Memorial Day 2026 | Don't Take The First No As the Final Answer | Andy Stanley

Main message: Don't accept someone's first "no" as the final answer when inviting them toward Jesus — persist graciously because outcomes belong to God and repeated, personal invitations can open the one opportunity that changes a life. The sermon uses biblical example (Paul before Agrippa) and real-life stories to encourage bold, loving persistence.

Key points:

• Personal invitations matter — be willing to invite people to read, watch, talk, or "come sit with you" rather than assuming their response.
• Don't answer for others or project your assumptions; honor them by letting them decide for themselves.
• Outcomes belong to God, not to us; we should speak the truth without over-editing it based on expected responses.
• Biblical example: Paul in Acts (before Festus, Agrippa, Bernice) boldly presented the gospel even though it likely wouldn’t convert that audience immediately.
• Practical encouragement: be stubborn in love — follow up after a first no (use simple reminders like the suggested card with checkboxes) because persistent, gracious invitations often lead to people coming to faith.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts 25, Acts 26