A Simple Invitation | A Call To Service
Have you ever thought about how a single invitation can dramatically alter someone's life? In a world that often feels overwhelming, we can easily overlook the profound influence of a simple gesture. Yet, when we reflect on our own spiritual journeys, many of us can trace our paths back to that crucial moment when someone extended an invitation — whether to church, to faith, or to a relationship with God.
This past Sunday Chuck’s McRobie's shared the beginning of his spiritual journey. His story serves as a powerful testament to God's truth. Sixty years ago, a small Free Methodist church on Factory Street split its Sunday school into two teams for a friendly competition aimed at inviting newcomers to church. Unbeknownst to them, a simple contest would spark a series of events that would impact not only one life but generations to follow.
It all started with a cousin inviting her aunt to church. That aunt, along with her young son (Pastor Chuck), accepted the invitation, and just like that, a door was opened. Chuck quickly fell in love with Sunday school and church. His enthusiasm was infectious, prompting him to ask his father why he didn’t join them. That innocent question melted a hardened agnostic heart, and soon the entire family began attending church regularly.
This story reflects truth found in Luke 15:1-7, where Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep. In this parable, a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost. Upon finding it, he joyfully carries it home, celebrating and letting all know he had found it. Jesus concludes by stating, "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." This parable reveals God's heart — one that prioritizes the lost, the seekers, and the broken. Also, challenging us to embody that same priority in our lives and churches.
Are we so focused on preserving what we have that we forget to seek out those who are still searching? Chuck’s journey as a young boy didn't end with his family attending church, later, he made a decision that would shape his future. After witnessing adults respond to altar calls night after night, he announced to his parents one night over dinner, "Tonight, when the invitation is given for people to come forward and get saved, I'm going forward." That evening, when the invitation was extended, the eight-year-old boy walked down the aisle, knelt at the altar, and welcomed Jesus into his heart. He vividly remembers the love, peace, and joy that filled his soul as he accepted Christ as his Savior. This moment of childlike faith set him on a path that ultimately led to years of pastoral ministry and currently as an evangelist.
This powerful testimony resonates with Jesus' words in John 10:16: "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice." It's a call for believers to look beyond their immediate circles and reach out to those who have yet to hear the good news.
Reflecting on these truths, we're faced with some challenging questions:
1. How many friends, co-workers, neighbors, or relatives do you know who are unchurched? 2. When was the last time you invited someone to church or shared your faith with them?
3. Are we, both as individuals and as a church, mirroring the heart of Jesus by prioritizing the lost?
4. Our we grateful for those who first invited us to learn about God, and have we told them, "Thank You"?
Navigating our daily lives, we should strive to be more open and intentional about extending invitations. They don't need to be elaborate or perfect. A simple, "Would you like to come to church with me?" could spark a life-changing encounter with God. He has granted us the incredible privilege of partnering with Him in this mission. Will you answer the call?
As we move forward, may we remain aware of the lost sheep around us, be ready with an invitation that could change a life. After all, bringing the wandering ones to Jesus isn't just a nice thought — it's the very heartbeat of God's kingdom.
This past Sunday Chuck’s McRobie's shared the beginning of his spiritual journey. His story serves as a powerful testament to God's truth. Sixty years ago, a small Free Methodist church on Factory Street split its Sunday school into two teams for a friendly competition aimed at inviting newcomers to church. Unbeknownst to them, a simple contest would spark a series of events that would impact not only one life but generations to follow.
It all started with a cousin inviting her aunt to church. That aunt, along with her young son (Pastor Chuck), accepted the invitation, and just like that, a door was opened. Chuck quickly fell in love with Sunday school and church. His enthusiasm was infectious, prompting him to ask his father why he didn’t join them. That innocent question melted a hardened agnostic heart, and soon the entire family began attending church regularly.
This story reflects truth found in Luke 15:1-7, where Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep. In this parable, a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that is lost. Upon finding it, he joyfully carries it home, celebrating and letting all know he had found it. Jesus concludes by stating, "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." This parable reveals God's heart — one that prioritizes the lost, the seekers, and the broken. Also, challenging us to embody that same priority in our lives and churches.
Are we so focused on preserving what we have that we forget to seek out those who are still searching? Chuck’s journey as a young boy didn't end with his family attending church, later, he made a decision that would shape his future. After witnessing adults respond to altar calls night after night, he announced to his parents one night over dinner, "Tonight, when the invitation is given for people to come forward and get saved, I'm going forward." That evening, when the invitation was extended, the eight-year-old boy walked down the aisle, knelt at the altar, and welcomed Jesus into his heart. He vividly remembers the love, peace, and joy that filled his soul as he accepted Christ as his Savior. This moment of childlike faith set him on a path that ultimately led to years of pastoral ministry and currently as an evangelist.
This powerful testimony resonates with Jesus' words in John 10:16: "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice." It's a call for believers to look beyond their immediate circles and reach out to those who have yet to hear the good news.
Reflecting on these truths, we're faced with some challenging questions:
1. How many friends, co-workers, neighbors, or relatives do you know who are unchurched? 2. When was the last time you invited someone to church or shared your faith with them?
3. Are we, both as individuals and as a church, mirroring the heart of Jesus by prioritizing the lost?
4. Our we grateful for those who first invited us to learn about God, and have we told them, "Thank You"?
Navigating our daily lives, we should strive to be more open and intentional about extending invitations. They don't need to be elaborate or perfect. A simple, "Would you like to come to church with me?" could spark a life-changing encounter with God. He has granted us the incredible privilege of partnering with Him in this mission. Will you answer the call?
As we move forward, may we remain aware of the lost sheep around us, be ready with an invitation that could change a life. After all, bringing the wandering ones to Jesus isn't just a nice thought — it's the very heartbeat of God's kingdom.
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