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Making A Better Congregation Introduction: Every congregation, no matter how "good" they are, could always improve. But how does a congregation change? The problems of the churches in Revelation could not be solved without the individual members of those congregation changing. The same is true today. Christ demands each one of us to do His will. Christ may not answer some of our prayers because we are asking Christ to do our work for us instead of Him helping us to do our work. You may ask Him to reveal to you by some supernatural illumination which path of life you out to take; which friendship you shall cultivate; what profession you can most successfully pursue. You receive no answer to your prayers, why? Those are your problems. You must work to settle those problems. Prayers are not a substitute for obedience or hard work. So what are some things we can do to make this a better congregation? I) Remind Ourselves That The Only Way We Can Improve This Group Is By Improving Ourselves A) Paul had a personal sense of responsibility, 1 Timothy 1.12-16 1. Even though he was an apostle, he kept striving for improvement. 2. There are battles each of us must fight each and every day, 1 Corinthians 9.27 a. Home improvement starts in our homes, self improvement starts with ourselves. b. This also helps because we cannot make anyone else change. B) Part of this means we don't blame others for what we are or are not doing 1. We must take responsibility for ourselves. 2. The 10/90 rules says that 10% of our happiness and success in life is determined by what happens to us and 90% by how we respond. II) We Must Recognize That We Are Not Perfect A) Recognize our short comings 1. Jesus stressed the need for self examination in Matthew 7.3-5. 2. Contrary to popular usage this passage is not a means to avoid dealing with those that come to us with some concern. 3. Its proper usage is before we go to someone we need to examine ourselves. Then go to that person. B) We should not fool ourselves into thinking we are better than we really are, Luke 18.10-14 1. Often the thing that really bugs us in others is what we do not like in ourselves. 2. Look at yourself in the mirror, James 1.21-25 III) We Need To See The Good Qualities In Others A) It is easy to be critical, pessimistic, and totally negative. Such is the power of satan. 1.Christianity is not an excuse to deny reality. People have bad qualities. 2. Sin must be dealt with and not over looked. B) On the other hand we are to think on a different level, Phil. 4.8 1. Most people are not all good or bad; they are still a work in progress. 2. Encourage those who are trying to do their best. IV) When We Must Criticize A) First pray for them, 2 Thess. 1.11-12 1. It will help both them and you. 2. Louis Overstreet would have the boys in his class pray for those they did not like. B) Admonish gently, Galatians 6.1 1. Remember, we are trying to save souls. 2. The time for harsh criticism is after you have tried being gentle. C) Accept it graciously when we are on the receiving end 1. We often give it better than we receive it. "If they don't like it they can just lump it." Turns into "I think they could have been nicer" when we are on the receiving end. V) We Need to Choose Strong Godly Members To Be Our Examples A) Close friendships require time and effort. 1. Some choose to have friendships with those that are worldly and weak because of their common interest. Resulting in them becoming worldly and weak. 2. Proverbs 27.17 shows the value to good friendships. B) By the same manner, be an example and friend to someone else 1. 1 Timothy 4.12 no matter what your age you can be a good example. VI) When Work Is Neglected We Need To Get Busy A) Sometimes we suffer from too many chiefs and not enough workers 1. Jesus gave the perfect example of humility and servitude, Matthew 20.28 2. The story is told of a newly promoted colonel who moved into a makeshift office during the Gulf War. He was getting unpacked when, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a private with a toolbox coming his way. Wanting to seem important he grabber the phone: "Yes, General Schwarzkopf. Of course, I think that's an excellent plan." He continued, "You've got my support on it. Thanks for checking with me. Let's touch base again soon, Norm. Goodbye." "And what can I do for you?" he asked the private. The private mumbled, "Uhhh, I'm just here to hook up your phone. Conclusion: All congregations have soreheads, complainers, weak members, workers, encouragers, the "yes, we can members," etc. The question is "what kind of a member am I?" Start with Myself First When I was young and free and my imagination had to limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one desperate attempts, I settled for changing my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize; If I had only changed myself first, then by example i would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
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