Worship Services

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

The fifteenth chapter of Luke recounts three well-known parables -- The Parable of the Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Lost Coin, and The Parable of the Lost Son (commonly known as the parable of the Prodigal Son).  Pastor Rick shared the familiar story of the Prodigal Son this week, but his message gives us fresh insights on how this story relates to today's world and is in truth, our story.

• Just as the younger son wanted the instant gratification of his inheritance, and then squandered it, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
• When he came to his senses, he returned to his father to admit his failings, just as we are all called to confess and repent.
• But as the father demonstrated his joy and love on the return of his son, we all have the amazing grace of a loving father who welcomes us back when we fall.
• As the father explained to the older son, God rejoices for one who was lost and now is found.

God's gentle reminder to us --His children --  is to "love others as I have loved you".