Ever wondered, ‘What is God really like’? Through the story of the prodigal son, we see God is not judgmental or harsh, but full of joy, love and mercy. Ps Adrian talks about how we should act in front of God.

(Psalms 16:11 AMP) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

(Luke 15:17-24 NLT) “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! (18) I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, (19) and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ (20) 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.'

1. The Joy of Returning

(James 4:8 NLT)  “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” 

2. The Joy of Forgiveness

(2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

3. The Joy of Acceptance 

(Ephesians 1:5 NLT) “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

4. The Joy of the Party 

(Zephaniah 3:17 NLT) “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” 

(Psalms 30:11-12 NLT) “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, (12) that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!”

【Questions】

• How do you think we should act in front of God?
• What encourages you from Psalm 16:11, what happens when we are in God’s presence? 
• What was the Father’s reaction to the son returning?
• When you make mistakes, do you feel like you can come back to God?
• What can we do to come ‘closer’ to God?
• Why did the older son lack joy?
• Which son can you relate to? (The older son or the younger son?)
• What are some areas in your life that you want to see more of God’s joy?
• What else encouraged you from this story/ message? What is God speaking personally to you?

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