Here's a typical evangelistic talk. Please don't try this at home:
Life can be great in the far country can't it?
But do you ever consider where all the money came from?
The pig sty isn't far away is it?
Perhaps now's the time to come to your senses.
Here - here's a sorry spiel you can use. Practise it. The words are magic and will guarantee your acceptance from the Father... Let's pray.
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Anyone else recognize the pattern?
The father's outstretched arms are begging to be preached. But the spotlight falls on the sty and the speech. Here's some of why that's disastrous.
Later I'll give some thoughts on what evangelism should be like.
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I heard a preacher once tell about how this parable was actually a common story in Jesus' time that the Rabbi's would use. However, in the traditional story the son is shunned. I think you have rightly identified the emphasis of the story, which is driven home by the Father's conversation with the "good" son. The "good" son wants to continue to shun his brother, but that is not in line with the Father's heart. One cannot be good without sharing the Father's heart. (How can you love God whom you cannot see, if you do not love your brother)
Just my thoughts,
Craig
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