An Invitation Especially For You
Isaiah 55:1-3, Matthew 11:28, Revelation 22:17
By Rex Yancey
Many people do not understand the invitation that is given in a Baptist church. It reminds me of the computer that was designed to speak on subjects that would appeal to people of various IQ’s. When one stepped up to the computer, he was asked one simple question, “What is your I. Q.?”
The first person said his I. Q. was 140. The computer talked about world events, philosophy and art.
The next person said his I. Q. was 100. The computer talked about sports: baseball, basketball, football, hockey, personalities, statistics and teams.
The next person said his I. Q. was 65. The computer said, “10-4 good buddy. What is your handle?”
There are those who think the invitation is the end of the sermon. The Lord knows and everybody knows that every sermon should have an end to it. Someone has said “A short, bad sermon is forgivable; a long, bad sermon is unforgivable, a long, good sermon is forgettable, and a short, good sermon is memorable. The preacher should stand up, speak up, and shut up!
Many churches do not have invitations. There are probably more churches that do not give invitations than there are those that do. I have heard many sharply criticize the invitation. Perhaps it would be good for us to raise the question why?
By way of introduction the invitation is biblical. When the apostles preached, they called for a decision. The invitation is the natural outcome of a gospel sermon. When the preacher has declared the mighty acts of God it is natural to ask those listening to believe in God and to allow him to do a work in their hearts. An impression without expression leads to depression.
The spirit of the invitation is found throughout the Bible. God said to Noah, “Come into the ark.” The last invitation in the Bible is found in the closing pages of Revelation, “And the Spirit and the Bride say come, ...
Isaiah 55:1-3, Matthew 11:28, Revelation 22:17
By Rex Yancey
Many people do not understand the invitation that is given in a Baptist church. It reminds me of the computer that was designed to speak on subjects that would appeal to people of various IQ’s. When one stepped up to the computer, he was asked one simple question, “What is your I. Q.?”
The first person said his I. Q. was 140. The computer talked about world events, philosophy and art.
The next person said his I. Q. was 100. The computer talked about sports: baseball, basketball, football, hockey, personalities, statistics and teams.
The next person said his I. Q. was 65. The computer said, “10-4 good buddy. What is your handle?”
There are those who think the invitation is the end of the sermon. The Lord knows and everybody knows that every sermon should have an end to it. Someone has said “A short, bad sermon is forgivable; a long, bad sermon is unforgivable, a long, good sermon is forgettable, and a short, good sermon is memorable. The preacher should stand up, speak up, and shut up!
Many churches do not have invitations. There are probably more churches that do not give invitations than there are those that do. I have heard many sharply criticize the invitation. Perhaps it would be good for us to raise the question why?
By way of introduction the invitation is biblical. When the apostles preached, they called for a decision. The invitation is the natural outcome of a gospel sermon. When the preacher has declared the mighty acts of God it is natural to ask those listening to believe in God and to allow him to do a work in their hearts. An impression without expression leads to depression.
The spirit of the invitation is found throughout the Bible. God said to Noah, “Come into the ark.” The last invitation in the Bible is found in the closing pages of Revelation, “And the Spirit and the Bride say come, ...
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