Embracing Jesus' Love: An Invitation to Inclusivity
Summary
In the message delivered at Hope City Church, the focus is on the profound love Jesus has for people, emphasizing the eternal nature of the human soul and the Christian responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others. The narrative begins with a reflection on Luke chapter 14, which serves as both a window into Jesus' love for humanity and a mirror for self-examination. The passage describes a great supper to which many were invited, yet those invited made excuses not to attend. This parable illustrates the tendency of people to prioritize their own interests over the divine invitation, highlighting the misplaced priorities that can lead to missing out on spiritual opportunities.
The message then transitions to celebrating the church's tenth anniversary, acknowledging the significant milestone and the impact the church has made in the Savannah region. The church is recognized for its commitment to caring for people, reaching out to others, and empowering individuals. The church's growth and expansion are attributed to its adherence to the core values of adding to the community, being inclusive, and inviting others to join in the Christian journey.
The narrative further explores the concept of Jesus as an "adder" and "inviter," someone who consistently sought to include and welcome others. Jesus' presence at various gatherings throughout the New Testament is cited as evidence of his desire to be with people and to expand the circle of God's grace. The message underscores the importance of Christians emulating this inclusive approach by being proactive in reaching out to those who may feel lost or forgotten.
The speaker shares personal stories and experiences to illustrate the impact of being an "adder" and "inviter." For instance, the speaker recounts how a simple gospel pamphlet led to a transformative moment in their life, emphasizing the power of giving and outreach in expanding the kingdom of God. The message encourages the congregation to remain fluid and flexible in their service, ready to adjust and expand their efforts to reach more people with the gospel.
The message concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to continue making room for others and to not let the church become a closed meeting. The church is envisioned as an open place where all are welcome to experience the transformative power of the gospel. The speaker invites those who feel distant from God to draw closer and to make a decision to follow Jesus, reinforcing the church's mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community.
Key Takeaways:
- The parable of the great supper in Luke chapter 14 serves as a poignant reminder that the invitation to partake in God's kingdom is often met with excuses and misplaced priorities. It challenges individuals to examine their own lives and consider whether they are truly prioritizing their spiritual journey over worldly concerns. [55:01]
- The tenth anniversary of Hope City Church is not just a celebration of past achievements but a pivotal moment to look forward to greater works and broader outreach. The church's commitment to inclusivity and expansion is a testament to its understanding that the work of the gospel is never complete; there is always more room at the table for those seeking refuge and community. [43:11]
- Jesus' example as an "adder" and "inviter" is a model for Christian behavior, demonstrating that the essence of the gospel is about enlarging the circle and making space for everyone. This inclusive approach is not just about adding numbers but about genuinely caring for each individual and recognizing their inherent value. [01:03:42]
- Personal testimonies and acts of giving have the power to change lives and impact eternity. The story of how a simple gospel pamphlet led to a life-changing decision for Christ illustrates the profound effect that each act of outreach can have, encouraging believers to continue investing in the lives of others. [01:18:13]
- The concept of remaining fluid and flexible in service is crucial for the growth of the church and the spread of the gospel. As the church seeks to expand its reach, it must be willing to adapt and find new ways to connect with those who have yet to hear the message of Christ. This adaptability ensures that the church remains a living, dynamic force in the world. [01:08:53]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
Luke 14:16-24 (NIV)
16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’
19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’
20 “Still another said, ‘I have just married a woman, so I cannot come.’
21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
22 “‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”
Observation Questions:
1. What were the reasons given by the invited guests for not attending the banquet?
2. How did the host of the banquet react to the excuses made by the invited guests?
3. What instructions did the host give to his servant after learning that the invited guests would not attend?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What do the excuses made by the invited guests reveal about their priorities?
2. How does the host's reaction to the excuses and subsequent actions reflect on the nature of God's kingdom?
3. In what ways does the command to bring in the poor, crippled, blind, and lame challenge societal norms and expectations?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you made an excuse to avoid a spiritual opportunity. What was the excuse, and what did you prioritize instead?
2. Identify someone in your life who may feel like they are on the "outside" or overlooked. What is one specific action you can take this week to reach out to them with God's love?
3. Consider your current commitments and activities. Is there anything you need to adjust or reprioritize to make more room for inviting others into God's kingdom?
4. Think of a place in your community where people might feel forgotten or marginalized. How can you and your small group actively show God's inclusive love there this month?
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritize Your Spiritual Invitation
The parable of the great supper in Luke chapter 14 serves as a poignant reminder to examine one's priorities, ensuring that spiritual commitments are not overshadowed by worldly distractions. It is a call to reflect on the choices made daily and to reassess the value placed on the divine invitation to God's kingdom. This self-examination is crucial for a fulfilling spiritual journey. [55:01]
Hebrews 13:14 - "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."
Reflection: What worldly distractions are currently preventing you from fully accepting God's invitation to spiritual growth?
Day 2: Celebrate and Anticipate Church Growth
Hope City Church's tenth anniversary is a milestone that celebrates past achievements and anticipates future outreach. The church's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement reflects an understanding that the gospel's work is ongoing. There is always more room at God's table for those seeking refuge and fellowship. [43:11]
1 Peter 4:8-9 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: How can you contribute to your church's growth and create a more welcoming environment for newcomers?
Day 3: Embrace Jesus' Inclusive Example
Jesus' role as an "adder" and "inviter" is a model for Christian behavior, emphasizing the importance of expanding the circle of fellowship and making space for everyone. This approach is about genuine care and recognition of each person's value, not just increasing numbers. [01:03:42]
Romans 15:7 - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Reflection: Who in your community could benefit from an invitation to fellowship, and how can you extend that invitation this week?
Day 4: The Impact of Personal Outreach
Personal testimonies and acts of giving, such as sharing a gospel pamphlet, can lead to life-changing decisions for Christ. These stories illustrate the profound effect that each act of outreach can have on individuals and their eternal destinies. [01:18:13]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
Reflection: What simple act of outreach can you perform today that might have a lasting impact on someone's life?
Day 5: Stay Fluid in Service
The church must remain adaptable and innovative in its methods to connect with those who have yet to hear the message of Christ. This flexibility ensures that the church continues to be a dynamic force in the world, reaching more people with the transformative power of the gospel. [01:08:53]
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: In what ways can you be more flexible and creative in your service to better reach those in need of the gospel?
Quotes
1) "Jesus loved people, so he loved to be at parties. Over and over again in scripture, he's sitting at tables. He's on hillsides. He's in the synagogue. He's in the streets." [01:00:28] (Download)
2) "Jesus was an includer. Jesus was an adder. Jesus was an inviter. I am such an inviter. Delano says, how many people come over? I don't know. Five to 20. I like more people." [01:02:36] (Download)
3) "I came to Christ because of an adder and an inviter. The person who reached me included me. He opened up the circle of God's mercy, of God's grace. He added me." [01:04:38] (Download)
4) "We're not closing the door on anybody. We're here for you to present the gospel, to present Jesus, to give you truth, to give you the word, let you find restoration, let you find transformation." [01:06:44] (Download)
5) "What I find interesting about those that are in the house when you read these scriptures and you meditate upon the words of Jesus, something about the servants is they had to stay fluid, flexible to keep adjusting so that they could keep expanding." [01:07:02] (Download)
6) "We're not done yet. We're going to believe God for a great 20 years. We're going to believe God for your children and your children's children and we're going to believe God for the next hurting and the next group that's been through pain." [01:08:16] (Download)
7) "I think it's so interesting that they said, we're not, we're not done yet now. We're going to need to go and we're going to need to get some others. Because there's something that needs to happen next." [01:13:01] (Download)
8) "We care for that which is lost. We care for that which maybe is wandering and has been forgotten. We give time and we give care. Because the reason why we want more space and the reason why we want to increase the footprint of Hope City Church." [01:17:20] (Download)
9) "I thank God for everything like that. But I thank God for the moments that he has used me to fill the house. Why? To know God. To find some freedom. Discover some purpose. What's the heart of this house? To make a difference." [01:12:36] (Download)
10) "The other day I was in, amen, when I was in one of those days you're all about yourself or am I the only one? I'm in my head, in my head, going through Starbucks, ordering a drink, don't even remember the order." [01:19:49] (Download)
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