I have been preaching the Gospel for more than 38 years, and one thing that hasn’t changed is a call to respond. In my study, I cannot find where an invitation was NOT given when the Gospel is declared in Scripture. Whether it was Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler, Peter addressing the crowd at Pentecost, or Paul with the Philippian jailer, there was always a call to respond.
Not only is it biblical, but it is also practical. How do you share the glorious message of the Gospel WITHOUT giving someone an opportunity to respond? The crowd at Pentecost responded, “What must we do?” In every situation, I trust the Holy Spirit to be working in someone’s life when the Gospel is shared. I must warn you against losing confidence in the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation. Jesus alone has the power to save — and He still does!
It is also critical. It is important that we inspire people. It is equally important to educate people. We all long to see people come to Christ. Without salvation, we are nothing more than any other social organization that has community and fellowship. How did you come to know Christ? I gave my life to Jesus at a crusade in response to an invitation. In a crowd of people, God saw me and changed my life forever. The speaker chose to let the Holy Spirit work through him, and I am so glad he did!
Never think you are limiting God’s sovereignty by giving an invitation. I am NOT asking anyone to respond to me. I am as messed up as anyone, but I am asking them to respond to the claims of Christ. He is the One who can change someone’s life.
How do you prepare for an invitation? I would challenge you to think about the last three messages you have given. How much preparation did you give to the invitation while preparing to give it? Most of us want to give eloquent sermons and then offer an invitation as a passing thought. I am challenging you to start planning it while you are preparing your message. Think about transitions you can use, illustrations you can offer and the overall point of the message in regard to a response.
You must also pray. Spurgeon said, “When there is much prayer, there is much power. When there is little prayer, there is little power.” Prayer is asking God to do what only He can — change lives. Pray with expectation. I do believe that those who sow in tears shall reap with joy. Too often, we are trying to reap without weeping.
Make it clear. I am convinced the reason some invitations reap nothing is that there is not clear direction. Why do you want someone to come forward, fill out a card or speak to someone in the back? You may know the reason, but does the listener? Communication always lies within the RECEIVER — not the giver. Be clear in giving an invitation. Personally, I explain salvation through Romans 10:13 and how that can happen right now. I believe evangelism is a process, and discipleship is a process. But salvation is a moment.
Here are a few things to consider. Use proper persuasion. Paul says we “implore you to be reconciled to God.” I am not against begging someone to come to Christ. However, I will never cheapen the cross by suggesting compromise. We come under His provision and His conditions, or we do not come at all. Make it personal. Stop using vague references like “if someone” or “there may be someone” when addressing the crowd. You may be speaking to the masses, but everyone comes to Christ individually. Train yourself to speak to the individual in the crowd. Finally, be passionate. If you are not excited about the Gospel, don’t expect others to be. And passion is NOT a personality. You can stomp and snort, or you can read from a transcript. I have seen both be used by God. It is not your personality but your priority. It is your priority of thought, action and determination.
You are not standing there by yourself; the Holy Spirit has equipped you for such a time as this to share an invitation. Do not put pressure on yourself. Make it clear, personal and passionate, trusting the results are up to HIM and not you. None of us has saved anyone — that is His business. We are called to give the invitation, but He is the Lord of the Harvest! Now go be wise — share Jesus!
Scott Dawson is founder and president of the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association.
