TITLE: God Loves A Party
TEXT: Revelation 19:9
PROPOSITION: When Christians get together, it is party time.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Principles
INTRODUCTION:
1. World's view of a "Party" - Spud McKenzie,
2. God's view of a "Party"
A. "Ain't God Good?"
B. Give glory to God, thanksgiving, rejoice
3. Biblical Principles about Parties
1. Leviticus 23 - 5 festivals - 1 fast
A. Sabbath 3
B. Passover 5 - 7 days
C. Pentecost 15 Fast = Day of Atonement
D. Trumpets 24
E. Tabernacles 34 - 7 days
2. Deuteronomy 14:22-26
A. Tithe - one-tenth of all the possessed
B. The purpose of the tithe -
1. Party for all people - 26
2. Invite the preacher (Levite) - 27
3. Invite all oppressed (widows, orphans, visitors) - 29
3. John 2:1-11
A. Jesus went to weddings
B. He stayed for the reception
C. First miracle - kept a party going
4. Parable of Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32
A. How should we react to a returning Prodigal?
1. Kill fatted calf - party (22-32)
2. Invite friends
3. It makes sense to party (32)
5. Learn these lessons:
A. God is not a kill-joy
1. Jn. 10:10 "have abundant life"
2. Jn. 15:11 "your joy might be full"
B. Christian living is joyful living
1. Phil. 4:4 "rejoice in the Lord always"
2. 1 Thess. 5:16 "Rejoice evermore."
C. Major emphasis on fellowship and fun
1. Early church - Ac. 2:42, 46
2. Ac. 4:32-37 shared possessions