Title: Excuse Me! (Outline)
Bible Book: Luke 14 : 15-24
Author: Vince Hefner
Subject: Excuses; Salvation; Procrastination
Objective:
Introduction
Who is the best expert on Heaven? Why it is Jesus, of course! See Colossians 1-15-20 - After all…
Jesus created all things - Jesus sustains all things - Jesus is over all things! Jesus “made peace with heaven and earth”
I. What Does Jesus See In Heaven?
A. Jesus sees a loving Heavenly Father
God loves mankind and has shown it in many ways. The greatest expression of His love is seen in Christ and His sacrifice at the Cross for our sins. Certainly we do not deserve that love and our sin proves that we don’t deserve it. But, the Lord sees a place for you there and a purpose for you on this earth. He sees heaven as a place unlike earth. Earth is temporal but heaven is eternal. Jesus came, died and rose that we might have abundant life here on earth but eternal life in heaven. He invites us to come to the great banquet that will take place in heaven.
B. Jesus sees a Banquet in Heaven
This banquet is going to take place in heaven for all the redeemed! It will be a great banquet.
Great because of the Giver
Great because of the Cost
Great because of the Blessing
Great because of the Invitation
II. What Does Jesus See In People On Earth?
Excuses!! He sees people putting off the most important issue of life –the decision to trust Him as Savior and to accept His invitation to the banquet. Why do people put off this decision – why do they make excuses?
A. People have the wrong view of God's Invitation
This involves Their
Possessions
Professions
Pleasures
B. People have a wrong answer to God's Invitation
I’m too busy, I have things to do!
I don’t like certain people who claim to be in the kingdom!
I don’t like the decisions and positions I hear Christians taking on issues.
I don’t want to miss out on a great time!
We need to remember Proverbs 13:15, which states, “The way of the sinner is hard.” Many think that the way of sin is easy and the way of Jesus is hard. How terribly wrong they are. So they make excuses thinking they can avoid a direct answer to the invitation of the Lord. People asked to be excused saying, “I’m too young, too old, etc.” Others asked to be excused saying, “I have plenty of time to do this later!” An excuse is a decision. It is a decision to say 'No' to God's invitation. You are not just putting off the decision, you are making a negative decision!
III. What Does Jesus See Available To People?
A. Rest for the Weary
If you need “Rest” today, Jesus is the answer - Matthew 11:28 - “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened”
B. Refuge for the Troubled
If you need “Safety” today, the Lord is the answer - Genesis 7:2 - “Then the Lord said to Noah, Come into the ark…”
C. Redemption for the Lost
If you need “Cleansing” today, the Lord is the answer - Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord…” If you need “Salvation” today, Jesus is the ONLY answer - Revelation 22:17 - “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever, desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Put your excuses away. Jesus is calling. Answer Him by saying ‘yes’ TODAY!
