Runaway Bride, The Invitation: July 1-7

In John 14:2, Jesus reveals what His death on the cross accomplishes for believers. In atoning for our sin and imparting His righteousness, Jesus prepares a place for us in God’s presence. That is the invitation! There is room for you to dwell in God’s presence.

Now I know that the tendency for those of us who may have heard the Gospel before, or every day since we reached cognition, is to think, “I’ve heard this before…nothing new here…” but if thinking on this invitation doesn’t stir our affection, move our hearts to worship, produce in us grace towards others,
etc… Then it more than likely reveals a serious heart issue that often boils down to a small theology (view of God). A big, biblical view of God will absolutely move our hearts toward an embrace of Jesus' invitation to dwell with Him. If we don’t believe God is that great or glorious of course we don’t care that Jesus died on the cross to give us access to Him.

-Ask your group how they grew up hearing the Gospel, what were they taught about God? How has that affected their embrace of the Gospel?

Use this opportunity to steer the boat…if the answers aren’t biblical (in line with the opening statements of the blog) call attention to it.

-Ask your group how and if they have been taking advantage of Jesus' invitation to the Church.

If the general sentiment comes back negative, be proactive in establishing a plan of action. Our spiritual health is too important to just acknowledge that we aren’t doing well. As a church we want to help each other move forward. Just like we work out with a partner in order make sure someone is there to push us, so should we have partners as we move toward sanctification. Set up meeting times make discipleship happen.

-Take some time to talk about evangelism. Did hearing this sermon give you any ideas about how to
present the Gospel? How have you been doing with sharing the Gospel?

Challenge your group in this area! Open your mouth and tell people about Jesus.