Extended Invitation

[David van Beveren]

Last months in my sermons I am focussing on the love of God as an constant activity in the heart of the individual, and as our responsibility to live it out in our daily life as a church internally as well as externally.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

Last Sunday we celebrated the Lord's Supper and I knew we had guests that are not christians yet. But they are standing 'on the edge'
So I extended the invitation to all who have a desire in their heart to take part in the movement of which I had preached.
These two people did take part, because of the invitation. And soon I will visit them, because they have questions about which they want to talk with me.
You must know in my sermon Jesus was as always central as our outstanding example of God's love.

What do you think about this extension? I like to read your commands.

David

[Bruce Carriker]

I think John Wesley would definitely have approved.

[Brad Mercer]

David,

That sounds wonderful. As we say in Texas: "Yuh dun good."

Brad

[Edith K. Thurmond]

Wonderful!

The same thing recently happened to a lady attending our church.

There is grace in the sacrament.

Thanks much for sharing your experience with us.

Blessings to you and your lovely family+

[Garth Lahana]

David

When you invited us to partake of the Lord's supper on Sunday, I noticed that you brought it a bit differently than usual. When you spoke about it on Sunday evening in the church meeting, it warmed my heart how sensitive you were to them, once I realized why it was different. Wonderful David, I am glad the Holy Spirit guided them to our church.

:fav18

Garth

[Craig Laughlin]

I celebrate the Lord's Table every month and use it as my number one tool for extending an invitation to join God's family. Over the years many of the people who have come to the Lord have done so through the invitation of the sacrament. As has been pointed out, it is a means of grace. Much of my churches growth has been conversion growth and I find the Eucharist to be vastly more effective than an alter call and much more in line with the long history of Jesus’ church.

[Ian Gentles]

We cant judge hearts only God can. Only time I barred a person from communion they were drunk!

[David van Beveren]

We cant judge hearts only God can. Only time I barred a person from communion they were drunk!

It is not about barring, it is about who you invite.
So which invitation do you use, Ian?