Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of inviting holds significant theological and practical implications. It encompasses God's invitation to humanity for salvation, the call to fellowship within the Christian community, and the personal responsibility of believers to extend invitations to others.Divine Invitation The Bible frequently portrays God as extending an invitation to humanity to enter into a relationship with Him. This invitation is rooted in His love and desire for all people to be saved. In Isaiah 55:1, God calls out, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy and eat!" . This passage illustrates God's open invitation to partake in His blessings without cost, symbolizing the free gift of salvation. Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate divine invitation. In Matthew 11:28, He invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" . This invitation is not only to find rest but also to enter into a transformative relationship with Him. The parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:16-24 further emphasizes God's invitation to all, regardless of social status or background, to partake in His kingdom. Invitation to Fellowship The New Testament underscores the importance of inviting others into fellowship within the body of Christ. The early church exemplified this practice, as seen in Acts 2:46-47: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people" . This passage highlights the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are encouraged to invite others into their homes and lives. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the role of invitation in building up the church. In Romans 15:7, he writes, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God" . This acceptance involves inviting others into fellowship, reflecting the inclusive nature of the gospel. Believers' Responsibility Believers are called to extend God's invitation to others, sharing the message of salvation and inviting them into a relationship with Christ. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" . This directive underscores the responsibility of Christians to invite others to follow Christ. Furthermore, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to be prepared to invite others to understand their faith: "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). This readiness involves inviting others to explore the hope found in Christ. Conclusion The theme of inviting in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing God's invitation to salvation, the call to Christian fellowship, and the believer's role in extending this invitation to others. Through these invitations, the Bible reveals God's heart for relationship and community, urging believers to actively participate in His redemptive work. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Invite.2. (a.) Alluring; tempting; as, an inviting amusement or prospect. Library Christ Inviting, and the Church Answering the Invitation, Cant. 2 ... Christ Inviting, and the Church Answering the Invitation. Ss 2:14 ... The Emperor Prepared a Public Table for the Synod, after Inviting ... But, My Opponents Ask, if Christ came as the Saviour of Men... Introduction. The Builders Christ's Advice to Invite the Poor in Accordance with Isaiah the ... Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. The Children and the Dogs The Lessons of a Feast Thesaurus Inviting (2 Occurrences)... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Invite. 2. (a.) Alluring; tempting; as, an inviting amusement or prospect. Multi-Version Concordance Inviting (2 Occurrences). ... /i/inviting.htm - 7k Invoke (13 Occurrences) Kingship (17 Occurrences) Love (703 Occurrences) Leaven (24 Occurrences) Imploring (8 Occurrences) Invitation (4 Occurrences) Invites (7 Occurrences) Calling (145 Occurrences) Curious (18 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dowsing? | GotQuestions.org Why is “accepting Christ” mentioned in evangelism when it is not in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Inviting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Inviting (2 Occurrences)1 Thessalonians 2:12 2 Chronicles 30:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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