Sunday Morning Series - The Laws of Increase - Becoming a Bold Harvester

Text:  Luke 15:11-32, Luke 11:5-13

We're looking at the story of the prodigal son. Which son received his inheritance? This is a trick question. They BOTH received their inheritance.

In Luke 11:5-13, we have the parable about the friend seeking help at an inopportune time from a friend. He keeps knocking until the friend answers and meets his needs. We have gotten the idea that this is teaching persistence in prayer.

In the King James Version, it uses the word, "importunity." The Greek word used in the original is, "anaideia," and means shameless, a bold request. His persistence is perceived but not emphasized. The focus is on a bold, shameless request of someone with whom he has a relationship.

In the story of the prodigal son, the father welcomes him home. He does not run after the son to find him since he has reached maturity. The father later refers to the son as one who was dead and is now alive.

When the younger son returns, he is poor. There are negative consequences when we walk away from God even if we return.

The older son owned everything. Jesus repeats this, making it stand out. Although he remained with the father, he was never bold. If he'd wanted a fatted calf, he could have gone out and killed one. It was his.

When the younger son made his bold, shameless request, he considered himself as worthy. When he returns, he's aware of his failings and is more timid. The younger son based his request on one thing: his position as a son. To understand position helps us gain possession.

The Lord is not offended by shameless asking.

Sow Big:  Bold, Intentional, Giving
                 Remember, we're not only talking about money, but also kindness, love, mercy, etc.

ASK:        Assertive, Shameless, Knocking
                 We're not talking about giving God orders. There's a big difference between us and Him.
                 Rather it's knowing what's been promised in the Word and making a bold request for
                 provision.

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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA.  The church phone is (215) 343-7686. We look forward to meeting you!