Where Is Jesus?
February 24, 2008
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Text: Luke 15:1-10
Current reality of OHC - God is doing a great work! But what about that word “is?” “Exists - takes place – belongs – continues” - You as a follower of Jesus - Where is Jesus? Heaven, Church, In heart - Jesus is looking for salvation!
It is salvation time, not judgment time! How do we keep it Salvation time?
1) Portray
Welcome - Truth - people know if you are welcoming or not!
Willing to invite – associate - gives you an opportunity to share!
A) The lie - Love sinner, hate sin - Faked love can be spotted a mile away!
Do they need a holy pass key? The churches that are flourishing? Welcome sinners!
B) The truth - they are looking for God! Portray Christ!
Jesus is not looking at their sin, but is looking for their salvation!
”We went that Sunday,” Tammy said. “People opened up their arms to us and truly loved on us, knowing what we were and no matter the baggage we brought with us.”
2) Pursuit
The cause of Christ! John 12:27 - Jesus is looking for salvation! Rescue!
There is a fixation here! Ownership! Purpose! Certainty
A) Competing causes - in life, in the church
B) Do we own the cause? Are you looking for salvation?
C) Do we count the cost? 2 ways – self – souls - Pursue for the cause!
Imagine the scene - Coming upon the lost! Pleading for them to come!
3) Passion
Repentance - “A turning back to what alone has value - it is a necessary and inseparable aspect of entering the kingdom.”
Passion pleads! Passion carries, passion celebrates! We have the passion of Christ!
How God has encouraged me - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
My Parable - What are you looking for in Wal-mart? Let God’s desire be ours! To look for salvation, not condemnation!
It is salvation time, not judgment time!
OHC - These are great days!!