And they all with one consent began to make excuse. (Luke 14:18) *1/ A gospel banquet- all things are now ready. 2/ Excuses made as to why we cannot come and partake. 3/ Excuses made for our sin. 4/ Excuses why we cannot make an open profession.* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon explores the parable of the great supper in Luke 14, contrasting the host's generous provision with the guests' frivolous excuses. It distinguishes between valid objections that can be resolved by Scripture and deceptive excuses rooted in a sinful heart that seeks to avoid obedience. The preacher emphasizes that the gospel table offers complete spiritual nourishment through sovereign grace, requiring personal faith rather than mere intellectual assent. Believers are warned against using religious or practical concerns as barriers to partaking in Christ's redemption or making an open profession of faith. Ultimately, the message calls for response to God's invitation, trusting that all necessary provisions for salvation have already been prepared by Christ.

The sermon critiques a Sunday school lesson for misinterpreting Psalm 49, arguing that the text is not about the rich versus poor but rather a parable concerning Jews during the tribulation period. It emphasizes that individuals are victims of their own sins rather than external adversaries and asserts that wealth cannot purchase salvation or redeem one's soul. The preacher distinguishes between the rapture of the church and the future resurrection, warning against trusting in riches or good works for eternal life. Ultimately, the message underscores that only the blood of Jesus provides redemption and that rejecting Him leads to inevitable judgment.

THE MODERN CHURCH IN CRISIS I. ILLUSIONS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH. A. Churchgoing inTraditional America. B. Seeds of Destruction. C. The 70s-80s Resurgence. D. Where we stand — the Sad Reality. II. THE GREAT AMERICAN DECHURCHING. A. Inflection Point: the 1990s. B. The New Millennium. —Cultural Christians. —Dechurched mainstream evangelicals, —EXvangelicals, —BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) C. Sidebar: The de-churched population. D. Sidebar: Weaknesses of the Survey. III. RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS. A. The "Purification" Response. B. The Realistic Response.

The sermon expounds on Matthew 12:28-29, presenting Jesus Christ as the stronger man who binds Satan to spoil his house of darkness. It contrasts the kingdom of death and deception promoted by Satan with the eternal life and truth offered by Christ's redemptive work. The preacher critiques modern cultural shifts toward abortion and assisted suicide as manifestations of this spiritual darkness. Emphasizing that Christ has already defeated Satan through His death and resurrection, the message assures believers of their security in God's love. Ultimately, it calls for trust in Christ rather than despair, highlighting the guaranteed victory over sin and death.

1. Why Parables? (vv. 1–3) 2. The Wayside Ground (v. 5 & v. 12) 3. The Rocky Ground (v. 6 & v. 13)

The sermon expounds on the Parable of the Sower found in Luke chapter eight, interpreting the four types of soil as representations of human responses to the gospel message. It highlights the historical context of Joanna, a supporter of Jesus, and emphasizes that while some reject or fall away from the faith, others produce abundant spiritual fruit. The preacher encourages believers to persist in sharing the good news regardless of immediate results, citing examples of ministry in prisons and among retired missionaries. The central message urges the congregation to remain faithful sowers of God's word, trusting in its power to save and transform lives across all circumstances.