INTRO: How many young men (and women) do we see make the same mistakes that the Prodigal Son made? So determined to live life and have a good time that Hollywood portrays. They paint a picture of great times. NOT SO! This young man found out!

He was…

1. Longing to live in the world's excesses

1. We take all our goods with us - 13a
2. The question is how will we use them?

 
Soon we find out that he was…
1. Living life on the edge - 13b

 
1.  Often is, and is portrayed as exciting, the thing to do, harmless, etc.
2. Often involves living lean to keep lifestyle, friends, appearances, etc. - 14
1. Phone calls of assurance.
2. Times of wanting to lift the receiver and "throw in the towel."
3. Often (ALMOST ALWAYS) involves compromising our standards - 15,16
4. Often is harmful for health, mental stability and especially spirituality
1. Drugs
2. Diseases
3. Sin (and all the baggage - guilt, arrests, fines, etc.)
5. Often involves a lifetime of mistakes, pain, and consequences.

 
After sinking to low depths, we see him…
2. Regaining his senses
1. Examining his position in life(or stand with God) - 17
2. Examining the great cost - 17
3. Entertaining, then implementing a plan…18-20a

 
What a glorious sight there is when he arrives home and receives…
3. Restoration from the Father
1. He was watching, no doubt praying, telling others to pray, etc. - 20b
2. He had compassion (even so much as pity)
3. He ran to him
4. He kissed him - kataphileo, kat-af-ee-leh'-o;; to kiss earnestly
5. He forgave him - 22.
6. He gladly received him.

CONCLUSION: Where do we reside today? Are we right with our heavenly Father? Are we living in Las Vegas? Are we listening to our conscious?

Are we where God wants us?

082398am  - Gary Marcum  - East 38th St. FWB