Can You Earn Gods Love?

Main message: God does not respond to us based on what we earn; whether we've run away in sin or have been striving in self-righteousness, the Father welcomes us with open arms and invites us to rest in his undeserved love.

Key points:

• The parable of the prodigal son illustrates two faulty beliefs: both sons think they must earn the father's love.
• The younger son tries to earn freedom from the father by running away, wastes his life, repents, and is met with lavish forgiveness.
• The older son assumes his faithful striving has earned special favor and resents the father's grace toward the brother.
• Neither running away nor moral striving can produce or increase God's love; his love is a gift.
• The sermon’s call: stop striving or hiding, turn to the Father and rest in his unconditional welcome.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 15