Pea Ridge Baptist Church

2 Comments on “02-17-08 Sermon – Accept the Invitation!”

1. Johnna says:

   February 28, 2008 at 10:58 am

   What a beautiful image of being invited into a wedding feast- not because of our importance, but out of love, and being provided the ‘garment’ we need to come into the presence of the King. It reminded me of something I read recently that I wanted to share. It was from a book entitled, “Completely His” by Shannon Ethridge. According to Jewish tradition, marriages were arranged by the father and groom. When an agreement was made, the daughter was brought before them. The groom to be would take a drink of wine, then hand her the cup. This was her moment- to either drink the cup and forever unite her life with him, or reject it. (This ritual is portrayed in the movie, “The Nativity Story” between Mary and Joseph)
   Perhaps this was Jesus’ thought when he was in the upper room with the disciples. He passed the cup and gave them an invitation. This will forever change the was I look at communion. Each time we have communion at church and I hold a little plastic cup of grape juice, I have to ask myself yet again… will I accept His proposal? Will I again agree to unite my life with His forever? Will I again surrender my life to His purpose?
   And how will I answer Him? Yes! How could I refuse One who would love me so much… regardless of my previous rejection and lack of faithfulness.
   And one last comment- Again, this was a thought from the book I read and I loved it’s imagery. What does every happy bride do? Throw her bouquet to those around her who have not yet accepted a proposal.

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2. kathy says:

   February 29, 2008 at 2:42 pm

   i really liked this sermon. and im glad my mother-in-law was there to hear it too.
   the gift of grace….such a simple concept that we make so difficult.

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