This Sunday we will begin looking at one of the classic chapters of the Bible, Luke 15.  In response to criticism that he ate with “tax collectors and sinners,” Jesus told three parables, back-to-back-to-back.  They are only found in the Gospel of Luke.  We will look at the first two this Sunday, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.   

As you read over Luke 15:1-10, notice the context of the parables, what prompted Jesus to tell them at that point.  Notice the things they have in common.  Notice the theme of “joy.”  What does all this tell us about God’s heart?  And then ask yourself this: “Do I have God’s heart for the lost?”  

In order to have his heart for the lost, we must see what his heart is like.  These parables take us deep into the heart of God, and we’ll take a deep look at it this Sunday.  See you then, as we look at Luke 15:1-10 and talk about “God’s Heart For The Lost.”   

Speaking of which, it was wonderfully stimulating to be able to attend the evangelism conference in Texas this past weekend.  Events like this fuel the fire and sharpen the saw.  I want to spend the rest of my life seeing people come to Jesus and grow in Him to be reproducing disciples!  Let’s do that together, as pastor and people, fulfilling our mission.  FBC-Suffolk exists for this:  “To glorify Christ by making disciples who make disciples, in our community and around the world.”  Let’s give ourselves to that mission, and may God give us his heart! 

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations, 

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.