SESSION OBJECTIVE:

1. When do you feel most alive?

2. What changes have you already seen in yourself during the process of returning to God? What changes do you hope to see for yourself in your future?

THE WORD

Read Luke 15:22– 24. You’ve already read these verses, but this time focus on the reason in verse 24 that the father gives for the celebration. (Also see verse 32.)

1. In what sense was the son “dead” and “lost”? In what sense is he now “alive” and “found”?

2. Would you say that the same dramatic contrasts (alive after being dead, found after being lost) are appropriate to describe the changes in us when we find our way back to God? Give your reasons.

You know the way, and home is where you always belong. Be prepared in the years ahead for a life that’s different from anything you thought possible when you made a U-turn on the road and asked the Father for help. The awakening to life brings with it unexpected influence and opportunities. How can this be? It’s because Jesus is alive in you, and that changes just about everything. Now you can bring love to where there is hate. You can bring purpose to where there is confusion. You can bring hope to where there is despair. And that is living! So find your place in the community of other grateful sons and daughters of the Father. Connect with them, learn from them, and work alongside them to make a difference for good in marriages, homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. And together, let’s keep helping others find their way back to God. That’s where the real celebration is waiting.

THE LIFE

1. Do you worship regularly as part of a church family? If so, describe the worship at your church. How does it help to sustain you in your new life with God? If not, what might it take for you to find a church and consistently join in the worship?

2. Do you have a regular devotional time of Bible reading, reflection, and prayer? If so, describe your private devotional practice. How does it help to sustain you in your new life with God? If not, how could you begin to make this a habit in your life?

3. Are you part of a small group of people who want to live in the love of God and meet together regularly? If so, tell about your small group and how it functions. How does it help to sustain you in your new life with God? If not, how could you find a small group that fits your needs during this season of your life?

4. Do you engage in some kind of ministry or service (however informal) that seeks to bless others? If so, explain this ministry. How does it help to sustain you in your new life with God? If not, what kind of ministry do you think God has equipped you to be involved with in order to bring his blessing into the lives of others?

Read the following passage from Scripture and underline one or more lines that mean the most to you.

“Since . . . you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:1– 4

Think back to your answers to questions 6– 9. These questions get at four key practical ways in which you can live out your new life in Christ: public worship, private devotions, small group participation, and personal ministry. Choose at least one area where you know you are not doing what you could, then settle on at least one specific step you will take to live out your new spiritual identity.

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THROUGH SONG

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus,
My cross I’ll carry till I see Jesus;
No turning back, No turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

THROUGH PRAYER

Pray the following prayer:
God, if You are real, make Yourself real to me.
Awaken in me the confidence
that I can live a brand- new life.

Thank the Lord for drawing you near when you felt separated from him. Ask his help to remain close to him for your whole life long— and throughout all eternity!