Sermons 

Series: The Stories Jesus Told #2

Parables From Heaven’s EO
Luke 14:15-24
How to get the best seat at God’s wedding feast.

TEXT: Luke 14:15-24

Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!"
16 Jesus replied with this story: "A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, 'Come, the banquet is ready.' 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' 19 Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 Another said, 'I now have a wife, so I can't come.'

21 "The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' 23 So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.'"

I. That there really will be a feast.

- What will be on the menu from heaven?  
- What will be the entertainment?
- What will we bring home?
- Would you like to be the EO for that wedding?

II. That some will really accept and some will reject the invitation.

The invitation to accept Him as your true Lord and Savior
- In those days there were two invitations. God has an invitation out to man kind.
- Many people are choosing not to accept the invitation.  
- What about you?

The invitation to have relationship with Him.
- This happens through Church attendance
- Through your devotional life.  
- Imagine God of the universe wants to have a relationship with you!

The invitation to serve Him
- Your service is a sign of your love for God.
- As work together here at ICA we are building the kingdom of God.
- As you serve your fellow man.

III. Our position at the feast will be based on what we did with the invitation.

- Are we making excuses?  
- "Ten Reasovns Why I Never take a bath."
1. I was forced to bathe as a child.
2. People who bathe are hypocrites--they think they’re cleaner than others.
3. There are so many kinds of soap, I could never decide which was right.
4. I used to bathe, but it got boring.
5. I bathe only on Christmas or Easter.
6. None of my friends take a bath.
7. I’ll start bathing when I’m older.
8. I really don’t have time to take a bath.
9. The bathroom isn’t warm enough to bathe.
10. People who make soap are only after your money.

- Did Jesus somehow know what our excuses would be?  
Land/ business
Car / Hobby
Family/ it’s important
- The point is that none of these things can take priority over Your relationship with Jesus.

GO Question

Parable Series #2. Parables From Heaven's EO
Luke 14:15-24
How to get the best seat at God's Weeding Feast.

Ice Breaker: What is your most favorite food which you're not suppose to eat much (e.g. high cholesterol, high sugar)?

1. Have you ever invited a closed friend to your party or your weeding and then later that person made up an excuse not to come?
How did you feel?

2. Why do you think some people refuse to accept Jesus as their true Lord and Savior?

3. Why do you think having relationship with God is so important to Him?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your service to God?

5. What are the common excuses people give when you invite them to come to GO group?

6. Please take a few minutes to share what some effective ways to invite your ICA friends to come to your GO group.

Have a fun and exciting fellowship!

God bless,
GO WEST.  (Poedji Hariono)