"Those Who Turned Away"
Matt 22:1-15

Introduction:
A. This parable was spoken to and about the Jews who rejected
   Jesus as the Christ.  It was to indicate that Christ would 
   reject the Jew and that He would go elsewhere with God's 
   word.
B. Paul tells us in Col. 1:23 that, through the apostles and 
   other disciples, that is exactly what happened.

I. These People Who Turned Away Are Those Of Whom Paul 
   Writes In Phil. 3:18-19
   A. Charles F. Williams, in his "New Testament in the 
      Language of the People," translates this into the follow-
      ing English: "For there are many, of whom I have often 
      told you, and now tell you in tears, who practice living
      as the enemies of the Cross of Christ. Their doom is 
      destruction, their stomach is their God, their glory is 
      in their shame, and their minds feed on earthly things."
   B. The rich young ruler - Matt 19:16-22; Mk 10:17-22; 
      Lk 18:18-23
      1. Said he had kept commandments from his youth
         a. Must have meant that he had done his best to 
            observe them - Rom 2:21-22; 3:19-20
         b. Was a very good young man - probably far above 
            average in duty
         c. Lacked one thing
            (1). Wouldn't risk "all his eggs in one basket" 
                 with Jesus Christ - 1 Tim 6:17; Matt 6:21
      2. Must have loved Jesus
         a. Else why seek Him out
         b. But he clearly loved the world more
      3. Such people cannot be Christ's disciples - Lk 14:25-27
         a. Let us not be too eager to get members of the 
            congregation
         b. Let's be eager to save souls by teaching the gospel
            of Christ
   C. Is no evidence that those in Matthew 7:21-27 were guilty
      of the sins we are so quick to denounce -- generally
      1. Probably even have appeared righteous "unto men" - 
         Matt 23:24-28
      2. Jesus declared God knows our hearts - Luke 16:15
         a. See also 1 Samuel 16:7
   D. Buildings - fine and otherwise - are not the power of 
      God unto salvation
      1. Neither are the "gimmicks" so popularly used by 
         religious organizations to attract the worldly
      2. ONLY the GOSPEL is God's power unto salvation; and it
         is God's power unto salvation to those ONLY who 
         believe - Romans 1:16-17

II. The Holy Spirit Came Down On The First Pentecost After 
    Christ's Resurrection - Acts 2:1-4
   A. Gospel was preached with "the Holy Spirit sent down from
      heaven" - 1 Pet 1:12
   B. When sinners heard and believed gospel, inquired what 
      they must do - Acts 2:36-37
   C. Peter's response (guided by Holy Spirit) - Acts 2:38, 3:9

Conclusion:
A. Are you ready to "trust and obey" the Lord, or will you go 
   your way because you love earthly things, MORE than you 
   love Jesus Christ, the Lord? 
B. "IF NOT, WHY NOT?"