In early 2009, we were commissioned to plan a winter conference that would reach out to this generation. We heard the cry of many who see their sons and daughters, friends, sisters and brothers depart the church in mass.
We were challenged by Jesus’ most famous Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15. Verses 1-2 states, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”’ This is a picture of God’s amazing grace toward all of us, for we have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.
In the successive three parables, Jesus proceeded to tell stories of what the Father’s heart is like. In each of the story, something was lost, then found, and a big celebration followed.
In the Parable of the Lost Son, we first see the younger son as the lost son in the story. However, we then see that the Father also deals with the older son, and the story literally leaves us hanging without knowing how the older son responded. Everyone needs to be like the younger son and make that conscious decision to return, to repent, and come to their own senses (v. 17). But for many of us who grew up in the church, we don’t realize that we are often in the role of the older son and in desperate need of God’s grace as well. We work to be that perfect person in order to earn God’s love and approval, and sometimes resent those we view as “undeserving” of God’s blessings. Like the older son, we demand God’s favor because we think we are good and therefore deserving, and in that way, become another lost son. Whether we are like the younger son or the older son, both lost, it is purely through the grace and love of God that our hearts and lives change forever. God’s grace must always come first, because God’s grace always is first. True salvation always begins with His grace, not with anything we attempt to do in order to earn or deserve it. That is the true essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As organizers of GRACE CONFERENCE, we believe in modeling the compassionate heart of the Father in these simple ways, and to make an impact on those attending in even a few short days together. We invite speakers who have the same vision and passion to see God’s people return to Him. We have powerful times of intimate prayer, worship, of open sharing and genuine fellowship. We do our part in planning. We commit everything to God in prayer. We trust God to show up mightily each time and bless His sons and daughters. And He amazes us each time.
Just as the Father waited patiently and pleaded lovingly with His sons to come home and join the celebration, we likewise extend this warmest invitation for you to also come and join us at GRACE.
