Sunday we finished our series at The Community Fellowship titled DRIFT, and we offered an invitation to all who listened. It was and is simple. It is for all and full of love and grace, as that is the character of our God.
Come back. Come home. There is a place for you. The title of this message is COME BACK. Return to the place where you found love and strength. Come back to God and know that restoration is possible, life can return to you and there is more to come.
DRIFT happens which reminds us we need to be careful. Remember what we have learned. Run to the examples of those who love and know God. DRIFT is not good. Drifting from God is something we all know about too much. Drifting can happen quickly, but much of the time DRIFT is subtle and slow.
That is why God reminded us to be light to this world. We are not the light, but we hold the light. We point to the light, and the light is Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
One of the reasons we drift is we grow cold to the light due to sin in our lives. We have to allow God to deal with sin, point out those difficult places and run back to God.
Romans 6:12 NLT
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.
There are many things that remind us we can come back to God when we have drifted. One of those is the story of the prodigal son. Powerful truth.
Luke 15:20-24 NLT
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
The invitation from Revelation chapter 2 is in the form of a complaint from God to the church at Ephesus. They left their first love. They didn’t love God and each other as much as they did at first.
Yet God invited them to return. To love God and be loved by God. Love each other and see God move. Here is an invitation for you as well. Come back to God and let Him work in your life!
Joel 2:13 NLT
Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Comments