Who Will You Invite?

With two and a half weeks left before Easter, we’re on a mission. To some shrinking extent, Easter remains a recognized religious holiday that many people observe. For thousands, it is the one day of the year they are open to attending a church service. Whatever the reason – family tradition, sentimentality, or just a box to check – more people walk into church on Easter than any other Sunday of the year. Actually, I think people want to believe the resurrection of Jesus has vanquished death. Internally, we hope the message is true, we need it to be true. Consequently, people with only a remote connection to Christianity or the church always show up, nearly doubling average weekly attendance.

We’re on a mission to see hundreds of people come to saving faith in Jesus at Calvary this year. We plan to be ready for what God will do as we celebrate the realities of the resurrection of our Savior. What part can we each play to see this happen?

INVITE:  Who in your world might be open to coming with you to church? What if you just asked, “What are your plans for Easter Sunday?” (Listen). “Do you ever go to church on Easter?” (Listen carefully). “Would you like to come with me to my church? It’s always such an encouraging service.”  You might be surprised how honored your friends are to be invited – and inclined to come along if you invite them to join you.

PRAY:  The message of Easter, that Jesus died and rose again, is eternally significant. There is no other name under heaven, given to mankind, by which we can be saved. It is a victory song that must be sung; a life-altering message that must be preached. We pray for the souls of men and women, young and old, to respond to the good news of Easter and to be saved. We pray every intellectual objection will be overcome by the truth of the gospel, and every spiritual roadblock will be broken down by the conviction and wooing of the Holy Spirit. Pray that faith in Jesus will arise from the tombs of dead men’s souls.

LOVE:  We always say the friendliest place in the world on any Sunday morning should be in the services at Calvary Bible Church!  How much more on Easter. Park a little further away. Get there early to meet someone new. Show compassion to those seated around you. Love is the greatest witness of the reality of our own faith, and a magnetic force for those who live in a loveless world. Love God and others is our motto; let’s make an extravagant effort to love every visitor on April 20.

 

Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

 

There is no greater news to be told – there is no other means of salvation than through faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. This is why we are having ten Easter services across our three campuses. May the risen Christ be exalted in our services, may hundreds come to saving faith in the only savior of the world.

With you on the journey,
Tom