Unyime Akpan - April 21, 2024

Northbrook Bible Chapel

Unyime Akpan - April 21, 2024 Lessons from a Dinner Table - Forgiveness and Salvation -The Pathway to True Greatness - Luke 7:36-50 Great miracle, physical healing of a centurion servant Luke 7:1-10 Greater miracle, physical resurrection of a widow's son Luke 7:11-17 John the Baptist the greatest person that ever lived Luke 7:18-33 Greatest miracle, salvation of a sinful woman Luke 7:36-50 Luke 7:28; 33-34 John 3:3.16 Based on Luke’s Gospel how many dinner ‘invitations’ did Jesus have and with whom? 3 Times in Pharisees’ homes (Luke 7, 11, 14) Teaching Moments Matthew’s home (Luke 5) Teaching Moment Mary & Martha’s home (Luke 10) Teaching Moment Last Supper in the Upper room (Luke 22) Teaching Moment Peter’s house with mother-in-law home (Luke 4) Invitation to Dinner One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Luke 7:36 Who was Simon? Why did he invite Jesus to dinner? Everyone Sins –Face It! Sin wears many faces With whom do you identify in the story? Everyone falls short of God’s perfect mark All, no exclusion; All have F in life Romans 3:23 is still true 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, It is God’s assessment, and we need to agree with God All are guilty Call sin what it is, no hang ups God’s Business is Forgiveness –Seek It! Simon Unaware of his need; Uninterested in forgiveness Blind to himself; Blind to Jesus; Blind to the woman Woman Understood her condition; knew she was a sinner Knew Jesus was a great savior These two truth compelled her to seek forgiveness Our greatest need is forgiveness God’s greatest gift is to grant it We must seek it, the prostitute did just that God’s Word is True –Believe It! How did the sinful woman know her sins were forgiven, and she was saved? Jesus told her; A simple promise; When Jesus spoke, she believed him Your sins are forgiven; Your faith has saved you: go in peace She did not depend on her feelings or look at others to confirm it How does a person know his/her sins are forgiven and he/she is saved? Do you realise you are a sinner and are repentant? Do you believe that Jesus died and rose for you? Then you are forgiven and saved because God’s words tell you so Acts 10:43 Acts 10:42-43 Jesus’ Fellowship is Available –Invite It! Simon invited Jesus to dine as a guest but not as a friend? Wanted Jesus’ company but not companionship Why is Salvation the greatest miracle and the greatest gift? What need does salvation meet? Sin –the greatest need How much does salvation cost? Jesus Life –the greatest cost How long does salvation last? Forever (Eternal Life) Who can receive Salvation and enter the kingdom of God? Everyone Jesus said, “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Are your sins forgiven? Are you saved? If No, you can experience true greatness by receiving forgiveness and salvation from the Saviour If Yes, You are already great, you have the greatest gift ever given Grow in greatness by obeying Matthew 5:19