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Bible Study: Church on 689 Sesame Street – Living the Message

Sermon Text: “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel

them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23 (NIV)

Tonight, we’re asking the question:

“Who are the people in YOUR neighborhood, and are you inviting

them to church?” Who are the people in you neighborhood

encountering with you?

1. Oscar the Grouch – The Difficult or Mean People

Biblical Truth: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” –

Romans 5:8

My Self Reflection: Could This Be You?

Are you emotionally withdrawn, guarded, or cynical about people?

My Action Step: Let God soften your heart. Healing makes space for

invitation.

Invite Oscar anyway. Sometimes, the most defensive hearts are the

most wounded ones.

2. Maria or Gordon– The Nice, Helpful Person

Biblical Truth:  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” –

Romans 3:23

Example: Cornelius in Acts 10—devout, generous, God-fearing—but

still needed the Gospel and the Holy Spirit.

Invite Gordon and Maria.  The Gospel is for the good-hearted, too.

REMEMBER: Goodness is not salvation. Even the “nice” need Jesus.

3. Cookie Monster – The One Who Shows Up for Freebies

Biblical Truth: “Come, all you who are thirsty… without money and

without cost.” – Isaiah 55:1

Invite Cookie. Let the table be the doorway to the truth. A physical

invitation can lead to a spiritual transformation.

4. Big Bird – The Happy, Popular One

Biblical Truth: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord

looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

Action Step:  Get real with God. Honest people make powerful

inviters.

Invite Big Bird. Don’t be deceived by the smile—Jesus fills the

deepest needs.

5. Mr. Snuffleupagus – The Depressed or Invisible One

Biblical Truth: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves

those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Example:  Elijah under the broom tree (1 Kings 19)—depressed,

isolated, yet God pursued and restored him.

Action Step: Bring your brokenness to church, not just your strength.

Invite Snuffy. People don’t need perfection—they need presence and

purpose.

6. Bert & Ernie – The BFFs Who Seem Content

Biblical Truth: “Let us not give up meeting together… but encourage

one another.” – Hebrews 10:25

Invite Bert & Ernie.  Even close-knit pairs need Christ-centered

connection.

7. Grover – The Loud, Over-the-Top Personality

Biblical Truth:   “God chose the foolish things… to shame the wise.” –

1 Corinthians 1:27

Be loud and right this time.

Invite Grover. God uses bold personalities for bold missions.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as

though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on

Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

In other words:

• You represent Christ in your neighborhood.

• The invitation is urgent—God is imploring people through you.

• It’s not about how people look or act—it’s about reconciliation to

God.

HERE IS OUR LIFE APPLICATION:

✅ Pray for God to reveal both who you need to invite and what might

be holding you back.

✅ Write down one person to invite this week—and one internal fear to

surrender. Write the names of people in your “Sesame Street”.

✅ Stay spiritually battle-ready (The Word on Wednesday, prayer life,

the prayer call, fellowship)

✅ Act—don’t wait. Invite at least one to church, to stream online, or

to a lifegroup The time is still NOW.

Let’s say this Closing Prayer together:

Lord, thank You for the people You’ve placed around me—and for the

truth You’re revealing within me. Help me not to overlook anyone,

including myself. Heal what needs healing, strengthen what needs to

grow, and send me out with boldness and love. Amen.