Love Under Construction: “Loving The Lost” Providence Church of Christ VBS June 9, 2011

Loving The Lost What are we supposed to do? Jesus’ instructions – Matthew 28:19,20 Learn from “Him”, i.e. learn how to love – Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus expects us to love – 2 Peter 1:5-8 Paul’s strong statement – I Cor. 13:2,3,13

Loving The Lost How are we supposed to love? Specific definition/description – I Cor. 13:4-8

I Corinthians 13 definition/descriptionbiblical application v. 4long-suffering/patient patient with other people's failures - Prov. 10:12; 17:9; James 5:19,20 kindEphesians 4:32 does not envyGalatians 5:26 does not bragdoesn't "parade itself" or do things to call attention is not puffed up/not prideful or arrogantisn't proud of attainments or deeds v.5is not rudedoesn't behave in a manner that is embarrassing to others is not self serving doesn't seek own selfish interests - I Corinthians 10:24; Phil. 2:4 is not provoked/easily angered not provoked by the insults of others/gentle spirit/peaceful - Phil. 4:7 thinks no evil/not resentful doesn't keep a list of bad things to bring up in future situations/no grudges

I Corinthians 13 definition/descriptionbiblical application v.6does not rejoice in unrighteousness/iniquity not happy when one falls into sin - Romans 1:32-2:11 rejoices in the truth happy when "truth" prevails - 2 John 4 v.7bears all things puts up with all kinds of difficulties - Galatians 6:2 believes all things doesn't assume others have bad motives but always believes the best about them hopes all things always hopes they will turn to God endures all thingsnever gives up v.8never fails this type of love remains throughout eternity

Loving The Lost Who are we supposed to love? God loved the lost – John 3:16 – Verses The world through Him… Light versus darkness Light up the “world”

Loving The Lost When and where are we supposed to love? Jesus example – Matthew 9:35-38 – All the cities and villages – Teaching in “their” synagogues; preaching the gospel of the kingdom

Loving The Lost Jesus’ example cont. “…saw the multitudes…” “…moved with compassion…” “…weary(harassed) and scattered…” “…sheep having no shepherd…”

Loving The Lost Jesus’ response: Vs. 37,38 “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Loving The Lost  Implication from Matthew 9? – The lost need direction – No distinction in demographic or social class – Evangelism is the best way to teach the lost – Prayer is important – Must be developing and sending forth laborers

Loving The Lost Why do we need to love the lost?  “Cry from hell” Luke 16: 27,28 “Then he said, I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.” – SEND someone to my brothers LEST they come to this place of torment

Loving The Lost Why do we need to love the lost? Battle for the heart and mind Do you have a heartfelt Christianity? God sends us to the lost Supernatural love – John 17:26

Loving The Lost 3 keys to loving the lost: 1.Love them with Christ’s heart 2.Love them with Christ’s eyes 3.Love them with Christ’s scars

Loving The Lost Love in action: John 7:53-8:12 2 Corinthians 2 ~Sometimes the ability to love is not easy, but I think that's why God shows us what it looks like. When we see the good and the bad in others- and in ourselves- we are seeing people as God sees them: in love. Not perfect, but worthy of love.~

Let’s All Join In The Spiritual Songs Together Bible Songs

The Lord’s Army I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery; I may never fly over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army. I’m in the Lord’s army, I’m in the Lord’s army. I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery; I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army.

This Little Light Of Mine This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. 3X Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine. 3X Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Don’t let Satan puff it out, I’m gonna let it shine. 3X Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. All around the neighborhood I’m gonna let it shine. 3X Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Let it shine till Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine. 3X Let it shine let it shine all the time.

Roll The Gospel Chariot Roll the gospel chariot along. 3X And we won’t tag along behind. If a sinner’s in the way we will stop and pick him up. 3X And we won’t tag along behind. If the devil’s in the way, we will roll right over him. 3X And we won’t tag along behind.

Theme Song The B I B L E The B I B L E, yes that’s the book for me. I stand upon the word of God, the B I B L E. The B I B L E, yes that’s the book for me. I read and study and then obey, the B I B L E. Invitation Song # 317

Gideon and the 300 Men Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Lost and Found Luke 15:24 “…for this my son was dead and is alive again…”

Plan of Salvation  Hear the Gospel of Christ, Acts 18:8  Believe in Jesus Christ, Rom. 1:16  Repent and Turn to God, Luke 13:3  Confess Jesus Before Men, Acts 8:37  Baptized into Christ, Mark 16:16  Grow and Be Faithful, Matthew 10:22  If Err From The Faith: Repent and Pray God, Acts 8:22