Basic Principles for Church Growth

Matthew 28:16-20

Introduction

1.      Matt 5:14-16 illustrates the power of one person to make a difference

2.      First of all there is the need to understand that God expects you to make a difference – this means a change in attitude

3.      Three things to understand:  your place in God’s kingdom, every person is lost without Jesus, there is only one way to be saved  

Discussion

1.      Understanding your place in God’s kingdom

a.       Popular programs designed to help people “identify your gift”

b.      Gifts are not things that are hidden, but talents waiting to be developed – such as “Who has the gift of mowing grass?”

c.       God wants people looking outward, not inward

d.      God wants people looking for opportunities

                                                            i.      Rev 3:8

                                                          ii.      God’s call to Moses  

2.      Understanding that the world is lost

a.       Some view the world as full of people, some of whom are too good to be lost and others who are too bad to be saved

b.      The myth of “good” people – it is not about being good, but being saved, Rom 3:10; Matt 19:17

c.       The attack:  “You think that you and your little group are the only ones that are right” – If I did not think that I was right I would change, wouldn’t you? – My offer, show me in the Bible, prove that I am wrong, and I will change

d.      The principle of toleration – If God tolerates it we ought to tolerate it; if God does not tolerate it, we should not tolerate it – “The Bible says it, that settles it, period, end of discussion!”  

3.      Understanding that there is only one way to salvation, only one plan that God has proposed for man’s salvation

a.       Rom 1:16-17; 2 Thess 1:7-9 – the gospel, to be believed, to be obeyed

b.      Salvation is by grace, but not by grace alone; salvation is by faith, but not by faith alone, it is not be anything “alone” – Titus 2:11-12; James 2:24 – see Matt 7:21-23 and Heb 5:8-9

c.       Besides grace and faith, God requires that people repent and be baptized – Acts 2:22-38

d.      Consider what God has associated with baptism

                                                            i.      Acts 2:38 – forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit

                                                          ii.      Mark 16:16 – salvation (see also 1 Pet 3:21)

                                                        iii.      Gal 3:27 – being “in Christ” and being “clothed with Christ”

                                                        iv.      Rom 6:4 – the new life

                                                          v.      1 Cor 12:13 – membership in the Lord’s church  

Conclusion

1.      The world wants acceptance with reformation

2.      The world wants salvation without obedience

3.      There is no salvation without God’s sacrifice of His only begotten Son, not for you, not for your family, not for your friends, not for your enemies

4.      Jesus died for the sins of the world.  He died for you