Luke 15:25-32

Could the person farthest from God be the one who looks the closest? In this powerful conclusion to Jesus' parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15, Pastor Jeff Schreve shines the spotlight on the forgotten older brother—a man whose morality hid a heart filled with pride, resentment, and self-righteousness. Discover why religion can become a greater obstacle than rebellion and why the Father's invitation is still open to everyone willing to receive His grace.

Understanding the depths of God's grace is essential if we are to ever live in the flow of the Spirit. Grace is to receive something without earning it or deserving it. Once given, grace does not need to be paid back. Grace sees nothing of greater or lesser value in its recipient. It's the same for everybody. Grace is never withdrawn if it is not appreciated, acknowledged or embraced. Jesus sees the rot in all of us, yet he likes us and is for us. It's the message of the Cross.

Today, Pastor Jack tells us that legalism is a dangerous hypocrisy. It has no power to fight off sin. But, the effect of grace lies within the blood of Jesus that He shed on the cross for our sins. It’s not because of our performance, even as a believer.

Could the biggest obstacle to knowing God be religion itself? In this eye-opening message from Luke 15, Pastor Jeff Schreve looks beyond the prodigal son to the forgotten older brother—the picture of outward morality, inward pride, and self-righteousness. Discover why Jesus reserved His strongest words for religious people and learn the life-changing difference between checking spiritual boxes and walking in a genuine relationship with the Father.

God’s grace is needed whenever there is brokenness, or wherever a soul is devastated by sin. Only by grace are we saved and not of ourselves. We cannot make it to Heaven without it.

Do you have religion or a true relationship with Jesus Christ? In this hard-hitting message, Pastor Jeff Schreve shares how religious people appear to be respectable and good on the outside, but on the inside rottenness and self-righteousness abound. Search your heart. Is your religion keeping you from the heart of God?