OPEN
In this sermon, Gary talked about several elements of the parable of the prodigal son would have made those listening in the audience gasp. When was a time when you experienced something that made your jaw drop to the floor and gasp?
REFLECT
Read Luke 15:1-32.
What stands out to you from these verses? How does the story of the prodigal son humble you? How does it encourage you?
How did this message deepen your faith? What is something you learned from this message?
Describe what you think the thoughts/feelings of the younger son in this story were when he left his Father. What thoughts/feelings do you think the Father had when his son left him? What thoughts/feelings do you think the older brother had when his younger brother left?
Which of the two brothers in the story of the Prodigal Son do you most resonate with? Why?
What does this story from Jesus reveal to you about the heart of humanity? What does this story from Jesus reveal to you about the heart of God?
In this sermon, Gary talked about different heart postures of both the younger son and the older son. The younger son had a heart that lacked respect and restraint while the older brother had a heart full of resentment and resistance. How have you seen these different heart postures manifest themselves in your life?
How would you describe the state of your heart right now? Explain.
APPLY
In what ways can you keep a check on how your heart is doing?
What are practices that you need to have in place to make sure that your heart stays healthy?
How can you group help you nurture the heart of God in your life?
PRAY
Read Psalm 101:1-4. This week, pray this passage and pray also that God would reveal to you any ways in which your heart is not aligned with His.
NEXT STEPS
For the next 4 weeks, Pastor Gary Johnson will lead us through the Gospel of Luke where Jesus sets out for, what would become, his last journey to Jerusalem—we’ll stop to notice four insights as to what was important in His life and ministry. If you’d like to find out more about what following Jesus or growing in your faith, please don’t hesitate to email us at contact@thecreek.org.