This next Tuesday, we’ll be starting a “Ladies’ Lunch Break” at our church. Together, we’ll be going through the video curriculum series that follows the book, The Prodigal God by Tim Keller. I had the opportunity to read this book a couple of weeks ago, and it truly challenged me. Keller takes the Parable of the Lost Son and shows how Jesus used the story to challenge people on their religious moralism. OUCH.

Just a couple of great quotes to chew on as we prepare to jump in this week…

“Why is he [the elder brother] so angry with the father? He feels he has the right to tell the father how the robes, rings and livestock of the family should be deployed. In the same way, religious people commonly live very moral lives, but their goal is to get leverage over God, to control him, to put him in a position where they think he owes them. Therefore, despite all their ethical fastidiousness and piety, they are actually rebelling against his authority. If, like the elder brother, you believe that God ought to bless you and help you because you have worked so hard to obey him and be a good person, then Jesus may be your helper, your example, even your inspiration, but he is not your Savior. You are serving as you own Savior.”

“Jesus aimed this parable primarily at the Pharisees, to show them who they were and to urge them to change. As we said, the younger brother knew he was alienated from the father, but the elder brother did not. That’s why elder-brother lostness is so dangerous. Elder brothers don’t go to God and beg for healing from their condition. They see nothing wrong with their condition, and that can be fatal.”

If you’re in the area, I sincerely hope that we’ll see you there for lunch! Tuesday, October 5th, 12:00pm, WHBC fellowship hall. Study materials and lunch will be provided. You don’t want to miss it!