The Prodigal Gospel (Part Three)

It's all about me....

"I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. " - Song of Solomon 5:6.

In the first part of this message, we discovered what "drove away" the Prodigal Son from his father's house - the abundance of the father's house, or rather, the desire to experience the inheritance before the appointed time. In the second part of the message, we discovered what "drove back" the Prodigal Son to his father's house - a "famine".

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit revealed that a "divine" famine had been sent, first manifesting itself in the physical realm; then, ultimately, a purposeful deliberate "withdrawing" of the Father Himself, causing the real famine that would hopefully "drive back" the countless prodigal sons and daughters who had "fallen away" (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3) from the Father and His presence (being wooed away by a deceptive "Prodigal Gospel", resulting in a selfish condition of the heart) to a repentant heart, who's true cry was to "be a blessing to the Father and to others".

In the third and final chapter of this series, we will focus on the other "Prodigal Son", namely, the older son/brother. No, this is not a typo....there were actually two prodigal sons in the story found in Luke 15:11-32 - one who left his father's house physically, and one who remained at his father's house, yet his heart had also "fallen away" from the father just as much, if not more, than that of the younger son.

"Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." - Luke 15:25-32.

So many sermons have made the focal point of their message all about the younger son - how he hastily decided his true happiness lied outside of the boundaries of his father's home - only to discover all he ever really needed was the always there - in his father's house. But the older brother was also in a condition where his heart needed redemption, perhaps even more than that of his brother's. Before you disagree, let us review the evidence -

"And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf." - Luke 15:27 & 28.

The words of the older son reveal the true state of his heart - what was most dear to him. First, upon hearing his younger brother had returned, anger filled his heart. Second, his rebuttal to his father's inquiry was a self-righteous one - declaring to his father his record of faithfulness based upon his performance - how he had served - how he had never transgressed. Third, he accuses his father of being unfair - he was never rewarded - the younger son never punished. Finally, he identifies the younger son as "this thy son", not willing to acknowledge the younger son as his own brother.

"And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." - John 9:39-41.

The younger son had "come to his senses" and realized his lost condition; however, the older son was in a worse state than that of his brother because he was blind to the fact that he had fell prey to the same seduction his brother had. Though he had not physically left his father's house, his heart - far from where it should be - was defensive, "Look at me!", accusing, "What's in it for me?", declaring, "It's all about me!"

The horrible truth about this "Prodigal Gospel" is that it has infiltrated and polluted the whole Body of Christ today. Not only causing many son and daughters to leave the Father's house; but also causing those sons and daughters that remain in the Father's house to develop a heart of self righteousness - only concerned for itself - justifying itself by performance - judging others based upon their past faults and failures.

"For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged....As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one....Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." - Romans 3:3&4, 10-12, 22-24.

When He spoke the parable of the Prodigal Son, the main focus of our Lord Jesus Christ was the hearts of the characters in the story - and the most important heart in the story is the one that is the most neglected - that of the father. It was the father that was the true hero of the story. It was the father's heart that was in its rightful place - one of redemption and reconciliation - one that realized the "true and secret riches" and what mattered most -

"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: 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....And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." - Luke 15:20-24, 31&32.

It was the father who had compassion - who ran to embrace his younger son - kissed him - restored him - welcomed him home. It was the father who approached the older son - entreated him - reminded the older son of his love and willingness to give him all that he had. The father was willing to divide and distribute his wealth to his sons because his happiness was not the abundance he had acquired; nor the house he had built - but that he possessed his sons - body and heart - that his sons were with him. And the father's ultimate desire was that his sons realize that true happiness was not the abundance of wealth - not the inheritance - not even the father's house - but to have each other and to be in the father's presence!

"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody....Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away." - Isaiah 51:3&11.

Beloved, this is our Father's heart as well! A heart that longs for His younger sons and daughters to be redeemed - to come home! A heart that also longs for His older sons and daughter to be redeemed - to rejoice and welcome home their brothers and sisters! And they are coming home....those misfits that have been dwelling in obscurity - eating the pig slop of this world - will "come to their senses" and begin the journey home - realizing that they have wasted the father's inheritance - broken, busted, and disgusted - willing just to be a servant - but finding a Father eager to embrace them, kiss them, clothe them - call them His own.

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17.

It is easy to see how the the story ended for the younger son. In gratitude for being redeemed, he loved the father even more than before - became a faithful steward - well-pleasing and a blessing to his father. But what about the fate of the older brother? That remains to be seen... because the real test lies in what the older brother did with the remaining wealth - his rightful share of the inheritance. Did he realize, as his father knew, what matters most? Not only will he receive his younger brother back into his bosom?.....but would he follow his father's example?

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." - Galatians 6:1-3.

Beloved, hear with your spiritual ear "what the Spirit saith unto the churches" -

It is church, not God, that labels someone "rejected, "unfit", and "nonredeemable"!

It is traditions of man that deem someone "disqualified", not even able to be a "door-greeter" in the house of God - not able to accept the fact that, when the Father redeems, He redeems completely - when the Father restores, He restores totally - and when the Father loves, He loves unconditionally!

It is the "weaker" brother - the angry, "hard-hearted" daughter - that will demand of God a reason for why He doesn't reward "going through the motions" of faith - not understanding... that type of service is dead religion. It is the "self-absorbed" brother - the "self-centered" sister - that will want an explanation for why the younger brothers and sisters are given the more prominent places and gifts when Jesus returns - it will be those brothers and sisters who pride themselves in perfect church attendance who will call it "unfair" when the younger sons and daughters are given the greater honor in His kingdom!

So.........what will you do when the misfits come home?

Will you realize and reflect the Father's heart and welcome them home with open-arms? Or will you greet them with a self-righteous, "I told you so"? Will you gladly restore your brothers and sisters....share what is left of the inheritance? Or will your flaunt your inheritance over them as a constant reminder that they barely made it home?

Beloved, who cares about streets of gold and mansions of silver! Who cares about glorious robes and eternal crowns! They will all be cast at the feet of our Lord anyway! What matters most is that we will be with Jesus! And He will be with us! What matters most is that we are reunited with our brother and sisters and that we made it home! What matters most is that we will forever be in our Father's presence and He will be in ours! What a grand reunion that will be!

The the younger son, I say, "Come home....he is still your Father....you are still His son"!

The the older son, I say, "Remember....he is still your brother....she is still your sister"!

"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." - Revelation 22:20-21.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA_bo8DSOwg

The Prodigal Gospel (Part Two)

The Famine has begun.....

"....God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart." - 2 Chronicles 32:31.
In the first part of this series, the main topic discussed was what had drove the younger son away from his father's house/presence. The scriptures revealed it was "the abundance of the father's house" that drove the Prodigal Son from his father's presence, or rather "the desire to experience the rewards of the inheritance before the appointed time". The Holy Spirit then revealed that the Body of Christ was also suffering from the same problem.....a "Prodigal Gospel" that has been preached for years has caused many son and daughters of God to "fall away"(2 Thessalonians 2:2-3) from the condition of a heart that is truly pursuing God to a heart that is "seeking God's hand instead of seeking God's face".

In this message, the primary focus will be what drove the younger son back to his father's house/presence. What exactly caused the younger son to "come to his senses" and return to his father's house?

"And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 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....." - Luke 15:14-18.

It was a famine that set the stage for the possibility of the younger son's heart to reach a state of repentance. "Repentance" is a word meaning, "to change one's mind", or, "to change one's course and destination". Nothing brings repentance to a heart quite like an unmet need. The famine brought the younger son to a place of true repentance....he "came to his senses", then "changed his course" and made his father's house/presence his new "destination".

Beloved, God is using the same thing on the Body of Christ today in an effort to reach the same result! The first vestiges of the famine have already begun and will intensify greatly in the very near future. The purpose of this famine is not to destroy the numerous "prodigal" sons and daughters that have "fallen away". No....the purpose of this famine is declared in the Word of God.

"For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another." - Isaiah 48:9-11.

God has used famines many times in the history of mankind for His purpose. The Word of God declares many instances of this fact (Genesis 12:10; Genesis 41:30; Ruth 1:1; 2 Samuel 21:1; 1 Kings 18:2; Jeremiah 11:22; Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11; Revelation 18:8). It is a customary practise of God to use the method of creating or letting a physical need go unmet so that a more important need is satisfied. God is more concerned with the condition of your heart than with the condition of your body. At this present time, many sons and daughters of God are experiencing a pro-longed trial/circumstance in the physical realm, where it appears that God is ignoring their cries/prayers....seeming almost to the point of neglect; but the fact of the matter is, God is working through this trial/circumstance to perfect their faith and hopefully meet a greater need.

Beloved, if you are not presently seeing or experiencing the effects of this divine famine....of assurance, you will soon. The present famine is actually two-fold in nature. The physical manifestations of this famine are readily felt and more quickly experienced. The Global economy is hanging by a very thin thread. Natural resources are becoming scarce. Commodities necessary to maintaining today's present life-style are becoming more expensive. This is only the beginning....

"They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them." - Ezekiel 7:18-20.

Then the real famine will begin. The second part of this famine that will be the most grievous and the most devastating....

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD...." - Amos 8:11.

God will purposely withdraw Himself for a time to allow the fullness of sin to come and the "man of sin/son of perdition" to be revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3). For a time, it will appear the darkness is prevailing. Christians will lose their liberties. Persecution will begin to intensify. Huge, well-known ministries that have been preaching the "Prodigal" prosperity message....declaring that God has endless resources...will run out of resources, forced to declare bankruptcy....closing the doors. Radio and television ministries cut off. Why must these things come to pass?

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness." - Malachi 3:1-3.

The Spirit of God expressly commands that all the truth be told and this message stated in its entirety....not all the "prodigals" will return....many will be the casualties of this famine. Because it will appear that the promises of God are of none effect and God has abandoned His children....many hearts will be filled with anger and bitterness.....many that once began a journey with the Lord will not enter into His rest because of unbelief (Hebrews 4:1-11). How can such a thing be stated? The very Word of God declares this horrible reality.....

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God." - Zechariah 13:7-9.

Beloved, the judgement of God is always mixed with mercy. God is long-suffering....not willing to see any perish. The "Day of the Lord" is close at hand (Joel 2:1-3). Before this terrible day, however, God is refining His people.....preparing the church to be that spotless bride He is returning for! (Isaiah 62:5). God is allowing this famine in an effort to bring the "prodigal" children to a state of repentance.....the famine is meant to cause the wayward children to "come to their senses" before it is too late!

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." - Isaiah 55:6-8.

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." - Isaiah 44:22

Will you heed this warning from the Holy Spirit? Will you believe our report? Will you be a part of the remnant of God who's hearts have been purified that they may see God (Matthew 5:8)? Then let your heart's cry be that of the younger son - "I will arise and go to my father...."!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT1YAP4Vy9s

Stay tuned for the conclusion!

The Prodigal Gospel (Part One)

Give me my inheritance now....

"The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot." - Psalm 16:5.

One of the most timeless, well-loved stories in the scriptures is that of the "Prodigal Son". It could quite possibly be the most used story of sermons whose objective is that of restoration, redemption, and reconciliation. Nothing portrays God's willingness and desire as our Father to welcome home and restore a child who has "lost his/her way" than the parable found in Luke Chapter 15.

"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. 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, 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: 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 dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." - Luke 15:11-32.

This is a timeless story of God's forgiveness and restoration. God, portrayed as the father....watching fervently for the return of his younger son....longing for the day his son is home again....back in his arms. The younger son....on the brink of starvation....brought to his senses by a famine....and the realization that all he ever really needed was in his father's house....returns home to find his father....not only willing to forgive him....but to restore him to sonship.

But the story doesn't end there. As a matter of fact, the scriptures stated above don't contain the real beginning nor the real ending.....

This particular parable, told by our Lord Jesus, has been named the parable of the "Prodigal Son"; however, the word "Prodigal" is not found in the parable nor any where in scripture. If one were to look up the definition of the word Prodigal in the dictionary, he/she would find that it has two main meanings - 1) to be "driven" off or "driven" away, and 2) abundance of wealth. The story is aptly named "Prodigal Son" because the younger of the sons was "driven" away from the father's house by the abundance of wealth his father's house contained....or, more correctly, the desire to experience the abundance his father possessed.

The story actually begins in the heart of the younger son. This is always the case for anyone who leaves or "falls away" from the security and completeness of the father's house/presence. Before a sin/backsliding manifests itself in the physical act, it is always proceeded by a "falling away" of the heart first. Jesus described the real origin of sin and "falling away" in Matthew Chapter 5 -

"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." - Matthew 5:20-28.

Jesus is teaching a valuable truth to us that, in order to truly overcome sin, one must combat it within the heart. If one waits to combat the enemy after the sin has become deed and action, the bondage to sin is already present and the battle almost impossible to win. It is within the heart of a person that Satan, through our sinful natures, begins the effort to take control. Once a person succumbs to temptation and the motives of the heart become works of the flesh, that person must be broken and brought to the end of himself/herself (a.k.a. "godly sorrow") before true restoration (a.k.a. "true repentance") is a possibility.

The younger son's true departure from his father's house/presence manifested itself in his heart long before he physically left. Consider the younger son's request - "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. " First, let's establish something - the younger son was not asking for something that did not belong to him - the inheritance that his father possessed rightfully belonged to both the sons. It was the timing of the request that led to the "falling away" of the younger son. Instead of waiting for the time appointed - a time the Father would have determined that his sons were at a level of maturity and had demonstrated the worthiness of a faithful and wise steward - a time when the father would know his sons were able to handle the "true riches" of the inheritance responsibly and the possibility that the abundance of wealth would not corrupt his son's hearts was alleviated - the younger son asked for his inheritance now.

Actually, the younger son's request was more of a demand. This reveals the true condition of the younger son's heart. It is apparent the younger son understood the inheritance rightfully belonged to him; but he also felt and believed he was ready for it....deserved it....and wanted to enjoy the benefits of it....at the present time. His desire to experience the rewards of sonship superseded his father's desires and his dependence on his father's wisdom of timing and the father's knowledge of the true state of his younger son's heart. Amazingly, the father grants his son's request -"And he divided unto them his living." The evidence of the selfish condition of the younger son's heart is manifested in the physical shortly afterward because - "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."

Do you see the frightening truth? - not stated in the words - but there none the less - The younger son was "driven away" from his father's house - his father's presence - by the very thing that was meant to be his reward - what he would have been rightful owner of at the appointed time. Instead, his desire to experience the benefits of the inheritance/reward prematurely caused him to "fall away" - the "Prodigal Son" was "driven away by the abundance" of his father's house!

Did the father know? Know that his son was not ready for his inheritance? Know that his son would leave the safety of the father's home/presence shortly after receiving the inheritance? Oh, yes....the father knew. Then why would a father that appeared to love his son as this story describes grant his son's request and give him the rewards of sonship if he knew what the result would be? The reason is because the father also knew his son's heart. The father realized that, though his son may physically be present, if he truly wanted his son - heart, mind, and body - he must allow his son to be broken - to come to the end of himself - in order for the son to inherit the "true and secret" riches his father had to offer.

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." - Galatians 1:6-8.

Beloved, there is another frightening truth that these scriptures reveal - a terribly frightening similarity between this "prodigal son" and today's church. The Body of Christ is full of "prodigal" sons and daughters! Those who are still physically present within the house of God; but whose hearts have long ago "fallen away" from the father. And these sons and daughters fell victim to the same premature desire the younger son succumbed to - they are being "driven away by the abundance" of the father's house - or, rather, the desire to experience the rewards of sonship before the appointed time.

Sons and daughters of God - whose ears are being filled with a polluted gospel - a perversion of the truth - that entices the believer to "be all you can be", to "stick out your chest with pride that you are a child of God", with soothing, seductive words like "you are the apple of God's eye" and "you are joint-heirs with Jesus, so you deserve the best God has to offer", "you are never supposed to be sick", "you are never supposed to be in want or lack", "you are in charge of angels", "you will inherit the earth....so why not start NOW!"

These hybrid truths have just enough scripture to sound real, genuine, "spiritually-inspired" - but the core of this gospel is one of selfishness....humanistic - this "purpose driven" gospel whose real purpose is to drive the believer into a self-absorbed, "it's all about me" condition who hearts arrogantly proclaim, "Look at me, I am blessed of God!" instead of the true heart's cry, "Look upon me, God, and make me a blessing to You and others!" This modern-day "prosperity" Gospel is, in fact, a "Prodigal" Gospel - devoid of true humility, godliness and power!

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." - 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Beloved, although the popular message today sounds pleasant in the ears and is attracting the lost in crowds, it is not the gospel preached by the Apostle Paul! -

"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake...." - 1 Corinthian 9:14-23.

Beloved, there are rewards and benefits for obedience in the Lord....but those are not to be the motive of our hearts! We are to use the resources, blessings, and abundance that the Father sees fit to grant us to further the Kingdom of God....not "that ye may consume it upon your lusts." - James 4:3.

There is a difference in the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Service. The Kingdom of Heaven is a Kingdom of Reward. The Kingdom of God is present. The Kingdom of Heaven is future. How you serve in the Kingdom of God will determine how you are rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven. However, this "Prodigal" Gospel instructs the believer that, according to the "Lord's Prayer" which states "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" is an invitation to demand of the Father, just has the younger son, "Give me my inheritance now!" And this gospel has caused the fulfillment of prophetic scripture! -

"That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...." - 2 Thessalonians 2:2-3.

If you are still waiting for the "Great Apostasy" (a.k.a. "great falling away") as if it were still a future event....stop waiting! The hearts of the sons and daughters of God have been falling away from the Father long before Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential hit the bookshelves and best seller list. Beloved, the Kingdom of Heaven is coming......but it is not here yet!

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:9-12

God, just as the loving father of the younger son, knows these "prodigal" sons and daughters must be broken....brought to the end of themselves....much like that of the younger son. Not many days hence, the famine will begin....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf5FLngLWY0

The "Heart" of the Matter

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23.

God has a plan and a destiny for your life.....and so does Satan. And the plan and destiny that God has is completely opposite of the one that Satan has for your life.

But what if I told you there is one thing that both God and Satan want in your life. Yes....it's true. And it's the one thing that is the key to determining which plan and destiny....God or Satan's....prevails......your heart.

Beloved, your heart is what's at stake in this eternal war between God and His will for your life vs. Satan and his will for your life. It is the deciding factor in where you will be at the end of days.....and that decision is completely yours to make.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man 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." - Matthew 6:19-24.

Beloved, in the very near future, the battle for your heart will intensify as never before. Things that you believed would never tempt you will suddenly become huge obstacles....old habits, desires - things that you believed you had overcome once and for all will rise up again with such voracity - you will be overwhelmed and succumb......unless you are on your guard!

Beloved, this is a prophetic warning......please do not take it lightly. The restraint is being lifted....Satan will gain more freedom.....for a period of time the darkness will seem to be prevailing.....and those who do not heed the warning of Proverbs 4:23 will perish.

We will end this message with the words of a song Christian artist Steve Green wrote many years ago - let these words burn into your soul -

Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above Is looking down in love
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see

What appears to be harmless glance...
Can turn to romance
And homes are divided

Feelings that should never have been
Awakened within
Tearing the heart in two
Listen, I beg of you

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
Don't trade it for treasure
Don't give it away
Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
As a payment for pleasure
It's high price to pay

For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear
Guard your Heart

The human heart is easily swayed
And often betrayed at the hand of emotion

You dare not leave the outcome to chance
You must choose in advance
Or live with the agony
Such needless tragedy

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
Don't trade it for treasure
Don't give it away
Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
As a payment for pleasure
It's high price to pay

For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear
Guard your Heart

To hear this song as sung by the artist - click this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx65zb8AQpo

God does not have a "Plan B"

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." - Jeremiah 29:11

Most everyone can think of a time in his/her life when a choice was presented of which the outcome would vastly alter the course of his/her future. You may even be able to think of a time in your recent past when a choice you made had that very effect. Some people go through life with "regrets", wishing he/she had a certain choice to make all over again; and, if so, he/she would have chose an entirely different outcome.

The fact of the matter is we encounter situations on a daily basis where the choices we make change the course of the day. Some are so small we barely even notice them - the smile we pass along to a stranger - a random act of kindness to a fellow commuter on the way to work - stopping for coffee at McDonald's instead of Starbucks.

However, there are those opportunities - confrontations - temptations - trials - that present themselves to us and a "knee-jerk" reaction, a hasty decision, or even a long-contemplated choice so drastically changes the direction of our lives, one can only wonder "where would I be right now if I had chosen differently"?

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure..." - Isaiah 46:9&10

Beloved, although we may wonder how differently our lives would be had we made a different choice; maybe even stating "if I only knew then what I know now", God never has in the past, nor will He ever have to do so in the future. One of the distinct characteristics that make Him God is the fact He in omniscient - He knows everything - past, present and future. He created this universe knowing its end from the very beginning. He knows exactly where you are today, where you will be tomorrow, and where you will be at the end of days.

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love..." - Ephesians 1:4

There are countless souls that have fell by the wayside because of the lie from Satan declaring that they have went too far - that he/she has messed up too big or committed some sin so heinous that God has wrote him/her off and that there is no hope. Some have even been deceived into believing that God, in His infinite mercy, will still allow them into heaven; however, the original plan/calling He had for them has been "lost" or "changed" into a plan/calling of a smaller nature or lesser impact. Beloved, these are lies from the devil that have no truth in them whatsoever!

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." - Romans 8:28-30.

By the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit, we will address the issue of "predestination". According to the scriptures stated above, predestination is a valid doctrine found in the Word of God. However, we must dispel the idea of predestination according to the old Puritan belief - one that dictates that everyone is born either going to heaven or going to hell and nothing that person can do will change that. A better word would be "predetermination". God has a predetermined plan for each believer's life that will ultimately end at the foot of His throne.

Imagine a person planning a trip from New York to Los Angeles. This person will have to make several choices regarding the trip. There are several routes that person could take - routes that would contain different sites, different locales in which to eat, spend the night, etc. Then, there is also the "unforeseen" obstacles and delays that person will encounter on the way to Los Angeles - road construction, flat tires, mechanical problems, etc. Then, throw into that equation an enemy that does not want to see this person reach the destination, placing along the route distractions, detours, and problems - hoping to make this person give up the trip due to frustration, long delays, costly problems. The person planning the trip from New York to Los Angeles will have to make several choices on how to react to the unforeseen delays, obstacles, changes in the route that is taken. This person could choose to turn back, determining the trip is "not worth it". "too hard", not what he/she "thought it would be like", etc. Or, if the person is determined to make it, despite the problems and delays, that person would eventually reach the destination if he/she chooses not to give up.

God has a "predetermined" plan for every believer that leads from the cross to the throne. Of course, there will been unforeseen delays, obstacles, and choices to make while on this journey. And Satan will do everything God will allow to upset the believer, hinder the believer, attempting to cause the believer to determine the journey is "not worth it", "too hard", not what we "thought it would be like". But if the believer is determined to make it to heaven, the grace of God will assure the believer gets home if he/she does not give up.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ..." - Philippians 1:6

Now, let's consider the lie so many believers have fell victim to of messing things up so bad that God has "wrote them off' or "changed the plan"....remember...."whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son," (Romans 8:29). As God knew the end from the beginning, so also He knew His children before they were even born! And God chose them based on that foreknowledge. God created Adam - knowing Adam would eat the forbidden fruit, God called Abraham - knowing Abraham was an habitual liar, God chose Jacob - knowing Jacob would steal his brother's birthright and blessing, God anointed David - knowing David would commit adultery, God chose Thomas - knowing Thomas was a sceptic, God chose Paul - knowing he would first be Saul the Persecutor, and the list goes on.....

But one of the best illustrations for our topic today is Peter. Peter....the "maverick" disciple of New Testament Christianity - the first one to walk on the water with Jesus - the first one to proclaim Jesus as the "Messiah, the Son of the living God" - the first one to preach the Gospel on the day of Pentecost - the first one to declare to Jesus, "I will lay down my life for thy sake."(John 13:37). But we must remember....he was also Peter - the one who was rebuked by Paul for being a hypocrite - the one who was openly rebuked by Jesus for speaking under the influence of Satan - and the one who denied even knowing the Lord three times on the night Jesus was betrayed.

God not only shared Peter's greatest moments of faith for all to read; but He also paraded Peter's greatest moments of failure for all to read as well. We may wonder why does God show His most devoted servants in their greatest victories, only to show us their greatest moments of failure and weakness on the very next page. It is not because God gets any satisfaction from seeing His children reflected in the worse light of humanity. It is to teach His children a truth that will grant them one of the greatest victories in the walk of life.

Doubtless, Peter meant every word he stated to Jesus on the night Jesus declared that all would forsake him. Peter was truly sincere when he told the Lord he would rather die with Him than live without Him. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, would swear away his Galilean heritage to save his own neck. As a matter of fact, Jesus knew Peter would do this very thing when He called Peter to follow Him the very first time - and He still chose him. But after denying His Lord three times, Peter thought all was lost - that he had committed a betrayal even worst than Judas had - and had it not been for the fact that Jesus had prayed for Peter, this failure would have driven Peter in his despair to react to his shame and disgrace the very same way that Judas had done. But it was the choice Peter had to make during his greatest confrontation that we want to focus on -

"This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." - John 21:14-17.

Many sermons have been preached regarding the scriptures stated above. Many have stated that the reason Jesus had to ask Peter three times. "Do you love me?", is because Peter denied the Lord three times. This may be true. But the greatest message we should glean from this confrontation is one you may never have heard before. Jesus was giving Peter a choice - a choice that would govern his faith the rest of his life. And it would also give Peter one of the greatest weapons of warfare against the enemy in the days and years to come. "Peter, do you still love me? Then feed my sheep. Peter, do you understand? Peter, will you believe? - Despite your failure, My love for you is still the same. Despite your betrayal, My plan for you has not changed. Regardless of the fact that you feel as if you have committed a sin that now disqualifies you, My plan for your life is still the same."

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." - Romans 11:29.

Beloved, don't believe the lie of Satan - that you have "went too far" and cannot come back - that even if you do return, "it will never be the same". That because of your faults, your failures, your horrible mess up, that even if you make it to heaven, there will only be some sort of "consolation" prize waiting for you. "Don't you understand? Will you believe? " The plan and calling God has for your life has not changed. It has been and always will be the same. The plan and calling God had for you the day you were saved is the same one He will have for you the day you die!

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." - Psalm 37:23 & 24.

A word from the Lord for all you "misfits" out there - "Rejoice and lift those heads that hang low - for I am the Lord, and I still love you! I have still called you for My purpose! You are still My Beloved. You are still My son! You are still My daughter! And My plan for you is still the same!"
Beloved, the real victory is not showing up in heaven with a flawless record - free from battle scars, failures, self-inflicted wounds - it is that, despite the battle scars, despite the failures, despite the self-inflicted wounds -we still made it home! So rejoice in the Lord always...and again, I say rejoice!

"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:33-39.

Beloved, God has no "Plan B"!