There are No Invitation Songs

 


Things Not Found on Judgment Day, Part 5

Introduction

We’ve discussed the Invitation before in our series on the Worship Service from 2019. The invitation song or song of encouragement comes at the conclusion of the sermon. It gives people the opportunity to make their life right with God. We’ll look at this closely again.

 

What is the Invitation?

Although it is not a scriptural term, the invitation is the time set aside in the worship service for those, in need, to respond. Whether it be for forgiveness of sins, becoming a Christian, or prayers of strength for the coming week.

The time is utilized by a song, selected by the song leader, which encourages an individual to do the right thing. They would then walk to the front of the building and talk to the preacher in regard to their need.

Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30, “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.”

At the end of this article, there are a handful of invitation song titles and a link to one of my favorite hymns. These are found in the book, Hymns for Worship.

 

For the Non-Christian

Having heard the gospel, and believing that Jesus is the Christ, would come forward to be baptized. As Jesus states in Mark 16:16, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Peter confirms this, on the Day of Pentecost, at the end of his sermon when he said in Acts 2:38, “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 Repentant Christian


     This is an opportunity for a member of the church; be it local or visiting, to make their life right with God and be restored to the fold of Christ. An example we have is that of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8. He became a Christian in verse 13 and continued with the apostles. When he saw that the Holy Spirit was being bestowed on upon people by the laying on of hands by the apostles, he offered them money for this power (verse 14).

This is seen as a “falling away” from the truth and Peter’s response confirms this in verses 20-23, “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 is to ask for forgiveness and as them to pray on his behalf (verse 24). We can conclude that this was done and he was restored to the faith.

 

Prayers for Strength

Sometimes an individual might need some extra encouragement involving a struggle in their life. They can come forward and ask for prayers of strength from the congregation to help them through the upcoming week and beyond. Going back to Acts 8:24, Simon asked Peter and the others to pray on his behalf.

 

At The Judgment

On Judgment Day, no one will be offering the invitation nor singing any songs of encouragement. That opportunity is only available to us why we yet live here in the mortal realm. If you aren’t ready, you might end up like the five foolish virgins of Matthew 25:10-13, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

 

Conclusion

As has been stated many times before, you need to change your life now while you still draw breath. When you die, and leave the mortal realm, your fate is forever sealed. Do what needs to be done today, right now, and get your life right with God!

If you need help in any way, please comment below and I’ll help you to the best of my ability.

 

Invitation Songs—Hymns for Worship book

Prepare to meet thy God (Pg. 297)

I Am Coming, Lord (pg. 300)

Why Do You Wait? (pg. 304)

Are You Washed in the Blood? (pg. 307)

All Things are Ready (pg. 317)



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