This Sunday is Easter! If this were any other year I would be encouraging you in every way imaginable to invite your friends and neighbors to join us for Easter. But this year the unimaginable has happened. For the first time ever, we cannot gather in person. But Easter is not canceled! We will gather in a new way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. And so I say, invite anyway!
In fact, I believe this invitation is more important than ever. Here's why. For many unchurched people, coming to church is a big step. There is a measure of uncertainty that might keep them from accepting our invitation even though, deep down, they want to attend. I believe there's a place in every person's heart that longs for a relationship with God, that needs the unconditional love of Christ. But sometimes fear keeps them from walking through the doors for the first time. This year we have a unique situation. We will all be worshiping online. While I would personally prefer to gather face to face, it is very possible that for some of our friends this will be an easier entry point. So let's make the most of that! Let's invite every person we can. They can attend from the safety of their home, in the comfort of their living room and still hear the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ.
I also believe we need to invite more than ever because people desperately need points of connection. We are now weeks into this isolation. People need points of contact. The livestream gives them a place of connection, a sense of being together with others, even as they are at home. For some, this could be the first step towards experiencing Christian community. Often people need to belong before they believe. Some people's journey to Christ will begin with connecting relationally to other believers, which opens the door for them to hear and receive the truth of Christ.
The third reason I believe invitation is so important this Easter is that people desperately need hope. The story of the resurrection is a story of hope. Our message on Sunday will focus on moving from fear to hope. Now more than ever, people need to know that there is hope. This hope is found in Jesus Christ. Through our invitation we can help people to find the hope they so desperately long for.
So I say this year what I would say any year, INVITE! I know we are sheltering at home, but invite anyway. What we have to offer in Christ is needed now more than ever.
I love you and miss you all. I look forward to “seeing” you this Sunday as we celebrate Easter together.
God bless,
Pastor Steve
BTW, I also want to remind us that on Friday we will have a live streamed Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. I hope you'll be able to join us. Also, check out our new www.rock-online.org page. At this one page your will find everything you need for your online worship experience.