Open Invitation

A paraphrase of Luke 15 in today’s language of the range
by Pastor Dave Putthoff

Renegades, outlaws and other notorious sinners gathered out at a
ranch to hear Jesus. This made some of the town priests, ministers and teachers of religious rules complain that Jesus was associating with such despicable people. They kept muttering indignantly, saying, “This man accepts — even welcomes and eats with —  these low-lifes.”

Their grumbling triggered a parable from Jesus. He shared this story:
“Suppose you had a cattle ranch with a hundred head and one of your longhorns strayed and was lost in the countryside. Wouldn’t  you leave the other ninety-nine to go and search for that one maverick until you found it?

“And once your lost longhorn was safely home, wouldn’t you call together some friends, neighboring farmers and ranch hands, saying, ‘Come by and party with me! I’ve found my longhorn!’

“In the same way, there will be more partying in heaven over one notorious sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine so-called good people in no need of rescue.

“Count on it! Heaven will be happier over one lost maverick who turns to God than over ninety-nine religious or righteous folks who don’t see themselves as strays.”

You can know God

It sounds too good to be true. But the Bible says that you can know God in a personal, relevant way. This is much more than merely knowing or believing He exists.

God Loves You
The Bible makes it clear that God created us, loves us and wants a relationship with us.

A Broken Relationship
However, all of us have offended God by our wrong actions and attitudes. We have failed to consistently live up to the standards we know are right. As a result, we have become separated from God. Unless our relationship is restored, we will be eternally separated from God
in Hell.

Restoring the Relationship
God loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus to pay the penalty for our wrong actions. He took our punishment upon Himself so that we can receive God’s forgiveness and eternal life. Because of the work of Jesus, we can have a renewed and close relationship with God that lasts forever.

Beginning the Relationship
God is eager to begin a relationship with you today. Would you like to know how you can receive His free gift of friendship and eternal life? Please contact us. We'd be glad to talk.  

Dave Putthoff Pastor	Frank Slaughter Pastor