Invitation: The Power of Sharing Your Faith and Jesus’ Hope

Written By Kara Veach

Life is full of invitations, but none are more transformative than the invitation to discover the life-changing hope of Jesus. Every person has a story of how they encountered God, and every believer is called to share that story. The Bible shows us that God has always been about inviting the lost to find their way to Him. But how do we step into this responsibility with courage and joy? Click the link above for the full message.

The Heart of the Gospel: From Lost to Found

The story of Jesus is a story of finding. Throughout Scripture, God reveals His deep concern for the lost. In Luke 15, Jesus shares parables of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In each story, there’s celebration when what was lost is found. “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” (Luke 15:6, NIV). These passages remind us of God’s heart: He rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.

This focus on the lost isn’t a dismissal of the found but a call to align our priorities with God’s. Are we rejoicing with Him when someone turns to Him? Are we actively participating in bringing people from darkness into light?

You Were Invited First

Every believer’s journey starts with an invitation from God. It might have come through a friend, a family member, or a random encounter, but God orchestrated it. “Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” (John 1:43, NIV). Jesus’ invitation to Philip was simple and direct, and it changed his life forever.

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Do you remember the first time you were invited to church or heard about Jesus? The feelings of uncertainty, curiosity, or even excitement? It’s easy to forget these moments once we’re immersed in our faith. But recalling them can reignite gratitude and empathy for those still searching.

Sharing Your Story: Relational Gold

When Philip encountered Jesus, his first reaction was to share it. “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law.’” (John 1:45, NIV). Philip didn’t deliver a theological dissertation; he simply shared his experience. His enthusiasm was met with skepticism—“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46, NIV)—but Philip’s response was perfect: “Come and see.”

Your story is powerful because it’s yours. It doesn’t need to be dramatic or polished. People relate to authenticity and vulnerability, not perfection. Share how Jesus met you in your struggles, doubts, or brokenness. Your story isn’t about showcasing your achievements; it’s about highlighting God’s faithfulness.

Examples from Scripture:

  • Paul: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became one of the greatest apostles. His transformation from “Saul” to “Paul” is a testament to God’s redemptive power. You can read about it in Acts 9:1-31.

  • Moses: An orphan and murderer, Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. You can follow Moses’ story in Exodus 2 and 3

  • Mary Magdalene: From demon-possessed to one of Jesus’ most devoted followers, she was the first to witness His resurrection. Mary’s story is highlighted in Luke 8:1-3 and John 20:1-18.

These stories remind us that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plan.

Invitation is Simple, But It Requires Action

Inviting others to church or to know Jesus doesn’t have to be complicated. Philip’s words, “Come and see,” are a perfect model. Sometimes, we overthink it, worrying about how the invitation will be received. But our job isn’t to guarantee a yes—it’s to extend the invitation.

Think of someone in your life who might benefit from an invitation to experience hope. Maybe they’ve expressed struggles, or perhaps you’ve noticed they’re searching for meaning. Extend the invitation, not with pressure but with genuine care.

Practical Steps:

1. Share your story. Start by talking about how Jesus has changed your life.

2. Be persistent but kind. Relationships take time, and so does trust.

3. Rely on God to do the saving. Your role is to invite; His role is to transform.

From Resistance to Acceptance

Not everyone will respond positively to an invitation right away. Nathanael’s initial skepticism is relatable: “Can anything good come from there?” But Philip didn’t argue or try to convince him. He simply invited him to see for himself.

Sometimes, people resist because they’ve been hurt, misunderstood, or disappointed by religion or life itself. In these moments, persistence, kindness, and prayer make all the difference. Your faith in action might be the bridge they need.

Faith Over Fear: Why the Invitation Matters

Inviting someone to church or sharing your faith is an act of faith. You can’t control the outcome, but you can trust God with the process. Jesus reminded Nathanael that he would see “greater things” (John 1:50, NIV) ahead. In the same way, your small step of faith in inviting someone can lead to miraculous outcomes you may never witness but can trust God to fulfill.

Curbing Expectations

Not everyone will respond immediately. Some seeds take time to grow. Keep inviting, keep loving, and keep praying. Your persistence could lead someone to an eternal change.

What Are You Waiting For?

The world is full of invitations to lesser things. As believers, we have the privilege of inviting people to life-changing hope and joy. Let’s not allow fear or doubt to hold us back. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, extend the invitation. Tell them to “come and see” what God is doing.

Further Reading

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Kara Veach
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