PREACHING OF 01 SEPTEMBER 2024:

Pastor Antonio Russo

COMPEL THEM TO ENTER

The theme we are addressing is taken from the Gospel of Luke, where we receive the urgent command to "compel them to come in", referring to the lost, so that God's house may be filled. It is a powerful call to the mission God has entrusted to us: to proclaim the work of the cross to those who do not yet know Jesus. This is not a task that can be carried out only by the Pastor; it requires the active participation of each one of us, the disciples, to fully respond to the divine mandate. Alone, we may go fast, but together we can go far. This shows us that we are instruments in His hands, called to follow His will and faithfully proclaim what the Holy Spirit communicates to us. You know, God's desire, as well as that of every Pastor, is to see His house filled with souls. Through the mission, God gives us the vision and the strategy to achieve this, allowing us to clearly understand the "where", the "how", and the "why" of our work. So, the first thing to consider is: What is the "where"? The "where" is about filling God's house, which means bringing souls to the Lord.

Luke 14:23; 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

The lord who speaks in the parable represents our Heavenly Father, who desires His house to be filled with saved souls, snatched from hell and placed into His purpose and will. So, we have clarified the "where"; now, what about the "why"? Know that in serving God, He does not ask for our skills or abilities, but only for our availability, because, as the Bible says, everything is ready and has already been paid for.

Luke 14:17; 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

So, everything is already ready, and our task is simply to obey what God asks us to do. We know that we are living in the last days, and this means that the great harvest of souls, snatched from the world and brought into the Kingdom of God, has already begun and will spread even more. But how can we contribute to this great harvest? Jesus gave us the vision to evangelize the world, and God calls us to bear witness to His glory, not to close ourselves off. The evangelization of the world and the discipling of nations have a reason to exist because Jesus commanded us to do so. The harvest is ready, and the process of feeding people with God's presence has already begun; as we gather souls, we must guide them through a discipleship process so that they become true disciples of Jesus, for this is His heart: to see His house full. So, the next question is: "How" will we do this? The strategy to accomplish our mission of discipling and gathering souls is simple yet powerful: sharing the Gospel "one-on-one", or as we often say, “mouth to mouth”. Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations, and this process begins with personal sharing, from person to person. When we share what God has done in our lives, we demonstrate that He can do the same for others; it is not necessary to be special, just available to testify. The people around us, such as friends, relatives, or acquaintances, know our past struggles, and seeing how God has transformed our lives will be a guarantee for them of His power and love. Our goal is clear: every disciple must make another disciple, guiding those we meet through a process of spiritual growth, from conversion to maturity. Through our sphere of influence, we can implement this strategy, reaching people around us often more than we imagine. In the book of Acts, we read about our sphere of influence and how we have been equipped to make Christ's message of salvation known to those around us.

Acts 1:8; 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

So, we don’t have to do everything in our own strength, because Jesus has promised us power through the Holy Spirit, knowing that sometimes when we try to serve God on our own, we end up empty. God has equipped us to be witnesses of His power and glory in the name of Jesus. You know, Jerusalem, the highest place in Judea, is where Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission. And what is our sphere of influence? Just as Jerusalem represented the place where the disciples were known, our sphere of influence also begins in our home, with our family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and in our city: this is the place where God calls us to be His witnesses. An example of this is seen in the story of the Samaritan woman. Jesus, being alone with her, started a conversation despite the racial tensions between Jews and Samaritans. The woman initially saw Jesus as a Jew, and therefore an enemy, but then recognized Him as a prophet, and finally as the Christ, the Anointed One of God. This encounter transformed the woman’s life to such an extent that she left her water jar and ran to tell everyone what she had discovered.

John 4:39-40; 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

Like the Samaritan woman, we are called to testify about Christ, so that those who know us can see the change that Jesus has worked in our lives and believe because of our testimony. God calls us to fully engage in "one-on-one" evangelism, sharing the Gospel with those around us, just as the Samaritan woman did with her community.

Verse 40; 40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

So, the Samaritans believed in Jesus not only because of the woman's testimony but also because they personally experienced who Christ was. Their faith was strengthened when they encountered Jesus in person, realizing that He was truly the Savior. In the same way, we are called to share the Gospel and lead others toward a personal experience with Christ, not just by testifying in words. God's vision is for people to meet Jesus directly, not only through us, but through a personal connection with Him. As we begin to evangelize, we must start within our sphere of influence, which includes our family, friends, and community, and then extend to those farther away, as Jesus instructed. This process begins with prayer, which guides and sustains us in our mission to reach everyone. Last time, we were asked questions that challenged us and continue to confront us: Are we willing to give our lives for our loved ones, such as our children, spouses, and family members? God does not ask us to die for them, but to pray and intercede until we see their salvation. Many would be ready to sacrifice themselves, but few are willing to pray persistently. Instead, God calls us to claim the salvation of our loved ones and to bear witness to His Kingdom. In the Gospel of Luke, we will delve deeper into the strategy in light of the Word, but it is essential to receive the impartation and the necessary burden to fulfill God's work. The times we are living in are revealed through three foundations: the Word of God that speaks about them, the Holy Spirit that reveals them to us, and the feasts of the Lord, that is, the feasts of the Eternal. Currently, we are in the feast of Pentecost, a sign that the return of Jesus is imminent; let us ask ourselves whether we would prefer that our loved ones remain here if Jesus returns or if we want them to be with us in heaven. We are living in the last days before the rapture of the Church, and as previously mentioned, there will be a great harvest before this event.

1°Thessalonians 5:1-11; 1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

The return of Jesus will be sudden, like a thief in the night, and while the world seeks earthly security and peace, unexpected ruin will come upon them. But we, as believers, are not to be in darkness. We are children of the light and of the day, called to be sober, vigilant, and armored with the breastplate of faith and love, with the hope of salvation as our helmet. God has not destined us for wrath, but for salvation through Jesus Christ, who died for us. Therefore, we are urged to discern the times we are living in and not to be superficial, because all the signs of the last days, except for the final harvest, have been fulfilled. We are on the brink of this harvest, where multitudes will turn to Christ around the world, and the Church must not be asleep but must prepare and actively participate in this great work, knowing that the foundation revealing the times we are in is "the Word", "the Holy Spirit", and "the feasts of the Eternal".

Luke 14:12-21; 12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

When we organize a lunch or dinner, how often do we find ourselves inviting friends and relatives? You know, it’s natural to choose those who might reciprocate the invitation, perhaps inviting us back in the future, just like when we invited friends to our wedding. But Jesus invites us to reflect on our motivations.

Verses 13-15; 13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. 15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

First of all, Jesus invites us to do something very important: examine the motivation of our hearts. Why do we do what we do? What is the reason that drives us? In other words, when you invite someone, you should not expect anything in return, because the motivation of our hearts will determine the final result. If our motivations are wrong, the result will be like a strange fire on our altar; indeed, when we act without being guided by love and God’s will, the fire that comes from it will always be foreign.

Verse 16; 16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

At this point, Jesus begins to speak in parables, which are earthly stories of heavenly and supernatural truths made understandable to us. Jesus Himself said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God; but to others it is given in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.” This means that those who do not have the desire to know God will not receive His truths, while He explained everything clearly to His disciples. Jesus often speaks about the motivations of the heart, and if we hunger for His presence and His Word, we are ready to receive revelations from heaven, because the Holy Spirit reveals Himself to those who have this hunger; thus, the depth of the message depends not only on the preacher but also on the spiritual hunger of the listener. The man described in the verse we read represents our Heavenly Father, who has invited many. You see, "to invite" means to call, and God calls everyone without exclusion, because His plan includes the multitudes; however, Jesus reminds us that "many are called, but few are chosen." The chosen ones are those who respond to God’s call, accepting to fulfill His will and the purpose He has prepared for their lives. Each of us has a purpose, and God invites us to fulfill it; indeed, we are not saved just to occupy a seat in church, but to do His work and accomplish His will. Unfortunately, only a few respond sincerely with a "yes" to God, as Moses, Samuel, and Isaiah did; we too should say, "Here I am, Lord, I am at Your service and ready to die to myself to do Your will." Therefore, many are called, but few are those who accept to be the chosen ones.

Verse 17; 17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

So, we do not need to prepare anything, because God has already prepared everything. Human invitations are optional; we can choose whether to participate or not without it making any difference. But when God invites us, it is not an option, it is a command; God is giving us an order.

Verse 18; 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

Who are the invited? We are all invited, including ourselves, yet despite everyone having a good social, economic, mental, and emotional standing, they began to make excuses. Before God, all excuses are sins, because sin is the transgression of His commands and His Word. Excuses are lies and differ from justifications, which are real situations, like having a high fever. For example, the first excuse we find in the verse, "I have bought a piece of land and must go see it", is not valid, because normally one inspects land before purchasing it. Excuses based on personal issues or business are often merely pretexts to avoid responding to God's invitation.

Verse 19; 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

The second excuse is similar to the first and does not hold up; indeed, one normally tests oxen before purchasing them, just as one would with a car. Excuses are senseless, like the first ones related to business and the second ones related to work, represented by the oxen. Many use work as an excuse to avoid dedicating themselves to soul winning, prayer, participation in church, home groups, or discipleship, but this is a trivial excuse.

Verse 20; 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

The third excuse, represented by family a divine and sacred institution can become an obstacle if not given the right priority. Many use family as an excuse for not serving God, as demonstrated by the third man who says, "I cannot come because I have taken a wife." However, anything we place before God can become idolatry, and in the end, we might lose exactly what we have idolized. The Bible teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, a principle that also applies to managing our family. Therefore, it is essential to order our priorities so that work, business, and family remain blessings and do not become curses. God desires that husbands and wives serve the Lord together, even though their roles may differ. Putting God first does not imply perfection but means recognizing His authority and seeking the best way to honor Him, serving Him with excellence in our family life. When the hearts of spouses are upright before God, the family does not suffer harm.

Verse 21; 21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

That servant had found only weak excuses: business, work, family, and when he reported everything to the master of the house, the master was indignant, and his displeasure will be the subject of our next reflection. For now, we must consider that God is displeased with those who offer senseless excuses for not responding to His invitation. Therefore, let us not use excuses like lack of time due to business, work, or family to avoid serving God; let us honor His call for our lives.