We Are: Celebration

Introduction

In today's world, where chaos and turmoil often overshadow the goodness in people's hearts, it is essential to find reasons to celebrate. In our church, celebration is not just a tradition; it's a core value deeply embedded in our identity, even represented in our logo. The 'R' in our logo stands for restoration—bringing back those who are broken, hurt, or lost into alignment with the Father, reconnecting them with their original purpose.

Restoring the Call of God

Our primary purpose as a church is to restore the call of God in people's lives, and this mission transcends language barriers. "Restaurando el llamado de Dios en la vida de las personas" signifies our commitment to this calling in Spanish, as well as in English.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The essence of our celebration and restoration mission can be best understood through one of Jesus' parables—the parable of the prodigal son. In this powerful story found in Luke 15:11-32 (https://www.bible.com/bible/111/LUK.15.NIV) , Jesus illustrates what restoration truly looks like.

The Prodigal Son's Journey

The younger son in the parable wanted to break free from his father's coveringl. It was a process that took time. His story reflects how we often make life-altering decisions based on feelings and thoughts rather than on truth. Despite having everything under his father's covering, the son believed it wasn't enough and asked for his share of the property, which led to his departure.

The Process of Temptation

This decision to leave didn't happen overnight; it was a series of temptations that were not submitted to the Holy Spirit. The son's journey into recklessness reveals the danger of following one's desires without guidance, eventually leading to a life far from the original purpose. James 1:14-15 says:

“14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

The Turning Point

However, even in the darkest moments, there is hope. The son reached a turning point when he realized he could go back to his father as a humble servant. The father's reaction is the heart of the parable: he ran to his son, embracing him with compassion, and celebrating his return.

Celebration in Restoration

This parable underscores why we celebrate in our church. We celebrate when someone returns to God, just as the father celebrated the prodigal son's return. We celebrate when someone accepts salvation, when a broken marriage is restored, or when someone overcomes addiction. Restoration is a process that not everyone will understand or agree with, but when someone is restored, it deserves celebration.

The Unhappy Elder Brother

The elder brother in the parable, however, was not pleased with the celebration. He represents the self-righteousness and pride that can sometimes blind us to the joy of restoration. It's a reminder that not everyone will be happy when someone returns to the fold, but our nature should be one of redemption and restoration, just like the father in the story.

Conclusion

In summary, restoration is a powerful process that can be likened to a resurrection, and celebration is the only just and appropriate reaction to it. As we understand the depth of forgiveness and love that Jesus offers, we embrace celebration with open hearts. Our church aims to be a house of celebration, echoing the heart of the Father, and celebrating the things that He celebrates. The prodigal son's return is a reminder that no matter how lost we are, we can always find our way back to the Father's embrace, where restoration and celebration await.