The daily routine of work, school, projects, and responsibilities can easily tip-over into stress, worry, over-thinking, and preoccupation with us and narrow focus on the foibles of others. These tensions easily capture our attention, consume our energy and deter us from trusting the compassionate love of God. Too often we mistake religion for an insurance policy by which we are somehow guaranteed success, health and a productive life for ourselves and those close to us. Such a misunderstanding leads us to try to control everything in our lives, including God. In the face of the hardships of life such an outlook can lead to a loss of faith, explosive anger and an even-greater distance from God. Three parables in particular reveal that a healthy and holy spirituality is founded on the compassionate mercy of God: The accounts of the Prodigal Son, the Samaritan Woman, and the Good Samaritan serve to remind us that God comes to those who are worn out, broken and who feel inadequate to the tasks of life. These three parables remind us that God loves us completely, even in our deepest need. A spirituality based on the tender love of God delivers us from that inner treadmill where no matter how hard we run we seem to get nowhere and only exhaust ourselves. This presentation describes an in-depth and fresh approach to the three classic parables, which Jesus used to teach the love of the Father for humanity. These talks will inform and inspire preachers, teachers and any sincere listeners of the word of God.
CDAH584
3 CDs, 2 hrs
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Author: |
Rev J. Brian Bransfield |