Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " Rev. 19:9
For years it was called the "altar call" by some people. Baptists, as well as many gospel preaching Methodists, Nazarene and Pentecostal preachers extended one at the end of every sermon. I was saved during one. For over thirty-nine years, at the conclusion of every message I deliver, whether at a worship service, picnic, funeral, Banquet, or event, I always extend God's public offer of salvation. It is called an invitation.
Why? It's scriptural.
It is sad to see the day come in many evangelical churches including Baptist, that this Biblical call for a public acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has been discarded and even ridiculed by some seminary professors and pastors. They place the blame for the Laodicean lifestyle of the 21st century American church at the feet of those who give public invitations.
I loath cheap grace, casual devotion and shallow commitment. But I am convinced that to extend a public call to deny yourself, take up your cross and fully and faithfully follow Jesus Christ as your Lord is a practice true to Christ and His Word. I intend to extend God's invitation to Come, every time I preach and witness.
This Sunday, we will continue our series on Jesus Saves, as we take our third look into Luke 14, as I preach on The Supper Invitation.
Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ Luke 14:16-17
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