Synopsis: In part 3 of the series entitled, The Prodigal Family, Pastor Mark looks at the true star of this parable, namely, the father. The father in the story represents God, our Father. The sermon will focus on how the father dealt with each of his sons and why. In addition, Pastor Mark will finish with some practical points on how we might be a reflection of the Father's love and compassion today.

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There is no manuscript available for this sermon.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Luke 15:20, Jeremiah 1:5, and Ephesians 1:4. Discuss God's knowledge and seeking of you. How did God seek you out? In what ways did the Lord reveal His love to you? How did you feel?
2. Now compare the above texts with these: Romans 5:8, Ephesians 1:7, and John 3:16. Discuss these with one another.
3. In the Parable of the Lost Son we see the father outrageously wanting to restore the son to his proper place of sonship. Do you feel like a child of God today? Are there times when you do not?
4. The elder son was thinking that he had a relationship to his father because of his work for him. Pastor Mark then asked this question: "Are you seeking to please God or trust him in your life?" He said that at a fundamental level, one is internal and one is external. One can lead to legalism and the other towards a healthy, trusting relationship. Discuss this with others.
5. At the end of his message, Pastor Mark mentioned a few ways that we could emulate the Father's heart in our day. Talk even more practically about these points. Perhaps you and your small group can put some details to these points: 1) We need to take the initiative in reaching out to love and serve others. 2) We need to be prayerful and vigilant for those around us. 3) We need to love outrageously and without conditions. 4) We need to regularly join together with other Believers, so that we do not begin drifting away from home (God).