The Father Is Still Waiting

THE FATHER IS STILL WAITING

Ask any father, a great FATHER'S DAY is to "have the kids home!" In Jesus' message in Luke 15, we find hope for those tired of running away and a picture of how the Heavenly Father welcomes sinners. Read v11-16

I. The Son Leaving

A. A Whiner (vs. 12)

1. He also had a big case of "the gimmies."

2. "Give me my inheritance now before dad is dead and cold in the grave!"

3. He was unfeeling, selfish and resisted his father's advice.

B. A Wanderer (vs. 13a)

1. He was tired of moral restraints.

2. He was ready for an exciting trip, a nice tropical setting, sunny days of recreation and late hours of entertainment.

3. He lost all worthwhile purpose for life.

C. A Waster (vs. 13b)

1. This is synonymous with the term "prodigal".

2. He wasted his fortune "with harlots" (vs. 30).

3. He ran from home to waste all he had on riotous living.

4. Have you wasted a relationship with the Heavenly Father?

D. In Want (vs. 14).

1. After the bright lights and flashy casinos, many end up financially ruined.

2. The fast lane claiming your money will one day threaten your life!

3. He never sobered up until his pouch was empty and friends said, "See ya later, Bro!"

4. In poverty, he begged for a job.

5. A spiritual "famine" comes from resisting the words, "I have sinned!"

6. Serious "want" is sure to overtake those who wander.

E. Worldly (vs. 15-16).

1. He was in a different country.

2. Now he felt hunger!

3. The father wanted to provide.

4. Foolishly, the son exchanged the fellowship with his father for the friendship of the ungodly.

5. The ungodly will never give a self- ruined, sin-wasted sinner what he really needs.

6. A starving soul will never be satisfied with the hogs and "husks" of this dirty world.

7. Even the pigs were better off having someone to care for them!

8. Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the only One to satisfy the gnawing of the heart!

9. What grief a whining, wandering, wasteful, wanting,