INVENTORY TIME IN THE PIGPEN

INVENTORY TIME IN THE PIGPEN

Preached by the Pastor R.A. Woods 12/18/2011 Sunday Morning in "All-in" Sunday Worship Service, a special event to see where we are as a church, before the start of the new year 2012.

                                                         The prodigal son in the pigpen

                 

Text: Luke 15:17 (KJV)

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and l perish with hunger.
Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-20

Introduction: I have called upon you to be here this Sunday for the express purpose of finding out where we are as a Church, as people of God and as a Christian. There were some people who responded that they had to work, couldn't make it until tonight, etc. We are embarking upon a new year, this year we had a lot of ups and downs, but however, we are looking forward to 2012, with a new approach, afresh attitude, a renewed vigor and with resolve to serve God. Hopefully, somewhere in this service you can find your situation, solution and answer to what you have been dealing with. Let the Lord help you to take inventory, assess your life and where you are. If you attend one service a week, start coming to two. If you have slacked in bible reading and praying, get back on track. If there are things in your life you struggled with in 2011, in 2012 change it, it’s time to get in, "All in" (All in with God).

This story of the Prodigal Son, is symbolic of what has happened with many, so let's look at it and allow God to speak to us, lead us, guide us and to help us start anew.

I. Wanted to do his own thing. (Verse 12)

A. Younger of the Two Sons.

1. Shows the lack of maturity, no doubt there were things that he still needed to learn and understand, but yet he made the decision to do his own thing.
2. Perhaps he didn't like the rules of his Father's house, the chores and responsibilities that his Father placed upon him, I can do better on my own.

B. Proverbs 14.'12 (KJV)

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

C. Jeremiah 6:16-17 (KJV)

16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said. We will not hearken.

II. Ended up in the Pigpen (Verses 15, 16)

A. Pigs stink, they like the mud, and its nastv (That’s what doing his own thing led him to)
1. Pigs (nature, etc) explain and let God direct!
2. He was even desiring to eat the food for the pigs!!!!!

B. It was there that he took inventory, he assessed his situation and made a conscientious decision to go back and do right, no matter what status!!

III. Arose and went to his Father's house. (I don't care what I have to do, I'm going back and do right (All In Daddy!!!) If you want me to clean, milk the cows, plow the field, mop the floors, etc. just let me back in, let me come back home.

A. You come back with the right attitude, God will receive you and make a feast, kill the fatted calf, etc.