Romans 12:4-8

As Christians, the way we live affects what others think about the teachings of God – see Titus 2:5, 8, 10.As Christians, the way we live affects what others think about the teachings of God – see Titus 2:5, 8, 10. When we live the life, others will notice and, hopefully, become Christians too – Matthew 5:16; see 1 Peter 3:1-2.When we live the life, others will notice and, hopefully, become Christians too – Matthew 5:16; see 1 Peter 3:1-2. Yet, if we are not committed (or worse yet hypocritical) we hurt the cause of Christ – see Titus 2:5, 8.Yet, if we are not committed (or worse yet hypocritical) we hurt the cause of Christ – see Titus 2:5, 8.

The only way to build meaningful friendships is to demonstrate friendliness – Proverbs 18:24, NKJV.The only way to build meaningful friendships is to demonstrate friendliness – Proverbs 18:24, NKJV. The is absolutely no excuse for Christians being mean, spiteful, or discouraging to others – 1 John 2:7-8.The is absolutely no excuse for Christians being mean, spiteful, or discouraging to others – 1 John 2:7-8. When we interact with Christians or non-Christians, we must learn to be kind and courteous – Colossians 3:12-14.When we interact with Christians or non-Christians, we must learn to be kind and courteous – Colossians 3:12-14.

An vital part of church growth is prayer, and it is something everyone can do!An vital part of church growth is prayer, and it is something everyone can do! –Pray for sinners – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 –Pray for workers – Matthew 9:37-38 –Pray for members (e.g. new, weak, strong) – James 5:16 Prayer is one of the most effective (and possibly most neglected) aspects of church growth – see James 5:16-18.Prayer is one of the most effective (and possibly most neglected) aspects of church growth – see James 5:16-18.

God expects His people to be hospitable to both Christians and non- Christians – 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2.God expects His people to be hospitable to both Christians and non- Christians – 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2. Like the early Christians, it should be a delight to use our possessions to help others and glorify God – Romans 12:13.Like the early Christians, it should be a delight to use our possessions to help others and glorify God – Romans 12:13. When we are hospitable, it unites Christians, makes outsiders/newcomers feel welcome, and pleases God.When we are hospitable, it unites Christians, makes outsiders/newcomers feel welcome, and pleases God.

The Lord commands us to lovingly serve not only Him but also one another – Galatians 5:13-14.The Lord commands us to lovingly serve not only Him but also one another – Galatians 5: Each one of us has been gifted and strengthened by God to serve others – 1 Peter 4:10-11.Each one of us has been gifted and strengthened by God to serve others – 1 Peter 4: We must discover how and where we can serve, and then use our gifts accordingly – Romans 12:4-8.We must discover how and where we can serve, and then use our gifts accordingly – Romans 12:4-8.

The church grows, in part, when all the members are inviting outsiders to Bible studies, classes, and assemblies.The church grows, in part, when all the members are inviting outsiders to Bible studies, classes, and assemblies. The simple invitation “come and see” was powerfully used by first-century disciples – see John 1:40-51.The simple invitation “come and see” was powerfully used by first-century disciples – see John 1: To help us invite others, we should make a list of friends, family, and others, call or visit them, and then invite them.To help us invite others, we should make a list of friends, family, and others, call or visit them, and then invite them.

The only way, ultimately, to make disciples is to teach them the good news of Jesus – Matthew 28:18-20.The only way, ultimately, to make disciples is to teach them the good news of Jesus – Matthew 28: The Lord expects all Christians, at some level, to become teachers and preachers of the word – Hebrews 5:12.The Lord expects all Christians, at some level, to become teachers and preachers of the word – Hebrews 5:12. We can all find ways to share the message – see Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 8:4; 20:20.We can all find ways to share the message – see Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 8:4; 20:20.