The Power of an Invitation
Next Sunday I will not be preaching from this pulpit. The man who will be preaching is…
In order for it to do any good, make any difference, we must invite.
When was the last time you invited someone (Be honest with self)
Maybe we don’t understand the power of an invitation.
a. What it does for others.
b. What it does for us.
"Come see a man" (Jn. 4:25-29).
A. The Samaritan woman was excited about meeting Jesus and wanted others to meet Him too.
1. He had treated he respect, like she was a human being.
2. He had also told her things about herself that He could not know, without divine knowledge.
3. He had brought joy into her life, and the inference is that she desired that others have the same joy.
B. Have we lost our excitement about meeting "The man from Galilee?"
1. Psa. 51:12-13
2. Jn. 1:41-42
3. Psa. 126:6
"Come and see" (Jn. 1:35-39).
C. This is the invitation of Jesus to come find out more about Him.
1. Two of John the Baptist’s disciples heard John’s exclamation, "Behold the Lamb of God." (Vs. 36)
2. This was an invitation for two who wanted to learn more about Jesus. They called Him "Rabbi" (translated teacher, Vs. 38).
D. There are many who want to learn "More about Jesus", but who have never been asked or invited.
1. Many are like the Ethiopian treasurer, who are searching for the truth about Jesus, and need help from others (Acts 8:29-35).
2. There are those who are longing to reason from the word of God, to learn how to be cleansed from their sins (Isa. 1:18).
3. Jn. 12:20-21
4. We need to go out to find those who are seeking (Lk. 14:21-23).
"Come to me, all you that labor" (Mt. 11:28-30).
E. This is an invitation for all who weary of the heavy load of sin and cares of the world.
1. Jesus promises rest in this life and in the world to come.
2. Rest for our souls (Psa. 23:2-3).
3. A heavenly rest where we can lay our burdens down (Rev. 14:13).
F. Think of all those around us who are troubled, weary of life’s problems and hurting.
1. Don’t we want to give then the comfort and rest that Jesus provides.
2. I Pet. 5:6-7
Imagine for a moment that you are standing with a numberless assembly at the judgment. As a faithful Christian you have either died in the Lord, or have been found faithful when He returned. As you wait your turn, others around you begin to say, "You invited me to worship, I learned the truth, thank you for loving my soul."
Think of someone right now. Go home pick up the phone and invite. They might surprise you and say yes and one day say thank you.
Jim Pharr
Lenoir, NC