Who Do You Think You Are?
Part 4: Normal Isn’t Working
“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul…” 1 Peter 2:11
“We all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
“A man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, ‘What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!’ Jesus replied with this story: A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses.” Luke 14:16-18a NLT
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
Excuse #1: What I have
“They all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, ‘I purchased a field and I need to go out to look at it; please consider me excused.’” Luke 14:18
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35b
“You sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account.” Philippians 4:16-17
Excuse #2: What I do
“And another one said, ‘I bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.’” Luke 14:19
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
Excuse #3: Who I am
“Another one said, ‘I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.’” Luke 14:20
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
"I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!” Jeremiah 31:3 MSG
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ.” Ephesians 1:4 NLT
“I am more sinful and broken than I ever dared believe, but in Christ, I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope.” Timothy Keller