Preaching as a means of Salvation

We often overlook the opportunity of evangelism in inviting people to church. Christ’s power is present when his people gather together. We are a testimony to his power, mercy and grace.  Another reason to invite people to church is that God has designed preaching as a means of salvation.

…you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God… And this word is the good news that was preached to you (1 Peter 1:23, 25).

When God’s living word, the imperishable seed of the gospel, is preached,  it causes people to be born again.

So no matter what the sermon is being preached on the truths being taught apply to all of God’s creation and so will be a word in season even to our unbelieving friends.

For sure there are some passages and topics that are a little harder for the unchurched to pick up and take on board…. so why not look ahead in the sermon series and look up the bible references to see weeks where the gospel might be clearly explained and think about inviting a friend that week.

This is also a challenge to our pastors and preachers. They need to be preaching grace often (if not somewhere in the sermon each week) and preach in a way that is relevant to our everyday lives. How great would it be if we walk out of services saying, “I wish my unchurched friend had been here,” …. the more this happens the more I think we will be ready to invite friends along.

The word of God speaks of his grace and mercy and the people of God are testimony to his grace and mercy – why not invite friends along to taste and see.