Visitation of negligent church members.
I.
Reasons why some members have fallen by the wayside.
1.
There are many and varied reasons why some members of the local church are not faithful in attendance.
Whatever reason is given, the bottom line is that they have not grown into spiritual maturity.
2. .
They may not have had proper teaching or training.
They may not have been encouraged by others. They may not have felt a part of the whole. They may not have felt wanted or needed.
3.
Every member must be made to feel they are a vital part of the body.
They are to be made aware they are important to the outreach of the church. Every member of the local church is as important as any other member within the church.
II.
Key points to remember when visiting members who are unfaithful to the church.
1.
Negatives to remember.
A.
Do not go with a super spiritual attitude.
B.
Do not go alone.
C.
Do not be diverted into speaking badly of the church, the pastor or any member of the church.
D.
Do not get into a discussion of what is wrong with the church.
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E.
Do not argue.
F.
Do not condemn.
G.
Do not condone their negligence.
2.
Positives to remember.
A.
Before visiting pray fervently for wisdom and the words to say.
B.
Always visit with one other person. Never go alone!
C.
Be prepared. Have specific scriptures in mind for discussion.
D.
Be loving, yet firm, in your appeal to the backslidden member.
E.
Lead the discussion. Learn the positives and benefits of faithful church attendance and be able to present them without wavering.
F.
Have the purpose for the visit well in mind before going on visitation.
G.
Be positive in your approach. Be straight forward and honest in your effort to reclaim the backslidden church member.
H.
Be courteous. You will be visiting in the members home and will be representing the LORD and the church.
I.
Be sympathetic for no doubt you too have been negligent yourself in the area of church attendance.
J.
Be prayerful. Pray before leaving to go on visitation. Pray upon arriving outside the home. Pray when you begin the visit inside the home. If there is something difficult the Lord leads you to say, pray again that you may have the wisdom to speak the Lord’s words and that you may speak them in love. You CAN NOT pray too much or too often.
K.
Point out that the body (The Church) cannot function properly if all the members of the body are not carrying out Page 12 of 61
their respective functions within the body. A body without hands, feet, arms and legs would for all practical purposes be a body that merely exist and unable to function as a whole complete body.
L.
Always brag on the church, pastor and members.
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Benefits of regular and faithful church attendance.
I.
Benefits missed by negligent church members.
1.
Church attendance has the benefit of obedience to God’s will and
command.
Hebrews 10:25-27
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
2.
Church attendance has the benefit of giving glory to the Lord in the place of His choosing.
Ephesians 3:21-4:2
Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3.
Church attendance has the benefit of giving the church member the opportunity to worship and give their tithe in the place of God’s choosing.
Deuteronomy 12:11
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Deu 12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
4.
Church attendance has the benefit of receiving the right kind of food and fellowship.
Deuteronomy 12:18
Deu 12:18 But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place
which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.
5.
Church attendance has the benefit of receiving rejoicing for the heart and soul.
Deuteronomy 12:12
Deu 12:12 And ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you.
6.
Church attendance has the benefit of giving the believer the proper place to offer praise unto the LORD.
Psalm 150:1-6
Psa 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
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Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
An Observation can be drawn from Psalm 150. It can be observed that the Lord’s house is the best place to engage in and express praise unto God.
7.
Church attendance has the benefit of giving the membership opportunity to join in prayer with other believers.
Isaiah 56:7
Isa 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of
prayer for all people.
Matthew 21:13
Mat 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the
house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
8.
Church attendance has the benefit of being in the place where the proclamation of the Word of God is heard.
Deuteronomy 31:11-12
Deu 31:11 When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
Deu 31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:
9.
Church attendance has the benefit of giving respect unto the house of God.
Leviticus 19:30
Lev 19:30 Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
10.
Church attendance has the benefit of being the place where all believers can be edified.
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1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
1 Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1 Th 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 1 Th 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1 Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
11.
Can’t a person satisfy God by worshipping Him anywhere? What’s wrong with worshipping God on the creek bank, under the peach tree, out in a natural setting or watching and listening to good preaching on the radio or television?
Note carefully what God had recorded in His Word.
Deuteronomy 12:13
Deu 12:13 Take heed to thyself that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest:
12.
If the Christian is to please God, he must DO IT HIS WAY. If the Christian is to give glory to God, he must DO IT HIS WAY.
13.
An application of what has been seen is Deuteronomy can justifiably be made to the Christian and his relationship to the church.
It is in the church that the Christian is to make offerings, eat the Lord’s Supper, find rejoicing for the heart and soul, bring the tithe unto the Lord, worship, meet in the presence of God to give glory unto Him, render praise, pray and hear the proclamation of the Word of God, give reverence to the house of God and edify others as well as be edified.
14.
The Word of God is extremely clear on whether a Christian is to be in the Lord’s house or not. It is emphatic. It leaves no question.
The Christian is commanded to assemble together in the church.
John 14:15
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John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
John 14:23-24
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
What does John 14:15; 23-24 and Hebrews 10:23-25 mean?
It means if you love the Lord YOU WILL attend His house. It also means if you do not attend His house, YOU DO NOT LOVE HIM.
The person who genuinely loves the Lord WILL be obedient to the Lord.
15.
The membership of any Church must be reclaimed if the gospel is to be accepted in the community.
The Word of God is powerful, it is sharper than a two-edged sword. DO
NOT APOLOGIZE FOR THE WORD OF GOD.
16.
The church is our special place to meet with and worship God.
A.
The church is “The House of God.”
B.
God meets with His people in the church.
C.
The church is were the Christian is to offer up his praise, pray, tithe and offerings.
D.
The church is where God’s Word is read and expounded.
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E.
The church is were the Christian is to give corporate glory unto God.
F.
The church is to be respected for she belongs to the LORD. The church is not “OUR CHURCH” and is not “MY CHURCH.” The church belongs to God for He has bought her with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
G.
There is never a sufficient substitute for meeting with God’s people in corporate worship for the experience of your life.
17:
When Christian assemble together in church capacity: A.
They will receive nothing but good from the Lord.
B.
They will be in the place of God’s choosing where He can be given the glory due Him.
C.
They will be able to have fellowship with other believers and with God.
D.
They will be able to exercise the spiritual gift God has given them.
E.
They will be in the place where God is to receive praise.
F.
They will be refreshed by the Holy Spirit “flowing over” with the
“water of Life” in their hearts.
G.
They will become a part of the program of God.
H.
They will be pray with other believers.
I.
They will be where they can sing with other believers.
J.
They will be where they will receive instruction from the Word of God.
K.
They will be where they can exhort other believers and be exhorted by them.
L.
They WILL BE WHERE THE LORD HAS TOLD THEM TO
BE AND WHERE HE WANTS THEM TO BE.
18.
Church attendance by all members of the church is a win-win situation.
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To “not forsake” is a reminder to the believer his purpose for “assembling together” as a group is to “give glory” to God through worship, praise, study, witnessing and service.
19.
Let us NEVER NEGLECT the Lord’s command to assemble together.
A.
The “blood of Christ” makes our assembling together possible.
B.
Faith in Jesus makes our assembling together comfortable.
Psalm 133:11
Psa 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
C.
Cleansing from sin gives clear access for fellowship with God through the blood of Jesus.
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
D.
Mutual help makes assembling together profitable.
E.
The soon return of Jesus makes assembling together indispensable.
F.
Being equipped for service makes assembling together practical.
20.
There is mutual concern for one another in the church.
A.
Church attendance is not merely a matter of “What can I get in or from the church” as much as it is a matter of “What can I give to and in the church?”
B.
Church attendance is a covenanted agreement to watch over one another in “brotherly love.”
C.
Church attendance gives opportunity to “adopt” one another so that we may care for one another as members of the same family and body.
21.
There is encouragement to be found in church attendance. Each believer is to “provoke” one another to “love and to good works.”
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To “provoke” means to excite, stir up, arouse one another so that each life will be marked by love and by living a life of service to others and to God.
B.
It is in the assembling of the church together in one place, in one accord that this can be done.
II.
What happens when Christian’s fail to assemble together?
1.
It makes the offender GUILTY OF WILLFUL SIN.
2.
It harms the spirit of the offender as much as failure to eat food would
hard the body.
3.
It causes loved ones to suffer.
4.
It makes the offender to become a reproach to God because the witness or testimony of the offender’s life manifests several things.
A.
The offender’s life says it is not important to worship God.
B.
The offender’s life says it is not important to give worth to God.
C.
The offender’s life says it is not important to recognize the rightful rule of God in his life.
D.
The offender’s life says it is not important to listen to or obey the will of God.
E.
The offender’s life says it is not important to give God his time.
F.
The offender’s life says it is not important to recognize God is deserving of his all.
G.
The offender’s life says it is not important that he is daily watching the church suffer due to his absence.
H.
The offender’s life says it matters little to him that people are dying and going to hell.
I.
The offender’s life says the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross means very little to him.
J.
The offender’s life says the Holy Spirit is not leading him.
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The offender’s life says he is content with a profession that may be a profession only without having possession of life.
L.
The offender’s life says he is satisfied being identified with the characteristics of the world rather than the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ.
M.
The offender’s life demonstrates him to be in a backslidden state.
Proverbs 14:14
Prov 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
Proverbs 16:25
Prov 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
III.
What does assembling together do for the believer?
1.
Public worship satisfies the believers spiritual desire.
A.
Meeting with God’s people satisfies spiritual desire.
B.
The Psalmist spoke of his desire as being so great that he desired only one thing and that one thing would he seek. That thing was to WORSHIP God!!!
1.
In the “house of the LORD.”
2.
To “behold the beauty of the LORD.”
3.
To pray or “inquire in His temple.”
C.
Those who seek Him with their “whole desire” will find Him to be joy for the soul.
2 Chronicles 15:15
2 Chr 15:15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.
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Those desiring to give honor to God will naturally do it in the place of His choosing.
Psalm 26:8
Psa 26:8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
E.
Thinking upon the house of God will cause a humility within the heart.
Psalm 84:10
Psa 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
2.
Public worship extends the protection of God over you.
Psalm 27:5
Psa 27: 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
A.
There are many spiritual foes around us.
1.
Family, friends, and acquaintances are often the foe of the Christian.
2.
The greatest foe is the Devil. Satan, the deceiver, is at the head of a demonic force which seeks to destroy or render ineffective the child of God.
3.
Satan and his demons are energetically in the world tempting, deceiving into error, and betraying into bondage 2 Peter 2:19
2 Pe 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
The Scripture gives a warning in regard to the devil.
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1 Peter 5:8-9
1 Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pe 5:9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
B..
How is the devil to be resisted?
1.
Jesus set the example in His temptation in the wilderness.
Luke 4:1-13
Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Luke 4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
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Luke 4:9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
Luke 4:10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
Luke 4:11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
2.
Satan is resisted and overcome with the “sword of the Spirit”
which is the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
3.
“Not forsaking” attendance when the Church meets for Bible teaching and exposition of the Scriptures will greatly strengthen the Christian as Satan is resisted.
3.
Public worship will strengthen the prayer life of the Christian.
A.
The Psalmist desire to “inquire” means he had a desire to “pray” or to “cry” unto the LORD.
Psalm 27:7
Psa 27:7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
B.
Jesus declared His Father’s house to be a “house of prayer.”
Mark 11:17
Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves
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Of all things which happen in the Church, prayer is to be a major feature of worship.
2.
Praying with God’s people will teach you to pray more effectively.
3.
Will enlist others to support you with their prayers.
4.
Will increase your relationship with other Christians while increasing your fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The people of God can pray anywhere and anytime; but Jesus said the house of God is the particular place where prayer is to be made.
5.
Public worship will increase the Christians spiritual joy.
Psalm 27:6
Psa 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Psalm 107:21-22
Psa 107:21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psa 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Psalm 116:17
Psa 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
6.
Public worship will help the Christian to be spiritually strong because the LORD will give strength in His house.
Psalm 27:17
Psa 27:17 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
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Isaiah 40:29-31
Isa 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
IV.
What does failure to assemble together do?
1.
What does failure to assemble do for God?
2.
What does failure to assemble do for the Jesus Christ?
3.
What does failure to assemble do for the Holy Spirit?
4.
What does failure to assemble do for the church?
5.
What does failure to assemble do for other brothers and sisters in Christ?
6.
What does failure to assemble do for the one not assembling?
7.
What does failure to assemble do for the community?
8.
What does failure to assemble do for Satan?
A.
It gives him the victory of a wasted life.
B.
It causes him great joy when Christians are unfaithful.
C.
It says to the world Satan is more influential than God.
D.
It says Satan’s kingdom is more important than the kingdom of God.
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Visitation within the church community.
I.
Effective visitation is the means by which the great commission is to be carried out.
Matthew 28:18-20
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1.
Visitation is not an option, it is a mandated necessity.
2.
Visitation is not to be conducted without the power of the Holy Spirit.
3.
Visitation has no self-serving motives.
4.
Visitation must be done with purpose.
It is to be done with the view to reaching those without Jesus Christ as personal savior and those who have been saved but are not in service in the kingdom’s work.
5.
Visitation is not to be done for personal gratification.
Visitation is done for the glory of God, the advancement of the church and the good of mankind.
6.
A faithful church will be a growing church.
A growing church is a progressive church, a light bearing church, a gospel carrying church and a soul winning church.
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A faithful church will recognize that God’s heart is with the multitudes.
8.
A faithful church will demonstrate the same compassion Christ demonstrated for the multitudes.
9.
A faithful church will realize her mission is to the multitude.
10.
A faithful church will require her membership to accept responsibility for people.
11.
A faithful church will consider the purpose for an outreach visitation program.
A.
Outreach is in the purpose of God’s grace.
B.
Outreach was in the preaching of the prophets.
C.
Outreach is in the command of Christ.
12.
A church is tested by her outreach.
The outreach of the church will directly affect her impact on the community and the spiritual growth of her workers.
II.
Visitation negatives to be avoided when visiting in the church community.
1.
Do not speak negatively.
Speaking negatively of the pastor, the church or any member within the body of the church will counter any good the visitor wishes to accomplish.
2.
Do not make visit without a purpose.
The purpose for the visit must be established firmly in the mind and heart prior to making a visit.
3.
Do not make a visit when due preparation has not been made.
4.
Do not make a visit to flaunt your super spirituality.
5.
Do not treat the person or family you visit with disrespect.
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6.
Do not stay too long for the visit.
III.
Visitation positives to be incorporated when visiting in the church community.
1.
Maintain a permanent visitation program.
2.
Publicize the visitation program.
This may be done through bulletins, visual aids and announcements from the pulpit.
3.
Make visitation assignments for those doing the visiting.
A.
Absentee assignments.
B.
Prospect assignments.
4.
Cultivate essential personality traits.
A.
Develop spiritual-mindedness.
B.
Practice patience.
C.
Use tact.
D.
Be courageous.
E.
Employ persistence.
F.
Inject friendliness.
G.
Guard against breaking a confidence. Do not violate a trust.
5.
Make mental and spiritual preparation.
A.
Mental preparation.
1)
Determine the objective of the visit.
2)
Consider the individual to be visited.
3)
Be informed.
4)
Use the excuses people give.
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a)
“My parents made me go to church when I
was young.”
b)
“I have just gotten out of the habit.”
c)
“I don’t like the preacher (teacher, choir, program, etc.).”
d)
“I have to work six days a week and Sunday
is the only day I have to rest (hunt, fish, wash, etc.).”
e)
“I went there once and no one spoke to me.”
f)
“I don’t go because the church is always
wanting money.”
g)
“I know where the church is and I’ll come when I get ready.”
h)
“I was brought up in the (blank)
denomination and if I go any I will go there.”
i)
“I can live just as good outside the church as
I can in it.”
j)
“I may surprise you someday.”
B.
Spiritual preparation.
1)
Pray before going.
2)
Pray upon arriving.
3)
Pray after entering the home.
4)
Your partner in visitation is to continually be praying while visiting.
5)
Pray before leaving.
6)
Exercise faith.
7)
Go in the strength of the Lord.
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8)
Guide the conversation.
9)
“Warm up” the person being visited.
a)
Get him to talk.
b)
Show a personal interest in the person.
c)
Make the person feel worth while.
d)
Make the transition from chit chat to the reason you are visiting. Make the change smoothly.
10)
Present the proposition.
a)
Follow a simple step by step presentation.
b)
Use scripture to support what you have to say.
c)
Anticipate and answer as many questions and
problems as possible.
d)
Avoid any arguments and DO NOT raise the
voice.
e)
Depend up the Holy Spirit.
11)
Make the appeal.
12)
Secure the commitment but do not force the issue. It must be natural and the result of the working of the Holy Spirit.
IV.
Things to talk about when making a visit in the church community.
Talk about things of interest to the one you are visiting but use that to change the subject to spiritual matters.
1.
To the wife you can talk about Jesus being the husband of the church.
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To the husband you can talk about God’s priority of the husband being responsible for the physical and spiritual welfare of the family.
3.
To the children you can talk about God being a loving Father.
4.
To the mechanic you can talk about how God repairs lives.
5.
To the carpenter you can talk about how Jesus is building the church.
6.
To the doctor you can talk about how Jesus heals the spirit.
7.
To the attorney you can talk about Jesus our attorney who has never lost a case.
8.
To the bookkeeper you can talk about how accurate the Lord keeps His books.
9.
To the baker you can talk about Jesus being the bread of life.
10.
To the scientist you can talk about God setting everything into motion and order.
11.
The possibilities are endless.
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Benefits missed by the unchurched in not attending.
I.
Opportunity to receive Biblical knowledge through Sunday School classes and preaching of the Word.
1.
Sunday School and preaching has something to offer to everyone.
2.
It is a proven fact that children going to Sunday School pose fewer social problems than those who do not go.
3.
It is an opportunity for the family to share a time of vital importance.
4.
The positive effects of Sunday School and preaching outweigh the difficulty getting ready to go and to get there.
II.
Opportunity to develop friendships which will be there to see the person through troublesome times.
1.
Church people as a whole have plenty of love to give to others.
2.
Church people as a whole enjoy times of fellowship and togetherness.
3.
Church people as a whole have genuine concern for other people.
4.
Church people as a whole has a forgiving attitude when one is
overtaken by a fault.
5.
Church people as a whole do not condemn someone who has stumbled along the road of life.
6.
Church people as a whole care about the other persons need
and make themselves available to help in any way they can.
7.
Church people as a whole love the Lord enough that they want to demonstrate that love to others.
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Church people as a whole care whether a person is prepared spiritually to stand before the Lord in judgment.
9.
Church people as a whole have a genuine desire to see others receive the best things in life. The best things in life are of a spiritual nature.
10.
Church people as a whole desire the friendship and fellowship others have to offer.
11.
Church people as a whole have known hurt, pain, sadness, grief and can sympathize with others when they need help and comfort.
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Salvation questions and it’s simple plan.
I.
Biblical answers for frequently asked questions.
1.
How can I know there is a God?
John 1:14, 18
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 14:9-13
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14: 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 20:29-31
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John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Romans 1:20
Rom 1: 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
John 8:47
John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
2.
How can I know the Bible is true?
John 5:39-40
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 7:17
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
Acts 17:11-12
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Acts 17:12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
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3.
How can I understand the Bible?
1 Corinthians 2:9-14
1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1 Cor 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1 Cor 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Cor 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
John 16:13
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
4.
If a person does the best he can, will he not go to heaven?
John 3:5-7, 36
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
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John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Romans 3:19-20
Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Galatians 3:10
Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in
all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
5.
If a person thinks he is really on the right road, will he be condemned?
Romans 3:3-4
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Acts 17:30
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
6.
Can a person be a Christian without believing Christ was the Son of God?
1 John 5:9-13, 20
1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
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1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
John 20:28-31
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Matthew 16:13-18
Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
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Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
7.
Why was the death of Christ needed to save sinners?
Romans 8:3
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Romans 5:12, 19
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
8.
What is the first thing to do in becoming a Christian?
Matthew 11:28-30
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
John 6:29, 37
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
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John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Acts 16:31
Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
9.
What is the second thing to do in becoming a Christian?
Matthew 10:32-33
Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Romans 10:8-11
Rom 10: 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
10.
Do I have to repent in order to be saved?
Luke 24:46-47
Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 20:20-21
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Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
11.
What is repentance?
Repentance is turning around and going to the Father rather than away from Him.
Luke 15:17-18
Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
12.
How can I repent?
2 Corinthians 7:9-10
2 Cor 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye
sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
13.
How do I come to Christ?
Isaiah 55:7
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
1 John 1:1-3
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
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1 John 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:8-17
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
14.
What does it mean to receive Christ?
John 1:11-12
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John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Romans 6:23
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
15.
Why do I need faith?
Romans 10:17
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Ephesians 1:12-13
Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Luke 16:29-31
Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
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John 5:39, 46-47
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
John 4:50
John 4:50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
16.
How can I know my sins are forgiven?
Mark 2:5
Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Luke 7:48-50
Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Acts 13:38-39
Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
I John 1:9-10
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1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
17.
How can I know that the Spirit of God has come to me?
John 16:8-11
John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
John 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
1 Corinthians 12:3
1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Galatians 5:22-24
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
1 John 3:14, 24
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
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II.
The Bible’s simple plan of salvation.
1.
Recognize the fact that you are a sinner.
A.
There is none good.
Psalm 14:3
Psa 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalm 53:1-3
Psa 53:1 To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
Psa 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
Psa 53:3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Romans 3:12
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
B.
Adam’s sin passed upon all men.
Romans 5:12
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
1 Corinthians 15:21-22
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1 Cor 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1 John 1:8-10
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
C.
Every unbeliever is a sinner by nature.
Ephesians 2:3-5
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
2.
Realize that you can not save yourself.
A.
Your righteousness is not enough.
Isaiah 64:6
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
B.
You can not do enough work to merit salvation.
Romans 4:2-3
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Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Galatians 2:16
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 1:9
2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Titus 3:5
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; C.
Man, at his best is in a wretched state before God.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
3.
Understand the truth that God loves you.
A.
God loves the sinner though he is the enemy of God.
James 4:4
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James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Romans 5:10
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
B.
God loves the sinner even though he is a sinner.
Romans 5:8
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
C.
God loved the sinner enough to allow His only
begotten Son to die for him.
John 3:16-18
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
4.
Accept the fact that Jesus came from heaven to become the Savior of all who would believe.
A.
Jesus was with the Father before man was created.
Genesis 1:26-27
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
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Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Isaiah 45:12
Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
John 1:1-3
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
B.
The Father knew His Son would come to earth before man was created.
Ephesians 1:3-7
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 1 Peter 1:18-20
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1 Pet 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1 Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Pet 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the
foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
C.
Jesus came to earth to become the Savior of sinners.
Matthew 1:21-23
Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Mat 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
5.
Accept the fact that Jesus died on the cross for you personally.
A.
Jesus died for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
B.
Jesus died for the sins of “whosoever will come unto Him.”
Matthew 10:32-33
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Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
C.
Jesus died for you personally and individually.
Revelation 22:17
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
6.
Believe that Jesus was actually buried.
A.
His burial was prophesied in the Old Testament.
Isaiah 53:3-11
Isa 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isa 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
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Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Isa 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Isa 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Isa 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
B.
His burial was a New Testament reality.
Mark 15:42-46
Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
C.
His burial was overcome with the resurrection.
Romans 6:4-5
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Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
7.
Acknowledge through faith that God raised Jesus from the dead.
A.
God the Father is said to have raised Jesus from the dead.
Acts 13:30
Acts 13:30 But God raised him from the dead: B.
The Holy Spirit is said to have raised Jesus from the dead.
Romans 8:11
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
C.
Many infallible witnesses verify the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
1 Cor 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1 Cor 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1 Cor 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
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1 Cor 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Cor 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1 Cor 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1 Cor 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1 Cor 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
6.
Make repentance unto God for being a sinner, confess Jesus as your personal Savior and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.
A.
In order to be saved, one must repent of sin.
Acts 20:20-21
Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
B.
In order to be saved, one must confess Jesus as Savior, Lord and Master.
Romans 10:9
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Philippians 2:11
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
C.
In order to be saved, one must believe in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead.
Romans 10:10-13
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
7.
Accept the promise of God to save you once you have repented, confessed and believed.
A.
God the Father has promised salvation through Christ.
Titus 1:1-3
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
B.
Jesus Christ has promised salvation to all coming to Him.
John 6:37-40
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John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
C.
The Holy Spirit testifies of salvation which is through Jesus Christ.
John 15:26
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
8.
Once you have received Jesus Christ as personal Savior, follow the Lord in scriptural baptism and unite with the church in order that you may learn of the Lord, grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord, develop and grow spiritually, become a servant unto the Lord and go out to win others to Jesus Christ giving glory to God.
A.
Follow the Lord in baptism.
Matthew 28:19
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
B.
Unite with the church.
Matthew 5:14-16
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
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Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
C.
Grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord.
2 Peter 3:18
2 Pet 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
D.
Develop and grow spiritually.
Ephesians 4:11-15
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into
him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
E.
Become a servant unto the Lord.
Psalm 100:2
Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
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Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
F.
Go out and win others to Jesus.
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Proverbs 11:30
Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
III.
Conclusion:
1.
Look up to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
2.
Look within for compassion upon the multitudes.
3.
Look around for opportunity to serve the Lord and others.
4.
Look forward to outreach that others may be brought into the Lord’s fold.
5.
Look to Jesus that we do not lose sight of our goal and purpose.
6.
Look back and learn from our mistakes.
7.
Look out that we not be hindered in our service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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