The Early Church: Growth(5) Reaching The Lost I. Introduction. A. Growth of the Lord's church falls in two categories: conversion of aliens and strengthening the disciples. 1. After they are converted, they must be taught. 2. Lack of scriptural teaching brings on apostasy(individual and/or congregation). 3. The New Testament is addressed to saints and churches. 4. The book of Acts reveals the process of teaching, conversion, and teaching. B. There are many ways to get a crowd and influence people. 1. However, there is only the gospel to convert and to strengthen. 2. The use of methods that are contrary to the pattern of the New Testament is wrong. 3. If one is not converted and guided by the word of God, he is not converted at all. II. Body. A. There was a man, a religious man, that was interested in pleasing God. 1. He went on a journey(a long journey) to fulfill his desire to worship. 2. This man, as he returned, was still interested in truth--he was reading from the Old Testament as he rode in his chariot. 3. Like many others, he was having difficulty understanding Isaiah. 4. What he needed was someone to guide him in his study. B. The account: Acts 8:26-40. 1. The eunuch: a. Was religious. b. Was interested in learning more about God's word. c. Recognized his need of spiritual guidance. d. Was receptive to teaching(wanted to learn--"come up and sit"). e. Accepted truth from the lips of a gospel preacher. f. Realized his own need of salvation. g. Asked questions: demonstrating interest and concern. h. Accepted God's will and obeyed the truth(convicted). i. Rejoiced over his salvation. 2. Philip: a. Followed the instructions sent from God. b. Offered to help the Eunuch to understand the prophecy he read. c. Faithfully responded to the Eunuch's inquiry. d. Beginning where the Eunuch was in knowledge: preached to him Jesus. e. Assisted the Eunuch in obeying the truth(fulfilled his mission). C. From the example, note: 1. Someone was interested in doing right(we seek these). 2. Someone was willing to listen in order to learn the truth(we want people with open hearts). 3. Someone had a heart that sought out salvation(wanted to be saved). 4. Someone responded to the message of the gospel(convicted to do right). 5. Someone obeyed the truth and rejoiced(now saved). D. What we need to find are people like the Ethiopian Eunuch. 1. Jesus commanded: Matthew 28:18-20. a. This is an opportunity for every Christian. b. Even if one does not feel capable of teaching, they can take steps so that another may teach. c. There are many opportunities available for people to learn the truth. (1 Some are more effective than others. (2 The sum total of our efforts will cause growth (explain). d. There are effective and scriptural means of teaching others.(contrast with letter from Tampa) (1 Some approaches are better than others. (2 Chart on conversions: how influenced. 2. Two examples of those who led others to the Lord. a. Philip brought Nathaniel: John 1:43-46. b. The woman at the well: John 4:28-30, 39-42. 3. You have the power to influence others toward the truth: let each of us be as those mentioned. 4. Where do we find people who will listen? a. Relatives, friends, neighbors, everyday acquaintances, co-workers, new residents, those in institutions, etc. b. Those who have drifted away from the Lord. c. Many brethren are willing to help you. III. Body. A. The field is white unto harvest. B. It is up to each of us to go into the field.-jy