1. CONFRONTING THE LOST

2. According to the 21st century churches of Christ directory, in the last 3 years there has been a 4.1% decrease in church attendance in Oklahoma and 7.1% in Texas.

3. Clayton Pepper said that church growth was due to “the evangelistic zeal of the congregation.”

4. From 1973-1976, Dr. Flavil Yeakley did extensive research on the growth rate of the church. He stated that the decline had begun in 1965 and was continuing to decline in 1975, even until 1980. There was a slight rebound in the 80’s. Yeakley did more research in the 1980’s. 1985 – growth rate was stagnant =.02% 1986 = growth rate =.5% 1987 – growth rate = rose to 1% From 1973-1976, Dr. Flavil Yeakley did extensive research on the growth rate of the church. He stated that the decline had begun in 1965 and was continuing to decline in 1975, even until 1980. There was a slight rebound in the 80’s. Yeakley did more research in the 1980’s. 1985 – growth rate was stagnant =.02% 1986 = growth rate =.5% 1987 – growth rate = rose to 1%

5. Yeakley surveyed where the church stands in relation to other religious groups: Churches of Christ constitute the twelfth largest religious group in the U.S. They are the sixth fastest-growing group in the U.S. They rank fourth in the total number of congregations. The church is fifth in the U.S. in number of counties in which there is a congregation. It ranks first in the nation in distribution of congregations. Churches of Christ are first in the nation in weekly attendance among membership. Yeakley surveyed where the church stands in relation to other religious groups: Churches of Christ constitute the twelfth largest religious group in the U.S. They are the sixth fastest-growing group in the U.S. They rank fourth in the total number of congregations. The church is fifth in the U.S. in number of counties in which there is a congregation. It ranks first in the nation in distribution of congregations. Churches of Christ are first in the nation in weekly attendance among membership.

6. Higginbotham notes that Yeakley’s study revealed that the greatest retention rate of high school graduates comes from those congregations who are described as “middle of the road.” The worst retention rate come from those bodies who are described as liberal. Higginbotham notes that Yeakley’s study revealed that the greatest retention rate of high school graduates comes from those congregations who are described as “middle of the road.” The worst retention rate come from those bodies who are described as liberal.

7. Luke 16:22 The rich man also died and was buried. 23 "And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' 25 "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.

8. 26 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' 27 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' 29 "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "

9. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

10. Acts 20:26 "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

11. Galatians 4:16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

12. Ezekiel 33:8 "When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 "Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

14. Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

15. Psalms 22:16,20 – Concerning Jesus, “For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me….. He says, “Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.” Psalms 22:16,20 – Concerning Jesus, “For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me….. He says, “Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.”

16. Matthew 9:37 The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

17. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

18. Galatians 6:17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

19. Revelation 3:17 "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' -- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked -- 18 "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

20. Spiritually they were: wretched miserable poor blind naked Spiritually they were: wretched miserable poor blind naked

21. 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

22. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

23. John 8:24 for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.“ Luke 13:3 "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us -- baptism Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins John 8:24 for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.“ Luke 13:3 "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us -- baptism Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins