1. MENS TRAINING CLASS LESSON # 1 Presented at: Newton church of Christ Newton, NC 28658 2008

2. Ezra 7:10Ezra 7:10 --- “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” (KJV) The GOALS of this Class ARE SIMPLE: 1 Cor. 14:40 − To teach one how to carry out the necessary parts of public worship in an orderly and scriptural manner – 1 Cor. 14:40. − To help one overcome any difficulties they may have in performing their duties. − And to make one a leader in the congregation. Leadership in Eldership is the greatest work that any man can do here on earth. MEN AT WORK Why This Class?

3. Many think that to be a leader in the worship and activities of the church one needs to simply be a man! THIS IS WRONG! Many a young man having been baptized is thrust into the work of the Lord without any training on how to serve. Many men having come from the world of darkness – now are given the tasks of leading in the services of the lord – simply due to the fact they are men! − Is this right? − Is this acceptable in God’s sight? − Would this work in the common WORK PLACE? MEN AT WORK “What is the Major Concern”

4. FIRSTLY – it is essential that the man be a CHRISTIAN. − Would we want an unbeliever to lead our minds in prayer? Why then our songs, announcements ect. 1 Tim. 2:11 − That the one serving is a male – 1 Tim. 2:11 SECONDLY – there must be a desire to go to work! 1 Tim 3:1 − The first characteristic of eldership is “desire” – “If a man desire the office” – 1 Tim 3:1 The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. − ARE YOU READY TO GO TO WORK? Because SERVING GOD is WORK! And like any other WORK – TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL MEN AT WORK Reaching those Goals!

5. Being Involved in the service of God Takes: 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 20:28 − THE PURITY of LIFE – 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 20:28 − THE ONES who LEAD ARE TO BE: 1 Cor. 11:1EXAMPLES – 1 Cor. 11:1 In Harmony with the TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD! − The Old Sayings are good! Practice what you Preach! Actions speak louder than words! − You CANNOT EXPECT to gain the trust and respect of others if: Titus 1:16You are a hypocrite – Titus 1:16 You would be a Stumbling Block to others! − An Important Text To Understand! 1 Timothy 4:161 Timothy 4:16 – “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” - The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769. MEN AT WORK What Does It Take?

6. Being Involved in the service of God Takes: − A DESIRE/WILLINGNESS and POSITIVE ATTITUDE to serve! 1 Timothy 3:11 Timothy 3:1 NO ONE should ever have to be forced/compelled or coerced into serving God. Matt. 11:28-30 − Becoming a Christian is a VOLUNTARY ACT – Matt. 11:28-30. Matthew 9:9 − WHEN THE LORD called His disciples to the WORK of the Kingdom – He said – “follow Me” – Matthew 9:9 − WITH THIS ATTITUDE COMES A WILLINGNESS TO TRY! The old saying says – “If you want it bad enough, you can!” ISAIAH 6:8 ISAIAH 6:8 – “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”KJV 1769. Matthew 25:14-30Matthew 25:14-30 – Always stretching to attain. MEN AT WORK What Does It Take?

7. Being Involved in the service of God Takes: 2 Peter 1:5- 9 − A KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH – 2 Peter 1:5- 9 This will help you with your confidence. This will help you be prepared for every service, not only in the public arena but also in your daily walk with Christ. YOU CAN’T LEAD IF YOU DON’T KNOW! − Would we want a NOVICE or a Uneducated GUIDE to lead US into the “OUTBACK” of Australia? − NO! We would want someone who has the knowledge and the experience to lead our way! − The Old saying – “the blind lead the blind and the both fall into the ditch”. MEN AT WORK What Does It Take?

8. Being Involved in the service of God Takes: − ONE NOT BE AFRAID! This is a great hindrance to the service of the Lord. HOW TO OVERCOME STAGE FRIGHT --- OUCH!!! – HOW TO OVERCOME. REMEMBER WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS IMPORTANT. BE PREPARED. LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE. DO NOT HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF THE FEAR IMMEDIATELY DISAPPEARING. DO NOT FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT YOU ARE AFRAID. REMEMBER THAT A CERTAIN ABOUT OF FEAR IS ESSENTIAL TO HELP YOU DO YOUR BEST. − “We Should Never Be Comfortable In The Pulpit or In The Service Of Our Lord!” DO NOT LET STAGE FRIGHT CAUSE YOU TO GIVE UP! MEN AT WORK What Does It Take?

9. The secret to a successful worship is: Psa 19:14 − It is directed to God – Psa 19:14 − We only worship God in a way that God has authorized. Col. 3:17; John 4:24Matthew 15:9Col. 3:17; John 4:24 – cf. Matthew 15:9 − What we Do is done in DECENCY and In ORDER. 1 Corinthians 14:23,26,33,401 Corinthians 14:23,26,33,40 TO THIS INTENT IS THE FOCUS AND TRAINING OF THIS CLASSTO THIS INTENT IS THE FOCUS AND TRAINING OF THIS CLASS MEN AT WORK Three Secrets of Success!

10. How to read the Scriptures! How to make the announcements! How to serve at the Lord’s Supper, and the contribution! How to lead in Public Prayer! How to extend the invitation/Short talk! How to be a greeter of visitors and to Baptize! How to lead the song service! How to Preach: − The design and purpose of preaching. − The development of the sermon and outline. How to be an effective Bible Class teacher. How to be a Personal Worker for the Lord. MEN AT WORK What Will Be Covered!

11. A Good Attitude. A Three Ring Binder/ Preferably a white one. Your Bible – this is a men’s Bible Class training program. − You don’t go to war without your weapon – Eph. 6:10-18 A note pad to take additional notes. − Implied is a Pen or Pencil! Be Prompt, Be Prepared! MEN AT WORK What You Will Need!