Centered-Set Church with Joshua Liem

Centered-Set Church with Joshua LiemLuke 15What are we aiming for as a church?  This Sunday, we will set up our next sermon series in Galatians by re-reading the parable of the Prodigal Son and asking: what does this story reveal about the journey of repentance towards God at the center of life?For reflection & discussion:If you’ve heard of the parable of the Prodigal Son before, which character did you most identify with?  Has that changed over time?The sermon pointed out that Jesus doesn’t actually use the word “repent” in the third parable, and we never get a clear look at the younger son’s heart.  Does the sincerity of his repentance matter to the story?  Why or why not?The father in the parable is revealed to have real flaws — he overindulges one son, overlooks the other, and only realizes he's lost the older son when the older son explodes. What was your reaction to the idea that the father in this parable is not a perfect picture of God?Think back on the churches or faith communities you've been part of. Which of the three models (bounded, fuzzy, or centered) best describes each one? What fruit did you see from that approach?What does it look like, practically, to keep Jesus himself at the center of our life together? What helps us avoid drifting toward a lesser center?The sermon suggested that the first two parables (sheep, coin) show reconciliation "in the abstract," while the third shows reconciliation as it actually happens: slow, messy, and unfinished. Where have you seen real reconciliation play out in your life or someone else's? Was it clean or complicated?Is there a journey of reconciliation that God is calling you to?  If so, how can we support and pray for you?