In preaching circles we call them Altar Calls. It's that point at the end of the sermon when the preacher or evangelist challenges you to respond in some way to what God has said through the message. It is a challenge to change, obey, sacrifice or even just change your POV (point of view). The source of the challenge isn't the pastor or preacher but from the Holy Spirit. That person whom you invited into your life when you asked Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He is the one who speaks to us, challenging us to become more like Him.
Sometimes when pastors give a spiritual challenge, someone takes it personally. "How could he ask us to do that?", "Doesn't he know what we are going through?", "This isn't fair!" Believe me I understand. I've been on the receiving end of as many spiritual challenges as I have had the privilege of giving. But I would like to purpose something here.
Everyday is an altar call. Everyday is a spiritual challenge. Everyday you go out into the world and the Holy Spirit challenges you to do something, change something, respond to something that He is pointing out. Now rarely do I get a phone call from someone saying, "Do you know what the Holy Spirit asked me to do today?" But I know that I cannot be the only person on the planet that drives down the road, or sits in their car, or goes shopping at Wal-Mart and doesn't hear the Holy Spirit say, "Pray for that person.", "Bless that person.", "Pay for their lunch." etc. and so on.
So this past Sunday when I challenged us to do 4 things
1. Pray everyday for this church, it's needs and it's leadership.
2. To fast one day a week. (I will be blogging on this later today or tomorrow)
3. Bring an unsaved person to church each Sunday during the month of September and
4. tithe during the month of September.
I knew it was going to be a challenge - maybe even a stretch for some. But it's a challenge. Remember, it would be better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all.
Sometimes when pastors give a spiritual challenge, someone takes it personally. "How could he ask us to do that?", "Doesn't he know what we are going through?", "This isn't fair!" Believe me I understand. I've been on the receiving end of as many spiritual challenges as I have had the privilege of giving. But I would like to purpose something here.
Everyday is an altar call. Everyday is a spiritual challenge. Everyday you go out into the world and the Holy Spirit challenges you to do something, change something, respond to something that He is pointing out. Now rarely do I get a phone call from someone saying, "Do you know what the Holy Spirit asked me to do today?" But I know that I cannot be the only person on the planet that drives down the road, or sits in their car, or goes shopping at Wal-Mart and doesn't hear the Holy Spirit say, "Pray for that person.", "Bless that person.", "Pay for their lunch." etc. and so on.
So this past Sunday when I challenged us to do 4 things
1. Pray everyday for this church, it's needs and it's leadership.
2. To fast one day a week. (I will be blogging on this later today or tomorrow)
3. Bring an unsaved person to church each Sunday during the month of September and
4. tithe during the month of September.
I knew it was going to be a challenge - maybe even a stretch for some. But it's a challenge. Remember, it would be better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all.
Comments