Outrageous Grace – Parable of the Wedding Banquet

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(August 29, 2010 – Mike Nichols)

Outsiders and insiders: Ever feel like an outsider? Not a nice feeling to be pushed out or kept out of somewhere you want to be. If you can relate to that, then you are well set to understand one of Jesus’ parables of judgment on those who make people outsiders. This is not only personally relevant but has big implications for the church in our day. The biggest question facing the church in the post modern world is the question of inclusion and exclusion—who is in God’s kingdom and who is outside. Today I’m not going to tell you what to believe, but help you figure out how to think biblically on an issue like this.

The parable for today which concludes our series on Outrageous Grace is from Matthew 22:1-14 known as the parable of the Wedding Banquet. My title is “Count Yourself In!” (Mike Nichols)

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Outrageous Grace – Parable of the Temple Tax

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(August 22, 2010 – Linda Del Fabro-Smith)

Linda Del Fabro-Smith speaks to us about the Parable of the Temple Tax.

MATTHEW 17:24-27 24When they arrived at Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked, “Does your teacher pay taxes?”
25Peter said, “Of course.”
But as soon as they were in the house, Jesus confronted him. “Simon, what do you think? When a king levies taxes, who pays—his children or his subjects?”
26-27He answered, “His subjects.”
Jesus said, “Then the children get off free, right? But so we don’t upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us.”

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Outrageous Grace – Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

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(August 15, 2010 – Robbie & Jenn Ohlhauser)

When we read the Bible it’s best to read a full chapter as a whole – rather than pulling out one verse or section to study. By reading the chapter as a whole we can see repeated concepts and themes which lead us to the main truths of the passage. Read more

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Outrageous Grace – Parable of the Tenants

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(August 8, 2010 – Gordon Chutter)

The parable of the tenants is a wonderful example of what happens when Jesus encounters the religious leaders of his day. They have already questioned Jesus’ authority, and in this parable it’s his turn to question their use of authority and power. Read more

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Love Without Limits

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(August 1, 2010 – Andrea Smith)

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of those jewels in the Bible that has all the features of a satisfying B movie. It’s got a victim, some villains, a crime, some more villains, a hero and a happy ending. Read more

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Are You Being Shrewd Even Though You Are Lost?

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(July 25, 2010 – Luke Wilson)

I am shaking with nervous excitement as I write out how this parable has changed my heart and mind. God led me towards an honest examination of how Christ speaks in this parable. It has been deeply helpful for moving forward in my own story. Read more

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A Wealthy Spirituality

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(July 18, 2010 – Paddy Ducklow)

This morning we talk of money. It would be better if you left your wallets and purses at home. You might be caught up in a wind of frivolous generosity! Watch out!
Plus! We host a debate between Scott Campbell (advocating for a Christian community where the rich care for the poor) and Dave Strilchuk (advocating for affluence without avarice, generosity with personal responsibility) — at least that is how I summarize it.
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Outrageous Grace Part 3

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(July 11, 2010 – John Colpitts)

Theologian Miroslav Volf once wrote, “There is a profound ‘injustice’ about the God of the biblical traditions. It is called grace.” Today we will be encountering a parable that is often considered a parable of judgment—a parable that deals with the execution of justice. Read more

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