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EXCUSES Luke 14:15-20

15. And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 16. Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17. And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Invitation to Salvation Excuses Feast Bought a piece of land Bought 5 yoke of oxen Married a wife Invitation to Salvation Matt. 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Excuses Many Doctrines Counterfeit Detector Bible Bible is right 1 John 4:1 - test Counterfeits - imitation Counterfeit Detector Bible

Excuses Don’t Know Enough Growth is expected - - - Matt. 28:19-20 Conversions in Acts - - One lesson Know you are lost Know what to do to be saved

Excuses Be sure I can do it Not expected to be fully mature at start Babes in Christ 2 Pet. 3:18 “grow” Cannot be a Christian without Christ

Excuses Plenty of Time Procrastination = Satan 12 = Too Young 18 = Too smart 22 = Too happy 25 = Too busy 30 = Too smug 40 = Too tired 50 = Too worried 60 = Too old “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth….” Eccl. 12:1 Why wait ? Today is the day of salvation

Paul was chief of sinners Too Mean Excuses How long will it take to be good while serving the devil ? Matthew 9:13 “call sinners to repentance” Murderers of Jesus were saved – Acts 2 Paul was chief of sinners 1 Tim. 1:15

Excuses Too Busy You Do have time To Serve God Will you take time to die? Luke 8:14 – choked Mt. 24:44 “be ye also ready..” Next week, month, year ? You Do have time To Serve God

Excuses Hypocrites True – some do not live as a Christian Pharisees “they say, and do not” Matt. 23:3 If you are out of Christ you are still lost ! Do you want to spend eternity with them?

Trying to avoid making a decision Excuses Procrastination Delay – postpone Few have ever died who were unprepared who had not intended to become a Christian! “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Pro. 27:1

Invitation to Salvation Matt. 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org July 1, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562