Welcome Home – Week 5: Welcome to the Party Description: Forgiveness may feel private, but restoration is always public. In Week 5 of Welcome Home, we discover that God doesn’t just quietly forgive our sins—He runs to us, covers our shame, and restores our dignity in front of the community. Through the story of the prodigal son, we’ll see: – Why shame isolates us, and how God’s love breaks through it – How grace doesn’t flinch at your past—it redeems it – Why restoration requires community, not secrecy – The cost the Father paid so you could be free This is the gospel: your past no longer defines you. God has clothed you with honor and invited you to the feast. The only question is—will you join the party?
Series: Welcome Home
Week 5 Title: Welcome to the Party
Scripture: Luke 15:23–24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:4–5; Galatians 6:1–2; Matthew 18:20; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:1
Big Idea: God doesn’t just forgive us privately—He restores us publicly.
Shame convinces us to hide—just like Adam and Eve.
Shame whispers: “Keep your story quiet. You’re better off in the shadows.”
But the Father’s love breaks down walls of isolation and disconnection.
Luke 15:23–24 — The father didn’t flinch when the son returned filthy from rebellion.
He embraced, kissed, and celebrated him.
Grace doesn’t deny your past—it refuses to be defined by it.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — You are a new creation.
Ephesians 2:4–5 — Made alive in Christ, even when dead in sin.
Luke 15:24 — The community knew who he was; now they witness who he is.
Restoration happens in community: Galatians 6:1–2.
Matthew 18:20 — God’s presence shows up when we gather.
Healing comes when we share our burdens and stories with others.
Luke 15:23 — The fattened calf = costly, valuable sacrifice.
Romans 5:8 — Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
2 Corinthians 5:21 — He became sin so we could be righteous.
Romans 8:1 — No condemnation remains.
Story: the father-in-law who always insisted on paying the bill—restoration is costly, but the Father delights to cover it.
The Father calls us out of hiding to feast at His table.
Baptism = a public declaration of restoration.
Don’t let shame keep you from the party—the only thing missing is you.