A number of years ago I heard Pastor Willie George say that for the church Easter is our Super Bowl. We can debate whether or not every Sunday should be treated with the respect we treat Easter with, but the reality is this: people are over TWICE as likely to accept an invitation to church on Easter than any other Sunday. Whether it be cultural pressure, a fondness for Easter in church as a child, or a desire to appease family or friends, THIS is the Sunday when that un-churched person in your life is most likely to say yes. So, my question is: have you invited them yet? And, if not, what’s the hold-up?
We have a lot of hold-ups when it comes to inviting people to church or sharing the gospel, even on Easter. We’re worried about rejection, we don’t want to offend, we don’t want to ruin a relationship by “bringing God into it,” we don’t know what to say, etc. Whatever our hold-ups, we need to remember a couple of things. First, there is nothing that can impact someone like accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Easter is such a great Sunday to bring someone with you to church, because they are bound to hear about the love, grace, and salvation of Jesus.
Second, God has entrusted us with the responsibility for sharing about Him and His love. Sharing Christ is not just for pastors, leaders, outgoing people, etc., but for all of us. Check out what the Bible teaches in 1 Peter 3:15: In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. ALWAYS be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Third, realize that you and your church have something amazing to share: the path to eternal life! Just this past week I stood at the bedside of my best Nicaraguan friend as he died rather unexpectedly. He was an amazing Christian man, and we all have the security of knowing he is Heaven. However, if there was ANYTHING I could have done to save his life that day I would have done it without blinking. The reality is, as believers we know there is only one cure to death, and that is the salvation available because of the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Why are we so sheepish to share that? I think we’d all do pretty much anything short of sinning (and we’d probably consider sinning) if it meant saving the life of a friend. Guys, salvation is the one thing that is even a bigger deal than saving a life on earth, AND we know what the solution is! We just need to be willing to share it, and to trust God with the ultimate results. Blessings as you do God’s work this Easter weekend and beyond.
