Sermon Direct Link
4/18/25
Rev. Clint Smith
Hopefully, in life, we’ve all experienced the joy of being invited to a special place or occasion—perhaps a beautiful wedding or a meaningful celebration. These moments remind us of love, connection, and something greater than ourselves.
Now, imagine receiving an open invitation to the most extraordinary place of all—God’s Place: Heaven.
On this Good Friday, let’s take a moment to reflect on that invitation. It was Jesus Christ who extended it during His time on Earth:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16
Throughout the generations, Jesus has sent messengers—people willing to carry this invitation far and wide. They speak to those who would listen and believe, offering hope and eternal life (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9-10, 13).
But the way to God’s place is not easy. It’s narrow and often filled with hardship, opposition, and loneliness from a worldly point of view (Matthew 7:13-14). Culturally, it can feel like swimming upstream. The world will hate you for accepting the invitation—because it hated the One who made the way possible (John 15:18-25).
Still, those who follow Jesus are called to be faithful and courageous, continuing the mission of sharing His invitation with others (2 Timothy 2:8-13; 1 Peter 3:13-17).
As we walk this path, we must fix our eyes on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of our faith. Remember that it was through His death on the cross, on this very Good Friday, that the way to God’s place was made available to all who would trust in Him. Hebrews 12:2
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God…” —1 Peter 3:18
This Good Friday, let’s not only accept the invitation—we must carry it forward. Matthew 18:18-20