A Final Push

      Next Sunday is Easter. For some of us it is a normal Sunday. For some of us it is a time to decorate and hunt eggs. For most of the religious world, however, it is a day of spiritual significance. Most churches will be setting next Sunday aside to specifically celebrate our Lord’s death and resurrection.

      We recognize that God did not authorize such a celebration. We do not set aside one Sunday out of the year to especially celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. Rather, we set aside one Sunday every week to do that. From Acts 20:7 and I Corinthians 11:17-34; 16:1-2 we see that the New Testament churches participated in a celebration of Jesus’ death on Sunday. Therefore, when it is Sunday, we do the same thing.

      However, having said that, we also strive to understand the times. Even the non-religious in our society view Easter Sunday as a special time. Instead of stamping out their small spark of interest in spiritual things, why not capitalize on it and see if we can fan the spark into a flame. Then we can follow-up and fan the flame into a raging fire.

      That is exactly what we are trying to do. There are numerous people in our community who will choose next Sunday as one of their two times in the year to attend a worship assembly somewhere. Many of them are not particular about which congregation they will attend. They will gladly go to any service to which they are invited.

      Many of them will gladly attend with us, if we just let them know we are available. Here is what they will see if they do.

      Instead of a bunch of entertainment oriented, me-centered dramatics, they will see worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Instead of a blistering attack on their one day a year spirituality, they will hear the gospel message that can save their souls (Romans 1:16-17). Instead of a touchy-feely emotionally based plea for them to come back the next Sunday, they will hear the Bible plea to come to Jesus and have their sins washed away (Acts 22:16).

      Ken Craig, from Birmingham, Alabama will be presenting a series of lessons to explain “God’s Amazing Plan To Redeem You.” It is the plain and simple gospel message that saves souls. It will not be anything fancy. There will be no thunderbolts and lightening, just sound gospel preaching.

      However, for people to hear it, they have to be invited. We have one week left. Do not rely on the church’s mail-out. Do not rely on the radio advertising. The number one way to get the word out is word of mouth. Invite your friends. Invite your neighbors. Invite your co-workers. Invite your family. Invite somebody. Let them know about the great story of God’s gospel they can hear next Sunday. Let’s get the word out.

Edwin L. Crozier