The Invitation
Monday, September 06, 2010 | Tony Nolan
My heart pounded as I stood before the diverse crowd at Oak Leaf Church. They had been tracking with me during my message and I was sensing that God’s truth was finding good soil. For 30 minutes they laughed, clapped and cried throughout my message. Preacher and Audience were connecting and flowing with the Spirit toward the hope of a fresh encounter with Jesus. I was now at the the end of my message and about to extended an opportunity for each heart to take God up on His invitation for salvation. I exhorted them to respond to Christ’s finished work on the cross and to let the love of God and his amazing grace swallow them up!
After leading them in a time of “calling on the name of the Lord and confessing with their mouth the Lord Jesus” I paused. The thunder I heard was actually the sound of my heart beating wildly within my chest. I get crazy nervous at this moment each time I preach. Its all on the line. Will anybody move? Will God’s invitation be snubbed at and rejected? An intense war of thoughts began to rage within my mind. Satan in a last ditch effort was unleashing an all out assault to stop any person from escaping Hell.
As I stood before the congregation I sensed the warfare so I shouted a prayer out loud, “In the name of Jesus, in the name of Jesus, demons have to flee in the name of Jesus!” At once Satan saturated the room with his absence! And in the same instance peace, joy and freedom began to flow like a cool morning mist along the hearts of each person in the crowd. Passionately I encouraged them, “If you called on the name of the Lord and you really meant it, then leave your seats and confess Christ publicly.” Suddenly I found myself losing my breath. I gasped as a great number of hurting broken sinners stepped out of their seats and walked toward the front of the room. Satan loses and God wins! Joy!!
I begin to weep and laugh at the same time and those who have come to Christ are doing the same! Its an amazing site to watch people cry while they are smiling. Tears that were held hostage for years by pride and fear are now dancing freely down the cheeks of the forgiven! I’m dizzy, caught up in frenzy of God restoring and renewing the hurting. This is God building His Church and the gates of Hell will never prevail against it!
Comments (11)
Sep 06, 2010
Wow….I’m blown away.. Praise Jesus Christ!!!
It reminds me of Matt. 8:28-34, the story about the demon-possessed men. In those days (and now for that matter) so many people were questioning whether or not Jesus was the Son of God, but the demons, who had possessed the two men, they knew who they were dealing with. They KNEW it was Jesus, the Son of God - and they KNEW that they had absolutely NO POWER over Him. They were afraid of Him. Very afraid. They begged Jesus to send them into the herd of pigs nearby. And so He did.
Satan lost and God won!!
I’m praying for you and your ministry…God is working wonders through you…without a doubt. And even if Satan tries to stop you (which he will), he’s gonna lose. GOD IS BY FAR THE STRONGEST!!
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2.Thess.3:3
Blessings…
Sep 06, 2010
Beautiful.
Jesus wins and captives are set free
Sep 06, 2010
Tony-
You have no idea how much your words, your presence, and your encouragement mean to me. Love you, Man.
Blessings,
Sarah
Sep 06, 2010
That’s really awesome Tony very inspiring
Sep 06, 2010
Tony, as a follower and believer in Jesus christ, I never feel that just because you have prayed this prayer a thousand times that you can’t pray it and proclaim it again and again and just as you stated, you have to be strong in Proclamation of your love of the lord, no hesitation, be present and lead others in the walk, be proud to announce it to the world that Jesus reins in and is the “Painter” in your life. So, I too was one of the ones to walk to the stage Sunday at Oak Leaf church. You see I am a member at Oak Leaf and have witnessed God working in our community and changing people’s lives. What you also may or may not have noticed during your alter calling was another orchestration by God. You see one of our “tween” Oak Leaf Church members had also come to the front of the stage w/ her mother. And during your prayer of proclaiming demons to flee, this young girl began to pass out. How convienent that God in his amazing works planted myself and another church member (We are both on the church’s medical emergency team as we are RN’s)directly behind this child. We both caught her laid her to the ground. It was an anxious and overwhelming moment not “knowing ” the cause of collapse. But through gods orchestration and the quick response of our staff we were able to tend to this child who was apparently overwhelmed in the “experience” as well as developing a low blood sugar. I am happy to report after medical care and some of our members immediatley laying hands of healing, this child got up and walked out of the service with her mother!! God at work my friend!!! I just wanted to share the story that you may not have gotten the chance to hear/see, but were a part of!! Thank you for sharing your story and being a member of God’s Army!! D.Mackey-Oak Leaf Church Memeber, Cartersville/Canton, Georgia
Sep 06, 2010
What a powerful story and example of how amazing God is. I will echo the “Thank you for all you do” as I’m sure so many have said. Your following the vision, passion and heart of God shows. It is hard to fathom the extent to which Satan will go to try and keep even one soul from reaching a destiny in Heaven. But, thank you for standing in the gap for those yet to know Him. Powerful story right there. Thank you again for sharing. In Him, we have the victory!!
Sep 06, 2010
Its so awesome to be able to not only call you “friend” but to walk along this journey with you in ministry and see how God is using you. I celebrate with you today!
—Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
Sep 06, 2010
I was right there with you, except I was in the back of the room with tears running down my face rejoicing as the hurting and lost came forward. What a God we serve. I am privileged to serve alongside of you and the wonderful people of Oak Leaf Church. God has blessed you and I continue to pray for you and your family.
Sep 07, 2010
My heart was pounding too as the man standing next to me was repeating your prayer! How many times do we get to experience another person’s life changing decision? It was a pleasure to meet you and hear your amazing testimony this weekend. You are a wonderful witness that God can use each and every one of us regardless of our past.
I have started your book and can sense your burning desire to reach those who are drowning in pain. I am inspired by your challenge and can’t wait to share your vision with my small group.
Sep 08, 2010
Sounds like God is using you in a mighty way! But of course everything about God is mighty~!Pray for my16 yr.old daughter who is away from us, We miss her and she misses us! Thank-You!
Sep 09, 2010
THATS AMAZING! I LOVE IT! I was reading this, and oh my gosh, I almost sarted crying! WOW! THATS JUST SO AMAZING! The GREATEST Mircale is when someone gives their Life to Jesus! I don’t care if its 1,000 people or if its just 1 person, its ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL when the Lost are Found, and when the Light flurishes in the darkness! WE HAVE THE BEST DAD AND BROTHER IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Satan has nothing on us! Keep it up Tony! God Bless!