Lessons from the Tabernacle on Abiding in Christ – Canberra 2014
Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #5
Psa 103:1-14 There are great benefits to having God as Father. Simplicity refers to purity and single-mindedness (Phi 3:13). Faith is the key to simplifying life. Whatever is apart from faith is sin (Rom 14:23). Prayer is a wonderful provision for helping simplify life. Luk 15:11-21 illustrates God's attitude who forgives sin. We need to confess our sin in order to "walk uprightly" (1Pe 3:1, Psa 80:11). People were drawn to Jesus; He was not judgmental nor self righteous (Luk 15:1-11). At the bottom, "no man gave him anything" (Luk 15:16). There's no Grace without God. The prodigal son wasted his resources on wasteful living (Luk 15:13). Lost ground takes time to recover. Groveling is not the answer, but faith and acceptance of God's forgiveness (Luk 15:19-22). The waits to be gracious (Isa 30:18, Jer 31:34). He's waiting on us to get rid of distractions from Him. Culturally, it was shameful to run (Luk 15:20), but it shows God's attitude of graciousness when forgiving His children. God is in a hurry to forgive us (Heb 4:15-16). Sadly the prodigal's brother did not want him to return (Luk 15:25); much less be forgiven (Heb 10:17). Isa 53:1-12 says the Lord not only paid the penalty for our sin, but He also bore our shame, sorrow, and guilt. The Father protects His children; we have nothing to fear (Mat 10:24-31); the Father has the hairs of our head numbered. The cross is the doorway home through resurrection (Joh 17:1-5). A life free of fear, shame, and death is simple.
Scripture References: Isaiah 53:1-12, Romans 14:23, Luke 15:19-22, Hebrews 10:17, Philippians 3:13, Luke 15:13, Luke 15:25, Psalms 103:1-14, Luke 15:16, Hebrews 4:15-16, Luke 15:1-11, Luke 15:20, John 17:1-5, Psalms 80:11, Jeremiah 31:34, Matthew 10:24-31, Luke 15:11-21, Isaiah 30:18
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.