9-28-2014
"The Open Invitation"
Luke 9. 23

THE OPEN INVITATION Luke 9. 23 I. _________________  IS WELCOME                 A.  Often we think- “Yeah right, what’s the catch?”              B.  Jesus was a rabbi of his society- “a teacher.”              C.  Rabbis usually had _____________               D.  The excellence of the students reflected the excellence of the        ___________ II. ANYONE MEANS ________________              A.  Sometimes churches are filled with “Fans” who don’t always buy        into the idea that church should be for anyone.              B.  Jesus’ invitation was _____ according to people who passed a        certain list of codes and qualifications. III. NO QUALIFICATIONS MEANS “No ___________”              A.  Not only did Jesus get rid of the barriers, he also got rid of the        excuses.  “Anyone”’              B.  What’s your excuse for not following?  Jesus said,        “_________.”     IV.  THE CHURCH NEEDS TO BE FILLED WITH ___________ WHO ARE READY FOR “anyone.”                A.  If “anyone” comes, it will mess things up              B.  FOLLOWERS ARE WILLING TO help _________ Jesus’ invitation        to “anyone.”  V. ANYONE- BUT _______________               A.  When Jesus made his invitation to “anyone” he was also very        clear that choosing to follow means giving up everything.              B.  Jesus asked the same from His followers we must be willing to        leave it all behind and follow.              C.  Plus there would be self-denial, cross of suffering, and following        of One who would ultimately be crucified.               D.  Following Jesus is a ________ call…one not to be taken lightly. VI.  Jesus said, “If ANYONE would come after me, let him….              A.  What about You?  Are you ready to “follow?”               B.  The greatest ______ who ever lived invites You, to become one        of His students…no prerequisites, no excuses…              C.  Are you willing to follow?