DO YOU HAVE A CHURCH HOME?

It seems like such a simple question to ask. Yet, even though millions of people in the world around us do not have a church home, it seems that Christians seldom ask the question of people around us.  I was visiting with a dear sister in the Hospital the other day and she told me about a conversation she had with the lady who came in to clean her room.  She said that the lady was very kind and they talked a bit, then she just asked her, “Do you have a church home?”  She then proceeded to invite the young lady to visit with us some time. She told the young lady that she believed she would like the church and the Preacher:) This sister told me that she usually carries cards to hand to people with information about the church when she invites others. Did I mention, that this sister was in ICU when she offered the invitation?

In 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 the Apostle Paul discusses the importance of sharing the Gospel with everyone around us. He reminds us that we have a “ministry of reconciliation” that has been committed to us (v. 20). He attempts to motivate us to be involved in this great work of reaching others. If we are going to reach others we must be genuine, authentic examples of faith (vv. 5, 14). We must be convicted in our hearts that Jesus died for all men and that He wants everyone to be saved (vv. 14-15). We need to obtain a spiritual perspective, recognizing that most people around us do not know Jesus (v. 16). The world measures the worth of an individual in physical ways. If a person looks good, if they are talented, if they have influence, the world says, “success.” Our Lord looks at the heart. He sees what a person is and what they can become when they have a new life (v. 17). Then Paul tells us that we must understand the urgency of salvation. He says, “we implore you, be reconciled to God.” (v.20) He further adds, “Now is the day of salvation.” (6:2)

How many times do we allow opportunities to pass when we could invite someone to worship with us, or when we could say something good about Jesus and His Church? We meet people every day in our schools, places of work, in shopping areas, at ballparks, and numerous other places where we could take a moment and invite them to worship with us.  Many are new to our communities and they may be looking for a church family to support them in their new home. Many may be hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and all they need is an invitation from a friendly face. By the way, if you are a member of the Lewisville church and you are reading this, we provide business cards with service times as well as contact information for all of our members to hand out.  You can hand them to anyone and they will serve as an invitation to our worship assemblies.  Maybe others who read this will share additional ideas that have been helpful to you in reaching out to others.

Our Savior came to bring abundant life (John 10:10) to every person in the world. He wants to save all people (Luke 19:10; 2 Peter 2:9).  If we have found salvation, if we are blessed to be a part of the family of God, if we enjoy the benefits associated with being a Christian, how dare we not share the tremendous blessings that we have with others? Why not make a list of people you can speak with about Jesus? Think about places you frequent where you can be prepared to invite someone to worship with God’s family. Will you talk with someone today about the Lord?  Your love for, your passion, your desire, your willingness to reach out may just change eternity! Every person deserves the right to hear about Jesus once before anyone deserves the right to hear about Jesus twice.

Dear God, help us to do our part to share the message of Jesus with others. Help us to look through Spiritual eyes at everyone around us. Father, help us to be serious about the “ministry of reconciliation” that has been given to us. Help us be aware of the fact that everyone we see deserves to know our Savior. Father, we thank you for so many of Your people who are constantly inviting friends, family, and strangers to meet the Lord.