It’s His Party

Text: Philippians 2:5-11

• (Additional reference) Revelation 5:9-14

In its essence, at the heart of it, being a Christian is a celebration of a phenomenally generous, shockingly selfless Friend. This present time is a prelude to a party in His honor, to be held in a venue that is out of this world and will last forever. The banner over the door of this celebration reads, “Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, Risen from the dead!” Everyone is invited, but an RSVP is required. Your name must appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Main Idea: It’s the Lord’s party and our job is to help pass out the invitations.

What are some incentives for being involved in “passing out invitations.”

First, Self-Care. one of the ways to mitigate anxiety and stress over daily matters is to focus on the bigger picture. As LaVern said in Bible study. My life is not all about me.

Second, Fellowship Opportunity. When it comes to deepening our relationship with the Lord, this is an asset. It’s what He’s up to. It’s a fellowship opportunity.

Third, Our Own Style God has given each of us a special way to do that in our words, our deeds, through our prayers and service and other Spirit-generated effects as we cultivate our relationship with Him.

My appointment with a vibrant Christian who is a former atheist. She received an invitation – and she accepted.

Katia Conrad Krafft and her husband Maurice Krafft, who were French volcanologists and filmmakers. Their film and photos were simply astonishing but their lack of faith in God was sad. They were fascinated by the volcanoes but disconnected from the Creator of them.

• He is the supreme and eternal Source of everything good and wonderful.
• He is the life from which all of life’s joys and wonders emanate.
• I hope someone got an invitation to them before they died.

Right in the chaos of present world conditions a divine plan is being executed with precision as God does His work. Jesus is still holding true to His words, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
• He is building His church through the members of His church. Through us as we pass out invitations.

It is probably our default position to think that one day, sooner or later we’re all going to have to die, but that is not necessarily how this life will end for us.

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
• And just like that we’ll be on our way to join the multitudes referred to in Revelation 5.

It’s His party. And it’s our job to help pass out the invitations. We don’t know when the party is going to begin. Look to Him for opportunities this week. You may be surprised by what He does.