IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?

IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

• If every member were like me what kind of church would there be? • Would you want people to be like you and follow in your footsteps? • Are you following the example of Christ?• If everyone was to follow your influence, would it be for the better or for the worse?

• If every member were like me what kind of church would there be? • Would you want people to be like you and follow in your footsteps? • Are you following the example of Christ?• If everyone was to follow your influence, would it be for the better or for the worse?

If every member were like me, what time would they arrive to the services? If every member were like me, what time would they arrive to the services?

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Psalm 63:1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."

Psalm 63:1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."

If every member were like me, what time would they arrive to the services? If every member were like me, what time would they arrive to the services?

If every member were like me, how often would we have services? If every member were like me, how often would we have services?

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Pliny, a secular writer about 112 A.D., made a report to the emperor Trajan in which he unconsciously bore witness to certain vital aspects of Christianity. Of special interest was the witness he bore to the tenacity maintained by the Christians in regard to their assemblies. They attended the regular worship services in spite of every hindrance. Legal meetings on a publicly recognized day of rest, as in these days, were impossible. Christians met in the darkness of pre-dawn assemblies; and no impediment whatever was allowed to interfere. As Pliny said, "On an appointed day they had been accustomed to meet before daybreak."

Pliny, a secular writer about 112 A.D., made a report to the emperor Trajan in which he unconsciously bore witness to certain vital aspects of Christianity. Of special interest was the witness he bore to the tenacity maintained by the Christians in regard to their assemblies. They attended the regular worship services in spite of every hindrance. Legal meetings on a publicly recognized day of rest, as in these days, were impossible. Christians met in the darkness of pre-dawn assemblies; and no impediment whatever was allowed to interfere. As Pliny said, "On an appointed day they had been accustomed to meet before daybreak."

He went ahead to relate that their services were nothing of a scandalous or improper kind, that they partook of a meal of the most harmless and ordinary variety, that each sang a hymn to Christ as God, and that they bound themselves with a promise not to commit fornication or theft or any other crime. This witness of Pliny reaches back to within a very few years of the apostles themselves and is a valuable independent testimony bearing

He went ahead to relate that their services were nothing of a scandalous or improper kind, that they partook of a meal of the most harmless and ordinary variety, that each sang a hymn to Christ as God, and that they bound themselves with a promise not to commit fornication or theft or any other crime. This witness of Pliny reaches back to within a very few years of the apostles themselves and is a valuable independent testimony bearing

Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Are you opposed to learning more about God? Are you opposed to spending more time with your brethren?

Are you opposed to learning more about God? Are you opposed to spending more time with your brethren?

Out of 168 hours in a week, we only have to find 4 hrs to worship God and study about Him. That works out to be about 2.3% of the total time in a week.

Out of 168 hours in a week, we only have to find 4 hrs to worship God and study about Him. That works out to be about 2.3% of the total time in a week.

Can we honestly say that we are being a good example and influence when we neglect the worship service and Bible class when we could make it?

Can we honestly say that we are being a good example and influence when we neglect the worship service and Bible class when we could make it?

What are you going to say to Jesus if He comes back at 6:15 on Sunday night and you chose to stay home for no valid reason?

What excuse could you possibly give to the person who died for you and purchased the church with His own blood?

What are you going to say to Jesus if He comes back at 6:15 on Sunday night and you chose to stay home for no valid reason?

What excuse could you possibly give to the person who died for you and purchased the church with His own blood?

If every member studied their Bible like me, how often would they study and how much would they know?

If every member studied their Bible like me, how often would they study and how much would they know?

A young man took some young people down into the basement of their church building and everything was gone except the chairs. He told them there has been a nuclear war and this basement is a fallout shelter. All we have is food and water. All the Bibles have been destroyed and it up to us to reproduce the Bible. So he asked them, how many Scriptures can you quote to me?

A young man took some young people down into the basement of their church building and everything was gone except the chairs. He told them there has been a nuclear war and this basement is a fallout shelter. All we have is food and water. All the Bibles have been destroyed and it up to us to reproduce the Bible. So he asked them, how many Scriptures can you quote to me?

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. 7 " The more they increased, The more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. 8 They eat up the sin of My people; They set their heart on their iniquity. 9 And it shall be: like people, like priest. So I will punish them for their ways, And reward them for their deeds. 10 For they shall eat, but not have enough; They shall commit harlotry, but not increase; Because they have ceased obeying the LORD.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. 7 " The more they increased, The more they sinned against Me; I will change their glory into shame. 8 They eat up the sin of My people; They set their heart on their iniquity. 9 And it shall be: like people, like priest. So I will punish them for their ways, And reward them for their deeds. 10 For they shall eat, but not have enough; They shall commit harlotry, but not increase; Because they have ceased obeying the LORD.

John 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him -- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

John 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him -- the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?

IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?

IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?

1. If every member were like me, what time would we arrive at our services? 2. If every member were like me, how often would we have services? 3. If every member were like me, how often would we study our Bibles?

1. If every member were like me, what time would we arrive at our services? 2. If every member were like me, how often would we have services? 3. If every member were like me, how often would we study our Bibles?

If every member took part in singing like me, what kind of singing would there be? If every member took part in singing like me, what kind of singing would there be?

Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

If every member prayed like me, what would their prayer life be? If every member prayed like me, what would their prayer life be?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

If every member gave like me, how much giving would there be? If every member gave like me, how much giving would there be?

1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

If every member gave like me, how much giving would there be?If every member gave like me, how much giving would there be?

If every member partook of the Lord’s Supper like me, how much remembrance would there be?

If every member partook of the Lord’s Supper like me, how much remembrance would there be?

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

If every member acted like me, what kind of influence or example would they be? If every member acted like me, what kind of influence or example would they be?

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame -- who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame -- who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear.Fine counsel is confusing, but examples are so clear. And the best of all the preachers are the men who do the deeds.For to see good in action is what everybody needs.

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear.Fine counsel is confusing, but examples are so clear. And the best of all the preachers are the men who do the deeds.For to see good in action is what everybody needs.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

If every member that is a parent were like me, what kind of example would they be? If every member that is a parent were like me, what kind of example would they be?

Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

If every member invited people to services like me, how much inviting would there be? If every member invited people to services like me, how much inviting would there be?

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

There are many ways that you and I can get involved in personal work such as: • Give a friend a tract• Invite someone to the services• Share with a neighbor in need• Have a Bible study with friends in your home• Visit newcomers to the community• Encourage someone to take a Bible Correspondence course• Encourage new Christians to stay faithful • Being there for a family who has lost a loved one

There are many ways that you and I can get involved in personal work such as: • Give a friend a tract• Invite someone to the services• Share with a neighbor in need• Have a Bible study with friends in your home• Visit newcomers to the community• Encourage someone to take a Bible Correspondence course• Encourage new Christians to stay faithful • Being there for a family who has lost a loved one

Why Churches Grow

How does the Average American go about choosing a Church? In their book, “The Search for America’s Faith,” George Gallup and David Poling find an amazingly simple answer to that question. When their pollsters put that question to thousands of Americans, the answer which came again and again was: “I was invited to the church by a member and I liked the people.”

Why Churches Grow

How does the Average American go about choosing a Church? In their book, “The Search for America’s Faith,” George Gallup and David Poling find an amazingly simple answer to that question. When their pollsters put that question to thousands of Americans, the answer which came again and again was: “I was invited to the church by a member and I liked the people.”

That short statement says so much which is important to the growth of the Church. We can say “everyone is welcome” until our throats are dry, we can write it on our marquee, print it in our bulletins and our tracts, but the fact remains that few non-members will come who are not personally invited. This is the way people are. Most of us don’t like to go where we feel like strangers. No need to kid ourselves! If we want people to come, we must bring them with us or be at the door to meet them when they arrive.

That short statement says so much which is important to the growth of the Church. We can say “everyone is welcome” until our throats are dry, we can write it on our marquee, print it in our bulletins and our tracts, but the fact remains that few non-members will come who are not personally invited. This is the way people are. Most of us don’t like to go where we feel like strangers. No need to kid ourselves! If we want people to come, we must bring them with us or be at the door to meet them when they arrive.

Many people will accept an invitation to come at least once with a friend, but whether or not they come back will depend upon the impression the congregation makes. It was said of the Jerusalem church, “…they were taking their meals together in gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.” Little wonder it enjoyed such rapid growth. It naturally and spontaneously demonstrated those qualities – gladness, sincerity, reverence, warmth, gratitude, closeness – which attract strangers and awakens in them the desire to belong.

Many people will accept an invitation to come at least once with a friend, but whether or not they come back will depend upon the impression the congregation makes. It was said of the Jerusalem church, “…they were taking their meals together in gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.” Little wonder it enjoyed such rapid growth. It naturally and spontaneously demonstrated those qualities – gladness, sincerity, reverence, warmth, gratitude, closeness – which attract strangers and awakens in them the desire to belong.

You can read a stack of books on “Church Growth” and not know that simple statement: “I was invited to the church by a member and liked the people.” (Tom Turner)

You can read a stack of books on “Church Growth” and not know that simple statement: “I was invited to the church by a member and liked the people.” (Tom Turner)

If every member were like me, where will they spend eternity? If every member were like me, where will they spend eternity?

Matthew 25:34 Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:34 Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Matthew 25:41 Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

Matthew 25:41 Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?IF EVERY MEMBER WERE LIKE ME WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD THERE BE?