I mentioned briefly in yesterday's sermon the difference between telling someone about Jesus, or church, and inviting them to meet Jesus, or church.
Here's what I've realized about many of my conversations.
I am always telling people about Connections Community Church. I'm the pastor, I love our people, our worship, our mission, everything about Connections. It comes naturally for me to share what I love.
BUT, I often fool myself into thinking that just because I've TOLD somebody about Connections, that I've INVITED them.
But I haven't.
Saying, "We're an awesome church! I'd love for you to come to our church sometime," is great thing to say if we mean it. But it isn't an invitation. It's too open ended. Just like, "We should have lunch sometime." I've never had lunch with someone after saying we should have lunch. But I've had plenty of lunches with people after I said, "We should have lunch tomorrow."
Try saying, "I love my church! What are doing THIS Sunday? Could I bring you to church with me?"
THAT'S an INVITATION.
Why is that scary? It's not. They are going to say yes or no. If they say yes, great, your invitation was accepted.
If they say no, fine, at least they know you wanted to include them in something you love.
I was invited to join a softball league. I said no. But I really appreciated the invitation.
I was invited to play hockey yesterday. I already had plans. But I loved being invited.
Here's the thing- I know, I KNOW that there are hordes of people out there who are just about screaming, "INVITE ME!" They want to find community, friendship, worship, meaning, purpose, excitement, adventure- all the things we offer at Connections.
So don't just tell them about Connections. Invite them. Actually commit yourself and invite them. You have nothing to lose, and they have everything to gain.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sharing God's Love
Series: Signs of Belonging
May 4, 2008
George J. Saylor
This morning we come full circle. We draw to a close our series on Signs of Belonging by talking about Sharing God’s Love. Every one of us, every one who puts their faith and trust in Jesus is then called to share in the life and ministry of Jesus. And let me be abundantly clear on what I mean by that- God showed us the ultimate love by sending his Son Jesus into the world to be our savior. The ultimate love we can experience is in accepting the gift of that salvation, that life, in Jesus. The ultimate expression of love is in sharing this love, sharing Jesus, telling others about Jesus, inviting others to know Jesus. When I say share God’s love, I’m not talking about some vague concept or feeling- I’m mean we tell people about God’s love for us in Jesus. We tell them who Jesus is and we invite them to give their life and faith to Jesus.
We should share God’s love for two reasons- first, because Jesus commanded it. Simply put- Jesus said go out into all the world and make disciples. Second, we should do so because we are compelled to share the best news and the best thing that’s every happened to us. Jesus commands us, and our own experience of Jesus compels us to share the best news the world has ever heard- there is forgiveness, there is freedom, there is peace, there is a God who loves you. It’s the most amazing news the world has ever heard. That’s it, and that’s what we’re talking about today.
Let me begin by making three observations...
Read the rest of the sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com
May 4, 2008
George J. Saylor
This morning we come full circle. We draw to a close our series on Signs of Belonging by talking about Sharing God’s Love. Every one of us, every one who puts their faith and trust in Jesus is then called to share in the life and ministry of Jesus. And let me be abundantly clear on what I mean by that- God showed us the ultimate love by sending his Son Jesus into the world to be our savior. The ultimate love we can experience is in accepting the gift of that salvation, that life, in Jesus. The ultimate expression of love is in sharing this love, sharing Jesus, telling others about Jesus, inviting others to know Jesus. When I say share God’s love, I’m not talking about some vague concept or feeling- I’m mean we tell people about God’s love for us in Jesus. We tell them who Jesus is and we invite them to give their life and faith to Jesus.
We should share God’s love for two reasons- first, because Jesus commanded it. Simply put- Jesus said go out into all the world and make disciples. Second, we should do so because we are compelled to share the best news and the best thing that’s every happened to us. Jesus commands us, and our own experience of Jesus compels us to share the best news the world has ever heard- there is forgiveness, there is freedom, there is peace, there is a God who loves you. It’s the most amazing news the world has ever heard. That’s it, and that’s what we’re talking about today.
Let me begin by making three observations...
Read the rest of the sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Joy
I should have put joy into our list of values as a church.
So here I am unofficially adding to our list to things that are vitally important to our church culture- JOY.
What brings you joy?
This morning was full of joy for me.
I was downstairs, doing my coffee and bible reading thing, waiting for the rest of the family to get up. As a homeschooling family we have a wonderfully relaxed pace, but the kids are up by 7:30am and we get things going.
It was 7:45am. Finally I heard them calling my name. The whole clan was in my king-sized bed (I LOVE my king sized bed) snuggling- and they wanted their Daddy. So I listened to my own sermon this past Sunday (Serving God's People), decided NOT to walk by this moment, and jumped right back in bed.
It was one of those moments you want to hold onto for a lifetime.
How can a father describe the love you feel wrapped up with your family on a freakishly cold morning in April? Pure JOY.
Oh, I have to tell another story.
The scene: our little kitchen, Robin at the stove behind me working on dinner, me at the sink cleaning, Karis at the counter on a stool with her snack.
"Daddy move- I'm watching a cooking show."
The thing is, she knew she was being funny. At 6 years old she has the most amazing sense of humor. Her middle name is Joy, and she is the epitome of it. And her joy is contagious. She brings laughter everywhere she goes.
Back in the day when I preached in a church where the ministers wore the academic garb on Sunday morning (I still wear the robe... at costume parties!) I used a quote that said, "For too long the church has been associated with long faces and black robes." I looked at myself, unzipped (yes, I had a shirt on underneath) and ripped it off. I actually got cheers in a Presbyterian Church that morning!
For too long the church has not been associated as a place of joy- pure, extravagant, abundant joy. Read through Philippians. I am. I want to preach through it this summer. It's all about joy- rejoice always, your joy in Christ Jesus, make my joy complete, I am glad and rejoice with all of you... Read the Psalms- 56 out of 150 speak of our joy in the Lord.
Yes, there will be seasons for sorrow, but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 90). I pray you find her today- maybe even before you get out of bed.
So here I am unofficially adding to our list to things that are vitally important to our church culture- JOY.
What brings you joy?
This morning was full of joy for me.
I was downstairs, doing my coffee and bible reading thing, waiting for the rest of the family to get up. As a homeschooling family we have a wonderfully relaxed pace, but the kids are up by 7:30am and we get things going.
It was 7:45am. Finally I heard them calling my name. The whole clan was in my king-sized bed (I LOVE my king sized bed) snuggling- and they wanted their Daddy. So I listened to my own sermon this past Sunday (Serving God's People), decided NOT to walk by this moment, and jumped right back in bed.
It was one of those moments you want to hold onto for a lifetime.
How can a father describe the love you feel wrapped up with your family on a freakishly cold morning in April? Pure JOY.
Oh, I have to tell another story.
The scene: our little kitchen, Robin at the stove behind me working on dinner, me at the sink cleaning, Karis at the counter on a stool with her snack.
"Daddy move- I'm watching a cooking show."
The thing is, she knew she was being funny. At 6 years old she has the most amazing sense of humor. Her middle name is Joy, and she is the epitome of it. And her joy is contagious. She brings laughter everywhere she goes.
Back in the day when I preached in a church where the ministers wore the academic garb on Sunday morning (I still wear the robe... at costume parties!) I used a quote that said, "For too long the church has been associated with long faces and black robes." I looked at myself, unzipped (yes, I had a shirt on underneath) and ripped it off. I actually got cheers in a Presbyterian Church that morning!
For too long the church has not been associated as a place of joy- pure, extravagant, abundant joy. Read through Philippians. I am. I want to preach through it this summer. It's all about joy- rejoice always, your joy in Christ Jesus, make my joy complete, I am glad and rejoice with all of you... Read the Psalms- 56 out of 150 speak of our joy in the Lord.
Yes, there will be seasons for sorrow, but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 90). I pray you find her today- maybe even before you get out of bed.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Snuggly Creatures
The children's response to the stuffed animal giveaway in church was just what I expected- awesome.
I even had a group of teenage girls trying to convince me they each needed one!
Last night I put my son to sleep with his lion and told him again about God's love and our call to be servants.
FYI, our anonymous donor has started a blog. You can read all about the vision to share these stuffed animals, and God's love, with children in need.
http://snugglycreatures.blogspot.com/
I even had a group of teenage girls trying to convince me they each needed one!
Last night I put my son to sleep with his lion and told him again about God's love and our call to be servants.
FYI, our anonymous donor has started a blog. You can read all about the vision to share these stuffed animals, and God's love, with children in need.
http://snugglycreatures.blogspot.com/
Serving God's People
Series: Signs of Belonging
George J. Saylor
April 27, 2008
Last week I mentioned a favorite verse about bible study- 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Our study of the bible should be rigorous, it should be academic, it should be systematic, but above all it should be useful. Where as worship is in many ways gloriously impractical- it is about lavishly loving and adoring our God, transcending our lives, our space, our time; bible study, on the other hand, is wonderfully applicable to life. It will teach, rebuke, correct and train us. All for a purpose- to equip us for good works.
We are to life a live of good works, inspired and guided by our study of God's Word. This is the sign of service.
Read the whole sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com
or listen to our podcasts at www.connectionschurch.ca
George J. Saylor
April 27, 2008
Last week I mentioned a favorite verse about bible study- 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Our study of the bible should be rigorous, it should be academic, it should be systematic, but above all it should be useful. Where as worship is in many ways gloriously impractical- it is about lavishly loving and adoring our God, transcending our lives, our space, our time; bible study, on the other hand, is wonderfully applicable to life. It will teach, rebuke, correct and train us. All for a purpose- to equip us for good works.
We are to life a live of good works, inspired and guided by our study of God's Word. This is the sign of service.
Read the whole sermon at cccsermons.blogspot.com
or listen to our podcasts at www.connectionschurch.ca
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