WOW! The brothers really outdid themselves Friday night! Instead of having their regular meeting, they held a service titled "He Had to Do It That Way" based on the story of the prodigal son. Ministers Sam Felix and David Mayle planned and coordinated the events of the evening. We were honored to have the brothers from the Apostolic Church of Christ with us.
FIVE inspiring short messages from FIVE excellent men of God were a royal treat for the saints and visitors! St. Luke 15:11-24 was the basis for each message, and each minister focused on a section of the story in the order it is told.
Minister Michael Brown from Greater Apostolic began with verses 11 - 13.- Don't let anyone uproot you from where God has planted you.
- The pastor is the angel to the church.
- When you are loyal to your pastor, you're being loyal to God.
- We've been taught too well to leave the place where God has put us.
Minister Sam Felix pointed out what the young man gave up.
- You don't realize what you have until you lose it.
- The young man could have invested his money wisely, but he wasted it.
- He was reduced to eating the garbage of the swine.
- All of his friends disappeared when his cash was gone.
- It was then that he began to realize what he had done.
Elder James McDonald pointed out the lessons learned by the son and his father.
- At home there is consistency and predictability.
- The excitement and unpredictability of the street is attractive to men.
- When the young man had lost his money, he was no longer the center of attention. His heart turned toward home.
- The boy learned that we are all dependent upon others and love is unconditional at home.
- The father learned he had not given the son the attention and love that he needed.
Elder Nathan Oyelaken, visiting from Columbus, exhorted us to do the things God expects.
- The Father sees us when we're doing our own thing.
- In my Father's house there are many mansions.
- If we're not doing the things we need to do, it's time to come home!
Pastor Nathan McDonald summed up the story and the night.
- We can be like the prodigal son who came to himself and realized he was a son. God had given him that position.
- When he tried his way, he repeatedly failed.
- When you have a repentant spirit, God reaches out His hand to you.
- The elder son had stayed with his father, but he had an attitude problem.
- We need to support each other. When others have problems, wrap your arms around them in love.
It was a wonderful evening of listening to God's Word! Afterwards, we were treated to a delicious dinner prepared and served by the brothers!
