RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

The Message of the Evangelist: An Invitation
I want to welcome you to day 5 of week 3 of our study on revival and evangelism. Today, I want to talk to you about something that’s a little different than probably what you would normally hear.
But I want to talk to you about the place of faith in the message. You see, I’ve talked about what the message is and the message is the cross of Christ and when the cross – the message of the cross is presented clearly, the Bible says the very power of God is in that message. And there’s something supernatural that will take place .. and that is that faith will rise in the hearts of people.
I remember preaching in the former Soviet Union – it was the first time ever in the history of the Republic of Moldova for someone to stand in the national stadium and preach. And so I was preaching in the national stadium and the news media was there and they asked me a question.
One reporter said, “Mr Tippit – do you really believe that just because you say some words – that people’s lives are going to be changed?”
And that was really a pretty good question, coming from an atheist. I mean, you think about that .. just because I’m going to say some words what does that mean?
And I said to that journalist, “Yes, ma’am – I not only believe that lives are going to be changed – I know they’re going to be changed.” Not because I’m speaking – not because of the eloquence of my speech – not even because of anything that I will do. But because of the power of the message that I will speak.
There .. The very power of God – just think about that – the very power of God is in the message of the cross. So when the message of the cross is presented clearly, God’s supernatural power is there.
Something happens – in the heart of the hearer. And that is that faith will rise up in their hearts.
The Bible says, faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of Christ. So when the word of Christ is presented clearly and simply in the power of the Holy Spirit, faith will begin to arise in the hearts of those who are hearing.
So this gives us the opportunity – and we need to be very careful about this .. but we need to give people an opportunity to respond in faith. We’re not just giving out information .. we want to see people respond in faith.
Now, I know there are a lot of people who get nervous when they say, “Well, you know, I don’t mind sharing Jesus but to ask someone to give their hearts to Christ .. to believe on Jesus .. to follow Jesus – that’s a different thing.”
But, it’s important that we do it. Now, I’m not talking about being manipulative. And I’m not talking about being fearful – and to be quite honest, I’ve preached where thousands of people have responded and I’ve preached when no-one has responded.
I remember in Scotland preaching one time .. and I preached my heart out and no-one responded and everyone was kind of timid and embarrassed afterwards and saying, “Oh, we’re so sorry and being apologetic.” And I said, “Don’t be sorry .. heh-heh .. you know, it’s okay.” Because if I was true to the Word of God, that’s all that matters. God will do the rest.
You know, we’re not trying to get notches on our belt to show off .. this is all about a supernatural work of God. So, you give people that opportunity and God will work in their hearts and God will draw them – the Spirit of God will draw them.
Now, when we talk about giving people an opportunity – or as evangelists call it an invitation for people to receive Christ – to follow Him – to give their hearts to Him – to believe on Him. When we talk about an invitation there are several things that are important.
The first is, you need to pray. There were multitudes who were following Jesus and Jesus made one statement .. He said, no-one can come to Me unless the Father draw them. And when He made that statement, the multitudes quit following Him.
See, only God can draw people to Jesus. So you pray that when you have that opportunity to present the claims of Christ for a person – that the Spirit of God will draw them because unless He draws them, it’s all to no avail.
The second thing, be discerning in the Spirit of what is happening. There are some situations in which all we’re doing is sowing. And there are some situations when we need to be reaping. And we need to be very discerning. I .. there are times, that I don’t give an invitation .. when I’m talking to someone because I know it’s not there. I know that’s not the time .. but I know that I’m to share with them – and I do share clearly the gospel and I know that’s as far as I need to take it.
There are other times when I can look into the person’s eyes – I see their response and I know they’re ready to receive Christ and don’t pass up that situation .. if it’s there. Take that opportunity to share the good news and give them that opportunity.
And thirdly, you pray with them .. and you ask God to touch their lives and you lead them in a simple prayer of faith believing God. Now, remember – it’s not words. It’s not some ritual .. it’s what happens in a person’s heart.
And you be sure and tell them that and God will work in their lives and they will know and you will know .. and you help them from that point to begin to grow in Christ. And God will bless – but don’t leave out the invitation. Christ continually gave an invitation.
As you share the good news, give people – an opportunity to respond to that good news.