THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FULL

Today, we're challenged to reconsider our understanding of church and discipleship. The parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14 serves as a powerful reminder of our true calling as Christians. We're not just attendees, but ambassadors of Christ and ministers of reconciliation. This parable illustrates how God's invitation is often rejected by those who seem 'qualified,' leading Him to extend His grace to the unexpected - the poor, the lame, and the outsiders. As believers, we're called to 'compel' others to come, not through force, but through genuine relationships and a compelling defense of our faith. Are we making excuses like those in the parable, prioritizing work, property, or family over our commitment to God? It's time to examine our hearts and remember that our primary mission is to love God, love people, and make disciples. Let's move beyond convenience and embrace sacrifice, understanding that our choices have eternal consequences.

Title: The Call to Discipleship: Our Mission as Ministers of Reconciliation

Sermon Summary: This sermon emphasizes the true purpose of the church and the individual believer's role as a minister of reconciliation. The pastor challenges the congregation to move beyond seeking personal blessings and instead focus on fulfilling their commitment to Christ by actively participating in the Great Commission. He stresses the importance of sacrifice, obedience, and prioritizing God's work over personal convenience or worldly pursuits.

Key Points:
- The primary function of the church is to reach the unsaved and train believers to be ministers of reconciliation
- Christians are ambassadors for Christ, called to represent God's kingdom
- Excuses for not fulfilling our commitment to God are seen as unacceptable in heaven
- Believers must prioritize their commitment to God over work, property, and family
- The importance of regular church attendance and active participation in the body of Christ
- The need to identify, pray for, and build relationships with non-believers to share the gospel

Scripture Reference:
- Luke 14:16-24 (The Parable of the Great Banquet)
- 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (Ministers of Reconciliation)
- Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)

Stories:
- The Parable of the Great Banquet, where invited guests make excuses not to attend
- A story about a pastor giving a specific amount of money to a man in need, as directed by God
- An anecdote about people joining and leaving online church services, illustrating lack of commitment

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for key themes:

Explicitly Mentioned:
1. Hebrews 10:25-31
2. Matthew 22:36-40
3. Deuteronomy 6:4-5
4. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20
5. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
6. Matthew 28:18-20
7. Luke 14:16-24 (Parable of the Great Banquet)
8. John 10:16
9. Romans 11:25
10. 1 Peter 3:15

Alluded to:
1. Revelation 12:11 ("We overcame the enemy by the blood of the lamb...")
2. Daniel 4:17 ("This is a decree of the watchers...")
3. Matthew 25:1-13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)

Suggested Relevant Verses for Key Themes:

1. On being ministers of reconciliation:
   - Colossians 1:19-20
   - 2 Corinthians 5:18

2. On the importance of sacrifice in serving God:
   - Romans 12:1
   - Mark 8:34-35

3. On the call to make disciples:
   - Mark 16:15
   - Acts 1:8

4. On loving God and others:
   - 1 John 4:19-21
   - Galatians 5:14

5. On the Church's role in equipping believers:
   - Ephesians 4:11-13

6. On being ambassadors for Christ:
   - Ephesians 6:19-20

7. On prioritizing God over worldly concerns:
   - Matthew 6:33
   - Luke 14:26-27

1. How does understanding our role as 'ministers of reconciliation' change the way we approach our daily lives and interactions with others?

2. In what ways might our pursuit of material success or comfort be hindering our spiritual growth and effectiveness as disciples of Christ?

3. How can we balance our worldly responsibilities (work, family, etc.) with our commitment to God without using them as excuses?

4. What does it mean to truly 'love God, love people, and make disciples' in practical terms in our modern context?

5. How might our church community better equip and encourage its members to fulfill their role as ambassadors for Christ?

6. In what ways do we sometimes 'trample the Son of God underfoot' or 'insult the Spirit of grace' in our daily choices?

7. How can we develop the courage and conviction to share our faith with those from different cultural or religious backgrounds?

8. What strategies can we employ to identify and pray for specific individuals in our sphere of influence who need to hear the gospel?

9. How might regular church attendance and participation contribute to our spiritual growth and effectiveness as ministers of reconciliation?

10. In what ways can we challenge and support each other to move beyond our comfort zones in sharing the gospel and making disciples?