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WELCOME HOME

In Matthew, Jesus mentions a shepherd with one hundred sheep. In the analogy, he leaves ninety-nine of them to go look for one who is lost. The shepherd has more joy in finding that one lost sheep that went astray than in the ninety-nine who never left. You may think that because you’ve never committed some heinous act or terrible crime that you’ve never really “run from God” or need to be welcomed back to Him. But the truth is, we run from Him every single time we weave a web of lies, covet someone else’s possessions, or wallow in secret lust or contempt. All sin is the same to God, so any time that we choose to hide in our shame, envy, or anger instead of confess to Him, we are actually running farther away instead of accepting the freedom and forgiveness that He offers to us with open arms. But the good news is, once we realize we’re all equally undeserving candidates for that unconditional forgiveness and love, the more fully and honestly we can accept it. How differently would you live every day if you always thought about the fact that you belong to Jesus? You are His valuable possession! He bought you with a price, lives in you, and would leave ninety-nine others just to go after you. Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, He throws a party when he sees you stumbling up the driveway coming home, He doesn’t slam the door in your face! Run to Him, He’s waiting for you with His arms open wide.