Invite People to Christ
Invitation is at the heart of the Christian tradition. Jesus’ first disciples felt the call to share the “good news” (gospel) of the living Christ and to invite people into the intentional, sacred communities they established. “Christ” (christos), the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “messiah” (māšîaḥ), is not a name. Originally, it was a title that meant “anointed one,” and referred to the ancient Israelite practice of anointing their priests and kings, setting them apart as sacred. Early Christians used the word to affirm their belief that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the son of God.
But the word also means much more. Jesus taught that when we feed the hungry, clothe the stranger, look after the sick, and free the prisoner, we are also doing those things to Christ. He taught, “just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). In the same way, when we take on Christ’s name as Christians, and when we commit to furthering Christ’s mission, we become the living body of Christ together in the world.
Inviting people to Christ is invitation into intentional, sacred community that is committed to mission. This mission initiative includes inviting friends, neighbours, and strangers to share in missional activities. It includes welcoming everyone into our congregations and in developing new expressions of sacred community. It may lead to individuals feeling the call to formally join the community through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Or it may inspire others to journey for a time with us together in mission before following their own path. All are welcome at Christ’s table.
But the word also means much more. Jesus taught that when we feed the hungry, clothe the stranger, look after the sick, and free the prisoner, we are also doing those things to Christ. He taught, “just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). In the same way, when we take on Christ’s name as Christians, and when we commit to furthering Christ’s mission, we become the living body of Christ together in the world.
Inviting people to Christ is invitation into intentional, sacred community that is committed to mission. This mission initiative includes inviting friends, neighbours, and strangers to share in missional activities. It includes welcoming everyone into our congregations and in developing new expressions of sacred community. It may lead to individuals feeling the call to formally join the community through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Or it may inspire others to journey for a time with us together in mission before following their own path. All are welcome at Christ’s table.
Invite People to Christ
is mentioned in the following testimonies:
is mentioned in the following testimonies:
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