The Reckless, Unrestrained, and Excessive God | ryan peterson

December 14, 2025Our tendency is to read the Bible as if we are the main character. We read it to affirm what we already know, infer our own presence as the hero of the story, and get our ego stroked by false affirmations. Instead, the Word offers another function in reading: it trains, it equips, and it shapes like fire and a hammer. The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 may be better titled if the focus is not on us, but on God. It’s a story about a father who recklessly loves his two sons. He showers the one with unrestrained celebration and offers all he has to the other as an excessive act of mercy. Our hearts are prone to connect with the younger or the older son, but the real connection is to keep our hearts dwelling on the central character of the story, the prodigal’s father. You can find this weeks sermon notes and groups guide here:https://gracechurchsp.org/resources/sermon-guidesTo take a deeper dive into this message with Pastor ryan peterson and Dan Lyle, check out our Groups Leader Podcast:https://gracechurchsp.org/resources/group-leader-podcastTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.gracechurchsp.org/giveFill the city with Jesus. This is the vision not just for our church, but for our people. The city is not just a physical location, but a collection of our family members, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. How can you bring Jesus to your city?——Stay ConnectedWebsite: https://www.gracechurchsp.orgGrace Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracechurchspGrace Church Instagram: @gracechurch_sp#fillthecitywithjesus