[lead dropcap="yes"]VOUS isn't just a stop-off point, it's a welcoming home for all. This is what a revival looks like: people from all walks of life worshiping God together. Let's not take the miracle for granted.[/lead]VOUS Church had the honor of hosting Pastor John Gray for all five services this past Sunday. He hails from Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, one of the most influential churches in the United States. We are truly humbled to have hosted him.
Pastor John had a very timely message for us as individuals and as the body of the church. He painted a beautiful analogy of the church as the father of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-24.
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. - Luke 15:11-24
While we may think this story is simply about a son who sinned, then humbled himself and repented, Pastor John challenges us to see this story as one about a graceful and forgiving father. As Christians, we are meant to love everyone who walks through our doors, not just the ones who we choose.
What Kind of Church Should VOUS Be?
Just as the father welcomed his son home, so should the church welcome everyone who walks through its doors, no matter what they look like or where they come from. VOUS should be one that keeps the door open. That sees people’s hearts and not their behavior. A church that builds bridges, not walls. A church that isn’t a museum for the spiritual elite, but rather a hospital for the broken. It’s not our job to judge – it’s our job to love.
Stuff vs. Salvation
The prodigal son thought that money was better than love. But our resources are only as good as THE source. Until we realize that, we’ll always think our stuff will save us.God is the one who saves us. And he so loved the world that he sent his son to die on a cross for us. He doesn’t force us to follow him. Jesus died just in case we choose to follow him. God doesn’t love us for what we do, but rather for who we are.Pastor John reminded us that this is not a time to be casual in our faith. It’s a time to be vigilant, passionate, and deliberate in sharing the gospel.
Listen to the Full Message
Missed Sunday’s services? Feeling some major FOMO? You still have a chance to catch Pastor John Gray live at VOUS Conference this year! You can register here: vousconference.com.
[cta heading="Download the VOUS SOAP Journal" subtext="Join us as we study the Book of Jonah with this 5-Week Bible journal." actiontext="Download" link="http://blog.vouschurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Jonah-SOAP-download.pdf"]No, we cannot run away from the purpose God has for our lives. Over the next 5 weeks we will dive into the book of Jonah. Take the leap of faith with us! Download a copy of the The Book of Jonah S.O.A.P journal today.
Making Space for Five Services
VOUS Church is making space as we transition to 5 services each Sunday at 9:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Our hope is that as we make ourselves available to God, he will use us to further share his promise and message to all those who need it. As we make space his oil will keep overflowing!
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