Welcome To The Services Of The We Are Thankful For Your Presence! Dunlap church of Christ We Are Thankful For Your Presence!

Welcome Questions? Just Let Us Know! To The Services Of The Dunlap church of Christ Questions? Just Let Us Know!

Ephesians 1:15-23 “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;”

(17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

(19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,”

(21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”

A journey of 1000 miles must begin with the first step! -Chinese Proverb-

Is taking that first step. The hardest part of any journey

Example: What is the first step to evangelism? Importance of the First Step! Example: What is the first step to evangelism? Some new & innovative program? Some great invitation technique? Is it memorizing just the right set of Scriptures? Is it forming some questions to ask people around us?

Example: What is the first step to evangelism?? Importance of the First Step! Example: What is the first step to evangelism?? Some new & innovative program? Some great invitation technique? Is it memorizing just the right set of Scriptures? Is it forming just the right set of questions to ask people around us?

Importance of the First Step! So obvious, it’s overlooked. Nope! Much more basic. So obvious, it’s overlooked. Seeing each individual person as a soul headed for eternity. That’s it!

How To Build A Great Church Is there…

A magical quick way to grow, develop, mature the church in any given locality?

No! It’s a “one brick at a time” procedure. Why not? It doesn’t work that way! It’s a “one brick at a time” procedure.

Every congregation can be “great” regardless of its size. How To Build A Great Church Great! Not “Big” Not “Famous” Not “Pace-setting” Every congregation can be “great” regardless of its size.

Then clear out of the way! How To Build A Great Church What should be done with obstacles? Recognize them! Might sting! Then clear out of the way! Before the accomplishment of any great task, the mission must be clear & the resolve to accomplish it must run deep!

We must have great purpose! In Order To Build A Great Church… We must have great purpose! History is filled with examples of God is waiting in the wings to grant victory to His people when they are ready and have a clear vision of what He wants done! Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses... The Christopher Columbus complex is a sure purpose killer!!

Brick #1 Involves What? The local church is the greatest of all enterprises! Eph.2:21 “an holy temple in the Lord” The greatest, noblest, highest, sweetest work humans can accomplish is by and through the local congregation! Matt.16:18; Acts 2:41,47; Eph.1:23; Eph.5:21ff; Luke 19:10; I Tim.3:15

Romans 8:16-17 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Brick #1 - PURPOSE Preach the gospel - evangelism Glorify God in Christ Jesus Preach the gospel - evangelism Teach the saved - edification Assist the needy - benevolence

Brick #1 - PURPOSE Uphold & defend the truth. Provide the atmosphere where the Christian life can flourish. Build the kind of character God wants. “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,” Galatians 4:19

Brick #2 Determination Is The Key! 4 Necessary Characteristics 1. Purpose 2. Strategy For Results 3. Shared goals 4. Effective systems of communication

God’s Simple Plan HEAR (Romans 10:17) BELIEVE (John 8:24) REPENT (Luke 13:3) CONFESS (Rom.10:9-10) BAPTIZED (Gal. 3:27) ADDED TO THE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47)

Are You Wayward? “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.” (Acts 8:22) “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)