Pastor Pett's sermon from the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost explores the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, emphasizing God's immense joy over one sinner who repents. It highlights the universal need for repentance, regardless of one's perceived righteousness, and underscores God's active role in seeking and saving the lost.

Pastor Pett emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work, not human effort, and calls for a joyful response to those who come to faith. 

Everyone, regardless of their status or self-perception, needs daily repentance

God actively seeks out the lost, both those far from faith and those within the church

There is great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents

Salvation is entirely God's work, not human effort

Christians should respond with joy to those who come to faith, mirroring heaven's celebration

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to by Pastor Pett:

1. Luke 15:1-10 - This is the primary text for the sermon, which includes the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin.

2. Luke 15:7 - "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

3. Luke 15:10 - "Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

While not explicitly mentioned, the sermon alludes to several biblical themes. Here are some relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:

4. Matthew 9:13 - "Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

5. Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

6. 1 Timothy 1:15 - "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."

7. Luke 2:13-14 - The reference to angels announcing Christ's birth: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!'"

8. Matthew 28:5-6 - The reference to the empty tomb: "But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.'"

9. 2 Corinthians 7:10 - "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

10. Acts 3:19 - "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."

Everyone's daily walk should be one of repentance. Repentance is the understanding not only of the nature of our sinfulness, but also believing that it can be forgiven. Believing that Jesus is here to forgive it.

There is really only one group that needs no repentance, and those are the ones that are already with the Lord and already got it completely fixed. The rest of us have to be in daily repentance.

Who alone can find us? We can't find ourselves. We can't say, here I am. We can't say, I got it figured out. I cleaned up my mess. I'm ready to come back.

When we look at the cross, that's what we need to see. This is Jesus doing what? Coming after us. I'm going to give up my perfect life. I'm going to suffer and die on a cross. I'm going to shed all my blood. I'm going to die in their place so that I can save them.

Just so I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God. More rejoicing. Better than you've ever shouted on Easter morning. Rejoicing. Among the angels in heaven. Over what? One sinner, not two dozen, not 50,000, but one.

He loves us that much. He loves us that greatly, that deeply, that wholeheartedly.

Who alone is responsible for our salvation? Jesus is. It's got nothing to do with what we can do and not do. It's everything to do with what he does. His grace, his mercy.

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from Pastor Pett's sermon:

Day 1: The Joy of Being Found
Reading: Luke 15:1-7
Devotional: Today's passage reminds us of God's relentless pursuit of the lost. Like the shepherd who leaves the 99 to find one lost sheep, Jesus seeks us out in our wandering. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or far from God. How did He find you and bring you back? Remember that your return brings immense joy to heaven. Today, thank God for His persistent love and consider how you might share that love with someone who feels lost.

Day 2: The Value of Repentance
Reading: Luke 15:8-10
Devotional: The parable of the lost coin emphasizes the value God places on each individual. Just as the woman diligently searches for one coin, God seeks us even when we're lost within our own "house" - perhaps feeling distant despite being in the church. Repentance isn't just for those outside the faith; it's a daily practice for all believers. Today, spend time in honest self-reflection. What areas of your life need repentance? Remember, your turning back to God causes great celebration in heaven.

Day 3: Grace That Carries Us Home
Reading: Isaiah 40:9-11
Devotional: Isaiah's prophecy beautifully mirrors Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. Our Savior doesn't merely point the way home; He carries us on His shoulders. This image powerfully illustrates that our salvation is entirely God's work, not our own. We can't find our way back to God by our own efforts. Today, meditate on the incredible grace of Jesus, who not only found you but bore the full weight of bringing you home. How does this change your perspective on your relationship with God?

Day 4: Rejoicing in Salvation
Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-17
Devotional: The joy described in heaven over one sinner's repentance is echoed in this passage from Zephaniah. God Himself rejoices over us with gladness and exults over us with loud singing. This is the heart of our Father towards us! Today, allow yourself to fully embrace God's joy over you. How might your life look different if you lived in the constant awareness of God's delight in you? Consider ways you can "rejoice with" God over others who are finding their way back to Him.

Day 5: Extending God's Welcome
Reading: Romans 15:5-7
Devotional: Our sermon highlighted the contrast between Jesus' welcoming attitude and the grumbling of the Pharisees. As followers of Christ, we're called to extend the same welcome to others that we've received from God. This passage in Romans challenges us to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Today, reflect on any prejudices or judgments you hold against certain types of people. How can you cultivate a more welcoming heart? Pray for opportunities to extend Christ's love to someone you might typically avoid or judge.