Part 5, The Wound of Being Found

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the theme of God's unwavering love and pursuit of sinners, as illustrated in Jesus' parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. It emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, contrasting it with "cheap grace," and highlights God's joy in restoring the lost. The sermon also addresses the role of the church in welcoming and restoring those who have strayed, reflecting God's merciful nature.

Key Points:

• Jesus welcomes sinners, which scandalized the Pharisees but offers great comfort to believers
• Being spiritually lost is a state of helplessness, like a wandering sheep or lost coin
• True repentance is God's work in us, not merely feeling sorry or promising to do better
• God's love and pursuit of the lost is based on His nature, not our worthiness
• The cross represents Christ bearing our sins and guilt
• The church is called to participate in God's work of restoration and forgiveness
• Heaven rejoices over one repentant sinner, and we should share in that joy

Scripture Reference:

• Luke 15 (Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin)
• Hosea 3 (God's command to Hosea to love his unfaithful wife)
• 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (Paul's instruction to forgive and comfort a repentant sinner)

Stories:

• Parable of the Lost Sheep
• Parable of the Lost Coin
• Hosea's pursuit of his unfaithful wife as a metaphor for God's love for Israel
• The story of the Corinthian church disciplining and then restoring a repentant member
• Brief mention of "The Tyranny of the Urgent" booklet illustrating neglect of spiritual priorities