reaping a harvest

Many congregations are dwindlingYoung not convertedOld passing onMembers falling awayNo conversions from the world

Can we convert 4, 5, 6 people this year?Too difficult?Harvest waiting, Jn. 4:35Preach to the whole world, Mk. 16:15

The seed is the word of God, Lk. 8:11Power, Jas. 1:18, 21Fruitful, Jn. 15:1-8

Four kinds of menHard-hearted, Lk. 4:16-29Weak, shallow, Mt. 26:31-35, 69-75Worldly, 2 Tim. 4:9, 10Good, faithful, steadfast, Phil. 2:19-22

What kind of “soil” is out there?First three?Last one?What are we?

Constant attention is neededto produce a fruitful crop

Plant, Mt. 28:19Water, Mt. 28:20Weed, Jer. 1:10

God gives the increaseCannot force itFaith in God & His word

›Will accomplish its purpose, Isa. 55:8-11›Power to salvation, Rom. 1:16›Pierces the soul, Heb. 4:12

You will reap what you sowAfter its kind, Gen. 1:12

›Peaches›Corn

You will reap what you sowSow seed of the gospel – harvest a Christian, 1 Pt. 1:22, 23; Acts 26:28

›Methodist book of Discipline – Methodist›Book of Mormon – Mormon›Baptist Doctrine – Baptist

You will reap what you sowSow to the spirit, reap blessings

›Individuals: growth, peace›Congregations: unity, health, growth

You will reap what you sowSow to the flesh, reap corruption

›Individuals: sadness, separation›Congregations: factions, leaven

You will reap more than you sowPlants

›Peaches›Corn

You will reap more than you sowSpiritual: obedience & faithful service

›Forgiveness›Fellowship›Eternal life

You will reap more than you sowCarnal: fornication, adultery

›Disease›Unwanted pregnancy›Divorce›Damnation

You will reap later than you sowGarden

›Plant›Tend›Harvest

You will reap later than you sowSpiritual

›Congregation: 5 more members next year– must start now

›Individual: heaven in the next lift– must start now

You will reap later than you sowCarnal

›Congregation: apathy now – death later›Individual: sin now – hell later

Challenge yourself to contact 2-3 peopleIn the next 8 weeks

Home studyInvite to servicesInvite to gospel meeting

Lean on God & brethren for helpPrayerEncouragementAdvice

Can we convert 4, 5, 6 people this year?Too difficult?Harvest waiting, Jn. 4:35Preach to the whole world, Mk. 16:15