November 24, 2013
"The Lord Added!"
Acts 2:41, 47

Intro: Sermon series from Acts 2, answers question: "What are the necessary actions, minimum requirements, of a church truly being Christ's Church?" Discussed importance of devotion to Apostle's teaching, fellowship, Lord's Supper and prayer. Also discussed importance of church expecting God to move in power, having an appropriate fear of God. Last week, discussed the humble, radical generosity that the church must extend to other Christians, and a needy world! Today, ending this series drawn from Acts 2 by discussing a final element necessary for a true church of Jesus Christ: Humbling trusting God for the conversion of sinners. (Read Acts 2:41, 47.) Our church is not a true church of Jesus if we don't make our goal seeing people trust Jesus as Savior from sin!

How can we make seeing people trust Jesus as Savior our church's goal? First, by humbly realizing that the conversion of sinners is entirely up to God . Bible is clear: God must act if people are to be saved! (Read Acts 2:39 & 47; Matthew 19:25-26; John 1:12-13.) Stressing this b/c this truth has been ridiculed, denied, lost over the past two hundred years.

Application : The conversion of sinners is entirely up to God! Think about what a miracle your salvation is! Consider how it is impossible for anyone, including yourself, to become a Christian apart from God's Almighty interruption! Confess to Him that if anyone we know becomes a Christian, it will be a miracle equal to the Exodus, to Christ's resurrection! How can we make seeing people trust Jesus as Savior our church's goal? First, by humbly realizing that the conversion of sinners is entirely up to God.

How can we make seeing people trust Jesus as Savior our church's goal? Second, by humbly realizing that trusting God for the conversion of sinners does not mean we do nothing. Christians must work to see people saved! (How to reconcile first and second points?! One of the ways God works is through Christians; Philippians 2:12-13!)

Application : Christians must work to see people saved! What must we do?

1) Pray! Pick out three people you know, who need to become Christians. Every day, take time to ask God to save them. Perseverance, patience!

2) Avoid known sins. (Jesus: "You can't bear fruit unless you remain in Me." John 15:4) Helps us sense God's presence. Also, people watching!

3) Witness! (Share with people you know what Jesus has done for you!)

4) Invite people to church!

Do examine your motives. Why do you want people in our church? Is it because you believe their coming to our church is in their best interests?

Don't invite other Christians who are committed to another church family. Don't want that kind of growth, ultimately harms Christ's body in community!

Don't guilt-trip, harass, condemn. Invite people to enjoy what you enjoy!

Remember, our church is not a true church of Jesus if we don't make seeing people trust Jesus as Savior from sin our goal! How can we do this? 1) By humbly realizing that the conversion of sinners is entirely up to God! 2) By humbly realizing that trusting God for the conversion of sinners doesn't mean Christians don't work to see people saved!

Review Application of whole series :

1) Christians have good reasons for their beliefs. Your reasons for your beliefs?

2) To become a Christian, must be born again; Holy Spirit birthing faith in your heart, causing you to turn from sin, and turn to Jesus in faith. Have you been born again?

3) There are necessary elements, minimum requirements of a church truly belonging to Jesus Christ. Devotion to Bible, fellowship, Lord's Supper, prayer, expecting God to work powerfully, a sense of reverence, humble generosity, and a strong desire to see sinners saved! Does our church need to work on any of these areas?