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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Luke 14:15-24

God has a heart for the lost and he calls us to pray for and invite others to follow Jesus.  But many of us have had an experience where we stepped out in faith followed by no response to our invitation.  So, what should we do next?  In Luke 14, Jesus tells a story that sheds light on this experience.  Jesus gives the analogy that inviting people into the kingdom of God is like inviting them to a great banquet, a party for the ages.  In Jesus, people are forgiven, freed, fulfilled, and empowered in amazing ways.  Jesus hasn’t come to suck the joy out of life but to inaugurate the greatest party in human history!  

Yet, in Luke 14:18-20, those invited give a number of excuses that they are too busy because of work, new possessions, and even family obligations.   While all of these things are good, when they crowd out God they cut us off from the only one who can bring balance and renewal into each of these areas.  When you look at your own life, are any of these areas crowding out God?   And for those you are inviting to follow Jesus, what seems to be crowding God out?  Begin to pray that God would become central for them.  

The next part of the story shows the master of the banquet sending his servants out to bring in the poor, crippled, blind, lame, and to go to the highways and hedges.  Excuses don’t deter God.  He says, “Don’t give up!  Invite others!”  Invite those you think are “too far gone” or “too different.”  God wants his party full.  

Taking It Home:

What excuses keep you from enjoying the riches of God’s grace?  Who else could God be sending you to invite to follow him?