sgys banner books

“A GREAT WAY OFF” Luke 15:20

Luke 15 – 3 parables of that which was lost (SSS):

  • Lost Sheep
  • Lost Silver
  • Lost Son

What is the overriding divine theme communicated in this beautiful Bible chapter?

THE whole of Scripture testifies to the reality that the LORD delights to restore when we simply come to Him humbly, on His terms.

“And he (the wayward son) arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

From a great distance, when his son was yet far away, the father of the prodigal (wayward) son saw him on the distant horizon. The Father in Heaven has His eye on and longs to restore all those who have left their first love (Rev. 2:4-5). In those story the Savior gave us to unveil the divine heart, this estranged child discovered no peace or fulfillment in that far away land that had promised him such and was coming home to daddy. He was returning home to his father’s house where all the treasure he ever desired always existed and readily awaited his arrival. Yet, is it possible that this prodigal son was expecting to be condemned when he arrived back home? Do we fear that the LORD will reject or be cold to us when we return to Him in repentance? (Hos. 14:1) Are we teachable to learn His nature from His own mouth/Word?

The loving father of the returning child was obviously looking far off into the distance because he longed to have his son back in his bosom and care. We gather this because the Scripture states that he could see him “a great way off.” (Lk. 15:20)

Perhaps the joyful forsaken father wiped a tear from his eye as he watched afar off as his son’s image appeared over the horizon – as he was returning home. Does this not illustrate the restorative love of our heavenly Father who lovingly anticipates the return of every one of His alienated children? Did He not inform us that He is “grieved for the misery of Israel” His very people? (Judges 10:16) His loving eyes view with longing love those who once knew Him and who are now away from Him.  Those created in His image have been granted the freedom to choose. God will not force but rather requires that those who come to Him be “willing and obedient.” (Isa. 1:19-20) – “And he (the wayward son) arose, and came to his father.” (Lk. 15:20) The departed son chose to arise and come back to his father. This depicts the involvement of the personal will. Love is never forced.

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready (postured) to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5

Friend, we must see this picture of the nature of God if we are to understand Him better. Our LORD was giving us a picture of the Father here. Does He condemn those who are distance or have not known Him yet? Let’s let Him answer for Himself:

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17

“For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Luke 9:56

Prayed for a dear lady recently. She was elated. She told me today that she was so excited that someone cared enough to pray for her that she went and told her boyfriend. God is able to fill and pour His love through His people saints! He wants to use you beloved. Ask Him!

God is a gracious and forgiven Father to His own:

“He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

In light of these Biblical truths revealing the divine nature, may it forever be settled in our hearts that God truly is love and that He longs to restore each and every person who has never come home or who has left home for the time being (backslidden). The Father longs to teach our hearts us so that we experience Him in a fuller way (Deut. 32:1-2; Prov. 4:2; Matt. 11:29; Rom. 15:4). This is His goal. (Ps. 147:3; Jer. 1:10; 29:11-13; Ezek. 36:26, 36; Lk. 4:18, etc.)

Being now enlightened about this truth, what should be our outlook and prayer toward those who are currently not in relationship with the LORD? Make no mistake, their soul is in the balance. He is restoring us, so what should our perspective be of those around us whom He is restoring? How can we be in agreement with and help His process? As “ministers of reconciliation,” how can the LORD use us as restoring agents, helping men find their way back to Him? (2 Cor. 5:17-20)

Jesus teaches that if we any sin at all in our own lives, we are 100% disqualified from pointing out or condemning anyone else for any sin they have in their own life.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” John 8:7

Mercy! Love it! Give it! Preach it!

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

Be sure of this …. If you die having not forgiven EVERYONE from your heart, hell is your home (Matthew 18:21-35). You will never escape. Repent now. God was and has been unfathomably merciful to you and I and He requires that we show mercy to others – or perish. Look in the mirror at all your own sin and how mercifully God has been with you. Drop the rocks, now. Pray for that person(s) till God’s love overflows in your heart, till you are broken in a million pieces and brought by Him to the place of total brokenness and dependence!

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26

Any questions?

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

Galatians 6:1-2 says:

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

WHEN you witness a brother or sister becoming weak, having a fault, or committing sin, GOD’s call for you is to help them be restored to Him and not to run them through with the rusty sword of your own self-righteous judgment (Galatians 6:1-2; James 1:20; Romans 8:33-34).

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20

May God bless us to be flooded with His love in all of the dimensions that He desires in us – namely to love mercy and walk humbly with Him (Mic. 6:8).

“He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8

NEVER camp out on your sin. RUN to Jesus in repentance and confession! (Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn 1:9)

PRAYER: Father, in the name of Jesus, I here and now announce the reality that no one needs Your mercy and forgiveness more than this sinner. God help me to walk in humility and love mercy as I seek Your holy face for the deep cleansing I truly need and only You can perform. Jesus, please bless this heart to perceive others through Your mercy, shed blood, and Word of love. LORD, please break and use me to see some come home to You in this late hour. In Jesus’ name, Amen Jesus.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | Zambia Mission | All Ministry UpdatesThe Greatest of these is Charity | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast] | The Sure Mercies of David [podcast] | That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God  | Great Commission

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Abiding

Modern Day Cult of Personality Exposed [podcast]


What is the Cult of Personality?

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

Beware when you see any mere man enshrined, basically worshipped by his followers. This is all too common in today’s church world and sometimes it’s very subtle. When people begin putting what a mere man says above what God says in His Word, when they quote him instead of the Bible, you know you have a cult.

One source notes:

“A cult of personality, or a cult of the leader, is the result of an effort to create an idealized and heroic image of an admirable leader, often through unquestioning flattery and praise.”‘

CS Lewis has a cult following today, 100%. I’ve encountered it first hand. These people don’t care what you show them as far as the blatant falsehoods he spoke, and have soul tied their affections to him and will defend him no matter what.

A quick search on “what CS Lewis said about the Catholic church”…

“As an Anglican, C.S. Lewis shared many beliefs with the Catholic Church, including the Real Presence in the Eucharist, the necessity of confession, and a belief in Purgatory. However, he explicitly rejected papal authority, the concept of papal infallibility, and certain Marian doctrines.

Shared Beliefs

Lewis held a deeply sacramental and traditional view of Christianity, which aligned closely with Catholic theology:

The Sacraments: He regularly went to confession to a priest and viewed the Eucharist as central to the faith.

The Afterlife: He famously argued that “our souls demand Purgatory”, writing that we would naturally want to be cleansed of our sins before standing in God’s presence.

Devotion: He had a high view of saints and appreciated traditional liturgical practices.”


The same is true for modern day celebrities such as Candace Owens. On a recent live broadcast where she interviewed a man, he showed her live on air, that she was wrong about several things and kindly asked her to apologize several times. Regrettably, Candace was unwilling to apologize,  and most of her cult followers backed her up, cheered her on.

She was called to account for false info and didn’t apologize when asked to.

Her followers cheered her on, never stopping to question things.

Their hearts are set on her not Christ (Colossians 3:1-4).

No matter WHAT she says, they believe it.

Wow.

Jesus says:

“I receive not honour from men. … 44  How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?” John 5:41, 44

By saying this, Jesus condemns putting trust in any mere man.

Jesus makes it clear here that anyone who puts their heart affections in a mere man or woman, is unable to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ for eternal life.

“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 

“4:6 He first explains that in speaking about the Christian ministry and the tendency to follow human leaders (3:5-4:5), he used himself and Apollos as the examples. The Corinthians were not forming parties around Paul and Apollos alone, but also around other men who were then in their church. However, out of a sense of Christian courtesy and delicacy, Paul transferred the entire matter to himself and Apollos so that by their example the saints would learn not to have exaggerated opinions of their leaders or to gratify their pride by the formation of parties. He wanted the saints to evaluate everything and everyone by the Scriptures.
4:7 If one Christian teacher is more gifted than another, it is because God made him so. Everything he has, he received from the Lord. In fact it is true of all of us that everything we have has been given to us by God. That being the case, why should we be proud or puffed up? Our talents and gifts are not the result of our own cleverness.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.” John 8:37

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5  Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 139:4-5

A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.” Jeremiah 17:12

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

1 Corinthians 1:29-2:5

“that no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

“2:5 Paul knew that there was the utmost danger that his hearers might be interested in himself or in his own personality rather than in the living Lord. Conscious of his own inability to bless or to save, he determined that he would lead men to trust in God alone rather than in the wisdom of men. All who proclaim the gospel message or teach the word of God should make this their constant aim.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” Psalms 17:2

“Sentence” here means verdict.

Prayer of Repentance to be Restored to the LORD: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ and by His precious blood He shed to make me one with You, I come to youin my sinful state. LORD, I openly acknowledge that I have departed from You and sinfully rebelled against You in the sin of idolatry. Right this moment, if never before, I call upon You, Holy Father, asking You to forgive my sins, to change my life, to break me to the core of my being. I fully believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty, that He came in the flesh, lived a sinless life as the very only begotten Son of God, died on the cross for the sins of mankind, was buried, rose again from the dead, and is soon going to return! I love You my LORD Jesus and from this moment forward, I am all Yours! I will follow You according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Please fill me with Your Holy Ghost and use me every day of my life that You grant! In Jesus’ name, amen!

CS Lewis Category

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Walking with Jesus on His Stated Terms – the Cross | Fasting and PrayerThe Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast]The 5 Sins That Keep God’s People Out of Their Promised Land [podcast]What Did Paul Mean by “I Keep Under My Body”? [podcast]“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]Departing from Hell BeneathPrayer

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

The Cross and the Throne of Grace [podcast]


“Hid with Christ in God”

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

The safest place in the universe is in the cross of Christ: “your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Our place of protection is in the love walk with the LORD where we express our love for Him in obedience to Him. Jesus commanded that we deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Him. We are full of troubles and so it should be easy to relinquish all to Him!

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

In Christ alone is our rest from the toil of this life.

“Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalms 17:4

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Prayer: Father, in Jesus’ name, please bring me to the end of sinful self. Rebuke and remove the foolishness of this heart! I love You LORD and thank You that I am crucified with You today and that You are raising up this life for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | ChristologyBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God | 100’s of Christ-Centered, Scripture-Rich Podcasts | Rooted and Grounded in Christ 

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

“I Will Uphold Thee with the Right Hand of My Righteousness” [podcast]


One source notes:

“‘I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness’ is a famous promise from the Bible found in Isaiah 41:10 (KJB). It is a comforting verse offering reassurance against fear, with ‘the right hand of my righteousness’ symbolizing God’s divine power, justice, and support.”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

Help Me Jesus!

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. … For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

“When we are in the fire of affliction it’s easy to feel afraid and wonder if God is there. Many of the great men of the Bible became discouraged and broken. But the secret was they took it to God in all honesty! In Job 3 he expressed a desire to die. But yet he said in Job 19:25 ‘For I know my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:’ David said in Psalm 56:9 ‘When I cry into thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.’ And we know Jeremiah, Jonah, Elijah, etc. all had moments of despair and suffering, but the Lord continued to uphold and encourage them. Their faith did not waver even in the midst of doubt and confusion!” Karen Cochran

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

“in thy presence is fulness of joy”

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11

“at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | The Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Victory in Jesus | Discipleship | The Glorious Grace of God | The Restoring Love of Our God | God’s Mercy | Spiritual Warfare | JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast] | Haggai

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending