by Pastor Carl H Stevens

Too often Christians settle down into a convenient lifestyle, one that is not worldwide in its vision, one that is less than stepping out in faith. They settle down into their own lives, not seeking and saving that which is lost.
In Luke 15:8, a coin was lost because of the carelessness of a woman, but she took a candle and searched her house until she found it. The sheep was lost because of ignorance, but the shepherd left the ninety-nine, went out to find the one, and brought it back to the fold. The prodigal son was lost because of rebellion. The Father just waited to love him when he came back. He never charged him with his sin. He never asked any questions. He gave him the ring, the robe, the shoes, and the fatted calf, and received him back to full sonship by kissing his neck. He said, "My son was lost, but now he's found. We will eat and be merry and rejoice." When the lost coin was found, the woman called to her neighbors and they rejoiced. When the lost son returned, the father called to his household, and they celebrated. Jesus said, "There is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repenteth." The principle is the value of a lost soul.