Welcome!

Isn't it true that all of us are "Walking It Out" day by day with the Lord? We are in this journey together—perhaps in different stages and circumstances, but certainly not alone. Let us help each other by lifting one another up and being encouraged to continue on this marvelous journey. In the end, this journey will lead us to the face of God.

"Walking It Out" is a Sunday school class offered at Praise Assembly in Springfield, Missouri, and taught by Doug and Nancy Thomas. We are glad you came to visit us here at this site and hope that you find something helpful in your own faith as you are "Walking It Out."

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Prodigal & His Brother

With Doug and Nancy out of town, we welcome Jim Dearman, who did a great job filling in today.
He spoke on the parable of the Prodigal Son.

The Older Brother
Many have made comparisons with this story to their individual lives, but this story can also be applied to the Church. As an "older brother" to new Christians, the Church should be careful not to fall into the attitude held by the older brother in the story. When he heard the celebration over the return of his brother, he pouted and refused to go in. Yet the Father came to him and reminded him that he already possesses everything that the Father owns.

We, as "older brothers," ought to remember that all the Father (God) owns has been given to us. Do not begrudge the Father's celebration over a son who was lost and has returned. Remember that God loves everyone the same.

The Prodigal
An important point to take from this story is that the Father's love is not dependent on our performance. The younger son had taken his inheritance and spent it on prostitutes and high living. Yet the Father never gave up on him and kept waiting for his return.

In Luke 15:20 we read, "But while he [the son] was still a long way off, his father saw him..." We can presume that if the father could see the son while the son was still a long way off, the father must have been waiting and watching for him.

If you feel as though you are a long way off from God, remember that He is waiting and watching for you. He will not turn you away when you come to Him. He will welcome you with open arms and a great celebration.
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Prayer Requests

  • Pray for Karen Herrara over the death of a five-year-old boy, Isaac, who was like a grandson to her.
  • Debbie Prewitt asks for prayer for a former coworker who committed suicide, leaving several children behind.
  • Pray for Charity Romondo, a single elderly lady who is in the hospital and has no family.
  • Randy Harris has suffered a second stroke.
  • Jackie has experienced deaths in the family.
  • Trevor tried to commit suicide.
  • Debbie Prewitt's neighbor Deanna may have to have surgery on her legs.
  • Pray for Cassandra and Michael (unspoken request)
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