August 10 2025
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
There is still room Pt. 2
SPEAKER: PASTOR Wes Washington
Scriptures—
Luke 14:15-24; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 11:28
Key Takeaways—
God has prepared a great feast (salvation) and invites everyone to come.
As Christians, we are not just guests but messengers called to invite others.
When inviting others, we can encounter three types of excuses for rejecting God's invitation: priority, performance, and personal
The priority excuse: Sometimes other good things in people’s lives become obstacles to having relationship with God - they are a higher priority
The performance excuse: Sometimes people feel they can't stop "grinding" or working constantly, proving themselves or striving to achieve something
The personal excuse: Often there are relationships or identities that can prompt someone to place that above having a relationship with Christ
We should respond to excuses with patience, prayer, and by being a source of peace
Discussion Questions—
Which of these three types of excuses have you encountered when inviting others? How did you address that excuse?
What are some practical ways we can offer 'rest' and peace to those who seem too busy or burned out to consider spiritual matters?
How might our own peace and contentment in Christ create curiosity in others who are constantly grinding and stressed?
How can we maintain a balance between serving in the church and sitting to receive from God and fellowship with others?
Practical application—
This week, invite someone to church or to learn more about Jesus. Be prepared for potential excuses and respond with grace.
If you serve in the church, reflect on your motivations. Ensure you're serving out of love for God, not to earn His favor or define your worth.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
We acknowledge that sometimes we get our priorities in life messed up. Help us to prioritize what is important to you above everything else. Give us the courage and persistence to keep inviting others and to handle rejection with grace and perseverance. In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.