ill-give-you-all-i-can-69 lNow you are a member of the Lord's Church. 

What do you do, and where do you do it, NOW?  The primary purpose of this study is to build strong Christians who are faithful to the Lord, ACTIVE and ZEALOUS in His service. God wants no one to fall away.

This study will help you to remain steadfast and build you up in the faith.

This Series is written by Travis Mann and used here with attribution.  More material from him is available at the website "That Christian Website"

 

 

Photo credit: Brandon Christopher Warren / Foter / CC BY-NC

Introduction:

  1. Our goal in this lesson is to learn what I can do to help convert the lost.
  2. The most basic work of the church is to teach others (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16). The church can only accomplish this task as the members do the work. Apostle Paul said, "The effectual working... of each part". (Eph4:ll-16)
  3. It is good to support preachers in the full time work of proclaiming the gospel, but the church will be effective only when the individual members are actively using the opportunities they have to teach.
  4. I have opportunities to teach that no one else will have. I must be ready to make the most of those opportunities.

A.    Some reasons why I want to teach others:

  1. To be like Jesus! (Mt 10:24-25; 1 Pet 2:21; Lk 19:10)
  2. To be like the early Christians. (Acts 5:42; 8:4; Phil 1:17; 2:16)
  3. To be spiritually wise. (Pro 11:30; Mt 10:16)
  4. To meet the fearful responsibility I have been given. (Ez 3:18-19; Acts 20:26,27)
  5. To glorify God. (Jn 15:2,8)
  6. To have fellowship in the greatest work on earth. (1 Jn 1:3-4)
  7. The need is unlimited. (Jn 4:35-3 6)
    1. But, there is a shortage of faithful workers. (Mt 9:37-38) 
    2. Jesus said the "harvest is plenteous". It must be true that there are multitudes that are just waiting for someone to approach them with the Gospel of Christ.
  8. I can have fellowship in this work only to the degree that I am willing to invest my time, talent, influence and effort to this cause.
  9. Because I love the souls of those who are lost. I care about them.
    1. How does God value the soul of man? (Mt 16:26; Jn 3:16)
    2. We are indebted to Christ and to those who taught us of our need to obey Him. Our love obligates us to "Go and Teach". (Rom 1:15-16)
    3. Keep this clear: No stressing of "DUTY' and "RESPONSIBILITY' can substitute for a SINCERE INTEREST in the lost condition of others and a genuine love for their souls. 
    4. If the Gospel doesn't create within me a love for the soul of the man who stands in jeopardy of going to hell, I will never be successful in winning him to the Son of God.

B.     What can I do in this work?

  1. If I have obeyed the Gospel, I can at least tell others what I have done. I may know only a little, but I do know that much!! (Mk 5:19-20)
  2. I can study and grow in my knowledge, so I will be a more capable teacher. I may not know much right now, but I'll not stay that way! (Heb 5:12; 1 Pet 3; 15; 2 Tim 2:2)
  3. I can invite others to services where they can hear the Gospel. (Acts 10:24)
  4. I can make an effort to set up home Bible studies. I may not be capable just yet of teaching the class, but there are many others in the congregation who are. Filmstrip lessons are available that almost anyone can use.
  5. I can distribute booklets and pamphlets that will help to interest others in the Gospel.
  6. A large number of sermons are available on tape that I can play for my friends. This may build their interest to the point where they will come to services with me. I can enroll others in the Bible Correspondence Course.

Conclusion:

There are dozens of things I can do to help convert others. Let’s show the same concern for the lost as Jesus!

Introduction:

  1. It is essential every new member appreciate the relationship they have in God's family with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
  2. The relationship we sustain with our brothers and sisters carries a great responsibility. How we treat our brethren can affect the acceptability of our worship. Read these Scriptures carefully: Mt 5:23-24; 6:14-15; 25:31-46.

A.    How I am related to other Christians:

  1. All members of one family. (Gal 3:26-27; Rom 8:16-17)
  2. Jesus considered this spiritual relationship as important as physical relationships. (Lk 8:19-21)
  3. We are members of ONE body. (1 Cor 12:12-27)
  4. We are partners in a great fellowship. (Acts 2:42; 2 Cor 6:1; Phil 1:5)

B.     What do I owe my brethren?

  1. LOVE (Jn 13:34-35; 1 Jn 4:7-12, 19, 20) How much love? (Jn 15:12; 1 Jn 3:16; 1 Pet 1:22)
  2. Proper EXAMPLE and INFLUENCE. (Mt 5:13-14; Rom 14:13, 21; 1 Cor 8:9, 12, 13). To cause my brother to stumble is a sin against my brother and a sin against Christ.
  3. FORGIVENESS. (Col 3; 13; Mt 6:14-15) How often must I forgive? (Mt 18:21 -3 5)
  4. I must help bear their burdens. (Gal 6:1-2; Phil 2:4). What are some of those things we can help our brother or sister with?
    1. Physical needs - Acts 4:32-35
    2. Grief- Rom 12:15
    3. Sickness (whether physical or spiritual) - Jam 5; 14-20; Gal 6:1
    4. Discouragement - 1 Thes 5:14; Heb 12:12-13
  5. IMPARTIAL and FAIR TREATMENT. (Jam 2; 1-4; Prov 28:21)
  6. HOSPITALITY. (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:1-2; 1 Pet 4:9)

C.    My obligation to Preserve Unity among the brethren.

  1. Peace and Unity are good! (Ps 133:1; Pro 6:16-19; Eph 4:2-3; Phil 1:27)
  2. Things that destroy unity:
    1. Gossip -1 Tim 5:13; Lev 19:16fProv 11:13; 16:28
    2. Anger - Prov 16:3 2; Eph 4:26; Jam 1:19-20
    3. Self-Willed - "My way" - 1 Cor 13:5; Jam 3:17
    4. Unkind words-(Eph 4:3; Prov 15:1; 21:2

D.    God's law for settling disputes.

  1. If you hear that someone has something against you, go to that person. (Mt 5:23-24)
  2. If you have something against a brother, go to him. Note: If both brothers are seeking to do right, they will meet one another on the way! (Mt 18:15)
  3. If this fails, the matter should be taken before the church. (Mt 18:16-17)
  4. Waiting, in false pride for the other to take the first step is not God's way. (Rom 5:8; 2 Cor 5:19)

E.     Disciplinary Action Against Those Who Persist in Sin. My DUTY toward those who persist in Sin:

  1. I cannot continue to have common association with the brother or sister who refuse to repent of sin. (1 Cor 5:11)
  2. The church has a responsibility to withdraw from such a person. (2 Thes 3:6,14,15; 1 Cor 5:4-5)
  3. The only company I can have with such a man is to try to restore him to the faith. (Gal 6:1; 2 Thes 3:15)
  4. The same action is necessary in the case of the brother who persists in teaching false doctrine (which is another sin). (Rom 16:17; 2 Jn 9-11)
  5. Discipline is essential for the welfare of the individual (Method God has authorized for restoring an erring Christian) and to maintain the purity of His church. (Heb 3:11; 1 Cor 5:13)

Conclusion:

Let us follow the admonition of Heb 13:1

Introduction:

  1. Our goal in this study is to learn about God's plan for giving in the New Testament.
  2. Now that I am a Christian, I have another responsibility and wonderful privilege of helping in the financing of the Lord's work.
  3. The following outline will serve as reference to the New Testament Scriptures on this very important subject. Lets look at the facts about "Giving":

A.    "WHY" should I give?

  1. 1st because God said to do so\ \ (1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:6-7)
  2. Because all belongs to God, all good things come from Him. (1 Cor 10:26; Ps 24:1; Jam 1:17; Jn3:27; 1 Tim 6:17)
  3. Neither we, nor our possessions, are our own (1 Cor 6:19-20; 4:1-2). Because God has allowed us to have these things here, He requires good stewardship on our part and a return to Him. (Lkl6:l-2)
  4. I show my love to Jesus and desire to glorify Him. (2 Cor 8:8,24; 9:12-15)
  5. I want to "lay up" treasure in Heaven. (1 Tim 6:17-19; Acts 20:35)
  6. Because it is the ONLY means which God has ordained to supply the financial needs of His church? (1 Cor9:13-14; 16:1-2)

B.     "WHAT" should I give?

  1. I, if I do that the rest is easy! (2 Cor 8:5)
  2. My body as a "living sacrifice" (Rom 12:1-2; Phil 1:20). My Time (Eph5; 15-16) My Talents (Mt 25:14-30). My Labor (Tit 3:14). My Financial Increase (1 Cor 16:1-2)
  3. If necessary, my very life. It takes great conviction and commitment to be a Christian! (1 Jn 3:16; Acts 20:22-24; 21:13; Mt 16:25)

C.    "HOW" should I give?

  1. Regularly: "Upon the first day of the week" (1 Cor 16:1-2)
  2. Individually: "let every one of you"
  3. Systematically: "lay by him in store"
  4. Proportionally: "as God hath prospered him"
  5. Preventively: "that there be no gatherings when I come" (Principle still applies.
  6. Liberally: (2 Cor 9:6; Prov 11:24-25)
  7. Cheerfully: Without grudge (2 Cor 9:6-7)
  8. Purposefully: As you determine to give (2 Cor 9:7)
  9. Sacrificially: (2 Cor 8:1-5). Look at how Jesus feels about sacrificial giving (Lk 21:1-4).

D.    The Blessings of Liberality:

  1. We reap what we sow (Gal 6:7). Look at the OT principle of God's blessings. (Prov 3:9-10; 11:24-26, Mal 3:8-10)
  2. God makes grace to abound, so we are able to give more. Our giving lays a good foundation for the future. (2 Cor 9:8; 1 Tim 6:17-19;'2 Cor 9:6)

E.     "HOW MUCH" should a Christian Give?

  1. There is no New Testament Scripture that specifies a certain amount or percentage. In the above verses we have seen such terms as "liberality, bountifully, as prospered, purpose in the heart". We need to keep in mind that the early church was made up primarily of Christians with Jewish backgrounds.
  2. God required the Jews to give the "tithe", or ten percent. Christians are not bound to the tithe, but are told to be "liberal" in giving. Did God expect these Jewish Christians to reduce giving?
  3. Christians have far more blessings than did the Jews. Should we in our great prosperity, determine to give less? (Lk 12:48)

F.     Things the Lord's church CANNOT be involved in financially:

  1. Soliciting money from non-Christians. (1 Cor 16:1-2) "Every one of YOU"
  2. Raising money through such schemes as pie suppers, raffles, bingo, etc. God wants His work supported His Way! (2 Jn 9)
  3. Also, we cannot use the Lord's money for things He has not authorized in the New Testament.

Conclusion:

REMEMBER, giving (all phases of it) is an individual matter between the Christian and his Lord, Jesus Christ. If you apply His principles to your giving, you will please Him!

Introduction:

  1. The objective of this lesson is to emphasize the necessity of PRAYER in sustaining our relationship with God.
  2. In the Scriptures, God speaks to us, in prayer we communicate with Him.
  3. It is necessary to "learn" how to pray. It is not something you just automatically know how to do. Let us learn what the Bible teaches on Prayer. (Lk 11:1)

A.    General Thoughts on Prayer.

  1. It is important to communicate with God, making our needs known. We talk to God through prayer to tell Him of all our physical and spiritual needs. (Mt 7:7-8; Eph 6:18)
  2. It is only through prayer than Christians have their sins forgiven. (Acts 8:22)

B.     How often should I pray?

  • Prayer MUST be a regular part of my life (1 Thes 5:17; Lk 18:1; 2 Thes 1:11)

C.    Conditions of Prayer

  1. I must ask in faith. (Jam 1:5-8; Heb 11:6; Rom 14:23)
  2. I must pray with humility (Lk 18:9-14). In Jesus’ illustration, which pleased God?
  3. I need a spirit of obedience and submission. I must recognize my inadequacy and need for God. (1 Jn 5:14-15; 3:22; Jam 4:3; Rom 8:26)
  4. I MUST be forgiving of others in order to have my sins forgiven. (Mt 6:12-15; Mk 11:25)

D.    What should I say in Prayer?

  1. My prayer must be addressed to God (Mt 6:9; Acts 4:24).
  2. My prayer must express the desires of my heart (Rom 10:1).
  3. My prayer must be made with the understanding "His will be done" (Mt 6:10).

E.     Types of Prayers:

  1. Supplication: Earnestly asking God to supply our needs. (1 Tim 2:1)
    1. Physical needs - Mt 6:11
    2. Spiritual needs - Mt 6:12-13; Acts 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9; Mt 26:41
  2. Thanksgiving: Expressing our gratitude for the blessings we receive from God.
    1. For God's love, goodness, mercy, Word, etc - Eph 5:20
    2. All we have that is good comes from God - Jam 1:17
  3. Intercession: Prayer on the behalf of others.
    1. Jesus prayed for His disciples - Jn 17:7-9, 20, 21
    2. We should pray for the well-being of others - Col 1:3; Phil 1:3-5
    3. Jesus would request we pray for our enemies and the rulers of the land - Mt 5:44; 1 Tim 2:1-4

F.     My Prayer is addressed to God, but it is made by the authority of Jesus.

  1. Jesus authorized His disciples to ask in His name. (Eph 5:20; Col 3:17; Jn 14:13-14)
  2. We pray in His name because He is our Intercessor, Mediator and Advocate. (Heb 7:25; 1 Tim 2:5; Jn 2:l)

G.    It is proper to close our prayers with "Amen". Amen" simply means, "so be it" or "I agree" (Mt 6:13; 1 Cor 14:16)

H. Prayer is one of the spiritual blessings we enjoy as God's children in Jesus!!

1. What are the consequences to the man who is living in disobedience to God? (Is 59:1-2;

Prov 28:9; Jn 9:31)

2. I am able to address God as "My Father" ONLY when I have been born into His family. (Jn 8:44; Gal 3:26-27; Eph 1:3)

Conclusion:

Living in a faithful relationship to Christ, I know that God always hears and heeds my prayers. (1 Jn 3:22; Jam 5:16; 1 Pet 3:16)

 

Introduction:

  1. The purpose of this study is to show that the Lord's Supper is the central part of the Christian's worship.
  2. The Old Testament prophets pointed forward to the death of Christ, all the New Testament writings center on His death, baptism is a picture of His death. It is only reasonable that His sacrifice should play a primary role in our worship.
  3. By a proper observance of this memorial feast each week, our appreciation of His sacrifice is increased. Our purpose in life as a Christian is reemphasized and our strength to resist temptation is renewed.
  4. It is essential in getting started right that I fully understand and appreciate the Lord's Supper.

A.    It was instituted by Jesus at the Passover (Mt 26:26-28). Elements: (Mt 26:17,29)

  1. Its purpose: To remember the Lord Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-25). It is a memorial to the sacrifice of His body and the shedding of His blood.
  2. It is a proclamation of His death; a reminder of His second coming. (1 Cor 11:26)
  3. It is also a symbol of the New Covenant (I Cor 11:25). Shows that we recognize the authority of Jesus through the New Testament.
  4. As we stand at this memorial, we look three ways:
    1. Past - To His death on the cross;
    2. Present - At the covenant under which we live today, whereby we are sealed;
    3. Future - Looking for and praying for His return.
  5. We also look inwardly to our own hearts, looking at the proper manner of observation. (1 Cor 11:27-29)
  6. This Scripture tells about our state of mind as we partake.
  7. The term "Unworthy" is an adverb, modifying the verb denoting action. Therefore this word has reference to the manner in which it is to be done, not to the "worthiness" of the individual.
  8. This has reference to our coming to the Lord's table in a careless or irreverent manner, with no intention or desire to commemorate the Lord's death. BEWARE\ The consequences are extremely serious.

B.     "This do in remembrance of Me" - How often should it be done?

  1. Do we have any indication as to the frequency of observance in the early church?
  2. In Acts 2:42, the Scriptures say they "continued steadfastly" - indicates something with regularity.
  3. In Acts 20:7, why did they come together? It was to "break bread".
  4. If the practice of the church here were wrong the Bible would say so.
  5. It most certainly is right to follow the example of early Christians. Compare "first day of the week" with "remember the Sabbath" of Ex 20:8.
  6. Everyone understands what the "first day of the week" means in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
  7. Some have objected to following this Bible example on the grounds that to do it so often will destroy its solemnity. It is said, "Do it quarterly instead of weekly".
  8. What if we were to apply this same reasoning to prayer, Bible study, etc?
  9. The Lord's Supper is a privilege; it is a time of strengthening for the child of God and is gravely needed.

C.    Who should partake of the Lord's Supper?

  1. We can find out "who" should by finding out "who" did!
  2. The church at Jerusalem. Those who were baptized (Acts 2:41-42). The church at Troas, Disciples (Acts 20:7). The saints at Corinth, the "Ye" is the church (1 Cor 1:1-2; 11:20).
  3. Conclusion: Those baptized, the disciples, the members of the church should partake.
  4. It is summed up by Jesus in Luke 22:29-30. The Lord's Table is in His Kingdom. Citizens of the Kingdom then have the right to partake of this privilege. Those who belong to the Lord's Kingdom by being "born again" (Jn 3:3-5).
  5. Does this mean non-Christians may not partake? Answer: It is not designed for them.  However, at the time of the Lord's Supper we are told to examine ourselves (specifically, the Christian- 1 Cor 11:28).

Conclusion:

Lets not take this privilege lightly, consider the consequences. Let’s take great care to insure we commune with Jesus the way that would please Him. (1 Cor 10:16-17)

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