“The Table… Where There is Room for More”
Sunday, October 29th, 2023
MSTAR Church – The table is a place for FAITH, FAMILY, and FLOURISHING!
Luke 14:15-17 (NIV)
When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast of the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV)
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
Luke 14:18-20 (NIV)
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.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
Luke 14:21-24 (NIV)
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.’ ‘Sir’, the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’”
• “There is still room.”
• “Make them come in.”
Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of who they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
“compel” … a word causing many controversies and wrong actions… Spanish Inquisition, The Crusades… wrong interpretation justified bringing people to Christ with force, against their will. Then what happens, it ceases to be an invitation, and it becomes a summons.
What is the driving force behind our compulsion? The Holy Spirit
Compelling the Messenger…
Acts 1:8 (NIV) – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”
Compelling the Recipient –
John 6:44 (NIV) – “No one can come to me (Jesus), unless the Father who sent me draws him…
What are we compelling the world to?
Faith… Family… Flourishing…
• “My house will be full!”
2 Peter 3:4, 8-9 (NIV)
They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”