The Invitation What is the invitation all about? Who is it for?

Matthew 11: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Invitation Song At the close of every service we offer the “invitation” and ask everyone to stand and sing a song. What is the Biblical basis for the invitation? There are at least 6 reasons that one might decide to respond in a public way.

1 - Baptism The New Testament commands believers to be baptized. ◦ Baptism will save us – 1 Peter 3:21 ◦ Wash our sins away – Acts 22:16 ◦ Remove our sins from the record – Acts 2:38 This can be done at any time, day or night, any hour, any day, any place. The invitation is open to all who desire to obey God in baptism.

2 - Restoration Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Galatians 6:1 Restore = bring back to a former state or condition Restoration is needed by those who have stopped attending.

2 - Restoration Restoration is needed by those who have stopped attending. Restoration is needed by those who have stopped working for the Lord. Restoration is needed by those who have been withdrawn from as an act of discipline. If you are out of active service – the invitation is for you to be restored.

3 – Place Membership When faithful member move to a new city, or begin work with a different congregation, they need to let the church and the elders know of their intent. We use phrases like – identify with, move your membership, place membership For the elders to oversee the flock, they need to know that you are part of the flock here at Cades.

3 – Place Membership 26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

4 – Forgiveness of a Public Sin Private sin – handle it privately Public sin – let others know: ◦ That you have repented of the sin ◦ That you are asking their forgiveness ◦ That you seek their prayers The front pew is not a “confessional” ◦ The church does not need to know the specifics of your sin ◦ They need to know that you have changed

5 – Personal Needs / Problems Health, marriage, children, personal struggles, issues you are facing New baby, change jobs, move to another state It is proper to seek wisdom and prayer from each other “I am hurting” – ◦ Reason – None of your business ◦ That I am hurting – is your business

6 – Statement of Decision In response to a lesson or a decision that you have made Making a public statement will reinforce the decision It will make you accountable This is the principle behind behavioral programs (Weight Watchers, AA)

6 – Statement of Decision One is saying, “I will try. Will you help me?” Moral decision – stop smoking, clean up language Involvement decision – visit more, make more phone calls, visit the sick or elderly Family decision – accept a promotion, move, go back to school

The Invitation Song The song, standing to sing – ways to make it more convenient to come forward Just come to the front and tell me (or an elder) what your request is. I usually say something like – “Is there a spiritual need in your life? Please let us know how we can help.”

The Invitation Song What are your needs or requests today? ◦ Do you need to be baptized? ◦ Do you need to be restored? ◦ Do you want to be identified with this church and work under the elders here? ◦ Do you want to ask for prayer to overcome a public sin? ◦ Do you have personal needs or problems? ◦ Have you made a decision to change your life?