1. Inviting, 2. Welcoming, 3. Biblical, 4. Prayerful, 5. Connecting, 6. Growing, 7. Serving

For the next 3 weeks we will cover these signs of a healthy Christian or Church.  Our prayer is that we will put a dent in this community for the Kingdom of God!  Let’s examine this text and glean God’s insight!  Are we inviting and welcoming others to Christ and to Church?

The Servant is Sent Out to Recruit v.17

The banquet refers to the great banquet with Jesus Christ!  He will appear, those who were invited (place faith in Him) will be at the banquet.  A study of this culture tells us that two invitations would have been given.  The first would have been reservations made well in advance.  The second would have been given the day of the banquet.  

The Master is Serious About The Response vv.18-21

Some choose what they know instead of the joy, goodness, and peace of what should be.  (Show pictures of two banquets)

• The busyness of everyday life is keeping many from tasting the goodness of God.
• They will be self-consumed.
• They will be distracted.
• They reality for the ones who reject the invitation is that they will not taste the goodness of God. Listen to v.24  In a very similar text, Matthew 22:5-8 “But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.”
• If we are not making time for the worship of Christ and His service now, do we really think all of a sudden we’ll enjoy Him later? The answer is no, unless the heart is changed. 
• If there is no desire to come under the Word of God than they’re not a Christian. 2 Cor. 4:4 “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”, we want others to respond like 1 Peter 2:2-3 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”  That is why them hearing the word of God is so important.

A Strong Summons is Required v.23

The Highways and Hedges mentioned in verse 23 is believed by many scholars to represent the Gentiles.  The Jews were invited, but they were too good to come. 

Will we be an inviting church?  Will we care about souls so much that we wish to welcome them into every ministry we offer here at Oak Hill?  Will the gospel end with you or spread through you? 

What is different about us?  In one word, describe Oak Hill Baptist Church. 

3 Reasons to invite someone to Christ and to Church:

1. Because we believe a relationship with Jesus Christ is the only cure to sin. John 14:6, Acts 4:12
2. Because we believe encouragement and accountability within biblical community spurs people toward maturity in Christ. A person runs further and faster with a coach. Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
3. Because we believe that people’s walk with Jesus is eternally impacted when they are connected to a biblical community. Here you learn about evangelism and sharing your faith, you are impacting eternity if you apply all that you’ve learned!