Two Men and God's Mercy

Title: Two Men and God's Mercy

Speaker: Roger Whiteside

Date: March 1, 2026

Bible: Luke 15-16; Luke 18

The sermon presents three transformative stories from Luke’s Gospel to illustrate the reality of divine mercy and the critical choices facing every person: the contrast between a rich man who ignored the poor Lazarus and the eternal consequences of unrepentant self-sufficiency; the Pharisee’s self-righteousness versus the publican’s humble plea for mercy, highlighting that true justification comes through repentance, not religious performance; and the prodigal son’s rebellion, repentance, and restoration, contrasted with the elder son’s pride and unforgiveness, revealing God’s heart of joy over one sinner who repents. Through these narratives, the message underscores that salvation is not earned by good works or moral superiority, but received by acknowledging one’s sinfulness and embracing God’s grace, while warning that rejecting Scripture and divine revelation—even in the face of resurrection—leads to eternal separation. The tone is both urgent and compassionate, calling listeners to examine their hearts, repent, and respond to God’s persistent invitation with humility and faith.