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LUKE 15:23,24

"LOST AND FOUND"

Intro: In chapter 15 we have three stories which early church Fathers considered as  one
       parable. The purpose of each is to show the natural reaction to finding that  which
       was lost is Joy. That which is lost is the sinner whom Christ came to  seek. The elder
       brother with his jealous attitude reflects the attitude of the  Pharisees.

I. TAKING FROM THE FATHER. 12,13.
        A. All the natural resources that we possess came from God.
                1. He created us not Satan.
                        a. The eyes, ears, mouth, brain, reproductive system all created by
                           Him.
                                1. How many today wasting their God given substance on riotous
                                   living.
                                        a. What are they seeking?
                                        b. What are they finding?

II. "HE BEGAN TO BE IN WANT."
        A. There is no satisfactory substitute for God in your life.
                1. To leave the fellowship of the Father is to enter a life of frustration
                2. You can sublimate that desire for God for periods of time.
                        a. While scheming and planning and dreaming of that new boat and for 
                           the first couple of trips on it found It.
                        b. When lost in oblivion and illusions of drugs.
                3. What does it mean when a man turns to alcohol?  Seeking God. drugs -- 
                   seeking God fornication -- seeking God.
                4. What does he find?
                        a. Temporary relief of the symptoms.
                        b. "He would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine
                           did eat."
                        c. Jesus said of this world, "If you drink of this water you will 
                           thirst again."
                                1. You can fill your stomach with corn husks, but you'll still
                                   be hungry.

III. "AND WHEN HE CAME TO HIMSELF."
        A. That's exactly what Satan is trying to keep you from.
                1. Fill you with lies.
                2. Keep you so running.
                3. Start his egg beater to confuse your brain.
        B. Stop and think about God's offer to you.
                1. eternal life perishing
                2. love  wrath
                3. peace turmoil
                4. Joy happiness- sorrow
                5. righteousness sin
                6. riches poverty
        C. "Father" -  servants have bread enough and to spare."
                1. Look at these Christians here.
                2. The emptiness and hunger that's killing you.
        D. When you begin to think about turning to God a haunting fear grips you.
                Will he receive me?