“DON’T MOVE THE MILK HOUSE”  LUKE 15:4-32

SUBJECT:  THE CHURCH---THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD CHURCH-- I want to take tonight show the importance of this local Church.

I would like to use this illustration to catapult us into the thought I want to preach on tonight if you will allow me. Let’s picture the church as a milk-house if you will…providing milk, (the Word of God) to this community and other communities near by. Don’t move it.

I.         BECAUSE OF THE HOPE IT PROVIDES vs 17-18

A.   The Hope Of Food Vs 17

B.    The Hope Of Forgiveness Vs 18

C.    The Hope Of Friends/Family Vs 19

 II.       BECAUSE OF THE HEALING IT POSESSES vs22-24, 27, 32

A.   A Robe – Salvation Vs 22--Note: He exchanged the garment that he had been wearing for quite sometime for the garment that the Father gave him because of his return. Many a person travels the roads of this world wearing a torn and tattered garment, however when they come to the Fathers house he exchanges it for a robe that will cover the scars of what this world has left. 

B.    A Ring – Surety – Sonship Vs 22

C.    Reeboks – Sympathy Vs 22--Note: Servants, probably, did not usually wear shoes. The son returned, doubtless, without shoes a condition very unlike that in which he was when he left home. When, therefore, the father commanded them to put shoes on him, it expressed his wish that he should not be treated “as a servant,” but “as a son.”

The word “shoes” here, however, means no more than “sandals,” such as were commonly worn. And the meaning of all these images is the same - “that God will treat those who return to him with kindness and affection.” These images are beautifully placed here to express with more force the “general” truth that “God” will treat returning penitents with mercy and with love.

To dress up the son in this manner was a proof of the father’s affection. So God will bestow on sinners the marks of his confidence and sympathy regard.

D. A Roast – Safety (Vs 23, 27) ...thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

III.           BECAUSE OF THE HAPPINESS IT PROMOTES vs 24, 27

A.   Over Sons - The servants were happy the son was back

B.    Over Safety - They were happy that he returned safe (a lot more could have happened to him) Be happy when someone makes it back to the Father's house safe and sound.

C.    Over Sympathy – Of The Father 

IN CLOSING: Don't Move The Milk House you just may never know who is looking for it! And if it's gone where will they go?