Marked by Grace: Embracing Jesus' Inclusive Invitation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of being "Marked" as believers, emphasizing that each of us is called with a high calling by the Most High. Our vision is to make, grow, and equip followers of Jesus to fulfill their God-given purpose through community, discipleship, and outreach. We are moving toward a significant event next Sunday, which is not just about increasing numbers but about expanding the Kingdom of God by making and equipping followers of Jesus.
We explored the idea of competition in life and how it can sometimes seep into our spiritual lives, leading us to compare ourselves with others. However, in the Kingdom of God, there is no competition. All humanity has equal standing before God, and our standard should be holiness, not the sin of others. We discussed how Jesus called His disciples, including Levi, a tax collector, which would have been highly offensive to the religious leaders and even to some of His disciples. This act demonstrated that Jesus' invitation is for everyone, regardless of their past or societal status.
We also touched on the importance of loving others without necessarily approving of their lifestyle. Jesus associated with sinners not to condone their actions but to invite them to a transformative relationship with Him. This is a crucial lesson for us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that often feels judged by the church.
Finally, we emphasized that nothing disqualifies anyone from receiving Jesus' invitation. Our sin is not bigger than the sacrifice of Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are carriers of the invitation to the good news of the gospel, and we must step out of our comfort zones to reach others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Equal Standing Before God: All humanity starts on equal ground before God. Sin is sin, and we are all born into the curse. Our standard should be holiness, not the sin of others. This understanding helps us to avoid the trap of spiritual competition and judgment. [05:32]
2. Loving Without Approving: Loving someone does not mean approving of their lifestyle. Jesus associated with sinners to invite them to a transformative relationship, not to condone their actions. We must balance speaking the truth in love while reaching people where they are. [16:49]
3. Jesus' Inclusive Invitation: Jesus' invitation to follow Him is for everyone, regardless of their past or societal status. This was exemplified when He called Levi, a tax collector, to be His disciple. We must extend this same inclusive invitation to others. [12:22]
4. No Sin Too Great: Nothing disqualifies anyone from receiving Jesus' invitation. Our sin is not bigger than the sacrifice of Jesus. This truth should humble us and motivate us to share the gospel with everyone, knowing that Jesus' grace is sufficient for all. [24:17]
5. Active Engagement: As followers of Christ, we must actively engage with those around us, especially those who feel judged or excluded. We are carriers of the gospel and must step out of our comfort zones to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ. [42:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Vision and Purpose
[01:05] - Big Sunday Initiative
[01:35] - Invitation to Encounter God
[02:06] - Competition in Life
[03:16] - Competition in Spiritual Life
[04:43] - Equal Standing Before God
[06:29] - Judging Others
[08:03] - The Gospel for Everyone
[08:39] - Following Jesus
[10:13] - Calling of Levi
[12:22] - Jesus' Inclusive Invitation
[16:49] - Loving Without Approving
[18:11] - Jesus Came for Sinners
[24:17] - No Sin Too Great
[28:23] - Harvest Family Call to Action
[34:15] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[39:14] - Lifelong Journey of Following Jesus
[42:46] - Active Engagement and Gospel Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 5:27-32 - The calling of Levi (Matthew) and Jesus' response to the Pharisees.
2. 2 Peter 3:9 - God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance.
3. 1 Timothy 1:15 - Paul's declaration of Jesus coming to save sinners.
### Observation Questions
1. What was Levi's (Matthew's) occupation before Jesus called him, and why was this significant? ([11:11])
2. How did the Pharisees react to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, and what was Jesus' response? ([11:46])
3. According to 2 Peter 3:9, what is God's desire for humanity, and how does this reflect His character? ([08:03])
4. What does Paul mean when he refers to himself as the "foremost of all sinners" in 1 Timothy 1:15? ([26:13])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to call someone like Levi, a tax collector, to be His disciple? What does this tell us about Jesus' mission and values? ([12:22])
2. How does the concept of "equal standing before God" challenge our natural tendencies to compare ourselves with others? ([05:32])
3. What does it mean to love someone without approving of their lifestyle, and how did Jesus exemplify this in His ministry? ([16:49])
4. How can the understanding that "nothing disqualifies anyone from receiving Jesus' invitation" impact the way we view and interact with others? ([24:17])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt judged or excluded. How can this experience help you empathize with others who feel the same way? ([15:18])
2. Identify someone in your life who you have been hesitant to engage with because of their lifestyle or past. How can you show them love without necessarily approving of their actions? ([16:49])
3. In what ways have you found yourself comparing your spiritual journey to others? How can you shift your focus to pursuing holiness instead? ([05:32])
4. Think of a person or group you believe is "too far gone" for Jesus. How can you change your perspective and actions to reflect the truth that Jesus' grace is sufficient for all? ([24:17])
5. How can you actively engage with those around you who feel judged or excluded by the church? What specific steps can you take this week to reach out to them? ([42:46])
6. Reflect on the idea that following Jesus is a lifelong journey. What are some areas in your life that you need to surrender to Him more fully? ([22:42])
7. How can you be more intentional about inviting others to experience the love and grace of Jesus, especially those who might feel unworthy or excluded? ([35:22])
Devotional
Day 1: Equal Standing Before God
Description: In the Kingdom of God, all humanity starts on equal ground. Sin is sin, and we are all born into the curse. This understanding helps us to avoid the trap of spiritual competition and judgment. Our standard should be holiness, not the sin of others. This perspective shifts our focus from comparing ourselves to others to striving for personal holiness and growth in our relationship with God. It reminds us that we are all in need of God's grace and mercy, and no one is inherently better or worse than another in the eyes of God. [05:32]
Romans 3:22-24 (ESV): "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think of a time when you found yourself comparing your spiritual journey to someone else's. How can you shift your focus to personal holiness and growth in your relationship with God today?
Day 2: Loving Without Approving
Description: Loving someone does not mean approving of their lifestyle. Jesus associated with sinners to invite them to a transformative relationship, not to condone their actions. We must balance speaking the truth in love while reaching people where they are. This approach allows us to show genuine love and compassion without compromising our values or beliefs. It challenges us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, extending grace and truth to those around us, just as He did. [16:49]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience the love of Christ. How can you show them love and compassion without compromising your values or beliefs?
Day 3: Jesus' Inclusive Invitation
Description: Jesus' invitation to follow Him is for everyone, regardless of their past or societal status. This was exemplified when He called Levi, a tax collector, to be His disciple. We must extend this same inclusive invitation to others, recognizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. This understanding challenges us to break down barriers and prejudices that may prevent us from sharing the gospel with others. It reminds us that Jesus' love and invitation are for all people, and we are called to be His ambassadors in the world. [12:22]
Luke 5:27-28 (ESV): "After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, 'Follow me.' And leaving everything, he rose and followed him."
Reflection: Think of someone you know who might feel excluded or unworthy of God's love. How can you extend Jesus' inclusive invitation to them today?
Day 4: No Sin Too Great
Description: Nothing disqualifies anyone from receiving Jesus' invitation. Our sin is not bigger than the sacrifice of Jesus. This truth should humble us and motivate us to share the gospel with everyone, knowing that Jesus' grace is sufficient for all. It reminds us that no matter what we have done or how far we have strayed, God's love and forgiveness are always available to us. This understanding encourages us to approach others with the same grace and compassion, knowing that we are all in need of God's mercy. [24:17]
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (ESV): "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. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of God's love and forgiveness. How can you use that experience to share the message of Jesus' grace with someone else today?
Day 5: Active Engagement
Description: As followers of Christ, we must actively engage with those around us, especially those who feel judged or excluded. We are carriers of the gospel and must step out of our comfort zones to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ. This requires intentionality and a willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in our interactions. It challenges us to be proactive in building relationships and creating opportunities to share the love of Christ with others. By doing so, we fulfill our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love and grace. [42:46]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific person or group of people in your life who may feel judged or excluded. How can you actively engage with them and share the love of Christ in a meaningful way this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many of you know you don't have to live a pointless life as a human being in the earth? God has a purpose for your life. He has a plan. And that's where you'll find God. And that's where you'll find true satisfaction is when you're following him and you're walking in that." [00:33] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Bible says that God desires that none should perish. 2 Peter 3.9 says, The Lord is not slow about his promises. Some count slowness. But is patient toward you. Somebody say, thank you, Jesus. Not wishing for any to perish. But all to come to repentance." [08:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "No matter what our past, no matter what our present, no matter how wounded or messed up we may be, nothing disqualifies you from answering Jesus' invitation to follow him. Which is my third point. Nothing you've done disqualifies you from receiving Jesus' invitation. Nothing." [23:43] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your sin is not bigger than the sacrifice of Jesus. How arrogant of us to think that our sin is bigger than the sacrifice of Jesus. It's a miracle. And just as Jesus called a tax collector named Levi nearly 2,000 years ago, he has that same invitation for each and every one of us today." [24:17] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Following Jesus really isn't complicated. It's really not complicated. It's really pretty simple. It's just challenging because of the world system that we live in today. It begins with that decision to believe in Jesus, to follow him, to turn from the old way of life and to follow the life and teachings of Christ." [22:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "All humanity has equal standing before God. When we're born into this world, we are all on equal ground. I mean, basically, one of the ways of saying that is sin is sin. We're all born into the curse, right? So we're all on equal ground, equal standing as we come in, as we're born into this world, we're all on equal ground." [05:32] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Loving somebody doesn't mean we approve of their life. So here's what I'm not saying. It doesn't mean that Jesus hung out with them and told them what to do. He told them that they were a-okay and doing just fine. He never said that. He never said, in the words of Lady Gaga, you were born that way. That's the way I made you. Keep doing what you're doing. He didn't say that." [16:49] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can't engage or influence people that you will not associate with. That you will not engage. You can't influence people if you're unwilling to engage them. And here's what I need you to see. Jesus doesn't limit his invitation to those who have a nice, clean, organized life with a good clean background check. Jesus actually did just the opposite." [17:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't get to sit here and act like their sin separated them farther from God than ours did. Does that make sense? Talk about smug and arrogant. We don't get to act like other people's sin separates them further from God than ours did. We don't get to act like Jesus doesn't want them part of the kingdom as well. We don't get to draw lines in the sand that Jesus didn't draw." [25:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Following Jesus is more than going to a meeting on a Sunday morning. It's more than listening to a podcast or reading the latest Christian bestseller. Or even reciting prayers and confessions every day. It's more. There's more. Now listen, those things are good things. They're great things. But there's more." [23:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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