A Special Invitation
Pastor David Crammer • Sunday July 16, 2023
Notes
CULTURE STATEMENT – REACHING PEOPLE
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach others for Christ. When people experience Him, lives are changed, families are transformed, and communities thrive.
We are going after the precious fruit of the earth, ensuring that no one in our life is left unreached.
1. OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN
Mark 16:15–16 NKJV
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Preach -Greek Kerusso
Kerusso = to proclaim declare announce or herald a message.
2. SPECIAL INVITATION
Luke 14:21–24 NLT
“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’ ”
The friendship factor
We’ve asked more than 50,000 people over the last 10 years why they came to church, and between 75 and 90 percent of respondents say, “I began attending because someone invited me.”
2% by Advertisement
6% by the Pastoral Invitation
6% by organized evangelism campaign
86% by friends or relatives
“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’ ”
The friendship factor
We’ve asked more than 50,000 people over the last 10 years why they came to church, and between 75 and 90 percent of respondents say, “I began attending because someone invited me.”
2% by Advertisement
6% by the Pastoral Invitation
6% by organized evangelism campaign
86% by friends or relatives
(Evangelism Coach Article)
“What would have happened to the prodigal son if he ran into his elder brother before he experienced the embrace and kiss of his father?” I believe the prodigal son would have never made it home. The elder brother would have misrepresented how the father truly felt about him. How we represent our Heavenly Father to others will determine the outcome of their journey.”
– Ed Elliot
3. A ROAD TO LIFE
ROMANS 3:10
None is righteous, no, not one
ROMANS 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
None is righteous, no, not one
ROMANS 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
ROMANS 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
ROMANS 5:12
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned…..
ROMANS 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROMANS 10:9-11
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says,”Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
ROMANS 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”