Coming Home
7/3/2022
There is something elusive about the place we call “home.” Some have even said that you can never really go there -- that the ideal home is beyond human reach. If that is so, it only reminds us that God has designed us for a different home. Join us for the final message in Prodigals as we explore what it will be like to finally go home.
Passage
Luke 15:11-32
Principle
Heaven is a celebration of all the ________ things that have been __________.
Everyone’s ______________, but free to ______________.
____________ should feel like a homecoming ____________________!
Practice
Make Aspire Church like ____________ by welcoming ____________________ and ____________________ their return!
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Have you ever gone back to a childhood home? What was your reaction?
Thomas Wolfe said, “You can never go home.” What do you think he meant, and do you agree?
HEAR
Read Hebrews 11:1-3
- According to this passage, what is the definition of faith? Is faith compatible with reason? Why or why not?
- How are faith and doubt similar? How are they different?
- What were the ancients commended for? How was this an example of faith? Given the advancement of science and the human intellect, is this still a measure of our faith today? Why or why not?
Read Hebrews 11:4-16
- Faith is essential if we want to please God. Do you have a harder time believing God exists or that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him? Why?
- What do the people listed in these verses have in common? (verse 13)
- What does it mean that they were “looking for a country of their own”?
Read Hebrews 11:17-40
- How does the testimony of these people of faith reinforce the idea that this world is not our home?
- What lessons should Christians living in the United States take from these verses? Is there a danger in believing that America is God’s promised land? If so, what is it?
- Have you experienced a longing for a place that can’t exist in this world? What triggers that longing in you?
- Do you believe God gives us longings that nothing in this world will ever satisfy? If so, why does he do that?
HUDDLE
What are your most insatiable appetites and how might they be pointing you to God and His Kingdom? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray.
Daily Readings
This month’s daily Bible readings come from the book of Proverbs. These short statements are attributed to various authors but are all divinely inspired to teach us the value of wisdom. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to grant you discernment and wisdom.
- Day 1: Proverbs 1
- Day 2: Proverbs 2
- Day 3: Proverbs 3
- Day 4: Proverbs 4
- Day 5: Proverbs 5
- Day 6: Proverbs 6
- Day 7: Proverbs 7
Think Deeper
When was the last time you went back to a familiar place after a long absence?
What did that feel like?
Have you ever longed for a place you’ve never been?
Suggested Resources
Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller
The Jesus I Never Knew, by Philip Yancey
What’s So Amazing About Grace, By Philip Yancey
Check out these and other suggested books at