Something happened yesterday during the invitation to respond to God’s Word. I did not expect it. I was not looking for it. I had never experienced anything like it. But, it happened.
I was attempting to clarify the invitation to respond. You know,
“If you’ve never repented of your sins and trusted in Christ’s death for you, His burial,
and His resurrection, Come to Jesus.”
“If you know Jesus, but have been living for yourself, repent and walk with Jesus.”
“If you’re looking for a church home, and believe that God has led you here, come
and join us.”
It was during this last call that it happened. I said it this way, almost as a throwaway, “If you’re looking for a church home, come join us. We are a church on the move.”
When I said, “We are a church on the move,” right in the middle of the invitation, our congregation broke out in applause. Can you believe it? Applause!
Churches that belong to Jesus are meant to be “on the move.” We were never designed to be a country club, or a cemetery, for that matter. We were formed, designed, assembled to be Christ’s Body, moving in this world for the sake of the gospel.
The members of First Baptist Concord recognize that. Deep in their hearts, they yearn to make a difference for King Jesus and His Kingdom. And so they responded spontaneously. It’s as if they (we) shouted with one voice, “Yes! For the King and His Kingdom! We will go!”
Can you imagine what God will do through a body of believers willing to believe that they were designed to make a difference? God has equipped us with His Spirit who holds us together, gives us power, and guides us in the right direction. He has breathed out His Word so we’ll know His will and His ways. And, He has given to us the only weapon necessary for this conquest; the glorious gospel of Jesus.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Church, let’s move! It’s time to go with the gospel. It’s time to see sinners come to repentance. It’s time to see lost sons and daughters come home.
