Why We Invite Them

There is a second group that may attend church regularly but never has made a commitment to discipleship. The members of this group never have opened their hearts' doors and invited Him to come in as Lord. Before my own conversion, I was part of this group for years. I attended church often because I liked the music and preaching, but I did not allow it to get past my head. I needed to be challenged the way Joshua called out to the people of Israel, who had a national and religious identity. He knew some of them had made no decision to follow God. He challenged them with these words, "Choose this day who you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" (Josh. 24:15). John Huffman tells the story of a Pittsburgh trolley caught in an intersection because each set of trolley wheels was being drawn in different directions. There are people in our churches caught in similar binds, and they need to be challenged to commit completely to Christ.

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Finally, there are those who once made commitments to be disciples; and for a while, they followed Him. Alas, the issues of life or other attractions stole their attention. Like Demas, they followed the allure of the world's siren song. They need to be challenged and invited to come back home to the Savior.

"Why in the world do you give an invitation at the end of every service?"

"Christ is faithful over God's house as a Son. And we are His house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts'"

"Today!" There is urgency about this message you and I are called to preach. It is never better communicated than when we convey the necessity of making a commitment to Him who gave up His life for us. Who knows when your Fern will be there!