Hey, everyone. I am in NY City for meetings with ministry leaders, and saw this poster in the Nike Store. It is great New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera. A sure Hall of Famer, he finishes games like few others. In visiting with Pastor Jim Cymbala, of The Brooklyn Tabernacle, we talked about Mariano and his strong faith in Jesus. He walks the walk.
So when I saw this poster, I thought of the invitation in our church at the close of my message each week. This is the time people publicly respond to the Word of God. Lives are transformed. This is the time for "saves." Each week, scores of people come forward and it is always a highlight. Don’t even think about leaving before the close. So be a worshipper who stays ‘til the bottom of the 9th. Don't miss the saving power of Jesus and the excitement of another big win!
So when I saw this poster, I thought of the invitation in our church at the close of my message each week. This is the time people publicly respond to the Word of God. Lives are transformed. This is the time for "saves." Each week, scores of people come forward and it is always a highlight. Don’t even think about leaving before the close. So be a worshipper who stays ‘til the bottom of the 9th. Don't miss the saving power of Jesus and the excitement of another big win!
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6 comments:
Amen, Pastor!
Each week, as a I watch people go forward, I think back to the evening I asked the Lord into my life, and the unimaginable joy I felt. I get that same feeling each Sunday when I see someone else make the greatest decision of their life.
If I didn't stay, it'd sort of be like leaving the Ballpark in the bottom of the ninth, then hearing the cheers and seeing the fireworks and knowing that something wonderful just happened. And I missed it.
Amen, Pastor!
Each week, as a I watch people go forward, I think back to the evening I asked the Lord into my life, and the unimaginable joy I felt. I get that same feeling each Sunday when I see someone else make the greatest decision of their life.
If I didn't stay, it'd sort of be like leaving the Ballpark in the bottom of the ninth, then hearing the cheers and seeing the fireworks and knowing that something wonderful just happened. And I missed it.
When my family walked forward during the alter call, I noticed members of the praise choir warmly smiling at us, as though to say "you've come to a place where all of God's children are nurtured in the love of Christ".
If we were to walk out while other families were having that same experience, I would feel as though we were minimizing our own committment, and disrespecting theirs.
There's a diversity at Prestonwood which you may see only at that time. From the "Plano Pretty" families to those with severe disabilities, I feel inspired by realizing that everyone has a unique story to tell, and Prestonwood is the thread which connects them.
My car and the restaurant will still be there 5 minutes later. This moment may be once in a lifetime for these families, particularly if one of them just received Christ for the very first time.
As I make my down to the front as a counsellor I see a number of folks leaving before the end of the invitation. It saddens my heart to know that these may be christians who are encouraging a lost person to leave just when the Holy Spirit is calling them to repentance. Just to get out of the parking lot ahead of the crowd!!
Praise God for your passion for the lost and willingness to work till the end.
God gives us His best day in & day out. He gives us His pep talk before the game, stays for all nine and lifts us up when the game is over!
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