COME HOME

ATTENTION:

Beginning with this study, there will be a $10 fee to cover the cost of the Study Books. There will be basket near the door as you come into the room. You may place your money in this basket. This is a voluntary action to help off-set some of the costs for the church.

VIEWER GUIDE  SESSION 2.

THE FEARFUL WANDERER
FEAR - False Evidence Appearing Real

1. He told me, but I didn’t listen .
Why a wanderer refuses to listen:

• Immaturity : they don’t know, and they’re too slow to grow . 
• Immaturity is the inability to connect actions and consequences .
• Rebellion : my will, my thrill, you chill .
• Woundedness : hidden hurts close hearts .
• Relational : peers in the ears block fears .

2. Now I’m ashamed by what I’ve done.

• Shame: the painful feeling arising from the realization that personal actions have brought disgrace.
• Shame brings the wanderer home .

* When surrounded by wrong doing; wrong doing comes easily....
* Wrong crowd makes it easy to get on the wrong path....

3. Now I’m afraid to come home .

• Repentance shatters shame.
• Your fear of coming home is irrational .

JESUS’ RESPONSE TO A FEARFUL WANDERER

• He lovingly pursues the wanderer.
• He patiently waits to speak.
• He calls for a clear decision .
• He assures that purpose is possible.
• He insists on true commitment .
• He keeps the focus simple .

We will focus on the following scriptures on Wednesday, Nov 4th!!!!!!

As you read this passage, what encouragement does this passage give you as you share with the person who may not listen?

1 Peter 3:13-17New International Version (NIV)

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[a]; do not be frightened.”[b] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

What do these verses say about the way we respond to wanderers; both those returning and those still wandering ?

Colossians 3:12-15New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.