In Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet, each person had an excuse why he or she couldn’t respond to His special invitation. In our lives, we can also tell excuses that keep us from fully committing to God. This sermon covers four common excuses and breaks them down: 1. God you don’t understand how bad I’ve been. 2. God I just don’t have time right now. 3. God you don’t understand who and what I have to deal with. 4. God you didn’t give me any skills, talents and abilities, or else I’d serve more.

Gary Petty

Beyond Today Presenter, United Church of God Pastor

Gary Petty is a 1978 graduate of Ambassador College with a BS in mass communications. He worked for six years in radio in Pennsylvania and Texas. He was ordained a minister in 1984 and has served congregations in Longview and Houston Texas; Rockford, Illinois; Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin; and San Antonio, Austin and Waco, Texas. He presently pastors United Church of God congregations in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Jackson, Tennessee.