Sacred Invitations
Speaker: Pastor Doug Garasic
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:15-16; Psalm 34:8
Sermon Recap
Many people go to church, but not all of them are actually part of the church. Jesus declared that He would build His church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. His church is not an edifice, but are the people who have accepted His sacred invitation to be grafted into His family. In horticulture, the process of grafting involves joining new shoots to existing roots so that they grow together and create a single new plant. When we say “yes” to Jesus, He grafts us into His family’s roots so that we become new creatures and receive several spiritual benefits.
First, being a part of the family of God, not only helps us to become healthy, but sustains that health. This is in part because we are surrounded by other believers and not functioning in isolation. For being in isolation makes us vulnerable targets for the enemy in much the same way that a lone animal becomes prey for a lion. Secondly, within the family of God, we are encouraged to grow as God provides pastors, mentors and other spiritual leaders to guide us. Such guidance facilitates us arriving at a place and space we would not have arrived at on our own. Finally, accepting Jesus’ sacred invitation will fill us with love. Over time the hurts in our soul, the poisons of offenses, and the disappointments we experienced will fade away. We can stop being a victim and embrace the victor in our spirits. We can then use what was meant to break us as a breakthrough. The end result is that the fruit of righteousness will become evident in our lives.
Discussion Questions:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. In your own words, explain what it means to be grafted into the church family. What is the difference between being grafted into Jesus’ family and simply attending church?
3. How does being in the family of God help us to become healthy and to maintain health?
4. How does having pastors, mentors and other spiritual leaders help us grow? Who are some people that have helped you grow? What specifically did they do to facilitate your growth?
5. It was said that being filled with love flushes out the emotional toxins we have accumulated over time. What does this mean to you? How have you experienced this flushing?
6. What are some specific things that can happen when one functions in isolation?
7. Read Psalm 34:8. What does it mean to “taste and see?”