Reaching The Lost: Every Member Has A Part: Can You Invite?

1. Every Member Has a Part: Can You Invite?
   1. Luke 5:27-32
      1. What do we learn from this text?
         1. Levi was proactive and used an opportunity instead of having a private dinner party with Jesus.
         2. A meal together draws people closer to one another.
         3. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. Who are the best opportunities?
         4. We are “salt.” We must touch the lives of “sinners” for them to be saved.
      2. There are two scriptural approaches churches and individuals have used to get Bible studies: Personal & Impersonal.
         1. Impersonal approaches are where we are inviting people to “come and see.” (Invitations to attend a church worship, group Bible study or via social media),  Jesus used an “impersonal” approach when he preached the parables in Matthew 13 to thousands. He transitioned to “personal” when some came into the house and asked the meaning of the parables.
         2. Personal approaches are more private, personal studies with one or two Christians. In these studies we can directly deal with the individual needs and questions of our friend. Opportunities may be created for this invitation by developing personal relationships and friendships. Do you need any more friends? (Example of the elderly group in Oregon) 
      3. Advantages and disadvantages: 
         1. The advantage of an impersonal approach is (1) that it is easier and less intimidating to inviter and invitee to offer a group Bible study than to be more direct with an individual “one on one” study. (2) Large groups of people can be invited at once. 
         2. The advantage of a personal approach is that the teacher can gain a deeper friendship or relationship that is so helpful in bringing a person to Christ. When we read 1 Thessalonians 2, we see the deep love between Paul and the church that was developed through Paul giving his life and soul to them. 
         3. Enables “reasoning” & answering personal questions. This exhibits Paul’s teaching style: Paul “reasoned” (exchanged thought with thought) with the people he taught. As did Jesus, he often started with an impersonal approach (preaching to a synagogue group), but conversions came from the discussions from individuals who approached him after the sermon.
         4. Which approach should we use? That depends on the circumstances. Both approaches are needed. Impersonal approaches offer widespread invitations that can lead to personal studies. However, the most successful Bible studies in terms of coming to Christ, comes much easier from the personal approach.
   2. What is the best and easiest way to get an and opportunity to invite? Do you need any more friends? 

Berry Kercheville

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