Church Growth: The Planting Process
Church Growth: • Sermon • Submitted
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· 30 viewsIn order to become a growing church we must plant the seed properly.
Notes
Transcript
1. 1 Cor 3:6-9 is our subject text today
a. Hopefully you all are already turning to the passage
b. Let’s read these 4 verses and then we are going to make some applications.
2. So I think we all want to be a part of this.
a. I know I want to be a part of a growing church, and I have a feeling you do too.
i. Now for the purposes of this lesson we are using the more general use of the term church meaning congregation.
ii. We all want to be a part of a productive, healthy, growing congregation of Christians.
3. Just think of the benefits a growing church has.
a. I think your heavenly odds improve dramatically when you’re part of a growing church.
i. We have people around us who can keep us in shape.
(1) The brethren are there to help us get it together and get back on track when we are out of line.
(2) That’s a benefit of a growing church.
b. Also, we’ve got some better friend options when we are a part of a growing church.
i. The question of who you’re going to spend time with and by extension be influenced by has a much easier answer when you’re surrounded by strong Christians.
ii. You can spend time with people who are like minded.
(1) You don’t or shouldn’t have to worry about them suggesting that you do something or go somewhere you shouldn’t.
iii. As a part of a growing church you have the opportunity to be surrounded by fellow disciples.
(1) That’s huge.
c. This church also has an impact on the community around it.
i. This church can allow God to work through it to save souls.
ii. When the process is done right we can influence people in the world to put on Christ.
(1) Then they get the ability to influence the people in their lives to put on Christ and so on and so forth.
(2) When we do it right there’s a trickle down effect
iii. The growing church has community-wide and worldwide impacts.
d. Everyone benefits and that’s why we want to be a part of it.
i. Well the verses that we read are how we get there.
(1) Like, that’s the plan.
(2) There’s no way except this way.
4. Unfortunately, sometimes in the striving to become a growing church people move away from the plan.
a. They start adding things in to try to appeal to people in ways that don’t fit the mold.
i. You see this a lot in the mega churches where there’s a basketball team and a choir you can be a part of and all these other appeals that aren’t the gospel message.
ii. Now they are adding numbers, hence mega.
(1) But a growing church is not only increasing in number, but more importantly it’s headed in the right direction.
(2) It’s growing closer to God.
iii. And you have to have both of those aspects in order to be classified as a growing church.
5. 1 Cor 3:6-9 is the biblical model for church growth.
a. And it’s useful for all time.
i. Just because it’s 2021 and society seems to be moving further and further away from God doesn’t mean we should get away from the plan.
ii. In fact, I’d argue that the tougher things are around us, that’s actually more reason to stick to the plan.
b. His ways are useful for all time, there isn’t a time period that God just didn’t account for.
i. If it worked in Corinth, it’s going to work here too.
6. So here’s what we need for church growth.
a. It’s simple.
i. We need planting.
ii. We need watering.
iii. And we need God as well.
b. That’s it.
i. Paul planted.
ii. Apollos watered.
iii. God gave the increase.
iv. And the result was a growing church in Corinth
(1) v9 Calls them God’s building
c. Now it’s not a perfect group in Corinth, not a group without problems, but one that had all of the components necessary to grow into the building God would have them to be.
i. This model is all we need.
d. Now we are part of this planting and watering process.
i. Planting, or talking to people about the word of God and the gospel and watering or helping people grow once that seed has been planted, those 2 aspects are on us.
ii. So we need to make sure we talk about how we should go about that, but can we first agree that there’s one aspect here that’s already taken care of?
e. Is there anyone here who thinks God has a lack of desire or inability to give the growth?
i. No, of course not.
(1) God always holds up His end of the bargain, and this is no different.
(2) We can go ahead and put a check next to Him because we have this aspect of the model down already.
f. But, what about the other 2?
i. Are we doing these things?
ii. If we aren’t growing the way that we need to be then we have to do some self reflection, because God is already doing His part.
(1) We need to figure out how to fulfill our role as best as we possibly can.
(2) We need to be able to put a check mark next to the other 2 aspects too.
iii. If we can find a way to do that we will be instrumental in not just creating Christians, but healthy productive disciples
(1) Remember that as we go along
(2) The goal isn’t just Christians, but healthy and productive disciples
(3) Because healthy disciples are the ones who are able to contribute to a local work
7. Today we are just going to focus on the planting aspect.
a. It’s the first step for a reason
i. You’re not going to have anything to water if you never plant
ii. Planting really is the foundation for church growth
(1) It is the initiator of all of the growth that comes after
iii. And it still works today
(1) Through this lesson we are going to show different ways we can be a part of the process of planting
iv. Because if we don’t plant at all can we really be surprised that the church is not growing?
v. And if we don’t plant properly can we really be surprised that the church is not growing?
b. What we can’t do is not plant and then fold our arms and say planting doesn’t work.
i. That’s kind of a self fulfilling prophecy right
ii. I do concede, actually no I agree that some of these things in the planting process are hard and the people we may talk to have a huge role in it as well.
(1) But, we’ve got to try.
(2) We’ve got to figure out what methods we can be a part of to assist in the process
c. Planting is the overall process for growth and that can’t change, but sometimes there are different methods within that process that are more helpful or less helpful given the situation.
i. Paul seemed to have a method.
(1) He went to the synagogue whenever he went to a new city.
(2) With the only exception being Philippi.
ii. One of the best planters ever had methods he used for planting the seed.
(1) I’m sure you all have some ideas too.
(2) Share some of those ideas with others.
iii. I’ve got one that I’ll share at the very end.
d. Because I do think there are some easier, practical methods we can use but let’s knock down some of the barriers or hindrances that may be preventing us from planting right now.
i. I think most if not all of us know we need to be planting, but there are some things we let get in the way.
(1) It’s funny, I was talking to a brother about this the other day and we both agreed that we kind of make some of these things up in our heads.
(2) If we can knock these out then we should feel more free to plant.
(3) So let’s tackle a few of these obstacles.
8. Maybe you haven’t been the best example while you were around others.
a. We all recognize the power of a good example.
i. Jesus says in Matt 5:16 let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
(1) When you do good/godly things around others it presents an opportunity to bring glory to God.
(2) People are watching.
(3) We know that.
b. So if we haven’t been a good example around someone it deters us from inviting them.
i. There’s a certain shame involved in it I think.
(1) If we haven’t been as Christ-like as we should and then we talk to someone about Christ it leaves us vulnerable.
(2) Someone at work could say “hey aren’t you the guy who _____” or “aren’t you the one who said/did ____.”
(3) And then it’s awkward and shameful.
ii. I think this happens a lot with people who are in a relationship with a nonChristian and maybe the relationship has gone to some places where you know it shouldn’t have.
(1) It’s awkward and shameful to then turn around and try to talk about Jesus.
(2) You feel and look hypocritical.
iii. So instead of possibly dealing with those dreadful situations we just keep quiet
c. Well if you’re in that position let’s start by becoming that better example.
i. Being a better example moving forward does away with all of those problems.
(1) If you’re doing better now you’re actually a good example of the kind of change that will be expected of them.
(2) It’s actually another area where you are letting your light shine.
(3) Not a reason to shy away.
ii. And if they do make reference to things that you’ve done it’s past things.
(1) They’re not calling you out for being a current hypocrite, they’re just making reference to areas from the past where you needed to grow.
(2) And we all have those areas.
iii. Again, that’s provided you actually start being a good example
d. But, you having been a poor example is NOT a reason to not plant the seed.
i. If someone calls to things you’ve done before now you have a chance to be like Paul in your mind set.
(1) Because Paul did some TERRIBLE things.
(2) Just check Acts 7 and you’ll see what he was up to before he became a planter
(3) But then fast forward to...
1 Tim 1:15 – “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.”
ii. So even if you haven’t always been the best example
iii. You have an opportunity to be like that and humble yourself and say you’ve made mistakes, but that you are committed to living your life for Christ now and you want them to do the same.
e. Interestingly enough, when you look at Paul’s life it seems like he was driven by his past failures.
i. He makes several references to his former status as a persecutor.
(1) But since he knew what he was saved from he knew he had to tell others.
(2) That needs to be our mentality.
f. So even if you haven’t been the best example, that shouldn’t hinder us from planting.
i. We will need to do better, but we still have a great chance to influence others and plant.
ii. Even in this situation we’ve actually got some areas we can use to our advantage in planting
(1) So we should take advantage of them
(2) A bad example should not be an obstacle
9. Maybe you don’t think people will listen and that’s why we don’t plant.
a. This is another major major reason
i. You can turn to Matt 13 with the parable of the sower.
(1) I think we primarily turn to this passage to look at the different soils as that seems to be what Jesus gives the most attention to in the explanation.
(2) But He calls it the parable of the sower in v18 so I want us to focus on what the sower is doing.
b. He doesn’t seem to be concerned where the seed is going does he?
i. Look at v4-5
(1) He threw some on the road, some on the rocky soil, some in the thorns and then of course some made it into good soil.
ii. By our wisdom we would say he wasted 75% of the seed.
(1) Yet the sower still plants.
(2) Even though the vast majority of the seed doesn’t accomplish the desired result
(3) The sower still does his job and plants
iii. That needs to be our attitude.
(1) We are planters, we can’t try to determine people’s soil.
(2) We have to allow them to do that.
(3) We’ve got to keep planting.
(4) Even if we don’t think we’ll get the desired result.
(5) We still have a job to do.
c. Truly enough, we don’t know what kind of soil they are.
i. We aren’t qualified to make that statement.
(1) So by casting them off as someone who won’t obey, we are assuming a role that we don’t have the authority or the ability to have.
(2) We’re completely out of line
(3) We can’t do that.
ii. Our job is to plant.
(1) That’s a role we can fill.
10. Here’s why trying to determine someone’s soil is dangerous.
a. What if I’ve deemed that someone won’t listen to the gospel?
i. I’ve completely let myself off the hook because now I feel justified in not talking to them and not fulfilling Jesus command in Matt 28:19 where we are to make disciples of all the nations.
(1) We’ve found a way around doing what Jesus told us to do.
(2) We are pretty good at that.
b. But also we’ve tried to determine that persons salvation too.
i. We’ve said that they won’t obey before we even gave them a chance.
(1) We actually put ourselves in between them and salvation
(2) We’re giving ourselves waay too much power brothers and sisters
(3) And if you’re hindering salvation for people that’s being in direct conflict with God wanting all men to be saved.
ii. We have to let people determine their own soil.
(1) Even if we don’t think they’ll listen..that’s really not a good excuse not to plant the seed
iii. Truly enough, everyone is an eligible candidate
(1) The people who don’t look like us need to hear about Jesus.
(2) The people who don’t come from the same background as us need to hear about Jesus.
(3) Even the people who don’t vote the way that we do need to hear about Jesus.
c. We are planters.
i. Now, if someone has demonstrated that they will not hear the gospel or anything about Jesus then we can kick the dust off our feet and go to the next person.
(1) But, we have to let them make that decision.
(2) “I don’t think they’ll listen” is not a valid obstacle.
11. Maybe you are anticipating the repercussions of talking to someone about Christ.
a. Macy actually brought this one up the other day
i. I think this one factors in for a lot of people
ii. We assume there’s going to be some kind of horrible reaction
(1) We think we might lose a friend or family member
(2) Or even worse...
b. Maybe you’ve got it in your head that your reputation could take a hit.
i. Because no one wants to be labeled as “weird” right.
ii. We think that talking to someone about Jesus is going to make us weird.
(1) I think it’s the King James Version that renders 1 Pet 2:9 a “peculiar people.”
(2) That’s another word for weird.
(3) As is the word different.
c. Just by nature of you being a Christian you are going to be different and you should be.
i. That’s what you signed up for.
ii. So, if we really are serious about being a saint, being someone who is set aside for God’s purposes then we shouldn’t really shy away from being different should we?
(1) That should actually be something that compels us to talk to others and highlight those differences.
iii. Those differences are the only things that actually make us valuable.
(1) Being useful for God and His purposes is how you establish value in yourself.
d. So by talking to others about Jesus you might lose value in the eyes of other people
i. They could call you weird
(1) They could decide they don’t want to be around you anymore
ii. But when you talk about Jesus who are you gaining value with?
(1) God.
(2) If we are planters we are valuable to God.
(3) And that’s what’s most important.
iii. By opening your mouth and talking about Christ you are proving yourself to be useful to God and that’s all that really matters.
e. And let’s be honest are our friends really going to just sever ties with us because we are talking about Jesus?
i. Probably not.
(1) The fear of losing your friends is mostly unfounded.
(2) In fact, most people, especially around here, value someone who has some spirituality.
ii. And if they do sever ties completely with you...is that really someone you should’ve been super close to in the first place?
iii. This is a tough one, because we need friends and companionship, that’s how we are programmed.
(1) But, we can’t let the desire for friends or reputation keep us from doing what we are supposed to do.
f. I don’t like to say young people because it makes me feel old.
i. Younger than me people...don’t get sucked into this trap.
(1) Talk to your friends about Jesus.
(2) Talk to them about church.
ii. People that age can be a little more cruel than when you get older so I don’t want to dismiss that as unfounded.
(1) Please don’t let that deter you.
(2) Talk to people about Christ.
iii. Plant the seed.
(1) We need people in this age group planting as much as any of the others.
(2) And you have as much responsibility as any of the others.
g. All of us need to do a better job of not getting wrapped up in focusing on how much we might lose by talking about Jesus.
i. Let’s focus on how much we have to gain.
(1) Which is value with God.
(2) Let’s not use repercussions as obstacles for planting the seed
12. Now that we’ve tackled some of those hindrances we can move those out of our way right?
a. While none of these concerns are unfounded or made up, we understand that they can’t keep us from doing what we need to do, which is to be a part of the planting process.
i. You don’t have to be a scholar to be a part of the process.
(1) You don’t need to know every cross-reference from Isaiah to the gospels.
ii. Everyone has different roles and different areas that they will be able to chip in on.
(1) Not everyone is a planter or feels like they’re a planter.
iii. Many of you are
(1) You all know your stuff
(2) You know what you did to be saved and you are capable of relaying that information
13. But the first thing we can do as a part of this process is simply just to invite people to worship or gatherings where church folks are.
a. Invitations are a big part of the process.
i. Anyone here can do this.
(1) It’s as simple as “hey would you like to come to worship with me?” or “what are you doing this Saturday? Me and whoever are going to hang out.”
(2) Simple.
b. You’re already around people all the time at work or when you’re working out or wherever.
i. Use a little of that time to be a part of this process.
(1) I know it can be nerve wracking to talk to people about salvation.
ii. How about just asking someone to services?
(1) You invite people places all the time.
(2) Just treat it like that.
c. Now this is not seed planting.
i. I don’t want us to get confused there.
(1) The seed is planted when the gospel is spoken to someone.
ii. There in the parable of the sower in Matt 13:19 Jesus says it’s when you hear the word of the kingdom.
(1) So the word of the kingdom isn’t just come to services.
(2) But, these invitations are a CRUCIAL part of the process.
d. Think of them as opportunities for seed planting.
i. By having them with you in one of these situations you have presented an opportunity for someone to plant the seed.
(1) You have joined the process
ii. At worship it’s obvious who could take advantage of that opportunity.
(1) You’ve got an evangelist, you’ve got elders.
(2) I hope it’s not too blunt, but like that’s our job.
iii. Those tough conversations about salvation and maybe some of the tough things that people might have to give up to serve God.
(1) We are equipped for those talks.
iv. So by bringing them to worship you’ve created an opportunity for them to hear the gospel.
(1) That’s a big deal!
(2) That’s why this is the first step.
e. And that’s why it even works in inviting them to get togethers with church members because you have some planters in your friends group too.
i. There’s value in them being around Christ-like people acting like Christ of course
(1) But I believe you specifically have people in your circle who can have a conversation with someone and tell them what their current situation is and what they need to do to be saved.
ii. Regardless, when they’re around Christians we have an opportunity to plant the seed
(1) That’s valuable
f. Now, we need to make sure we keep the right focus on.
i. If we are getting them to worship or gatherings and the seed is not being planted then we need to get after it.
ii. If it’s a worship thing and you don’t know for a fact that someone has been planting the seed I’m sure Nick or your elders would have no problem with you pulling them aside and saying “hey this person has been here ____.”
iii. This is a group process so if you’ve assisted and you’ve gotten them around planters and no one is planting, then maybe you need to just make mention of it to someone.
iv. The point is...
(1) Get people around opportunities for planting.
(2) That’s why invitations are important.
g. It’s the first thing anyone here can do to be a part of the process.
14. Another thing is training.
a. You can do this by sitting in on planting opportunities.
i. There are some who want to plant but just feel inadquate or not prepared to.
(1) I think you are selling yourself short.
ii. But if you do feel like you need some work before you talk to someone, by sitting in you pick up on things that get you where you need to be to be planting too.
(1) Think about it.
b. If the goal is to plant more seed then the more confident planters we have the better.
i. Think of it as planting in an actual garden.
(1) If we had 10 people throwing out seed we would get a lot planted.
(2) But what if we had 25 people planting?
(3) We would get more planted right?
(4) It’s the same exact way with the gospel.
ii. If we had 10 people ready to talk to people about salvation we could do some good things.
(1) Imagine if we had 25.
(2) Or 50 or 100.
(3) It’s simple math.
iii. The more planters the more planting.
(1) The only way to get more planters is by equipping ourselves with the skills to be able to plant properly and confidently.
c. So if you aren’t confident in your ability to plant...learn how and get confident.
i. If you brought someone to services or you just know of someone else trying to plant the seed ask to sit in.
(1) Especially if it’s someone you know, the likelihood of someone saying you can’t be a part of it are very low.
(2) You would learn things and eventually get to the point where you can plant too.
d. Overall the goal is to plant more seed.
i. Anything we can do to provide more opportunities for that and anything we can do to have more people able and available to do that we should be willing to be involved in.
(1) We need more confident planters
(2) Adding just you to the list of planters we have available increases those chances by a ton.
e. If you don’t feel like a planter ask for some training
i. Get involved in the process
15. And let’s make sure we actually plant the seed.
a. And make sure we are planting it properly is what this point is centered around.
i. If you’re taking notes maybe proper planting is what you need to write down here
b. Again, the seed is the gospel.
i. Many of us are confident in our abilities to plant the seed and spread the gospel.
(1) Some of us are working our way to that point.
(2) But, when we do plant we have to make sure it is the gospel.
(3) All of the contents of the gospel.
c. Don’t water the message down.
i. Don’t leave parts out.
(1) If you do that you are setting people up for failure.
(2) When we are talking about the gospel we have to prepare people for the life that they will be living after baptism.
(3) Remember the goal isn’t just to make a Christian, but healthy productive disciples.
d. So if I’m planting the seed and I tell people about their sin and salvation, but I don’t tell them about how their life moving forward is about service to Jesus what good does that do for our goal?
i. Is the result of that a healthy Christian?
(1) If someone doesn’t understand their responsibilities as a disciple moving forward what happens when trouble arises?
ii. Think back to the parable of the sower.
(1) A Christian who doesn’t understand what’s expected of them and flees as soon as bad things arise is the rocky soil.
(2) And our improper planting helped them become that.
e. Or if we don’t prepare people for all of the good things they’re supposed to be doing and the change in character that’s supposed to take place.
i. How does that factor into this healthy disciple?
(1) That seems like the thorny soil.
(2) When the going get’s tough they won’t have any fruit.
ii. People make their own decisions, but we can lead people to becoming fruitless Christians when we don’t plant properly.
iii. We need to give people the whole Gospel when we plant the seed.
(1) Tell them the good things.
(2) But, tell people the tough things too.
f. Jesus was the best planter to ever live.
i. His whole life was centered around planting the seed.
ii. Do you know what He was saying when He was planting?
(1) Think about Matthew 10 when He was speaking
(2) He was saying “take up your cross.”
(3) He was saying that Christianity could put you against your family.
(4) He was saying you would have to follow Him from that point forward even at the possible expense of your life
iii. Now through our own wisdom we might conclude that we should leave some of that stuff out so people can get on board.
(1) Jesus didn’t seem to think that.
iv. He said the tough things.
(1) Why?
(2) Because that’s the gospel message.
g. The gospel message is man has sinned, God has provided a way of redemption, moving forward man’s life belongs to Him.
i. We need to make sure we cover all parts of it.
ii. We need to prepare people for a life of service to Christ.
(1) That’s the only way healthy discipleship is possible and that’s what this process is all about.
16. So I’ve got a challenge.
a. Because if we leave here and don’t actually do anything or try anything then this was kind of a waste.
i. So write this down, or have some way of making sure you can remember this.
ii. This is something everyone can do even if you don’t think you are a planter, because this is focused on creating planting opportunities.
b. Identify 4 people in your life to invite either to services or to those gatherings we talked about earlier.
i. Could be a friend, family member, grocery store cashier you see often, neighbor
ii. Make it someone you interact with regularly already.
(1) This is valuable because you are already talking to these people on a normal basis.
(2) A lot of these people you already have influence with.
iii. You don’t have to have a deep relationship with someone to talk to them about Christ
(1) But there are some hurdles that are already cleared when you have an existing relationship with them.
iv. If you talk with them normally already, you don’t have to wonder how you’re going to start the convo or any of those psychological barriers we put up in conversations with strangers.
(1) In fact, since it’s already someone you talk with normally, you have more opportunities to talk with them about coming with you.
(2) All you have to do is exchange 1 of those political or sports conversations with a convo about worship.
v. Also, the odds of an extremely adverse or cruel reaction is much lower as well.
(1) You know these people.
(2) They know you.
(3) They’ve got reason to not respond ugly because they want to remain on good terms with you too.
vi. Remember that fear we talked about earlier about not wanting a loss of position or for people to think we are crazy.
(1) That is even significantly less of an option if we are inviting the people we are already interacting with.
17. Now, with those 4 people we are going to invite a different person each week.
a. You’ve got 4 weeks in a month so each one gets an invite their own week.
i. You also have 4 extra sundays that you can assign to a different person too.
ii. All total you would be inviting each of those people 13 times in a year.
iii. Now that’s not very strenuous is it?
(1) On the one asking or the one being asked.
iv. But, 13 times is a lot of opportunities for planting in just a year.
(1) And if you don’t think so then I want you to compare that to how many people you asked to services in 2019 and 2020 combined.
v. This is a ton of opportunities and because it’s not super strenuous it leaves the door open for future invitations too.
b. So 4 people.
i. 1 invitation per week.
c. Be careful about inviting them to the gatherings instead of worship.
i. Again, at worship you’ve got people on hand who’s job it is to seize those opportunities.
(1) If it’s a gathering, you need to communicate with the others there the planting opportunity that is present and make sure we are following through.
(2) Anyone can hang out, but we are looking to plant the seed.
18. Now we are going to have to stay committed to this.
a. We need effort from everyone.
i. The more people involved the more opportunity for success.
(1) And the better we stick to the plan the more opportunity for success.
(2) We all have to stay committed.
ii. If we get it right this month and next month, but not the month after, well now we’ve hindered our success.
(1) Instead of 13 times maybe it’s 12.
(2) Then 12 becomes 11 and so on and so forth.
iii. So we all individually have to stay locked in.
(1) Planting is a disciple responsibility so if you’re a disciple you have to be a part of the process.
iv. And we need to challenge others to be involved and stay committed too.
(1) The more people we have involved the better.
19. Regardless of where we are or where our role is in the process, we can do something.
a. We should want to do something.
i. You know about the key to salvation and a right standing with the Creator of the universe.
ii. Why would we keep that to ourselves?
(1) You talk about things you think are valuable
(2) There’s nothing more valuable than this
(3) We should have a pull in us to want to tell people about Jesus
(4) If we have deemed Him valuable
20. Now the beauty of all of this is when we stick to God’s plan it actually helps take care of itself.
a. When you plant correctly, those people end up becoming planters themselves and they get to the point where they are contributing too.
i. A growing church actually helps itself grow
(1) Think of how many people in scripture converted their household.
(2) The seed was planted for Lydia in Acts 16 then she planted the seed with her household.
ii. Which is a good example of not needing to know everything to become a planter.
(1) But you can see when we plant right, people start contributing and that’s how we grow as a church.
b. God’s way still works.
i. If we want to get to this then we know what to do.
21. If you haven’t put Christ on in baptism now is the time.
a. This is the seed being planted.
i. You have sinned, you have transgressed God’s law.
(1) But thankfully He sent His Son to die for our sins.
ii. This brought the possibility of redemption to God through the blood of Jesus.
(1) Well you come into contact with that blood through baptism.
(2) The only way to receive the remission of sins and to be in right standing with God is through baptism.
iii. But that’s not the end.
(1) After that your life belongs to Him.
(2) You are a follower of Jesus.
iv. The good thing though is following Him leads you to heaven with the Father.
(1) Be baptized today.
(2) Have those sins washed away.
b. If you have any more questions we have so many people here who would love to talk with you.
i. That’s what we are here for.
c. Maybe you’ve already been baptized, but you haven’t been faithful.
i. You can make it right with God too.
(1) Repent of your sins.
ii. Commit to doing better.
(1) Rededicate your life to Christ.
iii. We want to pray for and with you.
(1) We want to help in any way that we can.
(2) If you have any needs make them known as we stand and sing.