This coming Sunday (12th October 2008) is our first “Reason for God” Guest Sunday, designed for us to invite our friends to church so that they might hear the gospel as we tackle issues and questions that nag them. This week, we’re attempting to answer the question: “There can’t just be one true religion, can there?”

In a recent book I was reading, the author claims that 82% percent of unchurched people are “somewhat likely” to attend church if they are invited. Now we know (according to the old Guinness TV ad) that 81% (or was it 59%) of statistics are made up on the spot, but nevertheless, if this stat is true, then it should encourage us to ask our friends to come on Sunday.

If we just ask them, how could they respond? “I’d love to!”, “Sure!”, “Maybe?”, “Not this time, thanks.” or “No!” What is the real risk here? What are we afraid of? They probably wont punch you, yell or call the police, or the men in white coats to whisk you away. They might avoid us, but Jesus tells us not to be surprised that people hate us for His name’s sake (Matt 5:11 & Mark 13:13).

This hatred shouldn’t be because you’ve been offensive in how you’ve approached or related to them, but rather, because of the offense of the gospel.

The real risk in not asking people to come on Sunday, is that we might miss those who were “somewhat likely” to attend and they don’t get a chance to hear the life-changing truth and reality of the gospel. Let’s take the plunge this week. Pray for opportunities, for open doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:2-6) and be ready to seize those opportunities to share the gospel and invite them on Sunday.

After all, they get a free lunch too!

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