Tag Archives: Luke

Luke 18- Saved By Grace

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And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. he Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 8:9-12

Are you going to Heaven? Most people would answer Yes, and if you ask why, then would say because they are a “good person”. This is the same mentality in the parable Jesus is teaching here, the Pharisee went on about how righteous he was and even thanked God that he was not a sinner like this tax collector. The fact is God says “All our righteous deeds or good works are filthy rags “ (Isaiah 64:6)

The only reason anyone is saved or can get to Heaven is because of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This Pharisee did some noble things, but he was a sinner just like everyone else (Romans 3:23) Instead of thanking God that he was not like the other sinners, we should thank God that we are saved at all! It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be declared righteous before God

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:13-14

Notice the difference with the prayer from the Tax Collector, he asked for God’s mercy on him because he admitted he was a sinner. This is true repentance, you can’t earn or work your way into Heaven. You can only be saved through Jesus Christ, why? Because he paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. All your good deeds are filthy rags when it comes to salvation.

Now does that mean we shouldn’t do any good deeds? Of course not, Jesus said “They will be known by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Meaning if we are Born Again in Christ, then there should be results to prove that. Somebody who says they are a Christian yet still behave like their old self, didn’t truly become Born Again

Jesus ends this parable by saying “The sinner was justified by repentance, but the Pharisee needs to be humbled” I know I’m paraphrasing here, but it’s simple, good works doesn’t make you righteous or saved. It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ you can be saved, repent to The Lord Amen!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

Luke 18- Pray Without Ceasing

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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke 18:1-5

Today Jesus teaches us the parable of the persistent widow, and notice Jesus is applying this story to the principle of our prayer life. There was a widow and kept pleading to a judge for justice, and eventually even though the judge didn’t care about the widow or justice, he was sick of hearing the widow so he granted her wish

Jesus said “We should always pray and not faint” meaning never stop pleading your petitions and requests to God. Knock and the door will be opened, ask it you shall receive, we need to learn to “Pray without Ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:1618)as the Apostle Paul taught us also. It’s common for us to say a quick prayer and give up or expect instant results but God is working in ways you don’t even know at the time

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:6-8

Jesus said “If the unjust judge is willing to bring justice, then imagine God will bring justice to His elect” Now we must always understand everything must be in alignment with the will of God, and Jesus said justice was for God’s elect. Are you Born Again through Jesus Christ? This is the only way you can become a Child of God and receive salvation

Jesus ends with a question “When the Son of Man returns, will he find faith on earth?” Interesting Christ ends with talking about his return and who will remain in faith? Lots of people lose their faith when God doesn’t do what they want, this is not true faith! Put your full trust and hope in Jesus, that’s true faith. 

Maybe you have been praying about something for a long time, keep praying without ceasing! Keep seeking the truth, keep knocking on the door, keep praying to the only one who can deliver you Amen!

Luke 17- Days of Lot

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Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Luke 17:28-31

The event of Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced here by Jesus Christ himself, many of the “Liberal Christians” today say this event never happened, why? Because God displayed his judgement upon the act of homosexuality and other abominiations. Archeologists have actually found the remaining remnants of this event, God does not change and sin is still sin. There will be judgement coming for those who reject God and live in abominations. 

The Days of Lot or the event of Sodom and Gomorrah , will be the same when Christ returns again. We see it today, there are many cities in the world today that are comparable to Sodom and Gomorrah, they hate God and love their sin. When Jesus returns again, he’s coming back as The Lion of Judah, judgement is coming upon the wicked world, if you don’t believe me study the book of Revelation

Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. Luke 17:32-37

Jesus said “Remember Lot’s wife” what did Lot’s wife do? When they were being saved , she disobeyed God and looked back, why? Because she missed her life of sin and possessions, she cared more about the things of this world then her own salvation. What happened to her? She was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26) Again Archeologist believe they have found her preserved remains , the point is she didn’t trust or truly love God, she loved her own life better

Now Jesus goes on to teach that some will be left behind and some will be taken, is Jesus references the rapture? Perhaps, but most importantly you need to become Born Again. If you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, then you need to crucify your old self and become a new creature. Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3)

Christ is coming back soon, the world will be enjoying their abominations and sin, however like a thief in the night, The Lord shall descend and judgement will come upon the wicked, be ready for the coming of The Lord Amen!

Luke 17- Kingdom of God

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And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. Luke 17:20-23

The religious leaders wanted to know, when will the Kingdom of God come? And maybe your asking the same question today, when will Gods kingdom come? Well according to Jesus “The Kingdom of God is within You” so in other words the Kingdom of God is already here! Now with that being said , dont forget we still live in a fallen world of sin and death (Genesis 3) and this current world is being ruled by Satan (1 John 5:19)

So how is Gods Kingdom already here on Earth? Well don’t forget the Holy Spirit lives inside of Born Again believers, the Spirit of God is inside of you, the Kingdom of God within you. We must also remember the purpose of The Church, we are the hands and feet of Christ, the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World, we are the Kingdom of God here in the fallen world. 

For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:24-27

Let’s not also forget that Jesus Christ is physically returning also, and when He returns he will abolish all evil and build God’s eternal and perfect Kingdom. As Jesus prophesied he must first suffer many things, meaning his death on the cross to pay for the sins of the world. However many will still reject his salvation therefore judgement is coming upon the wicked world

Jesus said his return will be like the “Days of Noah” , people will go about their daily lives, partying, marrying, living their best lives now when the reality is judgement is upon them. Start alert, don’t fall asleep , The Lord shall return like a “Thief in the Night” , He will come at a time when you least expect him, don’t be caught off guard

If you are Born Again, the Kingdom of God is within You, Go into the world and preach the good news of Jesus and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Amen!

Luke 17- The Ten Lepers

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And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. Luke 17:11-14

As we are living in the COVID age of the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, we should ask ourselves “What Would Jesus Do”? Well let’s look at what Jesus did, Christ was approached by Ten Lepers, and they cried out to The Lord “Jesus Have Mercy On Us”

Now understand leprosy was a horrific disease and highly contagious. The Mosaic Law forbids anyone to go near or touch someone with leprosy. We live in a day and age where the Church wants to ban healthy people because they are not vaccinated, is this what Jesus would have done? No as we see Jesus didn’t avoid the lepers , he also wouldn’t ban anyone from coming to the gospel

Jesus commanded the lepers to “Go show yourselves to the priests” and as they went by faith, they were healed. Notice their act of obedience to The Lord proved their faith and healed them. Notice also this is a display of the New Covenant, the priests were never able to heal anyone from leprosy, but Christ is!

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:15-19

A couple things here, first there were 10 lepers who were healed but only one gave glory to God. How often do we see this everyday, God doing miracles for people but they give Him no thanks or glory. Secondly , the man that gave Jesus praise was a Samaritan, a non Jew. This again is a demonstration of the New Covenant, God is not just saving Israel but the entire world through Jesus Christ

Jesus said “Your faith has made you whole” The lepers faith in Christ is what healed him, it wasn’t the works of the leper it was the works of Jesus. Its the same way we are saved by faith in Christ, not by our works but the works of Jesus on the cross

What would Jesus do? He never rejected anyone from coming to salvation, anyone who called upon the name of The Lord shall be saved in Jesus name Amen!

Luke 17- Increase Our Faith

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And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. Luke 17:5-6

Faith is the key to life, but how do we obtain faith? How do we know if we truly have faith? Well first we need to understand what true faith is, the word faith is derived from the Greek word “Pistis” meaning trust, confidence, allegiance. Do you have full trust and confidence that Jesus is your Master and has delivered you from sin and death? This is the question we must ponder in our hearts, but to truly have faith in Christ we need to know who Christ is, right?

Many mistakenly perceive faith as wishful thinking or taking a chance. But this is not the true meaning of faith, as the Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1” Faith is the assurance or confidence of the things we hoped for” We don’t just hope that Jesus rose from the dead and defeated sin and death, we believe Jesus truly rose from the dead defeating sin and death, there is a big difference. All our hope is in Jesus!

The Apostles said to Jesus “Lord Increase Our Faith”, can you relate to this? Faith is like a relationship, it develops and gets stronger over time, the more you get to know Christ, the stronger your relationship builds with him, the stronger your faith grows. Jesus said “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, the sycamore tree would obey you” This sounds impossible right? But nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37) The more you know Him, the more you realize this and build your faith

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:7-10

Jesus tells us a story, when servants come back from doing their jobs, they don’t look to their Master to serve them, they continue to serve their Master and fulfill their duties. We need to understand , if Jesus is your Lord (Master), then you are his servant. It’s important to have obedience and faith in your Master

Do you need more faith? Do as the Apostles, ask Jesus to increase your faith! You might say well doesn’t that prove you don’t have faith, no! It proves that Jesus is your Lord and He is your provider of all things. We never saved ourselves, we were drawn to Christ by the Holy Spirit

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8, you didn’t save yourself , God saved you through Christ, your faith is Jesus will provide God’s grace for your soul Amen!

Luke 17- Stumbling Blocks

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Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luke 17:1-2

Stumbling blocks, it’s one of the biggest issues in the Church that has hampered it since the beginning. You might ask , what is a stumbling block? The original Greek word is “skandala” meaning a snare, trap, cause for error. We all know stumbling-blocks within the Church, someone who tries to enforce heresy on the Church to divide or someone who tries to implement sin within the Church. The stumbling block is a divider, a deceiver, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We see alot of YouTubers who have become stumbling blocks, misleading many Christians with false doctrines and division

But Jesus said “Woe to him” woe to the stumbling block, those who prevent someone from coming to Christ will have blood on their hands. It’s good to be zealous about God and to be passionate, but make sure you’re not becoming a stumbling block for others trying to find Jesus. 

So what is the punishment for the stumbling block? Jesus said “It would be better if you were thrown into the ocean with a large stone tied around your neck, than to offend one of God’s children” Jesus takes great offense to the stumbling blocks, its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God, be careful what you are preaching!

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:3-4

Now does this mean we should accept any doctrine or allow sinful behavior to continue? No, Jesus said “If anyone sins against you, rebuke them and if they repent , forgive them” It’s easy to rebuke people but harder to forgive, Jesus requires both. If you’re going to rebuke people, be ready to be rebuked yourself. It’s important we continue to humble ourselves and obediently learn and serve one another with the love of Christ

Forgiveness is an ongoing job, it’s probably one of the hardest things to do in life, however we must remember judgement belongs to The Lord. Give it up to God, often when we try to resolve issues on our own, we make a greater mess of the situation. As the expression goes “Let Go and Let God” theres alot of power in that motto

So let’s examine ourselves, are you a stumbling block for others coming to Christ? Make sure you are a minister for the Kingdom and not a hindrance to the Kingdom , Amen!

Luke 16- Rich Man and Lazarus

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And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:23-24

The story of the rich man and Lazarus is not only one of the most powerful revelations Jesus gave to us, but its also one of the most highly debated stories also. Many will argue this is just a parable instead of a true story. The reason we know it’s a story is because Jesus uses real names in it. Unlike all the parables Jesus taught that never included names

Second most translations will use Hades instead of Hell. While reading the story you’ll see the rich man is eternally conscience being tormented in a flame. This sounds like Hell to me, Hades is typically translated as the grave or realm of the dead.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Luke 16:25

The rich man lived like a King on this Earth, while the poor man suffered. What did it profit this rich man to gain the entire world yet lose his soul? Nothing, this world is temporary but your soul is eternal , choose wisely

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Luke 16:31

Notice once you are dead, there are no second chances of salvation. There is no purgatory or repentance in Hell. Our time is running short, follow Jesus or perish! Notice Jesus also prophecies here about his own resurrection.

And Jesus was right, he rose from the dead over 2,000 years ago, yet millions still deny him and are going to Hell. Don’t follow the broad way of this world, get on the narrow path of life in Jesus Christ! Amen!

Luke 16- Whoever Is Faithful

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And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. Luke 16:1-4

Sometimes we think to ourselves, what is the point of this life? We know we are saved, eventually Jesus will return and restore his Kingdom, why should we struggle and tarry today? Well Jesus reveals some of that in this parable, this life is a test. How you run your life ,how you manage your finances, how you manage your job or employees, how you raise your family, these things all matter. As Jesus said “Whoever will be faithful with very little will be faithful with very much and whoever is dishonest with very little will be dishonest with very much”

Most people don’t like to think about the “afterlife” but everything we do here today is leading up to our eternal positions. No we are not going to be floating around on clouds playing harps, the Bible tells us in the New Heaven and Earth we will be building  houses and planting vineyards (Isaiah 65:21) Life will go on in Gods Kingdom, it will be a perfect Kingdom reigned by a Perfect King, the point is what you do here today determines what your position will be in the Kingdom

So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. Luke 16:5-9

As we see in this parable, there was a rich man who fired his manager because he was corrupt and wasn’t being honest.So what did the manager do, he started stealing from the rich man, essentially this parable is about stealing from God. Think about that , everything we do in life, we should do it honestly and with integrity , as if we are working for God. If God can’t trust you with Earthly responsibilities how can he trust you with Heavenly responsibilities?

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:10-13

Jesus makes a couple great statements here, “They that are faithful with little will also be faithful with much” What you do on this Earth and how you manage your life , makes a difference. We should live to please God, and try to make the most of what we are given to glorify Christ

Secondly, “Nobody can serve two masters” This relates to money and everything is our lives, there is only One Master and that’s Jesus, if you are a Christian you are a slave to Christ. Everything should be centered around the King of Kings, whatever takes place of God is your master.

As the Apostle Paul said “Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) , is your life pleasing and glorifying to God? Have you been honest and faithful with whatever God has given you? Do it all for the Glory of God, Amen!

Luke 15- Prodigal Son

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And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. Luke 15:11-14

The story of the Prodigal Son should be relatable to all of us! The Father , who is symbolic of our Heavenly Father, gave his children everything, yet they rebelled and squandered their inheritance. The younger son left The Father to go and live the “wild life” in sin and squandered his entire inheritance given by his Father. 

Can you already see yourself in the Prodigal Son? How many have left God and The Church to go live a life of sin? Or how many never even knew God and lived a reckless life of partying and self destruction? There is Good News the Father is calling you home!

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, Luke 15:15-18

The Prodigal Son went from eating in royalty to eating with the pigs. The Son had hit rock bottom, he was in the pit of despair, but again there is Good News, the Father is calling you home. How many of us can relate to this? Sometimes you have to hit the bottom before you start looking up!

 Now notice the Son came to repentance, he said “I have sinned against God”, we need to repent and come back to our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ!

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: Luke 15:19-22

The Prodigal Son crawled back to The Father, feeling not worthy to be called his Son, how many of us can relate to that? What happened? The Son recognized and understood his sinful state, however how did The Father respond? He brought him his best robe and put a ring on his fingers. The Father forgave the Son and welcomed him home with open arms. This is the same for us, our Heavenly Father will welcome you home through His Son Jesus Christ!

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancingAnd he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.. Luke 15:23-28

There was a celebration as the Prodigal Son came Home, just as when you came Home to your Heavenly Father , all the angels rejoiced! As we’ve seen throughout these parables, everytime a sinner comes to true repentance through Christ all of Heaven rejoices. 

Now the elder Son, was angry and jealous of the Prodigal Son. Have you ever seen this in Church? A known sinner starts coming to Church and everyone gossips and avoids them, don’t be like the eldest Son, rejoice for the Prodigal Son or Daughter has come home to our Heavenly Father. 

This reminds me of the hymn “Softly and Tenderly” the chorus goes “Come Home, Come Home, Ye who are weary Come Home”!  If you are the Prodigal today, The Father is calling you Home! Come home today through our Lord Jesus Christ Amen!