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Are You Ready To Give An Answer? Part 4 Introduction: The question out of the blue, around the kitchen table, at the water cooler, in the front yard, at the ballgame, is priceless. Personal contact and interaction is on the keys to spreading the Gospel to a lost and dying world. In this series we have tried to deal with various questions and comments made by people: I don't believe in God Where did God come from? Why don't you believe in the Old Testament? Why study the Old Testament? Why be baptized to be saved? I was saved before I was baptized These are common questions and comments we heard and need to be ready for. I) What Does The Congregation Do To Attract People To The Lord? A) Another ways of asking, "What does your church offer to people?" 1. Common perception of the church is a social institution that offers some spiritual service. a. Churches often use social programs to attract people: recreational ministries, youth programs, golf outings, singles ministries, men's retreats, etc. b. We talk about the TV program "7th Heaven" one show where this mythical church cancelled services in order to celebrate an anniversary of the preaching being there. 2. More and more people see churches as social and not spiritual institutions. Therefore they want to know what social services the churches are offering. B) What does the church do to attract people to the Lord? We are doing the same thing the church in the first century did to convert people to the Lord. 1. We are preaching the Gospel, 1 Corinthians 1.21 2. Those attracted for any other reason are being attracted on a false premise. (I hate false advertizing; don't you? I hate it when places us the bait and switch to get me into the store, don't you?) 3. The churches function is spiritual in nature and preach the Gospel in order to save people, Romans 1.16. 3. In our assemblies we encourage people (non-Christians) to come and hear the Gospel. a. We hope our members will come to encourage one another, Hebrews 10.24-25 b. We have home Bible Studies, television program, newspaper article, Gospel Meetings, bulletins, offer Bible Courses, DVD's, etc. C) What do we offer young people? 1. Not a "youth program" -- recreational director, gym, ball teams, etc. 2. Our "youth program" involves a. Parents --- as we learn how to be good parents b. Bible Classes aimed at young people. Age sensitive material c. Worship services in which everyone is in the auditorium during our worship. We do not have a children's church but a worship service. They will see others and learn to sing, they will hear us talk about the Lord's Supper, hear sermons and learn to follow along, learn about prayer, and about giving. 3. Sometimes specific topics are taught that pertains especially to young people, i.e. dating, marriage, etc. 4. Sometimes individuals do get together and plan some type of event for young people. II) Join The Church Of Your Choice A) Select the church you feel the most comfortable with 1. People you like the best 2. Perhaps the one that offers something you like (choir) B) Place the emphasis on the church established by Jesus 1. Did you know Jesus' church was established on the Day of Pentecost? Acts 2.47 2. Did you know Jesus prayed for unity among all His believers? John 17.20-21 3. Did you know that they were called Christians, Saints, and disciples in the 1st Century? 4. Did you know they were to all believe the same thing, have the same fellowship? Ephesians 4.1-6 5. Did you know the one time we read of people using human names to designate themselves as a particular type of Christian, it was condemned? 1 Corinthians 1.10-13 6. Did you know that drifting away from the Gospel of Christ in what causes religious division and denominationalism? 2 Timothy 4.3-4 7. What would happen if we only accepted the Bible, only practiced what is authorized in the Bible? Dealing with salvation, worship, and the work of the church III) Why Are You A Member At Westside? A) As a Christian I have the responsibility to Love God and my fellowman, Matthew 22.37-40 1. This means to place God first and my fellowman second. 2. I have the responsibility to worship with and encourage my fellow Christians. Hebrews 10.24-25 B) Therefore, I worship with attend where 1. Only the word of God is taught, 1 Peter 4.11 2. Where the Bible is studied and followed, 2 Timothy 2.15 3. Where worship is that prescribed by God in the Bible, John 4.24 4. If I find a place where the Bible is followed more closely then I will go there. Conclusion: My goal is to be a Christian and go to heaven. We hope that is your goal also. (This series was adapted from material taught in a Bible Class at Expressway church of Christ in Louisville, KY. D.T.)
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