Today, we are beginning a new series entitled OUT OF CONTROL. Control is an illusion isn't it. Yet, we all want to be in control. We want to manage, take care of, and handle things ourselves. WHEN we are not in control...we get aggravated, frustrated, irritated, and upset. We may get distressed and depressed. Most arguments in a marriage or in a family are caused by our underlying “need” for control. Husbands and wives want to control the money, the time, the kids, and each other. Sometimes in-laws or grandparents try to control their adult children, son in-laws or daughters in law, and grandchildren. What is the result of trying to control things and people? CONFLICT! ARGUMENTS! HURT FEELINGS...DYSFUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS.

This morning, I want to give you some tips on how to share your faith...how to be a witness for Christ. Many people want to share their faith in Christ and most do in some way. However, many people do not feel confident so they do not do it as often as they would like to. We need to remember that the church is built...becomes healthier as it grows. The church will grow when its people...not just its pastor becomes a living witness.

This morning I have a timely Word from the Lord! Every time we look to God’s word will get a Word from the Lord! Are you ready to be blessed and encouraged? The word I have for you today is not a single word, but it is 2 WORDS! I know you can remember 2 WORDS! I have 2 words for you today! What are they? WE WIN!

Today, I want to talk to you about hope! Followers of Jesus are the most hopeful people in the world…at least we should be! Why are we hopeful? Because we know that this life…is NOT all there is! We have an eternal hope! Hebrews 6:19 tells us that our hope is anchored in Jesus…and that the hope we have…is the anchor of our soul. This hope that we have…comes with a responsibility doesn’t it? What is our responsibility? Simple, share our hope in Christ with others! Our hope…affects how we live this life! It keeps us from being overwhelmed with the problems and pitfalls of life! I want to share with you 3 different types of hope…that we have! We have 3 types of hope to share with our neighbors, coworkers, friends and family…and anyone who is lost, who doesn’t know Christ. We have hope” (1) for a better future, (2) to escape the tribulation, and (3) the hope of heaven!

The church, this church has to prioritize its mission, its people, and its resources! We must not let the enemy get the upper hand! We must not let the enemy gain ground against the Kingdom of God in Alpen… the surrounding communities…and the world! This month we are focusing on our mission…reaching the lost! We have talked about the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin! Today I want to talk to you about the Parable of the Lost Son.