In the book of Luke chapter 15 Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son a young man who leaves home with his inheritance to experience the wider world.

Luke 15:11-24 To further illustrate the point, he told them this story: "A man had two sons. 12 When the younger told his father, 'I want my share of your estate now, instead of waiting until you die!' his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.

The average student in Luton soon find themselves uttering a very common mantra “there’s nothing to do!”

It is not long before many students find themselves drawn into a life of excess, clubs and nightlife.

13 "A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and took a trip to a distant land, and there wasted all his money on parties and prostitutes.

The prodigal soon experiences poverty and famine, there comes a time with sin when pleasures loose their thrill and addictions and consequences begin to take a hold.

14 About the time his money was gone a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him to feed his pigs. 16 The boy became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the swine looked good to him. And no one gave him anything. 17 "When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired men have food enough and to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger!

The good news is that when the son was repentant “came to his senses” the father was ready and waiting to receive him.

20 "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, and was filled with loving pity and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 "His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and you, and am not worthy of being called your son-'

The hope of the gospel is forgiveness of sin and new life.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

When God forgives you He no longer remembers your sins and wipes the slate clean. This is what you need and God wants to give you this.

This Sunday why wake up with guilt, regret and emptiness. Come to your self and come to God join us in service, God is watching and waiting for you.

23 And kill the calf we have in the fattening pen. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has returned to life. He was lost and is found.' So the party began.

Pastor Paul