Wouldn't It Be Great To Be Invited? // Monty Plummer

Was there ever a party you really wanted to go to but didn’t get an invite? We have really great news for you! God is throwing a party and you’re invited. Do you want to know how to get ready for the party and which friends to bring? Then join us this week to find out more.--------------------------------------------Wouldn’t It Be Great To Be Invited?(Luke 14:15 NLT) 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 14:16-17 NLT) 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.”(Luke 14:18-20 NLT) 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 14:21-24 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. (24) For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.”(John 15:16 NLT) You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.Stop Making Excuses　Have The Right Priorities　Let’s Invite Because We Are Invited　(Romans 10:13-15 NLT) For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (14) 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? (15) And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”--------------------------------------------Connect Group Questions:What are some common excuses people make for not responding to God’s invitation?How can we make the right priorities in our lives, according to these passages?What does it mean to you that Jesus chose you and invited you to be part of His Kingdom? (John 15:16)Since we are invited by God, what does that teach us about inviting others to know God?What does it mean to be a messenger of Good News? (Romans 10:13-15)