One Invitation Can Change Everything
By Pastor Ellis White
Senior Pastor
I was working on a project recently. Honestly, I could have finished it faster on my own. But I saw an opportunity to spend time with my son, so I invited him to help. We worked side by side. It took longer. I had to undo a few things he did. But it brought me immense joy—not because of the efficiency, but because we were doing it together.
That moment made me think about how our Father in heaven works. He doesn’t need our help. He could accomplish his purposes far more efficiently without us. And yet—he chooses to include us.
I’ve been reading through Bible in One Year this year, and this week I came across John 1:35–42. (If you’re looking for a way to get into Scripture daily, check out bible.alpha.org—especially after Pastor Rachel’s encouragement last Sunday.) In this passage, Peter meets Jesus for the first time. Peter, who would go on to be a pillar of the early church, one of the most influential Christians who ever lived. And how did it all start? His brother Andrew brought him.
That’s it. No sermon. No miracle. Just an invitation.
God could have found Peter any way he wanted. But he chose to use Andrew. Just like I invited my son into my project—not because I needed him, but because I wanted to be with him—God invites us into his mission, not because he needs us, but because he loves us.
God still works this way. He still uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things—often beginning with a simple invitation.
That’s why I want to encourage you to be like Andrew. Invite someone to “ever wonder?”, our upcoming experience designed to help people explore life’s biggest questions. You can find all the details at www.gigharboralpha.com.
You never know how God might use that invitation.
One last reminder—we have one combined service tomorrow at 10:00 am as we celebrate baptisms together. It’s going to be a powerful morning of worship, celebration, and new beginnings.
Let’s be people who say yes when God invites us into his work. And let’s be people who invite others to come and see.
Pastor Ellis