Pursuit

Right Actions, Wrong Heart: Finding the Father's Heart in the Prodigal Story

March 3, 2024 • Tyler Crosson • Luke 15:24–32

To wrap up this series, we'll look at the three primary characters in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus told this parable to teach us more about the heart of God the Father. In today's message, the party for the younger son begins, but not everyone is feeling like a party. The older son of the Father protests. What we discover is that while the older son did go and squander money or live recklessly, he still missed the heart of the Father. The older son was busy doing things in the Father's house, but still hadn't experienced the Father's love. He was lukewarm, neither fully on fire in the Father's love or ice cold to the Father, and it was a sad place to be because nearness to the Father was strictly about obligation and it was absent of joy. Questions for Reflection: • Have you ever found yourself expecting something from God because of what you've done for Him? • How do we prevent becoming lukewarm in our faith and how do we know it's starting to happen?

You have a seat at the table!

February 25, 2024 • Tyler Crosson • Luke 15:20–24, 1 John 3:1, Luke 15:11

In this message, Tyler explores the timeless parable of the prodigal son, shedding light on its relevance in our lives today. Through this narrative, we're reminded that our journey back to God isn't met with judgment but with a celebration of our return. Tyler's insights challenge us to reconsider our perceptions of divine love, encouraging us to take the steps necessary to rekindle our relationship with the Father. Join us as we delve into understanding the depth of God's welcoming embrace. Questions for Reflection: • Reflect on the parable of the prodigal son we're studying. Why do you think Jesus chose this story, and how does it challenge or affirm your expectations of acceptance? • Tyler listed several guests at the table, The Unwanted,The Paralyzed, The Undesirable, The Defiled, Those In Bondage, The Prodigal Son. Which guest do you identify with, and how has that influenced your way of connecting with or showing gratitude to God?

Lost Not Rejected: Discovering Unconditional Love

February 18, 2024 • Travis James • Luke 15:11–20

In this message Travis launches us into a new series that we are calling Pursuit. He teaches on the transformative journey of the prodigal son to illustrate the depth of God's grace and acceptance. Through a personal anecdote of getting lost in a race, he draws parallels to our spiritual wanderings and the unchanging embrace of God's love, even when we feel distant. This message is a powerful reminder that our missteps do not define us; instead, we are welcomed back with open arms, invited to rediscover a love that never turns us away. Join us as we explore the profound truth that we are lost, but never rejected. Questions for Reflection: • How can sharing our own stories of feeling 'lost' help strengthen our community and foster a deeper understanding of God's grace? • Consider the role of forgiveness in your life. How does forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness, relate to the theme of returning home in the prodigal son's story?