The Next Step | John Patton | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Next Step

West Angeles Church of God in Christ • Oct 30, 2025 • 31 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this teaching, Elder John Patton examines the parable of the prodigal son to show how a series of bad decisions can leave us in desperate situations, yet God's love remains constant. No matter how far we have strayed or how severely we have failed, God actively watches for us and stands ready to welcome us home with grace and restoration. Believers are encouraged to realize that the most important step in life is never the last mistake made, but the next step taken toward God.

Themes

Repentance and RestorationGod's Unconditional Love and GraceDirection and Decision-MakingSpiritual Identity and AdoptionRedemption and Forgiveness

Key Points

1.
The word 'prodigal' means spending money freely and recklessly, living in a wastefully extravagant manner.
2.
Demanding an inheritance while a parent is still alive is equivalent to severing the relationship and acting as if the parent is dead.
3.
Even though the younger son showed severe disrespect, the father responded with compassionate grace rather than turning him away empty-handed.
4.
A series of poor decisions and reckless living can lead to spiritual and practical ruin, leaving a person broken and isolated.
5.
The pastor shared the memorable saying: 'When you are born, you look like your parents, but when you die, you look like your decisions.'
6.
The turning point in the son's life occurred when 'he came to himself' and remembered his home, his father, and his true identity.
7.
While turning toward home changes a person's direction, God's decision to never give up on them changes their ultimate destiny.
8.
The father did not wait for his son to finish a rehearsed apology, but ran to embrace him and fully restored his standing in the family.
9.
Even while facing execution on a cross, the repentant thief took a step toward Christ, and Jesus immediately promised him paradise.
10.
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledging Him in all your ways guarantees that He will direct your paths.

Sermon Moments

“When you are born, you look like your parents, but when you die, you look like your decisions.”

“The most important step in your life can never be the last one you took. The most important step in your life always is the next one.”

“His decision to return home changed his direction, but his father's decision not to give up on his son changed his destiny.”

“God is looking for you every day, waiting for you to come to yourself and start taking steps toward home.”

“There is a party waiting for you. Everything is in place... The only thing missing for the party to start is you.”

“The ring symbolizes authority, honor, and favor... sandals on his feet... for this my son was dead and is alive again.”

“Even on that cross he could take a step towards home... Jesus met him in that moment and said, 'Today you will be with me in paradise.'”

This Week

Reflect honestly on your current spiritual state and determine if you have wandered away from God's presence or purpose.

Stop dwelling on past mistakes or failed decisions, and make your very next choice one that moves you closer to God.

Repent sincerely of any known sin by agreeing with God about your actions and turning away from them completely.

If you have not accepted Christ, take the next step today by praying to receive Him as your Lord and Savior.

Surrender your own limited understanding and trust God completely in every life circumstance to direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Reaffirm your spiritual identity as an adopted child of God, remembering that you belong to His family and inherit eternal salvation.

Connect with a Bible-believing church community to share your story of faith and celebrate God's restoring grace.

Remember This

The most important step in your life is never the last one you took, but the next step you choose to make toward God.

A Challenge for You

Take the next step towards home and see God reaching out for you, drawing you closer to himself. It is where you need to be, where you want to be, and where you belong.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.