It's fathers day here in a few weeks time. I've been dobbed in for the family service talk again. So this time I'm putting out a pre-emptive strike. Can anyone throw me a bone? I'm talking about a passage, an idea, an illustration, a kiddies visual . . . anything If you get me something I can use, I'll mention your name in the sermon. Promise.
Scott
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Monday, May 15
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4 comments:
Scott, my suggestion was actually going to be the same as leights'...
so i guess to kinda stem from that, I read an article tonight which made reference to God's fatherly provision for us. I'm guessing this talk is for the youth group (?) but id say it makes sense to speak in a way that relates your experience of fatherhood to God and his Fatherhood - ie what you want for your son, how you provide for him, etc etc...
hmm this is probably broad and something you have already thought of...so i guess ill stop rambling now and get back to you if i think of something more concrete...but those are my thoughts for now!
Interested to hear what you end up doing though!
Will be praying for you and those you are speaking to!
Thanks for the thoughts!
i think I'm going to go with the prodigal son. Seems to fit well. But any thoughts on that?
prodigal son sounds like a good idea scott!
One of the main things which struck me in this passage was the words of the prodigal son "I am no longer worthy to be called your son". Thats such a massive call! Not only is he simply acknowledging his sin without begging for forgiveness, but i just reckon very few people in this world would stop to consider whether they are worthy to be called a child of God.
or maybe they dont consider how in a relationship with a Father will not only require some effort on their behalf (ie asking forgiveness) but also means a sacrifical love on his behalf. hmm I dont know if im making much sense here, sorry!
I guess its making known that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He will accept us back - but not only that, but he will welcome us back with arms wide open once we have completely turned our backs on him - now thats grace! And im guessing that you as a father yourself scott can relate to this sort of sacrifical love (and therefore no doubt link it in your talk).
Anyway, another thing that i was thinking about was the response of the older brother. Not the jealousy really, but this idea that he has always done whats right so expects the reward his brother gets. Isnt this just reinforcing how important our attitude is in coming before God - its not just about obedience, but its about our heart too! I guess thats true with all relationships - and therefore key in this one too!
I'm sure you already know these things though scott, but they are my initial thoughts from reading the passage again :)
Don't forget the Wasteful Son's obvious links to Isreal's sonship in Hosea 11:1-4
J.
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