September 15, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for September 15th: Jeremiah 4:11-12,22-28; Psalm 14, I Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 Theme: Lost in the world, found by God. Luke 15:1-10: The whole point of Jesus’ ministry on earth was to bring us back into relationship with God. With life- there are so many distractions that drive us away from that relationship. It has gotten to the point that most people don’t even understand why it is necessary to have a relationship. They think that life is all about us. When we are able to break away from that distraction and pay attention to God, Jesus celebrates as if his job has been done. We are all celebrate success. Most of us hate to lose things, we are happy when we find them. A celebration usually involves fixing a meal and inviting friends to celebrate with you. You can’t have a party without preparation of a table for people to come and join in. How do we prepare the table for others to come and join us? I Timothy 1: 12-17: Paul is celebrating being a saved sinner. He is recounting how he used to persecute Christians until Christ came to him personally. From that moment, Paul has been telling others about the gifts of salvation. He speaks of the importance of having faith in a world that convinces us that there is nothing for us to believe in. Paul builds upon Jesus message in Luke of the lost sinner being found. Paul says that he is that lost sinner. We all are. Christ came into this world to show us the way to God. How do we even begin to say thank you for all that Christ has done. Paul says by giving him honor and glory. Questions: How do you feel when you lose something of value? What do you do the celebrate finding something of value? How do you honor Christ for finding you? How does it feel to return to church after being absent?