WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:24.839 I wanted to get back in Luke 15. I wanted to tackle Luke 15 before I went. Partly because Luke 15 is so familiar isn't it? It is so loved. It has been so analysed. Whole volumes have been written on Luke 15. Lots of sermons have been preached on Luke 15. And many of them are wonderful. Most of them are wonderful. And yet I think this passage is kind of psychoanalyzed probably too much. 00:00:24.839 --> 00:00:45.000 So just let it be 3 with me. I want to deal with it all in one because it's one parable. It's not three parables. So Jesus told them this parable. And so there's one very very simple message that runs all the way through. It's stories of what was lost and it's now found. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:01:00.340 You know what it's like to lose and then find. You know what it's like to lose your credit card. To lose your oyster card. You know as you get on the bus and you can't find it. And everybody's behind you moaning London commuters. 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:08.420 And you lose your eyes and you lose your eyes and then suddenly you find it in your inside pocket. And you rejoice because what was lost is now found. 00:01:09.600 --> 00:01:20.379 You know what it's like to lose? Keys. And you can't find them anywhere. Where have you moved them to? Where have you left the keys? And then you find them. 00:01:20.379 --> 00:01:27.039 Some people know the anguish of seeing parents who have lost a child. Or maybe you have lost a child. 00:01:27.899 --> 00:01:35.000 And then the great joy and the great relief when that child is found and your heart starts to beat again. 00:01:35.799 --> 00:01:41.500 And if you look at Luke 15 here our Lord Jesus is talking to us about four lost things. It's very very simple. 00:01:41.500 --> 00:01:51.319 Four lost things or people. But it's a chapter that tells us far more about God than it does about people. And that's important to remember. 00:01:52.599 --> 00:02:00.539 It tells us first of all that the category that matters to God. The categories that matter to God are not your race. 00:02:01.539 --> 00:02:11.240 And not your age. And not your sex. Not your denomination. Not your wealth or your socio-economic status. 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:19.120 All of that is irrelevant to God. The thing that really matters to God is whether or not you are lost. 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:23.819 Or previously lost and now found. That's what matters to God. 00:02:24.719 --> 00:02:28.280 So first of all let's see the first lost here. It's there in verses 1 to 7 isn't it? 00:02:28.520 --> 00:02:32.500 And here is a shepherd. Here is a shepherd and he's got 100 sheep. 00:02:33.180 --> 00:02:34.620 And sheep naturally wander. 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:41.319 And the shepherd secures the 99 and then he searches for the one. 00:02:42.259 --> 00:02:44.300 And when he finds the one look at verse 7. 00:02:44.700 --> 00:02:55.840 Just so I tell you there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance. 00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:59.060 The second lost is in verses 8 to 10. 00:02:59.120 --> 00:03:03.560 A woman has 10 coins and the coins are helpless. 00:03:05.140 --> 00:03:06.520 One preacher helpfully said isn't it? 00:03:06.719 --> 00:03:09.980 If the coin was not found what would it be? 00:03:11.140 --> 00:03:12.039 Lost forever. 00:03:13.080 --> 00:03:15.020 And that is what a coin is. It is helpless. 00:03:16.099 --> 00:03:17.539 The coin cannot bleat. 00:03:18.280 --> 00:03:20.500 The coin cannot attract attention to itself. 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:24.139 So the woman turns the house upside down. 00:03:24.500 --> 00:03:25.939 And Jesus says in verse 10. 00:03:27.139 --> 00:03:33.680 Just so I tell you there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. 00:03:34.939 --> 00:03:36.740 Now notice in these parables. 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:38.900 Jesus says there is something lost. 00:03:39.680 --> 00:03:41.539 There is a search that takes place. 00:03:42.280 --> 00:03:45.060 And then there is great relief and joy in the find. 00:03:46.099 --> 00:03:47.400 The seeking shepherd. 00:03:48.259 --> 00:03:49.520 The searching woman. 00:03:49.520 --> 00:03:51.540 Well that is God isn't it? 00:03:52.480 --> 00:03:53.480 The lost sheep. 00:03:53.840 --> 00:03:54.700 The lost coin. 00:03:54.880 --> 00:03:55.640 Well that is us. 00:03:56.719 --> 00:03:58.260 Because apart from God we are helpless. 00:03:59.320 --> 00:04:00.000 And we are hopeless. 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:03.920 And God is the searching God who loves to find. 00:04:04.200 --> 00:04:07.120 He is not contented with the 99 sheep. 00:04:07.439 --> 00:04:09.680 He is not contented with the 9 coins. 00:04:10.320 --> 00:04:13.980 He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:15.040 But he parties. 00:04:15.039 --> 00:04:15.239 He parties. 00:04:16.039 --> 00:04:17.079 He parties. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:20.060 When anyone turns around and comes to him. 00:04:20.980 --> 00:04:22.240 He parties at the finds. 00:04:23.560 --> 00:04:25.800 And it may well be in the light of those two stories. 00:04:25.920 --> 00:04:27.980 That you realise he hasn't actually found me. 00:04:28.560 --> 00:04:28.819 Yet. 00:04:29.539 --> 00:04:30.379 He hasn't found me. 00:04:31.279 --> 00:04:32.180 I know I am lost. 00:04:33.339 --> 00:04:35.319 And sitting here waiting to be found. 00:04:35.399 --> 00:04:36.879 And God had better get his act together. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:38.379 And so if that's you. 00:04:38.480 --> 00:04:39.219 Well go over the page. 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:41.279 Because you notice there begins the third loss. 00:04:42.699 --> 00:04:44.560 And it's the loss of the man. 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:47.759 Who says there was a man who was 11 who had two sons. 00:04:49.120 --> 00:04:50.839 And the younger of them said to his father. 00:04:50.959 --> 00:04:52.279 Father give me the share. 00:04:52.279 --> 00:04:55.000 Of the property that is coming to me. 00:04:56.099 --> 00:04:56.919 What's he saying there? 00:04:56.959 --> 00:04:57.639 He's saying to the father. 00:04:57.839 --> 00:04:59.139 I'd rather you were dead. 00:05:00.079 --> 00:05:01.119 I'd rather you were dead. 00:05:01.899 --> 00:05:04.000 I want my share of the estate now. 00:05:05.099 --> 00:05:05.959 Let's think of London Zoo. 00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:07.519 Maybe you've been to London Zoo. 00:05:08.159 --> 00:05:09.659 And there is a lion's enclosure. 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:10.019 Isn't there? 00:05:10.059 --> 00:05:10.839 Within London Zoo. 00:05:11.579 --> 00:05:12.459 There's a lion's enclosure. 00:05:12.559 --> 00:05:13.319 Now imagine this. 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:15.419 Imagine one of the lions decides. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:16.139 I want out. 00:05:16.459 --> 00:05:17.119 I want out. 00:05:17.319 --> 00:05:17.879 I want freedom. 00:05:18.279 --> 00:05:20.859 And so he gnaws through the fence. 00:05:20.860 --> 00:05:23.460 Somehow eats the plastic of his enclosure. 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:24.879 He goes through the wire. 00:05:25.220 --> 00:05:26.360 And he escapes. 00:05:27.319 --> 00:05:28.319 The lion thinks. 00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:30.480 I need to get out of this enclosure. 00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:33.080 Well what did the lion get into? 00:05:34.280 --> 00:05:35.280 What did he get into? 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:38.040 He escapes from his enclosure. 00:05:38.699 --> 00:05:41.660 He gnaws through the metal and the plastic and the wire and the wood. 00:05:42.139 --> 00:05:43.080 Well what does he get into? 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:46.120 Well just a larger enclosure called the zoo isn't it? 00:05:47.220 --> 00:05:50.060 The lion doesn't escape by getting out of his enclosure. 00:05:50.860 --> 00:05:52.500 He's still stuck isn't he? 00:05:52.540 --> 00:05:53.400 Within the zoo. 00:05:54.780 --> 00:05:57.920 And you see the search for freedom is an elusive search. 00:05:59.100 --> 00:06:04.100 Here is the lion out of his small enclosure into a larger enclosure. 00:06:05.639 --> 00:06:07.040 And here is the younger son. 00:06:07.139 --> 00:06:07.680 I want freedom. 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:10.199 I'd rather have you dead. 00:06:11.360 --> 00:06:13.040 I want my share of the estate now. 00:06:13.120 --> 00:06:13.720 I want that money. 00:06:13.720 --> 00:06:18.440 And as the younger son on this elusive search for freedom. 00:06:18.940 --> 00:06:21.080 He takes on his one third of the estate. 00:06:21.260 --> 00:06:22.140 And Jesus says. 00:06:22.220 --> 00:06:22.900 Can you see it? 00:06:23.640 --> 00:06:25.120 He squanders it. 00:06:26.080 --> 00:06:27.660 Verse 13 in reckless living. 00:06:29.360 --> 00:06:30.640 And when the money goes. 00:06:30.720 --> 00:06:31.800 So does his friends. 00:06:34.200 --> 00:06:35.060 And he's reduced. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:37.060 Well to this isn't it? 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:39.060 These rather lowly tasks. 00:06:39.280 --> 00:06:39.759 For any man. 00:06:39.819 --> 00:06:40.839 But particularly a Jewish man. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:41.879 Of swilling the pigs. 00:06:43.259 --> 00:06:44.699 And in the midst of the swill. 00:06:45.560 --> 00:06:46.839 He looks at his hands and he says. 00:06:46.920 --> 00:06:47.840 I will go back to my father. 00:06:47.899 --> 00:06:48.379 Verse 18. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:51.340 I will arise and go to my father. 00:06:52.620 --> 00:06:54.220 And he rehearses his confession. 00:06:54.399 --> 00:06:55.720 Father I have sinned against heaven. 00:06:56.540 --> 00:06:57.480 And before you. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:01.040 And I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:04.680 Would you please take me back? 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:06.040 Would you please take me back? 00:07:06.080 --> 00:07:07.420 As one of your hired men. 00:07:08.420 --> 00:07:11.020 And Jesus focuses on this father. 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:13.360 Here is a father. 00:07:13.520 --> 00:07:14.939 Who every meal time. 00:07:15.320 --> 00:07:17.000 Knows that he has two sons. 00:07:18.040 --> 00:07:19.320 But when he comes to the dinner table. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:20.720 There is an empty seat. 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:22.939 And as any father will tell you. 00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:24.660 When he sees his son. 00:07:25.080 --> 00:07:26.680 As a speck on the horizon. 00:07:26.820 --> 00:07:28.040 He knows that it's his son. 00:07:28.820 --> 00:07:29.759 Parents you know. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:31.020 Your children's walks. 00:07:31.040 --> 00:07:31.439 Don't you? 00:07:32.060 --> 00:07:32.879 You can tell it. 00:07:34.140 --> 00:07:35.680 And here we see that Jesus says. 00:07:36.000 --> 00:07:38.300 This father sees his son. 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:40.260 While he is a long way off. 00:07:40.360 --> 00:07:42.120 And verse 20 is unheard of. 00:07:43.760 --> 00:07:45.140 It's one of the most remarkable verses. 00:07:45.280 --> 00:07:45.840 In all the Bible. 00:07:47.600 --> 00:07:48.980 A senior man. 00:07:50.020 --> 00:07:51.160 This landowner. 00:07:51.540 --> 00:07:52.620 Hitches up his roads. 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:54.000 Bears his legs. 00:07:54.200 --> 00:07:55.220 And runs his son. 00:07:56.520 --> 00:07:57.460 Now I've thought about this. 00:07:58.400 --> 00:07:59.720 And I was thinking about some of the senior. 00:07:59.720 --> 00:08:01.380 Older men in our church family. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:04.020 And it is unheard of. 00:08:04.180 --> 00:08:06.040 For them to show their legs in public. 00:08:06.180 --> 00:08:06.520 Isn't it? 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:08.260 There are some of them. 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:09.360 That show their legs in public. 00:08:10.500 --> 00:08:10.700 But. 00:08:11.140 --> 00:08:12.380 Now Chuck is not here today. 00:08:12.440 --> 00:08:13.120 So I can say this. 00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:14.920 I've known Chuck for 11. 00:08:15.060 --> 00:08:16.079 Well for 12 years actually. 00:08:17.040 --> 00:08:18.879 But I have never seen Chuck in shorts. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:20.399 Never. 00:08:20.500 --> 00:08:21.620 Even on the hottest day. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:22.759 That this country has ever had. 00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:23.300 I was with him. 00:08:23.899 --> 00:08:25.040 And he didn't wear shorts. 00:08:25.780 --> 00:08:26.879 We were in Florida. 00:08:27.540 --> 00:08:29.000 And we stayed in a beachside apartment. 00:08:29.060 --> 00:08:30.139 In one of our fundraising trips. 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:31.120 It's hard work out there. 00:08:31.780 --> 00:08:33.580 And we went for a walk on the beach. 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:34.860 We can go swimming. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:37.180 But Chuck didn't wear shorts. 00:08:37.179 --> 00:08:40.620 And British men I think are a bit similar aren't we? 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:41.719 Some of us wear shorts. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:42.559 The other of us won't. 00:08:43.620 --> 00:08:44.519 But in the Middle East. 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:44.979 In those days. 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:45.959 It's unheard of. 00:08:46.019 --> 00:08:46.879 Here is a man. 00:08:48.759 --> 00:08:50.059 Who has robes on. 00:08:51.239 --> 00:08:52.879 And in order to run in robes. 00:08:52.919 --> 00:08:54.019 You must hitch up the robes. 00:08:54.059 --> 00:08:55.500 You must bare your legs. 00:08:55.959 --> 00:08:58.819 And his son begins to blurt out this confession. 00:08:59.180 --> 00:09:00.680 I've sent you to heaven and against you. 00:09:00.840 --> 00:09:02.060 And he swept off his feet. 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:02.720 And the father says. 00:09:03.060 --> 00:09:04.540 Bring the robe for his shoulders. 00:09:04.960 --> 00:09:06.420 Bring the ring for his finger. 00:09:07.340 --> 00:09:08.620 Father I'm no worthy. 00:09:09.100 --> 00:09:11.020 I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:12.420 Bring the sandals for his feet. 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:15.040 Kill the farted calf my son. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:17.580 For my son who was dead is now alive. 00:09:18.800 --> 00:09:20.540 And the one who was lost is now found. 00:09:22.280 --> 00:09:25.600 And here he is enveloped by the warmest of receptions. 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:27.540 And even his confession is interrupted. 00:09:27.640 --> 00:09:28.420 He doesn't finish it. 00:09:29.680 --> 00:09:31.220 And he doesn't get the chance to finish it. 00:09:31.480 --> 00:09:32.240 What are we seeing here? 00:09:32.300 --> 00:09:32.620 Do you see it? 00:09:32.640 --> 00:09:33.180 Three lost. 00:09:34.580 --> 00:09:35.400 Verses 1 to 7. 00:09:35.460 --> 00:09:35.980 1 in 100. 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:39.560 Verses 8 to 10. 00:09:39.640 --> 00:09:40.260 1 in 10. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:42.379 Three lost. 00:09:42.680 --> 00:09:43.500 1 in 2. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:47.440 The sheep did not search for the shepherd. 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:51.140 The coins did not pop up and find the woman. 00:09:51.140 --> 00:09:53.460 But the son returns to the waiting father. 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:54.740 Verse 17. 00:09:55.900 --> 00:09:57.080 When he came to himself. 00:09:58.820 --> 00:09:59.980 When he came to his senses. 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.600 Now Jesus in telling the story. 00:10:03.680 --> 00:10:04.140 Jesus knew. 00:10:04.379 --> 00:10:07.240 Jesus knew that in his day rabbis had a similar story to this. 00:10:08.400 --> 00:10:11.980 And the son comes back to his father according to the rabbi's story. 00:10:12.060 --> 00:10:13.640 And he says father I've sinned against heaven. 00:10:14.000 --> 00:10:14.560 And against you. 00:10:14.620 --> 00:10:16.900 Will you please take me back as one of your hired men? 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:19.740 And in the rabbinical story. 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:21.899 The father says I will my boy. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:23.740 But you've got to learn your lesson. 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:25.899 You're on probation. 00:10:26.059 --> 00:10:27.240 So down to the bank house for you. 00:10:27.319 --> 00:10:28.100 Down to the workers. 00:10:28.659 --> 00:10:29.620 With the hired men. 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:30.959 But there's nothing like that here. 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:33.620 Nothing like that here. 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:36.299 Look again. 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:38.000 Look again at verse 20. 00:10:38.059 --> 00:10:39.120 Let it feed your soul. 00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:40.299 And he arose. 00:10:40.940 --> 00:10:42.019 And came to his father. 00:10:42.299 --> 00:10:43.879 But while he was still a long way off. 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:45.919 His father saw him. 00:10:46.879 --> 00:10:48.000 And felt compassion. 00:10:49.200 --> 00:10:50.720 And ran and embraced him. 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:52.480 And kissed him. 00:10:54.159 --> 00:10:56.440 God is the shepherd who seeks the wandering sheep. 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:58.179 God is the woman. 00:10:58.860 --> 00:11:00.320 Who searches for the lost coin. 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.899 God is the father who waits for the wayward son. 00:11:03.899 --> 00:11:06.360 The lost sheep. 00:11:06.939 --> 00:11:08.299 Is most safe. 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:09.759 In the flock. 00:11:10.600 --> 00:11:11.720 The lost coin. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:13.639 Is most secure. 00:11:14.079 --> 00:11:14.939 In the purse. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:16.439 The lost son. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:17.799 Is most human. 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:19.039 In the place. 00:11:19.340 --> 00:11:20.539 Where he is meant to be. 00:11:20.879 --> 00:11:21.519 Accepted. 00:11:21.659 --> 00:11:22.379 In the security. 00:11:22.959 --> 00:11:24.059 Of the home of the father. 00:11:24.240 --> 00:11:24.699 Come home. 00:11:25.620 --> 00:11:26.480 Come home. 00:11:27.939 --> 00:11:29.019 It's a wonderful. 00:11:29.460 --> 00:11:30.379 Simple chapter. 00:11:31.360 --> 00:11:32.019 Come home. 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:33.840 Stop wandering. 00:11:33.899 --> 00:11:36.659 Stop wandering in the far country. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.220 And come home. 00:11:38.059 --> 00:11:39.019 Come home to God. 00:11:40.259 --> 00:11:41.679 I don't know how you think of God. 00:11:43.379 --> 00:11:45.319 But sometimes I think of God as a judge. 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:49.819 Sometimes I think of God as a headmaster. 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:53.860 Sometimes I think of God as a policeman. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:58.659 But Jesus who knows God best of all. 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:00.000 Says he is like this. 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:00.919 Verse 20. 00:12:00.919 --> 00:12:06.000 While he sees the prodigal a long way off. 00:12:06.079 --> 00:12:07.139 The father runs to him. 00:12:07.459 --> 00:12:09.240 Feels compassion for him. 00:12:09.839 --> 00:12:10.740 Embraces him. 00:12:11.500 --> 00:12:12.319 And kisses him. 00:12:13.519 --> 00:12:14.419 Here is grace. 00:12:15.699 --> 00:12:16.759 Here is generosity. 00:12:18.079 --> 00:12:19.079 Here is mercy. 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:23.400 Here is the divine humility. 00:12:23.400 --> 00:12:23.400 00:12:25.020 --> 00:12:26.300 The divine humility. 00:12:26.520 --> 00:12:27.960 Which hitches up his robes. 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:29.620 And bears his legs. 00:12:30.139 --> 00:12:31.740 And sweeps the sun off his feet. 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:34.879 It is just like. 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:35.160 Isn't it? 00:12:35.180 --> 00:12:37.080 The God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:37.860 To humble himself. 00:12:38.500 --> 00:12:39.800 To win the lost. 00:12:39.799 --> 00:12:44.000 It is not like the remote idols. 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:47.779 It is not like the cold gods. 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:49.159 Of other religions. 00:12:49.279 --> 00:12:49.599 Is it? 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:52.679 It is not like the indifferent gods. 00:12:52.799 --> 00:12:53.599 Of other religions. 00:12:53.799 --> 00:12:54.599 Who are distant. 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:55.259 And remote. 00:12:55.459 --> 00:12:56.299 And unpredictable. 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:59.719 Here is the God and father of our Lord Jesus. 00:13:00.839 --> 00:13:02.740 But while he was still a long way off. 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:06.159 His father saw him. 00:13:06.259 --> 00:13:06.700 The one. 00:13:07.340 --> 00:13:08.860 Who was most offended. 00:13:09.120 --> 00:13:10.419 By what he had done. 00:13:11.539 --> 00:13:12.580 And he sees him. 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:14.799 And he runs to him. 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:17.340 And he feels compassion for him. 00:13:17.419 --> 00:13:18.480 And he embraces him. 00:13:18.799 --> 00:13:19.440 And he kisses him. 00:13:19.440 --> 00:13:20.279 Did he deserve it? 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:22.639 Dad I'd rather have you dead. 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:25.200 I've squandered this faith. 00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:25.879 Did he deserve it? 00:13:25.919 --> 00:13:26.100 No. 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:30.440 What is operative here is grace. 00:13:30.440 --> 00:13:34.100 God treating people. 00:13:34.400 --> 00:13:35.200 Contrary. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:36.880 To their deserving. 00:13:40.100 --> 00:13:41.620 Christianity is not about earning. 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:44.540 It is not about deserving. 00:13:46.180 --> 00:13:47.540 It is not about building merit. 00:13:49.060 --> 00:13:49.940 It is about grace. 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:54.540 My receiving God's kindness. 00:13:56.020 --> 00:13:57.480 When I deserve his judgment. 00:13:57.480 --> 00:14:00.800 Holly. 00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:01.899 Holly was determined. 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:03.560 That her relationship with John. 00:14:04.060 --> 00:14:05.620 Would grow on the right basis. 00:14:07.120 --> 00:14:08.139 John had read a book. 00:14:08.220 --> 00:14:09.060 That Holly had donated. 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.220 To the local library. 00:14:11.300 --> 00:14:12.519 And he was so taken with. 00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:13.779 The notes of this woman. 00:14:14.019 --> 00:14:14.560 In the book. 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:15.120 From the library. 00:14:15.220 --> 00:14:15.860 In this Christian book. 00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:17.420 That he asked the librarian. 00:14:17.680 --> 00:14:18.980 For a contract address. 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:21.080 This is before the days of data protection. 00:14:21.360 --> 00:14:21.519 Alright. 00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:22.960 And the librarian. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:24.460 Lived John the address. 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:26.420 Holly had moved into state. 00:14:26.419 --> 00:14:27.879 And they began corresponding. 00:14:29.159 --> 00:14:29.919 It was World War II. 00:14:30.939 --> 00:14:32.360 World War II intervened. 00:14:33.319 --> 00:14:35.439 And before John went into the US Navy. 00:14:35.559 --> 00:14:36.339 He wrote to Holly. 00:14:36.819 --> 00:14:38.539 And they'd be writing for a couple of years now. 00:14:39.479 --> 00:14:39.799 He said. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:40.860 Could I have a photo of you. 00:14:40.939 --> 00:14:41.879 To take with me. 00:14:41.979 --> 00:14:42.599 Into the Navy. 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:44.719 Holly wrote back crisply. 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:45.179 And said. 00:14:45.279 --> 00:14:45.899 No way. 00:14:46.459 --> 00:14:47.360 If our relationship. 00:14:47.360 --> 00:14:48.399 Is going to develop. 00:14:48.959 --> 00:14:50.000 It will not develop. 00:14:50.120 --> 00:14:51.059 On the basis of looks. 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:52.500 It will develop. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:53.639 On the basis of character. 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:55.419 For five years. 00:14:55.480 --> 00:14:56.399 During World War II. 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:58.139 They continued to write to one another. 00:14:58.199 --> 00:14:58.919 Back and forth. 00:14:59.240 --> 00:14:59.740 And finally. 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:00.340 John said. 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:01.019 At the end of the war. 00:15:01.080 --> 00:15:01.879 We need to meet. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:03.759 She said. 00:15:03.779 --> 00:15:04.699 Right now is the time. 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:07.779 They met at New York Central Railway Station. 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:08.699 They met on a platform. 00:15:09.059 --> 00:15:09.699 And they were to meet. 00:15:09.720 --> 00:15:10.519 At a particular time. 00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:11.159 In the afternoon. 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:13.059 John said. 00:15:13.100 --> 00:15:13.699 You will know me. 00:15:13.720 --> 00:15:15.720 Because I will be in US naval uniform. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:17.319 Holly said. 00:15:17.399 --> 00:15:17.879 You will know me. 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:19.620 Because I will have a red carnation. 00:15:19.740 --> 00:15:21.100 In the right lapel of my suit. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:22.899 So he went. 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:24.680 And as he was waiting. 00:15:24.779 --> 00:15:25.519 The time came. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:27.740 And this absolutely beautiful. 00:15:27.740 --> 00:15:28.519 Blonde lady. 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.440 Came down the platform. 00:15:30.720 --> 00:15:31.840 She walked up to John. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:33.540 He was so taken with her. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:34.840 That he didn't notice. 00:15:34.840 --> 00:15:35.840 That she didn't have. 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:36.779 The red carnation. 00:15:36.940 --> 00:15:37.740 In her right lapel. 00:15:38.300 --> 00:15:40.139 But she seemed to be giving him the eye. 00:15:40.940 --> 00:15:41.960 She walked past him. 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:42.820 And she kept looking. 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:44.259 Over his shoulder at him. 00:15:44.440 --> 00:15:45.420 He was stunned. 00:15:46.460 --> 00:15:47.259 He thought she was. 00:15:47.580 --> 00:15:48.500 Absolutely beautiful. 00:15:48.500 --> 00:15:51.179 And then he looked up at the platform. 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:53.100 And he saw Holly. 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.139 Coming towards him. 00:15:54.740 --> 00:15:55.899 With a red carnation. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:56.799 In her right lapel. 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:59.000 Now he knew. 00:15:59.220 --> 00:16:00.159 Why she didn't want him. 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:00.860 To have her photo. 00:16:01.720 --> 00:16:02.720 She was much. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:04.200 Much older than he thought. 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:06.539 So where would he go? 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.139 To the blonde. 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:09.259 Who seemed so keen. 00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:10.019 Or to Holly. 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:12.340 He turned to the left. 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:12.919 And said. 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:13.639 How do you do Holly? 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:15.139 My name is John. 00:16:15.139 --> 00:16:17.199 The lady said. 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:17.740 Young man. 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:19.120 I don't know what is happening here. 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.740 But that blonde over there. 00:16:20.819 --> 00:16:22.220 Told me to wear this carnation. 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:23.259 And to tell you. 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:24.080 If you came up to me. 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:25.360 She's waiting in the coffee shop. 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:25.980 Opposite you. 00:16:26.699 --> 00:16:27.860 If you'll come up and talk to me. 00:16:31.319 --> 00:16:32.279 Now do you see Holly? 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:33.199 He's crafty isn't she? 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:36.759 She knows. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:39.299 That the man she's going to marry. 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:41.159 She's going to marry. 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:42.419 On the basis of character. 00:16:42.419 --> 00:16:45.839 And relationship. 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.299 And not looks. 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:51.419 And she goes to an awful lot of trouble. 00:16:51.599 --> 00:16:53.779 To make sure that she's going to marry this man. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:55.339 That he will not. 00:16:55.399 --> 00:16:56.459 If she's going to marry this man. 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:57.439 That he will not marry her. 00:16:57.519 --> 00:16:58.339 On the basis of looks. 00:16:58.360 --> 00:16:59.000 Which come and go. 00:16:59.079 --> 00:16:59.860 But he will marry her. 00:16:59.939 --> 00:17:01.059 On the basis of character. 00:17:03.479 --> 00:17:04.500 Now do you not think. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:06.759 Do you not think. 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:08.680 That God is equally determined. 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:11.299 He is equally determined. 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:13.840 That your relationship. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.860 With him. 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:16.160 Will not be based on marriage. 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:19.400 What a blasphemy that is. 00:17:21.300 --> 00:17:23.220 Oh I've got to be good enough for him. 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.680 God is determined. 00:17:25.840 --> 00:17:27.240 That our relationship to him. 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:29.980 Be based on our undeserved kindness. 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:32.259 On his undeserved kindness. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:36.900 God never ever does anything towards me. 00:17:37.000 --> 00:17:37.900 Because he owes me. 00:17:39.420 --> 00:17:41.140 None of us deserve God's kindness. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:43.240 And that is why all the Christian poets. 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:44.519 When they talk about grace. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:45.559 Or love. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:47.900 They add the adjective amazing. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:48.240 Isn't it? 00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:49.779 It is amazing grace. 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:53.200 It is amazing love. 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:55.099 How can it be that thou my God. 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:55.900 Shouldst die for me. 00:17:55.900 --> 00:17:59.220 God did not love the world. 00:17:59.320 --> 00:17:59.980 Because we were lovable. 00:18:01.460 --> 00:18:02.440 God loved the world. 00:18:02.540 --> 00:18:03.860 Even though we were rebellious. 00:18:05.300 --> 00:18:06.560 The empty cross. 00:18:07.759 --> 00:18:08.940 The empty tomb. 00:18:10.460 --> 00:18:11.940 It is not because we deserved it. 00:18:13.340 --> 00:18:15.180 It is all grace. 00:18:16.280 --> 00:18:18.060 And that is the point of the four loss. 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:19.620 Because there are four loss. 00:18:19.620 --> 00:18:21.740 Look at the fourth loss in verse 25. 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:24.420 There is an older brother. 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:27.200 There is an older brother. 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:30.259 And he comes home. 00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:32.700 And he simply cannot accept grace. 00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:34.240 So verse 25. 00:18:34.900 --> 00:18:37.039 Says now his older son was in the field. 00:18:37.180 --> 00:18:38.039 And as he came. 00:18:38.420 --> 00:18:39.620 And drew near to the house. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:41.440 He heard music and dancing. 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:44.500 And if you go back to chapter 15. 00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:45.460 In verse 2. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.759 It tells you very clearly there. 00:18:47.759 --> 00:18:49.400 You will see who that person is. 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:51.860 Verse 2 Luke says. 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:52.780 The Pharisees. 00:18:53.340 --> 00:18:54.940 And the Pharisees and the scribes. 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:55.500 Grumbled. 00:18:56.400 --> 00:18:57.440 They murmured. 00:18:59.019 --> 00:19:00.940 Saying this man received sinners. 00:19:01.100 --> 00:19:01.880 And heaths with them. 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.920 Who is this older brother meant to be? 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:05.040 It is meant to be the religious. 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:08.280 It is meant to be the person. 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:09.340 Who is superior. 00:19:10.780 --> 00:19:11.759 The self righteous. 00:19:13.540 --> 00:19:14.920 So when he gets home. 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:15.880 Verse 28. 00:19:17.620 --> 00:19:18.580 He won't get in. 00:19:19.400 --> 00:19:21.780 And his father. 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:23.840 Comes out and says. 00:19:24.040 --> 00:19:24.440 Please. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.300 Please. 00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:25.920 Please. 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:26.700 Come in. 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:27.840 Your brother has come home. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:28.460 Verse 29. 00:19:31.320 --> 00:19:32.320 He answered his father. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:32.640 Look. 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:33.440 These many years. 00:19:33.540 --> 00:19:34.500 I have served you. 00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:35.920 I have slaved for you. 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:36.280 Literally. 00:19:36.840 --> 00:19:38.380 And I never disobeyed your command. 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:40.019 Yet you never gave me a young goat. 00:19:40.120 --> 00:19:41.600 That I might celebrate with my friends. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:44.860 I've always obeyed you father. 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:48.200 And notice what he says. 00:19:48.200 --> 00:19:49.980 He doesn't say this brother of mine. 00:19:50.039 --> 00:19:51.460 But he says this son of yours. 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:54.500 And he thinks the worst of him. 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:56.680 He says he squandered your money. 00:19:57.120 --> 00:19:58.680 Your property with prostitutes. 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.500 How did he know that? 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:01.819 He didn't know that. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:03.220 None of us know that. 00:20:05.420 --> 00:20:06.480 What he resents most. 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:08.220 Is that the father gave away. 00:20:08.360 --> 00:20:09.480 So freely. 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:10.940 The father gives away. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:11.940 So freely. 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:13.440 What he had spent his life. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:14.279 Trying to earn. 00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:16.379 And he resents grace. 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.220 He didn't need grace. 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:19.980 Look at verse 29. 00:20:20.119 --> 00:20:21.279 Another way of putting verse 29. 00:20:21.420 --> 00:20:22.339 Is father you owe me. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:24.660 You owe me. 00:20:26.200 --> 00:20:26.980 All these years. 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:27.779 I've been striving for you. 00:20:27.899 --> 00:20:28.500 And he's right. 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:31.399 And the neighbours would say. 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:31.960 Good old Jim. 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.859 If the father's name was Jim. 00:20:33.099 --> 00:20:34.119 Those two sons of his. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:35.180 Well it's a good job. 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:36.019 It's a good job. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:36.899 He's got the second son. 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:37.200 Isn't it? 00:20:37.220 --> 00:20:37.879 Or the first son. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:39.980 It's a good job. 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.899 He's got the oldest boy. 00:20:41.139 --> 00:20:42.240 He's the responsible one. 00:20:42.240 --> 00:20:42.599 Isn't he? 00:20:43.099 --> 00:20:44.359 And he's a good worker too. 00:20:44.880 --> 00:20:45.559 He was right. 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.539 But here is a father. 00:20:48.620 --> 00:20:49.720 Who relates by grace. 00:20:49.859 --> 00:20:50.759 And in no other way. 00:20:54.259 --> 00:20:55.299 Israel tragically. 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:56.620 The people of God. 00:20:56.759 --> 00:20:58.680 Did not want a relationship of grace. 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.819 And that's Israel's problems. 00:21:01.900 --> 00:21:02.160 Isn't it? 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.279 We've kept the law. 00:21:04.539 --> 00:21:06.000 We've done our religious duty. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.500 We are good people. 00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:11.000 They could not accept. 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:13.559 That God could give away so freely. 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:14.619 To tax collectors. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.460 And sinners. 00:21:16.539 --> 00:21:18.920 What they had worked so hard to achieve. 00:21:20.880 --> 00:21:22.279 They're a nation of Jonah's. 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:22.519 Aren't they? 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.140 The book of Jonah. 00:21:25.359 --> 00:21:26.299 Jonah resents. 00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:27.099 The amazing. 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:27.920 Generous. 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:29.460 Overflowing grace of God. 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.279 That's why it's there. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:34.460 And that is what religion can do for you. 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:37.640 And that is what self-righteousness. 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.559 Certainly does for you. 00:21:39.140 --> 00:21:39.940 Go to Nineveh. 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:40.420 Jonah says. 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.039 No way. 00:21:41.120 --> 00:21:41.880 I'm not going to Nineveh. 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:43.580 I know exactly what you're like God. 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:45.120 And so God's prophet goes. 00:21:45.460 --> 00:21:46.460 The exact opposite way. 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:47.039 He's tarshish. 00:21:48.880 --> 00:21:50.220 Because Jonah resents. 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:51.960 The operation of grace. 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.799 The grace of God. 00:21:53.860 --> 00:21:54.640 In the lives of others. 00:21:56.559 --> 00:21:57.360 It tells us. 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.200 This parable. 00:21:58.279 --> 00:21:59.680 You can be desperately lost. 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:00.980 In the pubs of London. 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:03.680 You can be desperately lost. 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:05.019 In the brothels of London. 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:07.600 You can be desperately lost. 00:22:07.600 --> 00:22:08.779 In the clubs of London. 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:11.379 You can be desperately lost. 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:12.099 In the pews. 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:12.819 Or the seats. 00:22:13.059 --> 00:22:13.539 In church. 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.079 In London. 00:22:15.399 --> 00:22:17.299 And you can be so desperately lost. 00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:17.839 In the pulpit. 00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:18.619 Behind the lectern. 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.019 In London. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.579 Religion. 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:23.799 Self-righteousness. 00:22:25.359 --> 00:22:26.440 A lost sheep. 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.259 That is found. 00:22:28.399 --> 00:22:29.700 A lost coin. 00:22:30.139 --> 00:22:30.839 That is found. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.559 A lost younger brother. 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:34.379 That is found. 00:22:34.380 --> 00:22:37.260 A lost older brother. 00:22:38.620 --> 00:22:39.900 But there is no record. 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:40.660 That he was found. 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:43.620 He is lost profoundly. 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.680 Jeffrey Dahmer. 00:22:47.600 --> 00:22:49.060 Lived in the state of Wisconsin. 00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:51.400 He killed 17 people. 00:22:51.520 --> 00:22:52.480 He was a serial killer. 00:22:53.860 --> 00:22:55.540 He ate part of the body. 00:22:55.540 --> 00:22:56.740 Of each of his victims. 00:22:57.080 --> 00:22:57.800 Before he was caught. 00:22:59.100 --> 00:23:00.100 He was caught. 00:23:00.420 --> 00:23:02.580 Sentenced to 957 years. 00:23:02.780 --> 00:23:03.200 In prison. 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:04.019 In Wisconsin. 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:06.940 During his first few months. 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:07.240 In prison. 00:23:07.340 --> 00:23:08.080 A very faithful. 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.039 Gospel chaplain. 00:23:09.160 --> 00:23:09.799 A Christian chaplain. 00:23:09.920 --> 00:23:10.920 Came and shared the gospel. 00:23:11.140 --> 00:23:11.319 With him. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:14.019 And Jeffrey Dahmer. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:14.680 Turned. 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:15.980 To Jesus Christ. 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:17.519 In repentance. 00:23:19.600 --> 00:23:20.980 Are you not scandalised. 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:21.380 By that? 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:24.180 That a beast. 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.759 Like Jeffrey Dahmer. 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:26.660 Will be in heaven. 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.920 I find that very difficult to handle. 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:32.400 But it is the same grace. 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:32.799 Isn't it? 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:34.859 The same grace. 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:35.819 That Jeffrey Dahmer. 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.700 Depends upon. 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:39.159 That you and I depend on. 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:41.960 We have no right. 00:23:42.159 --> 00:23:43.119 To be morally superior. 00:23:43.960 --> 00:23:44.399 To anyone. 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:46.519 It is not earning. 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:48.980 It is not achievement. 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:50.220 God deserves me. 00:23:50.899 --> 00:23:51.659 In his grace. 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.879 And that is the enduring message. 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:55.559 Of Luke 15. 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:57.740 Christianity. 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:58.759 Is not deserving. 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.180 It is not earning. 00:24:00.599 --> 00:24:01.440 It is not merit. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.100 That is religion. 00:24:03.700 --> 00:24:04.460 Christianity alone. 00:24:04.460 --> 00:24:05.039 Is grace. 00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:06.140 And is undeserved. 00:24:06.840 --> 00:24:07.320 Generosity. 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.220 And that is what matters. 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.220 To God. 00:24:13.360 --> 00:24:14.500 Whether you are lost. 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.500 Whether you are still. 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.600 Earning your way. 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.539 Whether you are still. 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:19.700 Trying to deserve. 00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:20.440 Whether. 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.240 You are lost. 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:23.539 Or whether you have been found. 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.660 Been found by God. 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:28.059 And are formerly lost. 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:31.259 He is the God. 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.400 Who takes no pleasure. 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.359 In the death of the wicked. 00:24:35.120 --> 00:24:36.059 And neither do we. 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:38.919 But while he was still. 00:24:38.980 --> 00:24:39.539 A long way off. 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.559 His father saw him. 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:43.139 And felt compassion for him. 00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:45.259 And ran to him. 00:24:46.419 --> 00:24:47.419 And embraced him. 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:49.240 And kissed him. 00:24:50.919 --> 00:24:51.819 Welcome home son. 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:54.139 Welcome home. 00:24:55.419 --> 00:24:56.079 Let's pray. 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:56.659 Let's pray. 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 00:24:56.659 --> 00:24:56.659 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