Comedy Sunday

Craig Finnestad

July 29th, 2007

Luke 15:7

In the same way, there is more laughter in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

What do you think about there being laughter in heaven?

What does it say in the above text about one o fthe things that brings God joy?

1. Forgiveness

God models forgiveness to us…

2 Samuel 12:13

Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.”

David had an affair with a married woman, lied about it, and then killed to try to cover it up. God forgave him and David later accepted God's forgiveness. What is preventing you from fully accepting God's forgiveness?

…so that we can give forgiveness to others

Matthew 18:21-22

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Jesus tells us to keep forgiving. When is a time in your life when you were able to forgive another person? How did that make you feel?

There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love. -Bryant H. McGill

What do you see as the relationship between forgiveness and love? What are the two so closely correlated?

2. Healthy Friendships

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

In Craig story and in Ruth, what are some of the qualities of a good friend? How are you doing in these areas?

True friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not.

What do you think about the above quotation? How is it challenging? How is it helpful?

3. Repentance

Metanoia is Greek for “repent.” It means “to turn” To turn from sin to love.

How did Craig's story about repentance help you understand what repentance actually is?

Matthew 4:17

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

In what areas of your life do you need to repent?

4. Grace

Romans 5:20

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.

Craig mentioned that this was one of his favorite Scriptures and translated it to mean: there is more grace in God than there is sin in us. How does that make you feel?

Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” -Frederick Buechner

Life itself is grace--a gift. What are you doing to live in response to this gift?

5. Power

How Smart Is Your Right Foot? This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And, you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you can't!

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand ... Your foot will change direction!!!

Somethings in life are nearly impossible and the only way that we can even come remotely close to doing them is through God's help.

When is a time in life when you have relied on God's power?

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer—His grace sufficient, His promises unchangeable. -John Newton

How does knowing that God is with you help you in your time of need?

6. Love

Ephesians 3:19

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

When Craig's son messed up the bathroom, Craig's response was forgiveness and love. How does that story and how does Ephesians 3:19 help you understand that God loves you? What is the next step you need to take to accept God's love in your life?

To cheat oneself out of love is the most terrible deception; it is an eternal loss for which there is no reparation, either in time or in eternity.” -Soren Kierkegaard

What can you do to prevent cheating yourself out of God's love?

John 16:33

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Jesus says that we will have tough times, but he also says to take heart because he overcomes the world. Are you letting God help you overcome your difficulties in life?