Thank God that last Saturday combined fellowship outing went on smoothly. We started off by a message by Elder Chew from Calvary Pandan BPC and trekked down the hill. Lunch was taken at Seah Im food centre and we visited the Sentosa Broadwalk.
Here is a small message summary of Elder Chew preaching, pardon me if things are left out as I did not take formal notes for this message.
Sermon text: Luke 15: 1 - 32.
(I) Introduction
In Luke 15: 1 - 32, Jesus mentioned three parables. He did this to rebuke the self - righteous Pharisees assertion of Jesus unholiness by mixing with sinners. This is clearly unacceptable in their "law" and hence, they seek to distance apart from sinners. However, how wrong they are!
(II) Parable of lost sheep (Luke 15: 4 - 7)
In this parable, God described a Sheppard looking for the one lost sheep when he had ninety nine sheep with him and rejoicing in the discovery of the lost sheep.
Application: We are exactly like the lost sheep, directionless and will not come nigh to God (the Sheppard). This is in direct counter to the Pharisees assertion and they are the unclean one indeed and what worse is that they are unsure that they are lost. Hence, as Christians, we should always know that we are lost as it is better to acknowledge that we are lost and seek God salvation. This also shows that the process of salvation is an active process by God and it is his initiative to seek reconciliation. Also, this also apply in our evangelism whereby we need to actively reach out to unbelievers.
(III) Parable of the lost coin (Luke 15: 8 - 10)
In verse 8, the key message is similar to the parable of the lost sheep. Notice that how dirty the floor is when the women sweeps the floor to find the lost coin. In verses 9 - 10, when the coin is found, the women is so happy. This also apply to the angels joy when a lost soul is being found.
Application: This show that when we reach out to unbelievers ( the coin), the path is never easy and we, at times, may face difficulties and trials along the way. However, press on, as God will rejoice in one salvation. This also implies that heaven is a place filled with happiness as souls, once lost, is being found daily.
(IV) Parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 12 - 32)
The prodigal son is really an unfilial son where he coveted his father riches and hope his father is dead and he then can rightfully inherited them. He audaciously demanded his inheritance (verse 12) which he squandered away. Thankfully, he felt his guilt and repented (verse 18 - 19). His father was merciful enough to forgive (verse 22) but his brother was aghast against that decision (verse 28). It is important to note his father response which said that he was glad that his brother was once dead, and is alive again. (verse 32).
Application: Isn't the prodigal son us? Although we did not demand God inheritance for us directly, we indirectly demanded it by sinning. The price to pay for our sins is death and Jesus paid the hefty wage for us which is like the father giving his best for the repentant prodigal son. We should, of course, recognized that we had sinned and God is merciful to forgive. We also should be happy when others get saved, and do not be jealous of their salvation as we should be glad that we are not lost.
May God help us to understand these applications.
No comments:
Post a Comment