Service Recap: 4/17/05

Announcements: (for more information please contact the church office)

• The New Song Summer Co-Ed Softball team is looking for team members for their fourth season on 12-inch softball. All games are held behind the Eola Community Center in Aurora.
• Cornerstone Music Fesitval will be held Thursday, June 30th through Sunday, July 3rd and includes many popular Christian music stars. The event includes not only music but activities for all ages of fans. Contact the church office before April 30th if you are interested in attending.

Readings:
Old Testament:
New Testament: Luke 15:11-20

Sermon Outline
Sermon Series: Set For Life
Title: Woulda-Shoulda-Coulda
Text: Luke 15:11-24

The ABC's of Dealing With Regret
A - Assess your situation to gain the right perspective. (Luke 15:13-17)

We all lose perspective through:
1) "All or nothing" thinking
2) Over generalization
3) Emotionalism
4) Perfectionism
5) Catastrophizing (ed note: Pastor wasn't sure if that was a word but I say we run with it.)

Steps to take for the proper perspective:
1) Write down exactly what you regret.
2) Discuss the situation with a godly individual.

B - Be Yourself because comparisons amplify regrets. (Luke 15: 28-29)

Facts to Remember:
1) You don't have to compete for God's Love (Psalm 86:5)
2) God celebrates your uniqueness. (Psalm 139:13-14)

C - Confess your regrets to God and those you've hurt (Luke 15:18)

Facts to Remember:
1) God's forgiveness isn't like human's forgiveness.
2) The assurance of forgiveness doesn't depend on your feelings.

D - Develop a plan for the future and build it around God (Luke 15:18,20)