“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). These words of Jesus communicate both his heart and purpose in leaving the glory of His Father’s presence (John 17:5) and joining the likes of mankind (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus was on mission: His Father’s mission, which He had owned for Himself. We are called to join in that mission, and we share that call with one another, God’s church, “the called-out ones.”
One largely overlooked opportunity we can regularly take advantage of is to invite others to join us in the gathering of the church in worship on Sunday mornings. This ought not become our only means of sharing the gospel, as we have each been entrusted with the gospel message simply by believing in it (1 Thessalonians 2:4), and have our own testimony by which we can unashamedly bear witness of the power of God to salvation in our own lives (Romans 1:16). However, there is value in extending a well-timed invitation to someone to come among believers.
“Come and see,” is the response of Jesus to the question of two initial followers (John 1:39), and the response of Philip to the question of Nathanael (John 1:46). It is also the invitation of the Samaritan woman to a whole town as she exposed herself (John 4:29). It is an invitation we can echo to friends, family, and others as we make effort to establish meaningful relationships and come alongside people with interest and care for them. What better time than Christmas, just like the shepherds determined: “Let us go… and see…” (Luke 2:15).
Who is this God we follow? What motivates our decisions? Why are we odd and peculiar among many people? Is there really more to life? Why would we give up Sunday mornings each week?
Come and see what we’re about at Grace Baptist Church.
Come and see God’s love demonstrated through a group of people who will welcome you and pray for you.
Come and see God’s power at work among people in all walks of life who are pressing on to be more like Jesus.
Come and see God’s joy fulfilled in lives that aren’t free from a multitude of difficult circumstances, yet are rooted in the hope of God’s promises.
Come and see one who knows all that we have ever done, yet looks on us with compassion and interest, seeking to draw us to Himself. Could He be the Messiah?
Come and worship Christ, the “newborn King.” O come, let us adore Him! This Christmas season is a blessed reminder of the incarnation of the eternal Son of God, Jesus, Emmanuel, “God-with-us.” Christmas is a season in which some are prompted to get right with God, and others are searching more painstakingly for hope in the midst of despair. What better opportunity to invite someone to join us and experience the hope that comes only through Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
I encourage everyone to invite others to join us for the month of December, as we ask an important question: Why did Jesus become man? It’s an excellent question to ask both from the perspective of a long-standing believer and the perspective of someone who has never before trusted in Jesus as their Savior. We want to share His love in word and deed, truth and action, individually and together. Will you bring someone with you this month? Let’s pray together for God to work powerfully to use Grace Baptist Church and impart hope this month!