money god iI

CELL MATTERS

Follow-up to the June 28, 2009 teaching called “money god, ii””

OPENING QUESTIONS:

1. What is one of the coolest parties you have ever attended?
2. What was it about that party that made it so cool?

In our meeting tonight we will be talking about a party that God has invited us to, but some will find reasons why they cannot attend.

THE WORD:

1. READ Luke 14:15-24.
2. In this parable, who does the banquet host represent? (God)
3. In this parable, who do the invited guests represent? (us)
4. In this parable, who do you think the “servant” represents? (Jesus who was sent to the world to lead us to God.)
5. What kinds of excuses do the invited guests give as to why they cannot attend the banquet?
6. Let’s try to modernize the excuses a bit.  In our modern world what might be similar to a new field?  A new yoke of oxen?  A spouse?
7. What these people did was make a trade.  They traded attending the banquet with attending to their things.  Do the excuses match the invitation?  Is God really worth trading for a new yoke of oxen? Is a spouse worth saying ‘no’ to God for?
8. How does God respond to their excuses? 
9. From your own experience, why do many say “no” to God’s invitation?

GETTING PERSONAL:

1. What things in your life right now are holding you back from fully enjoying God? 
2. How can we help you?

CLOSING PRAYER AND PLANNING:

1. In two weeks we are holding a baptism service.  Does anyone in your group wish to be baptized?  Let’s sign them up!
2. Pray for your friends who do not yet know Jesus and spend a few minutes talking about how your group can work together to invite them in.