THE HEART OF GOD
Luke 14:15-24
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
“…there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:7 NLT
“…there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” Luke 15:10 NLT
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
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 just got married, 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.’”
Luke 14:15-24 NLT
God wants His house full!
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV1984
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!” Luke 14:15 NLT
Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. Luke 14:16 NLT
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16 NLT
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 just got married, so I can’t come.’” Luke 14:17-20 NLT
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:10-12 NLT
“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.’” Luke 14:21-23 NLT
God wants His house full!
He wants there to be great rejoicing in Heaven!
“For the Son of Man (Jesus) came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10 NIV1984
“(Father) As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:18 NIV1984
He (Jesus) said to them (His followers), “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Mark 16:15 NIV1984
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14 (NLT)
Because God wants His house full (He wants the party in Heaven to be full), He’s going to give all of His followers tons of opportunities to share their story of faith.
#1: Live and work with excellence!
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… Philippians 1:27 NIV1984
In other words, Paul is encouraging you to live in a way that supports what you claim to believe—live your life in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Saint Francis of Assisi
What makes you credible at work? Being a good worker!
What makes you credible around your neighborhood or around those you do life with?
- Being a good neighbor!
- Being friendly!
- Keeping your yard nice!
- Being kind and courteous and respectful!
- Treating people the way you want to be treated!
#2: Be ready for the opportunities that
God brings to share the Good News!
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5 NIV1984
You are a servant of the Lord cleverly disguised as a !