MESSAGE NOTES
Inviting Neighbors to Find a Home in Christ
Matthew 22:1-14
Dr. Jeffrey Clark
The Big Idea: We glorify God by inviting neighbors to find a home in Christ together.
God is throwing a wedding party for His Son.
God faces resistance from “those invited.”
God assigns servants to make widespread invitations throughout His kingdom.
God expects adherence for His standards of attendance.
God is not frustrated: “many are called, few are chosen.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Quick Review: Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
My Story: Describe a time when you felt an especially clear sense of purpose. What did you do and how did it feel?
Digging Deeper:
1) In considering what God has called us to do, it sometimes helps to clarify what He has NOT called us to do. What has God NOT called us to do?
2) God has an “intra-Trinitarian” love for His Son. Twice we are told that the Father loves the Son (John 3:35; 5:20); further, we are told that the Son loves the Father (John 14:31). Why is this important and what differences does this make?
3) God uses means to extend invitations. Who does He call upon to issue such invitations? When He faces resistance from “those invited,” how does He respond?
4) What does the responsibility to make invitations include? What are the qualities of good invitations? How do you make and sustain spiritual conversations which include invitations?
5) God expects adherence to His standards for attending this wedding party. The parable may not be understood without knowing that wedding garments are issued by the king to all who attend. What do these symbolize? Why are they so important?
Taking It Home: Index cards are included in each worship folder this weekend. Take a few moments to list five family members, friends or fellow workers who may not (yet) know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Place this index card in a place that will remind you to pray for these daily.
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
We would love to meet you at our Welcome Center in the lobby and share a gift and available opportunities. Our Pastoral team would also love to meet you and will linger in the front after the services to this end. You may let us know you were here by using a Communication Card found in our worship folder. We receive these in containers on tables in the Celebration Center.
INDEX CARDS
Enclosed in worship folder this week are index cards. These will serve as an action step from our weekend message, inviting us to identify five people in our circle of influence for whom we would begin to pray.
SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS
Most of us are familiar and comfortable with conversations. We talk with our neighbors about the weather, sports, our families and work. What are spiritual conversations? These are conversations about purpose in life, assurance, relationships and traditions. They involve talking about what really matters, including faith, hope and love. In spiritual conversations, we talk about God and His ways. We invite you to a series called Spiritual Conversations. We will use the next few months to talk about what they are, how important they are and how to initiate/sustain these.
ROYAL FAMILY KIDS CAMP AND MOVIE NIGHT
Aspen Ridge Church will host a movie night on Saturday, February 11 featuring the Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) movie CAMP (PG-13) to share the difficult and heartwarming story of foster children attending the camp. The movie will begin at 6:30 PM after everyone has gotten their soup from Soup’er Saturday. We are partnering with RFKC to bring 40 kids to camp from July 30-August 4, 2023 and have many opportunities to serve. Please join us to learn more about this camp and ways to serve!
THE BRIDGE
Aspen Ridge Church is hosting an orientation meeting called the Bridge on Sunday, January 29 at 4:00 PM (and through the dinner hour). This meeting serves as an on-ramp to church life, describing who we are and what future we seek to realize in and through our church. There are a few additional spaces available. If you would like to connect, please indicate on our communication card.
SONGS FROM THE WEEKEND SERVICES
More Than Enough – Jesus Culture
Good Shepherd – UPPERROOM
Prince of Peace – Hillsong United
God So Loved – We The Kingdom
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY LAUNCH
Are you a young adult looking for fun and fellowship or know any who are? The Young Adult Ministry (ages 18-29) launches Friday, 2/17 at 6:30 in the Student Center, with trivia and a nacho bar! Subsequently we will meet on the first and third Fridays of the month. Please join this exciting and welcoming community! If you would like to volunteer, we are still looking for just the right leaders. Contact Clare with any questions at [email protected]
CHRIST’S BODY MINISTRIES COLLECTION THANK YOU!
We partnered with Christ’s Body Ministries through Kathy Taraba to help in the collection of new or gently used blankets and men’s coats. We appreciate your generosity during this campaign – it is a great help!
SMALL GROUPS
Thank you for your interest in small groups! In the past few weeks, we have received many indications of interest. Our Director of Small Groups (Eric Krajewski) will be following up on such. In the meantime, if you are interested in a small group, please indicate this on a communication card.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
Join us on Wednesday, from 5:30-6:30 PM for a delicious meal of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad served in our Celebration Center. The cost is $4/person or $12/family. We would love to meet you there!
REDISCOVER CHURCH
Thank you for generous giving to the Rediscover Church initiative. This initiative relates to supporting a new church plant in our neighboring community Indian Hills. It appears additional giving and pledging now totals $151,497. Additionally, $76,582 has already been given to this project. We celebrate the generous way God has provided “over and above” regular giving to our general fund.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to MissionInsite demographic studies, our area (80439) is expected to grow in the coming decade by over 3%. The number of households will increase from 10,623 to over 11,000.
COMING MESSAGES
February 4/5, John 4:35, 38, presented by Jeff Clark
February 11/12, Luke 10:1-12, presented by Norm Lewis
February 18/19, I Peter 3:15-16, presented by Jeff Clark
GIVING SUMMARY AS OF JANUARY 22, 2023
GENERAL FUND LAST WEEK THIS MONTH FISCAL YTD
Actual $ 15,769 $ 93,077 $ 395,099
Budget $ 12,281 $ 49,122 $ 391,984
Difference $ 3,488 $ 43,955 $ 3,115