I have a close friend, Kelli. She’s having a baby and we have planned a baby shower for her. You should come. We’ve got a lot of good food planned, and those silly shower games, but with great prizes. You’ll like Kelli, she’s really great, I know you’ll hit it off. And it’s a nice group of people. I think you’d really enjoy them.

Will you come? Please?

I understand if you’re busy, but I tell you what- next month we’re throwing her a birthday party! Again, great food, no silly shower games, and a truly great group of people. Don’t worry about a gift, that’s just for family, really, just come.

Will you come?

Why would I invite you to come and celebrate someone you don’t even know? Why indeed. I believe we may have the cart before the horse.

I was so encouraged by Mercy Road and their participation in Oktoberfest in Redford. They went and worked alongside people and gave and gave and gave their time to the bitter end. They got to know some folks which gave them an opportunity to tell them about God, who loves them and wants to be in relationship with them. After making this introduction, it was natural to invite them to come to the worship service this Sunday.

If you think it’s awkward or even ridiculous to invite someone to come and celebrate a person they don’t even know, try inviting someone to come and worship a God they don’t know.

Because we are talking about a relationship- “and this is eternal life, that they may know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent” john 17:3

First you introduce, then you invite.

First you know, then you worship.

Just like the cart and horse, the order is important.