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Biblical references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible. Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James version of the Bible.
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- (continued in the evening by Christian Influence)
Introduction.
1. The time for our gospel meeting is near!
2. For it to be a success, we must realize our responsibility and accept it!
a. Robin's effort is important.
b. Yet such effort can be greatly hindered if we fail to do our part.
3. What is required for a successful gospel meeting? I am glad you asked!
Body.
I. PURPOSE NEEDS TO BE UNDERSTOOD!
A. ONE PURPOSE IS TO EVANGELIZE
1. To seek and save the lost through proclaiming the gospel, Romans 1:14-17.
2. To provide opportunity for friends and neighbors to hear the gospel, Romans 10:17.
B. ANOTHER PURPOSE IS TO EDIFY
1. To exhort one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24-25.
3. To remove any lukewarmness that may have crept in, Revelation 3:15-19.
II. PREPARATION NEEDS TO BE DONE!
A. LACK OF PREPARATION CAN KILL A MEETING
1. What would you think of a preacher who came unprepared?
2. Yet many members are often unprepared for a meeting.
a. Unprepared to attend each and every service if possible.
b. Unprepared to encourage other members to attend.
c. Unprepared to exhort the members at the services.
d. Unprepared to invite those for whom the meeting is intended.
e. Unprepared to visit and welcome those who come.
B. PREPARATION INVOLVES EFFORT BY ALL
1. Resolving to attend every service.
2. Resolving to invite others to come.
3. Resolving to be friendly to all who come.
4. Resolving to pray for God to bless this effort.
III. PROSPECTS NEED TO BE INVITED!
A. WHO ARE THE PROSPECTS?
1. The prospects are the unsaved.
a. Including friends, relatives, neighbors.
b. Anyone who has yet to come to the Lord.
2. The prospects are ourselves!
a. Every member of this congregation is a prospect.
b. Every member needs to be encouraged, uplifted.
B. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE PROSPECTS?
1. They should be invited (before and during the meeting).
2. Transportation should be offered if needed.
3. One might invite them to dinner, and then attend the meeting together.
4. There are plenty of prospects, John 4:35.
IV. PRESENCE IS IMPORTANT!
A. PRESENCE MAKES OR BREAKS A MEETING
1. Your presence is edifying, while your absence is demoralizing!
a. Just as the absence of Titus depressed Paul, 2 Corinthians 2:12-13.
b. Just as the absence of two and a half tribes would have discouraged the rest of the tribes of Israel,
Numbers 32: 6-7.
2. We might think our absence is not important, but it is.
a. Empty seats have an affect on those who are present.
b. Affecting the morale of the members, and the impact of the meeting upon visitors.
B. MEMBERS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
1. Most meetings enjoy the presence of visitors, yet the overall attendance is often below the normal attendance on Sunday mornings.
2. Why? Because the meeting is poorly attended by the own members of the congregation!
3. If all the members would just attend, our building would be filled!
4. Sadly, sometimes there are more visitors than members!
C. EXCUSES, EXCUSES OVERCOME!
1. Invariably, members will offer excuses to explain their absence.
a. Like those in the parable of the great supper, Luke 14:15-24.
b. Unless it is sickness or unavoidable work, I have little sympathy.
2. Don't tell me your excuses
a. Tell it to your brethren who are discouraged by your absence.
b. Tell it to the visitors who wonder why the members don't support their own meeting.
c. Tell it to the lost who wonder if the gospel or Christ's church is worth it.
d. Tell it to those who have the same reasons not to attend, but come anyway!
e. Tell it to the Lord, who came to this earth and died for you!
V. PARTICIPATION IS A MUST!
A. PARTICIPATE BEFORE AND AFTER THE SERVICE
1. Arrive early to greet and welcome visitors.
2. Sit up front, leaving the back for visitors who come late.
3. Stick around afterward, greet the visitors, invite them back.
4. Extend hospitality by inviting them home or to a restaurant for a snack, 1 Peter 4:9.
B. PARTICIPATE DURING THE SERVICE
1. Sing in a spirited manner, with grace in your hearts.
2. Give a hearty amen to the prayers offered.
3. Those who lead in prayer and song, do so audibly and with enthusiasm!
4. Give close attention to the sermon, Acts 17:11.
Conclusion.
1. If we approach this gospel meeting with the right measure of:
a. Purpose
b. Preparation
c. Prospects
d. Presence
e. Participation
f. We will have an excellent and successful meeting!
2. Of course, presumed throughout this lesson is another key to success: Prayer!
a. Prayer before, during, and after the meeting.
3. With the help of God, then, our meeting will accomplish the purpose for which it is intended, glorying God by saving souls and edifying the saved!
(continued in the evening by Christian
Influence)
-- Don Treadway, May 2002 -- |
