The Lord’s Invitation


Acts of Worship, Pt. 6



Introduction

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This plea is given by God to all individuals of the world; regardless of ethnicity, social status, or tax bracket. It is the call to sinners to repentance (Mk. 2:17) and an opportunity to become a Christian.




The Sermon’s Conclusion

As the sermon draws to a close, the preacher will extend what is called The Invitation; a chance for those who haven’t obeyed the gospel to come forward and respond, while those who are Christians are given a chance to repent of their sins; especially if it’s public knowledge.

The plan of salvation is given for those who haven’t obeyed and are told what they must do to become a Christian. I’m sure you’ve seen this list at the conclusion of some of my previous articles. If not, here they are again…

Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)

Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8: 24)

Confess Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10: 9-10)

Repent of your sins (Acts 2: 38)

Become baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)

Live Faithfully even unto Death (Rev. 2: 10)





Bible Examples

Peter’s sermon, on the day of Pentecost, came to a conclusion with this statement in Acts 2:36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." The people’s response in vs. 37 was an admission of guilt and asked what they could do about it. Peter’s response, the invitation, is found in vs. 38-39, Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

In regards to one who is already a Christian and is looking for forgiveness of sins we turn to Acts 8. A man, formerly known as Simon the Sorcerer, heard Peter preach and responded to the gospel by being baptized (vs. 13). As he continued with them, he desired the power of “laying on of hands” to bestow the Holy Spirit on people. He even offered Peter money for this power and here’s Peter’s response in verses 20-23,

“But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! "You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. "For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." Simon’s response to this is found in verse 24, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me." This was a public sin and therefore Simon asked for Peter and the others to pray on his behalf. Not all sins have to be made public but if one is struggling, it would be an encouragement to you and others to answer the invitation.



 Answering The Invitation

One of the hardest things for an individual to do is to respond to the Lord’s Invitation. Hard because you are admitting, publically before God and the congregation, that you are a sinner and need help.

It is not necessary to give details of your sins to the preacher or the congregation unless, of course that sin was public; though not everyone is aware of it. You do not have to list every sin that you have done just the bare essentials and the desire for help. A prayer will be offered on your behalf and if baptism is necessary, that will be taken care of as well.

You do not need to make an appointment to be baptized, nor do you have to wait until the next assembly. Your soul is vital and is in need of saving; especially where the need to become a Christian is concerned.

Those who are baptized, correctly, are added to God’s church (Acts 2:41,47). If it is announce that you are baptized into a denomination, you are in the wrong place and baptized for the wrong reason. No true Christian was baptized into a denomination.



Conclusion

Most people will mentally switch off the preacher as he extends the invitation; knowing that it’s time to dismiss. These are the individuals who may need the invitation as much as those who respond as their heart isn’t right with God either.

For those who do not need to respond to the invitiation, serve as an encouragement to those who have responded. Make sure you listen to the invitation and appreciate the fact it’s being offered during every service. You serve as an example to those around you; don’t become a stumbling block by disrupting the proceedings (1 Cor. 8:9).

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