May 21, 2023  (Youth Sunday)
Passage:  Luke 15:11-32
Speaker:  Steven Neely
Main Point:  In our pursuit of the things we desire, we can miss the treasure in front of us in our Heavenly Father.

I. We think we know the things we want, but do we know what is good for us? (11-16)
            A. We ask for things that end up hurting us. (11-13)
            B. When we are led by our greed, laziness, boredom, a complaining heart, jealousy, or whatever has captured our minds we are left in a mess. (14-16)

II. Our Father in Heaven is waiting with open arms to restore us even when we might
      think otherwise. (17-24)
            A. Listening only to our fleshly desires for ease, money, and pleasure leaves us empty and hungry for real food. (17-19)
            B. The Father is looking for our return and waiting for us with open arms. (20)
            C. When are we going to wake up and turn wholeheartedly back to our Father and the source of real joy? (21-24)

III. Rejoice in the things God rejoices in and live life with grace and love. (25-32)
            A. We can forget the same grace God gives to us he also gives to others.
(25-28)
            B. Serving, sacrificing and suffering can all be done with a cold heart. (29-30)
            C. The Father reminds each of us to not lose the focus of our faith.  (31-32)