The Faithful Father

The Grace of God is ___________________.

Luke 15:12
12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

There is a time for excessive __________________ to be patiently endured.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

Luke 15:20
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”

There is a time for excessive ________________ to be eagerly demonstrated.

Joel 2:12-13
12 That is why the LORD says,
   “Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
   Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
   but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the LORD your God,
   for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
   He is eager to relent and not punish.

Luke 15:22-24
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

There is a time for excessive celebration to deliver a loving ______________.

Ephesians 2:1-5
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)