Go, Invite People to Christ
By John Wight, senior president of seventy
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV
A presenter at an evangelism conference I recently attended told a story about his young son who invited a friend to his elementary Sunday school class. Such an invitation may not seem unusual at first, but there is more to the story.
What made it unusual was that the presenter and his family, who are Korean, live in India. This man pastors a Korean-language congregation in the city where they live. The pastor asked his son why he had invited his friend since the young man spoke no Korean. His son responded by simply quoting from the first chapter of Romans, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” What his father heard him saying was his relationship with Jesus and his congregation were important to him, and he wanted to share even if his friend didn’t understand what was being said. He believed his friend would experience something of the joy and love that he felt in that community of disciples.
This young boy’s actions were indeed a wonderful, real-life example of what can happen when followers of Christ adopt the attitude Paul wrote about to the Romans. “It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!” (Romans 1:16 The Message).
Many people are waiting for us to “proclaim Jesus Christ” as the Community of Christ mission statement says. We invite them into relationship with Christ and a loving community of disciples where they can be a part of living out Christ’s mission.
Prayer Phrase
I dwell in your presence.
Spiritual Practice
Prayer of Examen
Spend a few moments recalling your day. Let details, events, and conversations drift through your memory. Offer gratitude for the day and pray to be aware of how God was present. What did you notice or feel that brought meaning? Pay attention to moments when you felt least in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Offer a prayer of confession. Pay attention to moments when you felt most in harmony with God’s vision for creation. Pray to be even more aware of and responsive to God’s presence in the days ahead. Amen.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
