To Be Found in Christ

Luke 15:1-32
 
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wreath like me!
I once was lost but now am found…”
What does it mean to be ‘lost’’?
Let’s consider different levels of lostness – loss of materials (replaceable), loss of love ones, and much deeper level of spiritual loss (living without Jesus).
 
There’s comfort, peace, satisfaction in knowing we don’t need to be lost without Jesus but to be found in Jesus.
Luke 15 is a trilogy of lostness – same audience (both Pharisees/priests and tax-collectors/sinners) and same context; different stories for 3 causes of loss:
 
1) A cause for concern – The shepherd notices what is missing and pursues it persistently. Our purpose for coming together here is to bring glory to God, and understand it is not about ME but about the people out there that need a shepherd. It is about what you and I can do with Jesus to bring glory to God.
 
2) A cause for commotion/action – Not get busy with those left but reach those in need of the gospel. So we obey the Great Commission in going out, making disciples, baptizing and teaching people to obey Jesus and doing all with His presence (Matt. 28:19-20).
 
3) A cause for salvation – There are reasons to celebrate: “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repent” (Luke 15:7, 10). It is the same with God: “But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32).
We have the promise of resurrection bodies, for the ultimate victory in Christ who is now seeking the one lost, maybe just you.
There are some local people who are desperate to hear the gospel. It is our challenge then to be the one who points them to our great Shepherd and Lord, the voice of the gospel to such a people.
 
Are you lost? Back to Jesus, He will carry you on his shoulders once you are found.
It is a difficult decision you have to make – to be a follower of Jesus.
 
 
Come join our English congregation of the International Church in Yangon!