:30.

All right, second thing is our Limitless Lunch.
So we have a Limitless Lunch on next Sunday. What is the Limitless Lunch?
It's lunch at Limitless, very simple. I name things very simply.

All right, so if you are new here and you've been here within the past three months and you haven't had an opportunity to have a lunch with me,
Please come have lunch. I will be there, my wife will be there, our leads will be there,
And we just want to share with you the vision of our church, what we're about, share with you our story, and perhaps hear your story.

This is important to us because I'm really big on knowing the faces that I see.
I'm really big on being a part of the lives of the people who are part of this church,
And this is how we begin the process of you being a part of our community.

So that is the Limitless Lunch, and it will be next Sunday.
All right, we ready to dive into this word? Amen.

Heavenly Father, thank you. Thank you for speaking to us today.
You are already speaking, your spirit is already here.
Thank you for your love. Thank you for already handling situations, God, already speaking to us.
We thank you that you're not a God that needs to move in a particular part of service, but this is your house and you can move wherever you see fit.
We thank you for that. We honor you today.

Open our ears, open our hearts to receive what you want to do in this place,
That we might leave here forever changed. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

We've been in a series called "The Whosoever," and this last week we talked about...
Excuse me, two weeks ago because we weren't here last week, we talked about the whosoever reference John 3:16.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten that whosoever believeth in him would not perish but have everlasting life."

And so we talked about who those people were, those who haven't come to know Jesus yet.
Last week I issued you a challenge and I said, "I want you to go out and be the body."
We don't want to be siloed, we want to have an opportunity to reach out to the whosoever's in our lives, in our communities, and others.

Now tell the truth, last week we had athon Sydney who was a wonderful man,
And he said, "I want you to go out and be the..."
How many of you did that? Raise your hand. Let me see the hands.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I see them. Oh, there we go. There we go. I love it. I love it.

We had an opportunity to go out and minister to the whosoever's in our lives.
And this is important because what the enemy says and the lie that the enemy tells is that God isn't real, that God isn't real.
And if he is real, then he doesn't care about us.
If he is real, then he's not worried about the little things that we have going on.
He is too big and too busy to be worried about us, but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Along with the hope that we talked about that is available for the unbeliever,
God has a deep desire for the unbeliever as well.
There's a desire for the unbeliever as well.
There's a desire for the unbeliever as well.
There's a desire for them.

Not a desire like when you're hungry and it's like this one thing that you want to eat, and you're like, "I want that."
No. What God has is something so much deeper.
He has a longing to be with us. He has a wanting to be in relationship with us.
God desires us.

Many of you know the story of my son, Cadence. He was born as a preemie, and he spent 50, 52 days in the neonatal intensive care unit.
It was hard going home every day for over a month and not being able to take our son with us.
It's very hard. I remember one night in particular, we had had a long day.
We had went to see him in the morning. Later, I believe we went to get something to eat or we did something else,
And then we came back because in the middle of that time, there was something that we didn't want to do.
We didn't want to do anything. We didn't want some procedures and things that needed to be done,
And we wanted the opportunity to make sure that those things went well and that he was well.

We were there in the morning. We took a break. We were there during the day,
And by the time we got home, six, seven o'clock that evening, I was exhausted.
I was tired. It was a long day. Even being there emotionally is draining.
Spiritually, it's draining.

Now, I remember my wife wakes up at 3:30 in the morning after just being exhausted,
And she wanted to see her son. She wanted to be with her son.
Grab the key. She's upset. I'm like, "Baby, I'm tired."
She's like, "I don't care. I want to go. I want to be with my son.
I want to hold my son. I want to make sure that he's okay.
We haven't even gotten a call from the night nurse. I want to know if he's okay.
I want to be with my son."

And that is the closest thing that I can compare to how Jesus is.
"I want to be with my daughter. I want to hear from her.
I want her to know that I love her. I want him to know that I'm there.
I have a desire for my son. I have a desire for my daughter."
God has a desire for each one of us.

God has a desire for the whosoever.
The people that we walk past, the people that we're tired of going back to every week,
The people who we can't seem to have enough grace for, God has a desire for the whosoever.
He has a desire for us.

See, my wife didn't care how far we were. She didn't care how tired she was.
She didn't care. She longed to be with her son.
God is the same. He says, "No matter how far we've gone, no matter how deep the pit is that we are in,
No matter how long we've been gone, God desires us."

Romans 5 says, "God clearly shows and proves his love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
While we were still in the dirt, while we were still in the muck, while we were still not acknowledging him,
Not even knowing who he was, caring about him, not speaking to him.
He died for us.

Ephesians 2 says, "But God being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us,
Even when we were dead in our trespasses, even when we were at the bottom of the bottom,
When we were happy being in sin, when we were content in the life that we were living in away from him,
When we were considered dead in our trespasses, Christ died for us.
Made us alive together. By grace, we have been saved."

Paul is telling the church in Rome and the church in Ephesus, he's saying that God's love isn't for the perfect.
God's love isn't for the one who thinks they got it all together.
God's love isn't for the one that has all the answers that can put on this facade like everything.
No, no, no, no. God's love is for the broken.
God's love is for the sinner.
God's love is for the one who is dead in their trespasses.
His love is for the whosoever.

And when one of them, one of us makes a decision to make him Lord of our life, all of heaven rejoices.
His desire and love towards us shows us who he is.
There's no alley too dark. There's no pit too deep.
There is nowhere that he wouldn't go to find us.

Luke chapter 15 is where we're going to land today.
Verse one says, "Now all the tax collectors and sinners, including the non-observant Jews, were coming near Jesus to listen to him."
Both the Pharisees and the scribes began muttering and complaining, saying, "This man accepts and welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So the perfect people got upset because Jesus wasn't with the perfect people.
The ones who do everything right, the ones who obey all the laws.
They were upset because Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners.

So Jesus began to tell a parable. He says, "What man among you has a hundred sheep?
If he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost, searching until he finds."
And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he gets home, he calls together his friends and neighbors saying to them,
"Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.
I tell you in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over the 99 righteous people who have no need of repentance."

See, a shepherd, his livelihood is his sheep.
The way that he eats, he takes care of the sheep.
The way that he will be able to provide for his family, he takes care of the sheep.
Everything depends on this sheep.

The sheep that can't see. The sheep that's going to go do what it wants to do.
The sheep that bites sometimes. Sound like some of us. Sheep.
Now me, if I have a hundred sheep and I lose one, I'm not really worried about the one because I got 99,
But that's not Jesus. One percent. He says, "Even if it's one percent, I am going to go get my sheep.
I am going to go get my sheep. And when I find them wherever they are, I will rejoice.
I will rejoice because my sheep has been found."

One percent. Verse eight says, "Or what woman, if she has 10 silver coins, each one equal to a day's wages and loses one coin,
Does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it.
And when she has found it, she calls together her women friends and neighbors saying,
'Rejoice with me because I found the lost coin.'
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents,
Who changes his inner self, who changes his own self, way of thinking and regrets his past sins,
Who lives his life in a way that proves repentance and seeks God's purpose for his life."

10%. He goes up. Lose a coin. It's equal to one day's wages.
Says he lights the candle. She sweeps and she's looking for it.
"Where is my coin? I'm looking under the shelf. I'm looking under the kitchen.
I'm looking in the cabinets. I'm looking. I don't care where it is.
I'm flipping the bed. I'm flipping the mattress. I'm opening the couch.
I'm looking under the... I don't care where it is. I am going to find my coin.
And then when I find that coin, I'm going to call everybody who's anybody because I'm so excited
And I'm rejoicing because the coin that was lost is now found."

10%. I go after what the one percent. I don't care.
I'll go after the 10%. Continues verse 11.
Then he said a certain man had two sons. Now we've gone up to 50%.
The younger of them inappropriately says to his father, "Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me."
So he divided the estate between them.

A few days later, the younger son gathered everything together and traveled to a distant country.
There he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living.
Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country.
And he began to do without and be in need.

So he went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country who sent him into the field to feed the pigs.
Now this is a problem. This is a problem to the Jews because Jews don't like pigs.
They got a thing since Jesus sent them into the pig. They don't fool with the pigs.
Pigs are considered ceremonially unclean.

Now me personally, I fry that thing up like nobody's business in moderation. Amen.
But the Jews consider them ceremonially unclean, which means they're not touching the pig.
They're not going to be around it. They don't want to be in the same vicinity of it.
And if by some strike of horribleness, they have to be around the pig,
There is a whole process that they have to go through to eat the pig.
So they're not touching the pig. They're not even coming back and being a part of society because they have been around pigs.

So the fact that they sent this son and the son is now where the pigs is represents the fact that he's at the bottom of the bottom.
So he sent him to go be with the pigs. And he says he would have gladly eaten the pods that the pigs were eating,
But they could not satisfy his hunger. And no one was giving anything to him.

But when he finally came to his senses, man, man, man, man, you should thank Jesus for the moment where you finally came to your senses
Because we've been there, right? We was out there. While in blinded, doing everything.
We were in sin, living a life of sin, comfortable in that sin.
And then there was a day where we finally came to our senses.

Scripture says he came to his senses. And he said, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough food,
While I am dying here of hunger?" Verse 18 says, "I will get up and go to my father.
And then I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Just treat me like one of your hired men.'"

So he got up and he came to his father.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him.
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him.
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him.
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him.

Wait a minute. Two sons were a part of a kingdom.
And if there were sons, then it means that their father was a king.
Now, one thing about kings that I've presumptually assumed is they probably got a lot to do.
Granted, one of the sons is gone. But as a king, when something happens, you have to lay that aside
Because there is a kingdom to be run.

But the only way that the father was able to see his son a long way off is if he was looking for his son.
He was looking for his son. He wasn't busy about the business of the day because he had a desire for his son.
He was worried about his son. He wanted to know where his son was, if his son was okay, what happened to his son.
Yes, his son left, but he had a desire for his son.

And while he was a long way off, his father saw him and he was moved with compassion for him.
And he ran and he embraced him and he kissed him.
Kings don't run. Kings don't run. They walk. They walk with grace. They move slowly.
But the king was not worried. He became undignified.

He wasn't worried about who he was. He wasn't worried about what people thought about him
Because he was over, he was beside himself because his son had come home.
His son came back and he said, he ran to him. He embraced him and he kissed him.
And the son said to the father, "Father, I have sinned against you and against heaven.
I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

Look at this. He was talking to his father.
The son said to the father and the very next verse, the father said to the servant,
He didn't even acknowledge what his son said. He is so overwhelmed.
And I know the son had to feel a little type of way.
"I done mustered up this thing. I done got my stuff together. I done figured out what I'm going to say.
I done put it together."

But see, that's how God is. I don't care about your story.
I don't want to know what you did. I don't want to know.
I don't care about the past. I was there. I saw it. It doesn't matter.
He said, "I am talking to you."

But the father said to his servant, he said to his servant,
He says, "Go bring the best robe, get a ring, put it on his finger, put sandals on his feet,
And bring the fattened calf and slaughter it.
And he said, invite everyone to the feast and celebrate for this son of mine who was as good as dead is alive again.
Oh, this son of mine who was as good as dead is alive again.
He was lost and now he has been found."

So they begin to celebrate. They begin to celebrate because my son,
Although he was rude, although he was disrespectful, although he went outside of my covering,
Although he went to the lowest of the lows and he did the worst thing that's possible, unthinkably imaginable,
He is back. I have found him. He has returned home to celebrate because I desire to be.
Nothing else matters. I desire to be with my son.

So they began to celebrate. Now the older son was in the field.
He returned, approached the house. He heard the music. He heard the dancing.
So he asked the servants what happened.
And he said to him, "Your brother has come. Your father has killed the fattened calf because he's received him back safe and sound."

But the elder brother became angry and resentful and was not willing to go in.
So the father came out begging and pleading with him.
But he said, "These many years I have served you and I have never neglected or disobeyed your command.
Yet you have never given me so much as a young goat so that I might celebrate with you.
No, so that I might celebrate with my friends."

See, that tells you the heart of the brother right there.
Not that I might celebrate with you, so that I might celebrate with my friends.
Yet this other son of yours arrived. That's how we do.
That's exactly how we do. Husbands, dads, y'all know.
"Baby, come get your kids. You better get these kids of yours."

He says, "This other son of yours has arrived who has devoured your estate with the more women and done everything and slaughtered.
You slaughtered the fattened calf for him."
The father said, "Son, you are always with me. You are always with me.
All that is mine is yours. But it was fitting to celebrate and rejoice for this brother of yours.
He was as good as dead and he has begun to live. He was lost and he has been found."

Whether it's one sheep or 10 coins, 10 coins or one brother, 1%, 10%, 50%.
See, Jesus was talking to the Pharisees and the Pharisees are upset.
And see, they understand money. Why? Because they're Pharisees.
They're fine with the 1%. They're fine even with the 10%.

But Jesus says, "No, it's bigger than that.
Because you place it on a scale, but I do not.
You place people on a scale based on the sins that they have committed and you deem them worthy based on what you feel that they have done or they haven't done.
I do not."

Jesus shows us that no one is too far from his reach.
And each of us, each whosoever is worth it to him.
And he has a love and a desire for us.

This can be tough for believers because sometimes we can be the Pharisees.
Sometimes we act like the older brother.
We see people in their present or we see them for their past or where they came from.
We see people for what they're struggling with.
We see people for their sin. We see people for what they've done.
And then we want to judge them.

We want to tell them that they need to clean up before they come,
That they need to fix up before they come into church, before they can be a part of the body.
But that's not what Jesus says. Jesus says, "I go to them and I find them and I bring them back."

And just in case you knew here, or maybe you don't know this,
Limitless is a hospital for the broken.
It is not a country club for people who have it all together.
The whole vision of who we are, the purpose that we exist, our mission is for the whosoever,
Because that is who God's desire is for.

And God has called us as believers to go out and get them in their muck, in their dirt, in their addiction, in their life.
And he says, "Go and tell them about the day and night difference that I've made in your life."

Second Peter 3 says, "The Lord does not delay as though he is unable to act.
He is not slow about his promise.
Because some of us is like, when is God going to strike these people down?
When is he going to come back? When is he going to make it good for me?
When is everything going to go? So these people, I don't got it.
I deal with these people no more. When is he going to do that?"

He is not slow. He does not delay as if he were unable to act.
As some count slowness, but he is extraordinarily patient toward you,
Not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.

God has a deep desire for the whosoever.
His love extends to all, especially those who are lost and those who are broken, especially them.
And we are called, we are commissioned to reach out to the whosoever's,
To the whosoever's in our family, to the whosoever's in our community,
To the whosoever's at our job, to the whosoever's wherever God has placed us.

We are commissioned. It is our job. It is our life's purpose to reach out to them
So that they may come to the knowledge of who Jesus really is and how Jesus has a deep desire for them.
We are called to pursue them just as God relentlessly pursued each and every one of us.

We can be like the Pharisee. We can be like the older brother judging and resenting those who are lost,
But we can be like Jesus, full of compassion, full of grace, ready to embrace and ready to celebrate the return of the whosoever.
We can get upset because they're out there or we can be in anticipation of their return.

I'm reminded of a story where a lady was praying for her son and her son was out there living his life, doing all kinds of stuff.
Her son didn't live with her, but she would see her son often.
And the mom would say, "Hey, I'm waiting for you."
"Yeah, mom, I know," that he would go out and he would live his life and he would see his mom again.
And his mom would say, "Hey, I'm waiting for you."

And this went on and on. And the other kids would say, "Why don't you stop saying that?
He ain't never coming. Why you keep letting him do that to you?"
And the mom would say, "Hey, I'm waiting for you."

And then one day, one Sunday morning, would walk in church right behind her, would be her son.
She didn't have to wait any longer.
I'm reminded of when I used to be at a church out in Madison and my pastor, Pastor Wiley,
When I met him, he would say, "I can't wait for the day that my son walks in the door."

And I would say, "Pastor Wiley, I'm believing God with you."
Yeah, you know, I went to see him and you know, I met his wife and the kids, see my grandkids.
And, you know, one day, I'm like, "I'm going to go to church. I'm going to go to church. I'm going to go to church."
I just believe God that one day my son is going to walk through that door.

And years will go by. And I say, "Pastor Wiley, I'm believing God with you."
And he would have excitement. "Hey, I talked to my son and they said that they're going to come to church."
And that Sunday would come and go. He would still have a desire to see his son come to Jesus.
He wouldn't give up. Years go by and he wouldn't give up.

One Sunday morning, he's up there preaching like he always does.
Got his hat on, got his suit on. His son comes walking through the door.
I just remember the tears coming down his face, excitement he must have had,
The joy that filled up on the inside of him as his son came.

It doesn't matter how hard it was. It doesn't matter how far they are.
It doesn't matter how long they've been gone. Our job is to get them,
To not give up, not worry about what they're going to do, be in anticipation the day that they come home.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your word.
I thank you for what you've done and what you've spoken in this place.
Today, God, we are charged to the whosoever.
We are charged to the whosoever. We are charged to go out and be the body.
We are charged to not give up on those who are lost, but to be in anticipation of their arrival
Because you have a deep desire for the whosoever.

You have a deep desire for us, whether it be one or 10 or 50, you are willing to find us and bring us home.
Thank you for your desire. Thank you for the hope that we have in you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

I'm going to have our ushers come forward at this time.
And when you hear the story of what God is doing, and you hear the story of his desire,
And you think about all that he has done in your life,
And you see the people around you, this is why we give.

Not because a pastor asked you to give or this part of service.
No, God, I just want to say thank you.
I want to say thank you for saving me.
I want to say thank you for healing me, for protecting me.
I want to say thank you for the job that you gave me.
I want to say thank you for continuing to wake me up, even though sometimes I forget.
To acknowledge you, I want to say thank you.

So now I have the opportunity to do so.
In the area of my giving, there's not much I can give, but God, what I do have, I give it to you
Because you are worthy of it. All that you have done.

So today as we give, we don't give out of a heart of grumbling or out of a heart of habit.
We give out of a thankful heart to say thank you.
So God, I pray over every person, God, that's here and those that are watching online.
God, what is it that you would have us to give?
What is it that you would have us to give today?
We want to say thank you, God. You know what we have.
What would you challenge us to give today?

Speak to us right now, God. Speak to our hearts right now, God.
Hallelujah. God, we believe that we've heard you and we make a decision to be obedient
And we honor you in this gift. Thank you for the opportunity to give, to say thank you.
In Jesus' name.

If you're here today and you're new, we have a couple of ways to give.
There's an offering envelope on the seat pocket in front of you.
Also in that seat pocket is a QR code.
If you're watching online and you want to give, you can text the word give to 833-879-0161
And you'll have an opportunity to give there too.

And as always, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I'm going to have the offering team pass the buckets,
And as they pass those buckets and you give, would you stand with me?

One more thing I want to give to you guys and then I'll dismiss.
Hallelujah. Father, thank you for those that gave.
Those that wanted to give, God. I pray that you will bless them.
For the seed that they have sown, that it will be planted on good ground.
That it will multiply and do exactly what you sent it to do.
We command that seed to go and grow. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I'm going to have our altar team come forward at this time.
Lastly, if you're here today and you've never made Jesus Christ Lord of your life.
Excuse me, the prayer team to come forward.
If you've never made Jesus Lord of your life, I don't know what better case than I can lay than a sermon that has already been preached.

Today is the day of salvation.
The Bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved.
Maybe you've made him a friend.
Maybe you've made him in case of emergency use.
Maybe you've made him anything else, but you haven't made him Lord.

He says, "If you believe in your heart and confess him as Lord, then you will be saved."
Today is the day of salvation.
It's time to stop playing. Time is too short.
Too much going on. Make the decision today that will change the course of your life forever.
Because for you, eternity will be secured.

And then in this life, you now have a helper and a partner to walk with you.
And a family. And a family to walk with you.
God desires you. Desires to be in relationship with you.

So if you'd like to make that decision today, our prayer team is here.
Secondly, if you're here today and you say, "Hey, I made that decision a minute ago and I just have not been living like it."
I want to recommit my life to Jesus.
Then I want to offer you that opportunity.

Jesus is just like that king who's there and he sees his son from afar off.
He is ready to embrace you. He hasn't gone anywhere.
He is ready for you.

So if you'd like to recommit your life to Jesus, I want to offer you that opportunity.
And lastly, if you say, "Pastor, I just need somebody to agree with me in prayer.
I'm believing God. I'm believing God. I'm praying for some things.
And I would like somebody to just stand in with me to see God do what I know that he's going to do."

We've seen it happen so many times.
And we're in expectation already before you got here to see it again.
So if either one of those things apply to you, if you want to accept Jesus,
If you want to recommit your life, if you need prayer, would you grab your stuff and just make your way down here to our prayer team?
They are ready. They are prayed up. They've been expecting you.
They are ready for you.

Because this is the day that is going to change your life.
This is the day that everything begins to make a shift.
But God is not going to make you do anything.
You have to make the decision for yourself.

Grab your stuff. Get out your seat and get to this altar.
Today is a day for you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word.
Thank you for these people.
Thank you that you protect them and keep them throughout this week.
I thank you that your word is hidden in their heart, God, that it will continue to work in them all week long.
God, I thank you for the opportunity to proclaim Jesus this week, God.

For each and every person that is here, that you would give them an opportunity to proclaim Jesus.
That they wouldn't be worried about what am I going to say and how is it going to come out,
But that you would speak through them in that moment.
And that when it happens, that they will recognize what you've done in their lives and how you're moving in them.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
We praise you. We honor you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God bless you. This Wednesday is our summer classes.
Next week is the Limitless Lunch.
We also have our worship and prayer.
If you're here tonight, next week, do me a favor.
Please make sure you're there. We would love to see you there.

Get to this altar and get what you need.
If you're new here, welcome. We love you. Thank you.
We should have said, "Hey," earlier.
But do me a favor. Come meet me outside at the table.
I would love to hear your story, to say hello, and to just give you a hug.

All right? Guys, have an incredible week.
I can't wait to see you next week. God bless you.
And don't forget, live Limitless.

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "If God be for us, we can overcome all obstacles. They say love covers a multitude of sins. So I'm here to put some love in the wind. Tell a friend." [01:16] (115 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




2. "God's love isn't for the perfect. God's love isn't for the one who thinks they got it all together. God's love isn't for the one that has all the answers that can put on this facade like everything. No, no, no, no. God's love is for the broken. God's love is for the sinner. God's love is for the one who is dead in their trespasses. His love is for the whosoever." [01:08:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




3. "God has a deep desire for the whosoever. His love extends to all, especially those who are lost and those who are broken, especially them. And we are called, we are commissioned to reach out to the whosoever's, to the whosoever's in our family, to the whosoever's in our community, to the whosoever's at our job, to the whosoever's wherever God has placed us." [01:28:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




4. "God desires us. Many of you know the story of my son, Cadence. He was born as a preemie, and he spent 50, 52 days in the neonatal intensive care unit. It was hard going home every day for over a month and not being able to take our son with us. It's very hard." [01:03:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




5. "God clearly shows and proves his love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we were still in the dirt, while we were still in the muck, while we were still not acknowledging him, not even knowing who he was. Caring about him, not speaking to him. He died for us." [01:06:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




### Quotes for Members

1. "We celebrate in the blood and the body of Jesus. This communion is sacred. It is set apart. There was a time when Jesus was here and the disciples would regularly break bread, but this moment in scripture was different. This meant something different because Jesus knew that this was the last one that he would be able to participate in with his disciples." [33:57] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




2. "Jesus shows us that no one is too far from his reach. And each of us, each whosoever is worth it to him. And he has a love and a desire for us. This can be tough for believers because sometimes we can be the Pharisees. Sometimes we act like the older brother. We see people in their present or we see them for their past or where they came from." [01:26:23] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




3. "Whether it's one sheep or 10 coins, 10 coins or one brother, 1%, 10%, 50%. See, Jesus was talking to the Pharisees and the Pharisees are upset. And see, they understand money. Why? Because they're Pharisees they're fine with the 1%. Yeah. They're fine even with the 10%. But Jesus says, no, it's bigger than that. Because you place it on a scale, but I do not." [01:24:28] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




4. "We are called to pursue them just as God relentlessly pursued each and every one of us. We can be like the Pharisee. We can be like the older brother judging and resenting those who are lost, but we can be like Jesus, full of compassion, full of grace, ready to embrace and ready to celebrate the return of the whosoever." [01:30:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




5. "The Bible says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved. Maybe you've made him friend. Maybe you've made him in case of emergency use. Maybe you've made him anything else, but you haven't made him Lord. He says, if you believe in your heart and confess him as Lord, then you will be saved." [01:41:22] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)