Introduction

Good morning, church family. I am so glad to see all of your beautiful faces this morning as we gather here to explore some profound truths from the book of James. Today, we are going to delve into James 5:19-20.

"My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

Let us pray.

Father God, we thank You for gathering us here today. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to the words of James and help us to better understand the role we play in Your grand design. We pray that we can embody the spirit of a global Christian community, reaching out in love to those who have wandered away, and celebrating joyously when they return. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, let’s dive in.

The Need for a Culture of Prodigals

The first truth we are exploring today is the need for a culture of prodigals. This concept may seem counterintuitive at first. After all, isn't the story of the prodigal son a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from the path of righteousness? Yes, it is. But it's also a powerful testament to the transformative power of grace, forgiveness, and redemption.

The parable: The prodigal son squanders his inheritance and lives a life of sin before coming to his senses and returning home. His father, instead of punishing him, welcomes him back with open arms, rejoicing in his return. This is the kind of culture we need to cultivate in our church: one that welcomes back those who have strayed, without judgment or condemnation, but with joy and celebration.

The definition: The term 'prodigal' is often associated with waywardness, but it actually means 'wastefully extravagant.' In the context of our church culture, we are called to be prodigal in our love, grace, and forgiveness, just as God is with us. We are called to be extravagant in our acceptance of those who have wandered away from the truth and have decided to return.

Don’t encourage or condone sinful behavior: We should create an environment where those who have strayed feel safe to return, knowing they will be met with love and grace, not judgment or condemnation. We should be a church that celebrates every lost sheep that finds its way back to the fold, just as the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents.

Be proactive in reaching out to those who have wandered away: It's not enough to simply leave the door open for them to return; we must go out and find them, just as the shepherd in Jesus' parable leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that is lost.

What we have to do: This requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who may have different beliefs, lifestyles, or experiences. It requires us to listen with empathy, speak with love, and act with compassion. It requires us to embody the love and grace of Christ, who came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

How do we do this?: How do we create a culture of prodigals in a world that often seems so divided and judgmental? It starts with each one of us. We must examine our own hearts and attitudes, and ask God to help us become more loving, more forgiving, more accepting. We must pray for those who have wandered away, and ask God to give us opportunities to reach out to them. We must be willing to set aside our own prejudices and preconceptions, and see others through God's eyes.

Not easy: It requires humility, patience, and perseverance. It requires us to be willing to get our hands dirty, to engage with the messiness of life. But it's worth it. Because every time a prodigal son or daughter returns to the fold, it's a victory for the kingdom of God.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when someone demonstrated how to do this to you and how it affected your faith.

The Power of a Gathered People

The power of a gathered people is the idea that when we come together as a community of believers, we are more powerful and effective in our mission than when we are alone ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO