As a child of God, you do not need to wait until eternity to receive and enjoy all that belongs to you as a "Co-heir with Christ" The blessings of God - the riches of Heaven - the peace of Christ. They are all available to you right now. As a member of God's family, all that belongs to God, also belongs to you. The celebration you are to experience is not reserved for Heaven.
The early church went one step further. They lived with the truth that they had all things in common, able to give and receive from one another as part of the same family. At times one member receives, while another member gives. Then, at other times those who gave may be in need and others have the blessing to give. That is what it means to be in the Family of God. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. When one suffers, we all suffer.
As we finish up the story of the Prodigal Son, we will see who we are as children of God, members of the family of God. We will see that we can celebrate what is ours in Christ, now and in eternity. Whether we choose to participate with the family of God is up to us. Just as it was for the older son.
Nov 22, 2020 - Co-Heirs with Christ
November 22, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:31–32
Nov 15 - The Invitation
November 15, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:25–30
As we move along in Luke 15, the focus of the parable turns to the other son, the oldest son, the one who stayed home. He is the one you might say was the "good son". But we know how the story ends. As the father welcomes and celebrate the return of the "lost son", the son who stayed home and did his chores, and was a dutiful and faithful son, is resentful. He doesn't like all the attention being given to his brother. Do you ever find yourself a bit offended when someone else gets what you think you deserve? Do you ever feel as though your hard work never gets rewarded? Do you find it hard to rejoice when someone else is rejoicing, when it should have been you being celebrated? My guess is that if we have a hard time identifying with the prodigal son, we may identify all too well with the older son.
The Invitation - Nov 15
November 15, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:25–30
As we move along in Luke 15, the focus of the parable turns to the other son, the oldest son, the one who stayed home. He is the one you might say was the "good son". But we know how the story ends. As the father welcomes and celebrate the return of the "lost son", the son who stayed home and did his chores, and was a dutiful and faithful son, is resentful. He doesn't like all the attention being given to his brother. Do you ever find yourself a bit offended when someone else gets what you think you deserve? Do you ever feel as though your hard work never gets rewarded? Do you find it hard to rejoice when someone else is rejoicing, when it should have been you being celebrated? My guess is that if we have a hard time identifying with the prodigal son, we may identify all too well with the older son.
The Celebration
November 8, 2020 • Bill Williamson • Luke 15:22–24
As we continue to follow the lost son on his journey home, there is a shift in the atmosphere. The one who was lost is found. The one who was dead, is alive. It's time for a celebration. It's the picture of one who is found by Christ, whose life is transformed by the Holy Spirit, as the angels rejoice in heaven over one person who "comes home" to God. However, it is also the picture of the eternal celebration that we will experience in heaven. Remember, Jesus assures us that there is a place in His Father's house for those who trust in Him. As the result of God's grace, the forgiveness extended to us through the sacrifice of Christ, we not only have life abundant and full here on earth, but there is a celebration awaiting us in our Father's Kingdom. Some say that we do here on earth is a dress rehearsal for what we will experience in heaven. Oh, what a day that will be! As we come together for worship, let us prepare our hearts to rejoice and celebrate in the presence of our King. Whether in the actual sanctuary, or at home, let us join our hearts together as we lift our praises in worship of our Risen Lord.