The Importance of the Invitation

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of the Invitation to Respond

The invitation is the most important moment in worship, where every person who hears the word of God is given the opportunity to respond—whether for the first time or to renew their connection with God. It is not just a ritual or a time to slip out early, but a sacred moment where hearts are pricked and lives can be changed. When the word truly penetrates, it demands a response, challenging us to examine our relationship with God and to step forward in faith, regardless of who is watching or how long it takes. The invitation is for all who are moved by the Spirit, calling us to act on what we have heard and to draw closer to the Lord. [40:47]

Acts 2:37-41 (KJV)
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Reflection: When you hear the word of God, what is your honest response—do you allow it to move you, or do you treat it as just another part of the service? How can you make the invitation a sacred moment in your own heart this week?

Day 2: The Word of God Brings Conviction and Change

Hearing the word of God is more than just listening to a sermon; it is about allowing the message to penetrate your heart and bring about real transformation. The Holy Spirit works through the word to convict us—not to make us comfortable, but to challenge us, correct us, and call us to repentance. True hearing leads to action, and the word should never leave us unchanged. Instead of seeking only messages that make us feel good, we are called to embrace the word that rebukes, corrects, and trains us in righteousness, so that we can grow in our walk with God. [52:27]

James 1:22-25 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Reflection: What is one area where you have been convicted by God’s word but have not yet acted? What step can you take today to move from hearing to doing?

Day 3: Repentance Is a Continual Turning Back to God

Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of turning away from sin and turning back to God. It is more than just feeling sorry for being caught; it is an intentional desire to walk in the glory that God has for you. Even after salvation, we all have areas where we fall short and need to repent. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist temptation and to turn around, even when our flesh wants to go the other way. God’s grace and mercy often put barriers in our path to keep us from falling, reminding us that repentance is a daily part of the Christian life. [01:02:25]

Luke 15:17-24 (ESV)
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or habit you need to turn away from today? What would it look like for you to intentionally turn back to God in that area right now?

Day 4: Baptism and the Outward Expression of an Inward Change

Baptism is not just a ritual or a requirement for salvation, but an outward expression of the inward work that God has done in your life. It symbolizes dying to the old self and rising as a new creation in Christ. Baptism is a public declaration that you have received the Holy Spirit and want to identify with Jesus. Even Jesus, who was perfect, was baptized to set an example for us. When you are baptized, you are telling the world that you belong to Christ and that there has been a real change in your heart. [01:06:30]

Romans 6:3-5 (ESV)
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your daily life reflect the new creation you are in Christ? If you have not, what is holding you back from making this public declaration of faith?

Day 5: The Gift and Presence of the Holy Spirit

Receiving the Holy Spirit is the mark of true salvation and the source of power, comfort, and guidance in the believer’s life. The Holy Spirit is not just an emotional experience but the very presence of God with you every day, sealing you as God’s own and guaranteeing your inheritance. The Spirit walks with you, talks with you, protects you, and reminds you that you are never alone. When you gladly receive the word of God, the Holy Spirit fills your life, giving you strength to face each day and assurance that you belong to Christ. [01:14:29]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit this week? How can you become more aware of and responsive to the Spirit’s leading in your daily walk?

Sermon Summary

The invitation to respond to God is the most significant moment in our gathering. It is not just a ritual or a time to transition out of service, but the very heart of our encounter with God. In Acts 2, after Peter preached with boldness and clarity about Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection—the people were deeply moved and asked, “What shall we do?” This question is the natural response when the Word of God truly penetrates our hearts. It is not enough to simply hear the Word; we must allow it to challenge, convict, and transform us.

True hearing is more than listening to words; it is letting the message take root in our hearts, prompting us to action. Too often, we want the Word to affirm us or make us feel good, but the Word is also meant to correct, rebuke, and train us in righteousness. We must not shy away from conviction, for it is the Holy Spirit working through the Word to draw us closer to God. Conviction is not condemnation—it is an invitation to repentance and restoration.

Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning away from sin and turning back to God. It is not merely feeling sorry for being caught, but an intentional desire to walk in the newness of life that God offers. Baptism, then, is the outward expression of this inward transformation—a public declaration that we have died to our old selves and risen anew in Christ. While baptism does not save us, it is a powerful testimony of the work God has done in our hearts.

Receiving the Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation, the assurance that we belong to God. The Spirit is not just an emotional experience but the abiding presence of God in our lives, guiding, comforting, and empowering us daily. When we respond to God’s invitation—whether for the first time or as a recommitment—we receive the gift of the Spirit, who marks us as God’s own and enables us to live out our faith.

God’s invitation is always open. No matter our past, our failures, or our burdens, He stands with open arms, ready to welcome us home. The invitation is not just for the lost, but for all who hear the Word and are moved to respond. Let us not take this moment lightly, but come to Him with all that we are, trusting that He will receive us, restore us, and fill us with His Spirit.

---

Key Takeaways

1. The Invitation Demands a Response When the Word of God is truly heard, it stirs something deep within us that calls for a response. Whether it is a first-time commitment or a renewed surrender, the invitation is not a passive moment but a divine opportunity to step into a deeper relationship with God. Ignoring this moment is to miss the very purpose of our gathering: to encounter and respond to the living God. [41:27]
2. Conviction is a Gift, Not a Curse Conviction by the Holy Spirit is not meant to shame or condemn us, but to lovingly draw us back to God. It exposes our need for grace and invites us to repentance, which is the pathway to healing and transformation. Rather than resisting conviction, we should welcome it as evidence of God’s active work in our lives. [56:06]
3. Repentance is a Continual Journey Repentance is not a one-time act reserved for the moment of salvation, but a daily turning away from sin and returning to God. It is an honest acknowledgment of our ongoing need for grace and a willingness to be changed. True repentance is marked by a desire to walk in God’s ways, not just regret over our failures. [61:00]
4. Baptism is an Outward Sign of an Inward Change Baptism does not complete our salvation, but it is a public declaration of the transformation that has already taken place within us. It symbolizes dying to our old selves and rising to new life in Christ, serving as a testimony to the world of God’s saving power. Even Jesus, though sinless, was baptized to identify with us and set an example of obedience. [66:30]
5. The Holy Spirit is the Seal and Sustainer of Our Faith Receiving the Holy Spirit is the mark of true salvation, assuring us that we belong to God. The Spirit is not just an emotional experience but the abiding presence of God, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live out our faith. With the Spirit, we are never alone—He walks with us, protects us, and guarantees our inheritance in Christ. [74:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:00] - Don’t Let the Enemy Ride
[36:18] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
[38:24] - The Purpose of Worship
[39:18] - Scripture Reading: Acts 2
[40:47] - The Importance of the Invitation
[41:27] - Responding to God’s Word
[43:25] - The Pentecost Context
[45:10] - Peter’s Message and Its Impact
[47:01] - The Request of the People
[49:58] - The Power of Hearing and the Holy Spirit
[52:03] - The Transforming Power of the Word
[54:08] - The Word as Correction and Encouragement
[56:06] - The Work of Conviction
[57:39] - The Response: Repentance and Baptism
[61:00] - Repentance Explained
[66:30] - Baptism: Outward and Inward Change
[70:16] - Receiving the Holy Spirit
[74:29] - The Spirit as the Seal of Salvation
[80:32] - God’s Open Invitation
[82:14] - The Father’s Welcome and Closing Celebration

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 2:37-41 (ESV) — 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 2:37, what was the immediate reaction of the people after hearing Peter’s message?
What specific instructions did Peter give in response to the question, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:38)
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the real purpose of the invitation at the end of the service? [[41:27]]
What does the passage say happened to those who “gladly received his word”? (Acts 2:41)

Interpretation Questions

Why does the pastor emphasize that conviction is a gift and not a curse? How does this change the way we view moments when we feel challenged or uncomfortable by God’s Word? [[56:06]]
The sermon says repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual journey. What does it look like to live a life of ongoing repentance? [[01:01:00]]
How does baptism serve as both an outward and inward sign of transformation, according to the sermon? [[01:06:30]]
The pastor describes the Holy Spirit as the “seal and sustainer” of our faith. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be a seal, and how does that give us assurance in our daily lives? [[01:14:29]]

Application Questions

The people in Acts 2 were “cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?” When was the last time you felt truly moved or convicted by God’s Word? What did you do in response? [[47:13]]
The pastor said that sometimes we want the Word to make us feel good, but it’s also meant to correct and train us. Are there areas in your life where you tend to avoid conviction or correction? What would it look like to welcome God’s correction this week? [[54:08]]
Repentance is described as a continual turning away from sin and turning back to God. Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to repent and change direction? What practical step can you take this week? [[01:01:00]]
Baptism is a public declaration of an inward change. If you have been baptized, how does your life reflect the newness you declared? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? [[01:06:30]]
The Holy Spirit is described as God’s presence guiding, comforting, and empowering us. Can you think of a recent time when you sensed the Holy Spirit’s guidance or comfort? How did you respond? [[01:14:29]]
The invitation to respond to God is always open, no matter our past or failures. Is there something from your past that makes it hard for you to believe God welcomes you? How can you bring that to Him today? [[01:20:37]]
The pastor said the invitation is not just for the lost, but for all who hear the Word and are moved to respond. What is one way you can make responding to God a regular part of your life, not just a one-time event? [[41:27]]

Sermon Clips

You cannot be in a relationship with the Lord if you have not received the Holy Spirit who is the ambassador of God. When you gladly receive the word of God, the Holy Spirit will descend on your life and let you know that you are not walking by yourself.

The Holy Spirit is not the charismatic display of being overtaken by emotion that we experience sometimes in the worship service... but is that that the presence of the Lord is now with you in your life.

We're living in a time where it seems like you want to just be morally right. But when I come to worship, I come to give. And I come to receive that that God has for me. And I just think our lives would be the better if worship is a priority rather than a burden. [00:38:40]

The invitation is the climactic point of the service where those who have heard the word have an opportunity to establish or reestablish or connect with God and his church. It's sad to say that many of us have gotten laxed in the invitation because of the emphasis of the invitation. [00:41:17]

Can I tell you, the invitation is not just for new converts, but it's for anyone who hears the word of God and is moved to a response. When you hear the word, there ought to be a response, either internally or externally, based on the word that has pricked your heart. [00:42:44]

If there's no response and you got to challenge yourself, were you really listening when the word of God was being preached? [00:43:17]

There's a difference between listening and hearing. I can hear the audible sounds, but is the word penetrating and manifesting itself in my heart and my mind? [00:47:50]

Some of us, when it comes to worship, we want to be entertained with music, but when it comes to the word of God, we want to ask the question, do I really need to hear? Can I tell you, if it wasn't for the word, I wouldn't be where I am right now. [00:51:26]

It was the word that let me know that there's hope for my situation. It was the word that let me know that what I'm going through in this life is not the end all, but there is a better day coming. [00:52:06]

When you hear the message, you ought not leave the same way you came. When you hear the message, you ought not leave without being challenged in order to do better as it relates to your relationship in the kingdom of God. [00:52:41]

Where the problem is with many of us is that we don't position ourselves to let the word change us for the better. We want the word to justify what we want. [00:52:59]

We need to run to not only encourage us, but to rebuke us, to correct us, to train us in righteousness. We ought not just want to hear the sermons that make us look good, but give us a word that helps me to understand where my flaws, my failures, and my fatalities may be. [00:54:47]

Don't get too judgmental on the Jews, because we too are the reason that Christ was crucified. The reason why he died on the cross so that we might live, we might be able to get past the sins that we have committed and so Christ died for us and Peter said we are the reason that Jesus Christ was crucified. [00:55:24]

The Holy Spirit is not here to make us comfortable but is here to convict us. Now we become so offensive when it comes to the word of God. We don't have a problem calling out everybody else's sins but we don't want the word to call out somebody else's flaws. [00:56:35]

Conviction should move our hearts toward God and repentance for our wrongdoings. [00:57:24]

The what shall I do is a perfect position for a positive promotion. By asking what shall I do there is the acknowledgement that there is a need that must be filled. Shame on you if you come in perfect and you act like there's nothing that you can grow in. [00:58:43]

Repentance don't just come one time. When you repent and come and give your life that doesn't mean you never have anything else to repent. Is there any repeat offenders in the house? Is there any repeat sinners in the house to be told that some of us need to stay on the morning bench? [01:00:54]

Repentance is a turning away from and a turning back to. Repentance is I know what I'm doing is wrong but I want to turn around and I want to go back to where God made me for and to get back to being who I am. Repentance is not a sorry I got caught but a repentance is an intentional desire to not walk in sin but to walk in the glory that God has for me. [01:02:28]

If you've ever accepted the Holy Spirit in your life the Holy Spirit told you what you're about to do but the flesh said Lord forgive me for what I'm about do. If you can make that statement then you got the power to turn around. [01:04:16]

It wasn't because you've been so good that you didn't fall into temptation but it was because of his grace, his mercy, his love towards you that he stopped you from being you. [01:05:40]

Baptism is this outward expression of the inward work of the spirit in my life and the path to the Christian life is the receipt of the Holy Spirit and so repentance leads to baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the spirit. [01:08:34]

If you are truly saved then you have the Holy Spirit that walks with you, that talks with you, that protects you day by day. It wasn't your alarm clock that woke you up this morning but it was the Holy Spirit that touched you and said here is a brand new day. [01:15:21]

Just come with open arms. Just come with all your issues. Just come with all of your burdens. Just come with all of your hurts, all of your pain. And when you come, he'll be like the prodigal son father. He'll run to you, put his arms around you, and say welcome home. My child, thank you, Lord, for the invitation. [01:22:14]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the significance of the invitation in worship?

How does repentance lead to receiving the Holy Spirit?

Why is baptism an outward sign of inward change?