A Common Problem Many who have it – dont know it Those that do – dont care! Affects Every Congregation.

Slides:

Advertisements

Similar presentations

It is the prayer of ever godly parent that their children will go to heaven. Today a large percentage of our young people raised by Christians have either.

Advertisements

1.Gospel is a Redemptive Message 2.The Distinction in Individual & Church 3.History of the Social Gospel Movement 4.What Builds Faith, Edifies, & Causes.

The Hour Is Coming A Time Appointed Single Unit of Time One Time Might Be The Beginning of a Period of Time.

Stealing Generally think of robbery or burglary Generally think of robbery or burglary May be practiced – more commonly May be practiced – more commonly.

Hosea Prophet to the Northern Kingdom – Israel Prophet to the Northern Kingdom – Israel Worked BC Worked BC Time of prosperity – yet.

DEFINING DOCTRINE A introductory lesson By Rolan Monje.

Train Up A Child… In the Way That He Should Go Proverbs 22:6.

Every Christian Has Faith Know he needs faith Wants to have faith Doesnt want to lose his faith Makes claims to faith Know he needs faith Wants to have.

The Hour Is Coming John 5:28-29 A Time Appointed 8/8/2010 pm

Matt.7:15-20– 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits ye shall know them.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. At the back of this passage lies the over-confidence of some of the.

After Death… What Then? Lessons From the Rich Man and Lazarus Prepared by Chris Reeves * Ashley Heights church of Christ Gospel Meeting * November 14,

Grow in Grace Part 1. The Christian life begins with a birth –R–Receiving Christ we are born again – Jn 1:12-13 –N–Nicodemus & the new birth – Jn 3:1-13.

QUESTION NIGHT, August 15, What do we mean when we say Lords will be done? Is He in control of each occurrence of both good and evil? Matt. 6:10.

A Look at Jn 15:1-8. Background It is the night before the crucifixion Jesus has just finished eating the Passover with the disciples and instituting.

A L ESSON FROM THE 5 W S. I NTRODUCTION We have all heard of the 5 Ws in school that are designed to help us write I would like to use the 5 Ws to help.

God Keeps Us From Falling. Our Salvation God’s interest, Rom. 8:31-39 God’s interest, Rom. 8:31-39 God is able to guard us from falling, Jude God.

THE HOUSE OF GOD. The House of God The church is the temple of God 1 Cor. 3:16 God dwells in His temple God does not dwell in man-made temples Acts 17:24-25,

To call to mind...to remind oneself of...to be mindful of" (Vine) Keep in mind, keep in memory, always thoughtful of 2.

The Fruit of the Spirit Part II: Love, Joy, Peace

1 Peter 4:8. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (KJV) Above all, keep fervent.

1 W. 65th St church of Christ / June 15, 2008 Don McClain.

Preparing & Preaching Gospel Sermons

When the Rich Man Opened his Eyes. Luke 16:19-31 What did he see? 1.Nothing more important than his soul. 16:19-23 He didnt care anymore for his fine.

Mark 9: Outer darkness, Matt. 25:30 Outer darkness, Matt. 25:30 Torment, Matt. 25:30 Torment, Matt. 25:30 Place of unquenchable fire, Mk. 9:44-

Always Remember Psalm 77:7-15. Memory A wonderful tool and blessing Helps us learn and grow Helps us avoid mistakes and duplicate successes Let us resolve.

Sin Will Always… Judges 16. SIN Sin is deceitful, Heb. 3:12-13 Sin never delivers what it offers, Heb. 11:25; 2 Pet. 2:17-19 Example: Samson, Heb. 11:32.

Genesis 4:3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. 4 Abel also brought of the.

Every day we make decisions that directly affect our faith and our relation with God, Josh. 24:15 Every day we make decisions that directly affect our.

One Cannot be Taught Wrong and Baptized Right

You Cannot Overthrow What is of God. The Gospel Continued to Spread Many being saved in Jerusalem, 4:4 Many being saved in Jerusalem, 4:4 Opponents never.

Elders in Every Church Acts 14:23. 2 The Chief Shepherd Ezek. 34:23 God promised “one shepherd” – Christ (Jno. 10:11, 14; 1 Pet. 2:25) Christ wants elders.

“What right do you have to declare My statutes?” 50:16 You hate instruction and cast off My word, 50:17 You practice sin upon sin, 50:18-20 “You thought.

Good Eyes Matthew 6: A Good Eye Sees clearly and effectively Sight is a figure for spiritual perception, Matt. 13:14-15 – EYE: “metaph. the eyes.

Our Great Salvation how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…? how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?

"I Died Last Night" What happened next?. Did you obey the gospel? What is gospel obedience? Rom 10:15-17 Submissive response to God’s word due to hearing.

The Work of the Local Church EDIFICATION (Bible Authority, Part 13) 1.

Just Say the Word Matthew 8:8.

Shall I Crucify My Savior? Matthew 27: Rejected and Betrayed The Lord came to His own and was rejected, Jno 1:11The Lord came to His own and was.

“Stir you up by reminding you” 2 Peter 1: Do You Remember the Day of Your Conversion? Day of your salvation from past sins, Acts 22:16; 2:47 Day.

What Christ Is To Us Matthew 22: Jesus? Matthew 16:13-16  “Misguided Rabbi”  “Social revolutionary”  “Great moral teacher”  “Prophet”  “son.

I Will… Psalm 101. His vow to rule with mercy and justice, 2 Sam 8:15; Prov 20:28; Jer 23:5-6 “I will” – Series of affirmative and negative declarations.

Why do you marvel at this? So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this?” (Acts 3:12)

Small Things 1 Corinthians 1: Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “For as the.

Living Things. 2 Life is a gift from God, Acts 17:25 (Isa. 42:5)Life is a gift from God, Acts 17:25 (Isa. 42:5) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, offers us.

James 5: There is only one truth – “the truth” –Many want to make truth relative – no absolute truth!  Argue for the existence of various shades.

Colossians 1: As Lord, Jesus Has Authority – An Extensive Reach Over All (1:15-18) As Lord, Jesus Has Authority – An Extensive Reach Over All (1:15-18)

Lesson 4: A Faith that overcomes discouragement. Remember That Great Bible Characters Became Discouraged – Elijah (1 Kings 19:4-18) – John the Baptist.

2 Timothy 1:1-5.. A Dwelling Faith A Dwelling Faith – Faith Comes When the Word Comes (Rom. 10:17) – Faith Builds When the Word Builds (Acts 20:32 + Jude.

Proverbs 4:  Right way, Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:13-14  Possible to be on wrong way, v. 13  Possible to be on right way, v. 14 How do you know whether.

(Prov. 3:12) “Whom the Lord loves, He corrects” (Prov. 3:12) How does God discipline His children?

Be Fervent Hebrews 6: Do not be sluggish! Heb. 6:11-12 Little movement, slow, inactive Be fervent: zeo: To boil with heat, be hot (Rom. 12:11)

Is The Bible A Sufficient Guide In Religion ?. 2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Spiritual Inventory Review Bible Study Bishop, Dr. William B. Smith, Sr.

1 Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into.

“Stop trying to make it to heaven!” John 6:25-29.

THE PROBLEM OF INDIFFERENCE. 1. Definition: “1. The quality, state, or fact of being indifferent; specifically, (a) lack of concern, interest, or feeling;

1 Do Not Fear Reasons for Encouragement. 2 Avoid Discouragement Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap.

The Barnabas Factor Acts 4: “B” is for benevolent Acts 4:37; Acts 2:45; Lk. 18:18-25 Levites - Deut. 12:12, 19; 14:27, 29; 16:11; 18:8; 26:12, 13.

Lazarus Rich Man GREAT GULF Abraham’s bosom (Paradise) TormentsTorments Carried by angels Died 1.

“He Who Is Of God” John 8:47, “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” All Verses Are From The NKJV.

The Fear of God Walking in the Fear of God Psa. 34:11 Deut. 4:10 Deut. 14:23 Fear Has To Be Taught.

LOVING GOD. I. TWO ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS “But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of.

Like a Little Child Matthew 18:1-5. Kingdom of Heaven Live worthy, Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27 Live worthy, Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27 Danger of self-approval, 2 Cor.

 Does not APPEAR to be dangerous  To some it even appears to be a friend.  The Lord identified being lukewarm as a REAL and DEADLY threat. 10/19/20151.

Two Problems: There is Worldliness Among God’s People Not Dealt With Not preached on Preached on – nothing else is done.

Drifting is very dangerous, it can happen unnoticed. Many Christians are drifting toward spiritual destruction. Heb. 2:1-3.

Dunlap church of Christ Questions? Just Let Us Know!

“You’ve Changed!” How Often Looks older – “My, how you have changed!”

Affects Every Congregation

Presentation transcript:

A Common Problem Many who have it – dont know it Those that do – dont care! Affects Every Congregation

A Apathy, unconcerned, and disinterest. 1. Characterized by a lack of partiality or bias. 2. Not mattering one way or the other; of no great importance. 3. Having no marked feeling one way or the other Having no particular interest or concern Not active or involved (AHD, p. 655). L Lack of diligence, dedication and devotion. A Attitude and actions that say, I dont care!

Not A New Problem Gods People Have Always Been Plagued L Lam. 1:1-12 – Judah is doomed – act as if nothing 1 1 Cor. 5 – Fornication in midst – done nothing – not even upset R Rev. 3:15-16 – Church at Laodicea was lukewarm Eats away at the life of a Christian & a local church – Cancer… Eats away at the life of a Christian & a local church – Cancer…

People of God Should Be Diligent, Devoted & Zealous Matt. 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God 1 Pet. 3:15 - Sanctify the Lord in your heart Rom. 12:11 - Fervent in spirit serving the Lord Col. 3:23 - Put everything you have into the service of the Lord Eccl. 9:10 - Whatever do - do it will all your might Tit. 2:14 - Zealous of good works

I. Its Subtlety A. Develops Gradually & Slowly 1. It doesnt happen overnight. a. Not diligent / enthused one day – indifferent the next b. This makes it hard to recognize 2. It strikes first at the heart – then manifest itself in action Mind Manifest Actions

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away (NKJV) Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (KJV) Footnote KJV run out as leaking vessels

B. Hard To See What Were Not Doing 1. Heb. 5: Overt acts are easily seen by self & Others (Lie, curse, steal, drink) 3. Even sin in attitude involves doing. (hate, lust, bitter, envy, jealous, anger) 3. Harder to see what I fail to do! 4. Even harder to see: That I dont care as much as I ought toThat I dont care as much as I ought to That Im not involved as I ought to be That Im not involved as I ought to be That Im not as dedicated as I should be That Im not as dedicated as I should be That I should have grown more by now That I should have grown more by now

C. We Focus on Signs / Fruit – Rather Than the Real Problem 1. When we see the symptoms, we deal with them a. If one doesnt attend as he should – we preach on attendance. (It may not help) b. If one doesnt study and grow, we talk to them about study & growth (It may not help) 2. The real problem is the heart (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 15:19) a. Problem is they dont care! b. Cure the indifference – symptoms will be gone

II. Its Causes A. Lack of fear of God 1. Fear involves: Afraid of Displeasing God 1 Sam. 11:7 Psa. 119:120 Isa. 66:2 Heb. 10:31; 12:29 Respect & Awe Luke 7:16 Deut. 28:58

II. Its Causes A. Lack of fear of God 1. Fear involves: 2. Those who fear will: 1. Do what God says (Duet. 6:2; 13:4; 17:19) 2. Be dedicated (Deut. 10:12, 20; 31:12)

II. Its Causes A. Lack of fear of God B. Focus on the present world 1. Get wrapped up in this life a. Spiritual pushed aside b. Matt. 13:22 – cares of the world c. 2 Tim. 4:10 – loved present world 2. Materially blessed a. Tendency to forget God (Prov. 30:8-9; Deut. 6:10-12) b. Beware when at ease (Amos 6:1-6) c. Riches make us overconfident in material things (Psa. 30:6)

C. Ignorance 1. Ignorance destroys Gods People (Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13) 2. Reasons why there is ignorance: a. Not been taught (cf. Matt. 28:20) –we leave them to sink or swim b. Forgot what we knew (Heb. 5:11-12) c. Ignore what were taught (Rom. 10:3, 17)

C. Ignorance 1. Ignorance destroys Gods People (Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13) 2. Reasons why there is ignorance: 3. What we dont know makes a difference a. If we dont know commands – cant obey (Eph 5:17) b. If we dont know about judgment – cant fear (Heb. 10:27) c. If dont know truth – led into error (2 Pet. 3:16-18)

D. Softness 1. Soft Preaching a. Comforts those who are indiff. (Isa. 30:10) b. Does little to prick the heart c. Positive preaching make people who are in sin (and indifferent about it) feel good! 2. Lack of teeth in message a. Not enough to preach truth – must correct, rebuke, withdraw –if no repentance b. Often want the truth taught – nothing more done about it

III. Its Signs A. A Loss of zeal B. Loss of spiritual interest Easily follows a loss of zeal Easily follows a loss of zeal Lack of desire for word (Psa. 119; 1 Pet. 2:1-2) Lack of desire for word (Psa. 119; 1 Pet. 2:1-2) No interest in studying No interest in studying Dont want to know what text means Dont want to know what text means Not bothered by sin in self or others (Prov. 8:13) Not bothered by sin in self or others (Prov. 8:13) Not bothered by false doctrine (Psa. 119:136) Not bothered by false doctrine (Psa. 119:136) Not concerned about the lost (Mk. 16:15-16) Not concerned about the lost (Mk. 16:15-16) When service to God is Ho-hum, no big deal Fire has gone out! When service to God is Ho-hum, no big deal Fire has gone out!

C. Missing services 1. May start as occasional absence a. Maybe allow work to hinder. Bothers us at first, then we adjust b. May miss once in a while for other reasons c. Now becoming easier to miss d. May begin missing BS, or Wed. then Sunday PM and then AM

C. Missing services 1. May start as occasional absence 2.Every service we miss – miss out on spiritual growth a. If being present builds us up (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 5:19), then if we miss we are weaker! b. Thomas Missed out (John 20:20-28) 3. Do you forsake for reasons within your control?

A. Preach & Warn 1. Col. 1:28 - Goal: present every man perfect (not indifference) - How? Him we preach, warning… 2. Preaching is Gods remedy - Gospel has power (Rom. 1:16) - Dont need gimmicks, social programs, entertainment, etc. - Just need to preach & warn IV. Its Cure

A. Preach & Warn B. Repent Churches with indifference were told to repent Churches with indifference were told to repent Rev. 2:4-5 Rev. 2:4-5 Rev. 3:16, 19 Rev. 3:16, 19 Repentance is a change of mind Repentance is a change of mind Prompted by godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10) Prompted by godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10) Results in change of life (Rev. 2:5) Results in change of life (Rev. 2:5) If you recognize signs of indifference – need to repent! If you recognize signs of indifference – need to repent!

IV. Its Cure A. Preach & Warn B. Repent Jas. 1:21-25 Jas. 1:21-25 Activate the faith you have (Jas 2) Activate the faith you have (Jas 2) More we exercise our faith – easier it is to continue in the practice More we exercise our faith – easier it is to continue in the practice C. Be doer of word

IV. Its Cure A. Preach & Warn B. Repent C. Study Faith is based upon word (Rom. 10:17) Faith is based upon word (Rom. 10:17) More we study – stronger become (2 Thess. 1:3) More we study – stronger become (2 Thess. 1:3)

D. Consumed with secular interest 1. This life is merely a land we are passing through (Heb. 13:14) - Means this is temporary - Secular things should rank below sp. things 2. When our secular concerns overshadow and crowd out the spiritual – are indifferent - When dont have time for worship - When dont have time to study - When making money is more important - When having fun is pushed ahead of service

III. Its Signs A. A Loss of zeal B. Loss of spiritual interest C. Missing services D. Consumed with secular interest E. Not bothered by things used to… Heb. 3:7-13

III. Its Signs A. A Loss of zeal B. Loss of spiritual interest C. Missing services D. Consumed with secular interest E. Not bothered by things used to… Gal. 1:6-9; 5:7 F. Big contrast in what I used to be

I. Its Subtlety II. Its Causes III. Its Signs IV. Its Cure

I. Its Subtlety II. Its Causes III. Its Signs

A. A Loss of zeal 1. Dedicated people have a burning zeal (Rom. 12:11; Luke 24:32) 2. Possible to lose fire of enthus. (Rev. 2:4-5) 3. Judah let her service deteriorate into a weary routine (Isa. 29:9-14; Mal. 1:6–2:17) 4. When a church has members – lost their zeal – it has a problem with indifference When service to God is Ho-hum, no big deal Fire has gone out! When service to God is Ho-hum, no big deal Fire has gone out!