Invitations: in Church?

1/10/2019

Wow, what a beautiful sunrise! The third day in a row. Well, Winter will soon take care of that. But, winter is also why morning air is as clear as can be. When I worked for a man who had his own plane, we knew it would be smooth sailing through the air and much clearer skies in cold weather. (I’m pretty sure there are several of you who could explain that better.) Even though I’ve always had a “fear of heights” it never bothered me to fly, be it a small plane or a huge one. So, if Gene (the boss) said go with me—-I was ready to fly anywhere, anytime, but cold weather was easier (less bumpy) and the planes have exceptional heaters.

The SIMH today is a beautiful song, used primarily as an invitation hymn. They are some of the most melodic hymns ever written. This morning I awoke to singing “I Surrender All.”—written by Judson Van DeVenter with music by Winfield Weeden, first published in 1895 (that’s a few days ago.) It has been done by many people, choirs, instrumentalists, in every genre, I suppose. I like soprano solos of it better than the rest, I think. 

Invitation songs are not what I would use in a church service today, since I don’t believe an “invitation service” should be used as it is by those who are evangelical. In the most general sense, but vast majority, invitations (or altar calls) are a misuse of the message of the bible. churches want people to respond for their own benefit. I realize how harsh that sounds, but why do it? Is it not to be able to “see” the results of a stirring message for Christ? Yes, it is. But, do we not “walk by faith, not by sight”? Yes, we do. Then, do we need to see who emotionally responded and “glory” in the results” No, we don’t. It is used as a bragging point, imminently bragging about the preacher or the effectiveness of “our” way. The bible plainly teaches us, “he the glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” 

Many would argue that this does glorify the Lord. Ok, then, show me the instructions for an invitational service in the Bible. There isn’t one. That settles that, in my mind. Whether the message was great or not, whether the individuals were “moved” by the pressing of the Spirit, should come as a freely expressed reality by the one who was moved, but not by the emotional coercion of a beautiful song. (One song I always thought was wonderful as a song, irritates me when I look back at the religious days of invitations: “While we wait and while we plead,……” “won’t you come to Jesus now.” “Why not now, why not now, why not come to Jesus now?” and it repeats. That’s a good question, won’t you come to Jesus now. But, should it be as begging and pleading towards them that are without? Or should their heart and mind be persuaded by the message even if no one in the audience or the preaching staff ever finds it out? 

I’m very glad a larger “computer” is keeping tabs on who is saved or lost. “The Lord knoweth them that are his.” (It is a sure foundation, He said, sealed—2 Tim.2:19.)

Oh, hey! If you happen be one of those who watches Sunday morning preachers of the grace of God, this coming Sunday, Jan. 13, Grace bible Church in Chattanooga is going to broadcast both hours, at 10 and 11:15am, on their website, understandingyourbible.com  (At least, that was the last plan I heard. Hopefully, it will be worthwhile.) Isn’t it great to get good usage out of this electronic age? Bible classes, live and recorded, going around the world. A sign the time is near? Here’s the answer you’ve all been waiting on: I don’t know.

Thanks for reading, the Elder