March 24, Inviting others works
I'll never forget looking my Mom in the eye (this was the day before leaving to attend Clemson) and telling her I would not be going to church while at Clemson and there was nothing she could do about it. She just looked at me and began to cry. I hurt for my Mom but meant what I said. I had no intentions of ever gracing the door of another church. I was headed to Clemson University to become a star.
While at Clemson I bet 50 people invited me to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). I politely told them no every time. I had a promise to uphold to my Mom. After graduating and heading to Green Sea Floyds to coach and teach I can remember hoping no one would ever invite me to church again.
The head coach was willing to have some other coaches help us move in. The local Pastor was there also and he did the preacher thing, invited me to eat (you thought invite to church). While eating at his house that night he invited us to church. I felt obligated after he helped me move in and fed me. I went and felt as if my obligation was fulfilled.
But during the next month coaches, players, other teachers and my wife kept inviting and inviting me to church. My head coach led the team in devotions and what he was saying was messing me up. His life was different than any man I'd ever been around. He was different and I realized it was because he truly knew Jesus. I started wanting to go to church. God was messing me up, calling me and I was so scared. Kevin Child's (pastor of the church) took me fishing and shared the gospel in a very real and plain way.
The following Sunday I felt as if his message was spoken straight to me. Deb led me to the altar and I was radically changed forever. For the first time I realized why Jesus died on the cross, for me. It took hundreds of invitations for this Pastor to finally quit running and give his life to Jesus.
SO, never stop inviting. Just because you've invited someone a few times don't give up on them. Pray for them. Help them move, take them to dinner, do whatever it takes to get them into God's house because it works! I know from experience! KEEP INVITING!
More people will attend church Sunday after next (Easter Sunday) than any other Sunday. Take advantage of the opportunity and invite.
Don't forget we have three service starting this Sunday. 9:15 10:45 12:15
While at Clemson I bet 50 people invited me to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). I politely told them no every time. I had a promise to uphold to my Mom. After graduating and heading to Green Sea Floyds to coach and teach I can remember hoping no one would ever invite me to church again.
The head coach was willing to have some other coaches help us move in. The local Pastor was there also and he did the preacher thing, invited me to eat (you thought invite to church). While eating at his house that night he invited us to church. I felt obligated after he helped me move in and fed me. I went and felt as if my obligation was fulfilled.
But during the next month coaches, players, other teachers and my wife kept inviting and inviting me to church. My head coach led the team in devotions and what he was saying was messing me up. His life was different than any man I'd ever been around. He was different and I realized it was because he truly knew Jesus. I started wanting to go to church. God was messing me up, calling me and I was so scared. Kevin Child's (pastor of the church) took me fishing and shared the gospel in a very real and plain way.
The following Sunday I felt as if his message was spoken straight to me. Deb led me to the altar and I was radically changed forever. For the first time I realized why Jesus died on the cross, for me. It took hundreds of invitations for this Pastor to finally quit running and give his life to Jesus.
SO, never stop inviting. Just because you've invited someone a few times don't give up on them. Pray for them. Help them move, take them to dinner, do whatever it takes to get them into God's house because it works! I know from experience! KEEP INVITING!
More people will attend church Sunday after next (Easter Sunday) than any other Sunday. Take advantage of the opportunity and invite.
Don't forget we have three service starting this Sunday. 9:15 10:45 12:15
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