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Many of Jesus’ followers are abandoning him, then as today. HIs question to his closest disciples is one also addressed to us today: “Do you also want to go away?”
[image_frame style=”framed” align=”left” alt=”The Return of the Prodigal Son, 1669. Rembrandt. ” title=”The Return of the Prodigal Son, 1669. Rembrandt.” height=”252″ width=”205″]https://flcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-1669.jpg[/image_frame]
We all want to feel comfortable going home, but pain and misunderstanding can make that difficult. The Gospel shows us the way of grace and repentance that makes homecoming possible.
There is no shortcut through many of the forms of suffering we encounter and endure in this life. Healing is promised: but sometimes it takes a long time.
[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”left” alt=””Christ Carrying the Cross.” Ivory panel. Late Roman, A.D. 420-430″ title=””Christ Carrying the Cross.” Ivory panel. Late Roman, A.D. 420-430″ height=”205″ width=”205″]https://flcva.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/carrying-the-cross.jpg[/image_frame]
Part of our calling is to try to discern the will of God in the various situations of our life, but sometime what looks like a “no” can become a “yes,” and sometimes what looks like a “yes” can become a “no.”
Third in a four-part sermon series, “The Cost and Call of Discipleship.”
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Fifth in a five-part series, “Why Christianity?”
While I can experience spirituality alone, following Jesus in a life of love and compassion requires community, bringing the world the hope we have found in Christ.