Luke 14:15-24 Parable of the Great Supper v. 17 “come, for all things are now ready” v. 18 “But they all with one accord began to make excuses.” Today all are invited to come to Jesus for Salvation “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28 There are many excuses for not accepting

I’m a Good Moral Person Honest, moral, love my family - Why ??? Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me”

I’m Not Good Enough I am too evil. Need to make some changes! Yes we must repent ! Two Approaches 1. I will settle my problems myself 2. I will come to God for Salvation Christians are not perfect - 1 John 1:7-10

Luke 5:31 “And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  Saul was a great persecutor of God’s people.  He repented, was baptized, God forgave him.  Became the Apostle Paul God will accept all who will do His Will !

I’m Not Old Enough I’m not sure that I’m old enough to obey ! We need to be old enough to know: God is Jesus is the Son of God That I must repent of all sins Be willing to Confess faith in Christ Purpose of baptism is remission of sins Do you know right from wrong ??

“Seek ye the Lord. while he may be found. Call ye upon him while he is near” - Isaiah 55:6 “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, 'I have no pleasure in them.” Ecclesiastes 12:1 Obey God while young and give your whole life to Him.

I Am Too Old to Start Obedience to God is the only way of Salvation. You cannot be saved if you stay away. The only chance you have to be saved is in this life. Why not accept that opportunity now ?

I Do not Know Enough Must understand it all before I obey the gospel After we obey we continue to study and grow. 2 Peter 3:18 “grow in knowledge” Do you know as much as they did on Pentecost ? God exists - Jesus is God’s Son, the Christ Meaning of sin - willing to repent Confess faith in Jesus Willing to be baptized for remission of sins

I Fear I cannot hold Out That is not the question to settle now “we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Cor. 5:7 Mistaken view of Christian life –be as mature Christian Being a Christian is a growth process: “babes in Christ” 1 Cor. 3:1-4 “grow” 2 Pet. 3:18 If you wait until you can live the Christian life, you will be waiting forever !

It’s not a Convenient Time Too busy and do not have the time right now Procrastination is one of Satan’s weapons 12 years = “too young” 18 years = “too smart” 22 years = “too happy” 25 years = “too busy” 33 years = “too smug” 40 years = “too tired” 50 years = “too worried” 60 years = “too old”

I expect to obey some day One day I plan to become a Christian ! Would you agree to obey the gospel next week ? What about next month ? What about next year ? We have no promise that we will live that long ! Dangerous to wait and delay

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Morning November 4, 2012