In a few weeks the church will celebrate Easter. Theologically speaking, Easter is the day in which all other days orbit. In fact, the church would not exist if not for the supernatural bodily resurrection of Jesus. When we gather it is for no other reason than to testify to God’s power to resurrect Jesus and all those who would follow him. I love Easter! Churches are full. People are happy. Many are hearing the life-changing message of Jesus for the first time. Many will count Easter as the day that changed their life and eternity.
Can I encourage you to take advantage of this day? In other words, if you don’t invite your neighbor to church any other Sunday during the year, why not do it for Easter? Statistically speaking, more people are willing to accept an invitation to a church service on Easter than any other day. Whether or not your church is ready for guests the other 51 Sundays, they will most likely be ready on Easter. Greeters will be happy. Worship will be inviting. The pastor will (hopefully) be preaching his heart out for your neighbor to trust in Christ and the power of the resurrection. Let me challenge you with this:
1. Reached People Reach People. If you are a follower of Jesus you are now a missionary to those far from God. Don’t mistake your calling. There are no spectators in the kingdom. Christ, in his mercy, sent someone to share the gospel with you. Thank God! In the same way, there is a co-worker, neighbor or brother in-law that God has ordained for you to connect to the gospel. Be a bringer on Easter. Give a natural invitation so that God can do the super-natural transformation.
2. Don’t say NO for people. There is nothing that extinguishes the flames of the gospel like saying no for people. We say, “They wouldn’t be interested in Jesus.” “They aren’t really church people.” “I’m just not getting that vibe from them.” When we say ‘no’ for others we put ourselves in the place of God and presume to know someone’s heart. We have no idea the ways God is preparing a neighbor or friend to respond to the life-giving message of Jesus. Jesus is saying Yes, why don’t you?
3. Don’t Go to Mee-Maw’s for Easter. For many of you, Easter weekend is the time you pack up the family and go to Mee-Maw’s church. It’s just what you do. You’ve been doing it forever. You don’t normally go to Mee-Maw’s church–just on Easter. In fact, if you lived near Mee-Maw you probably wouldn’t go to Mee-Maw’s church on a regular basis. True? If so, go see your aging matriarch the following weekend. Use Easter for the kingdom. Be missional on a day when you know people will say “yes”.
4. Use Easter as an opportunity to begin being missional all year long. Life is crazy busy. People spend more time in the backyard or on the ball field than connected with neighbors. Use Easter as a jumpstart to new habits of evangelism and outward focused living. You were meant to live for more than you. Spend your life for the sake of others and eternity.
See what God might do this Easter through you and your willingness to extend an invitation.
