Growth of the Kingdom Acts 9:31 I. Introduction. A. Comment on status of work. B. Each Christian is interested in growth. C. The early church grew: Acts 9:31. 1. By preaching the word: Acts 8:4. 2. By living faithful lives. D. The church can(and will) grow if we apply the principles of Christ(N.T.) to our efforts. E. Growth is an encouragement. F. Growth has a multiplying effect. G. Much growth here--much to be done in the future. H. Do not restrict field--our targets are: Mark 16:15. I. There are many "creatures" in our area(and the world). J. Growth can(and will) occur in three areas. II. Body. A. Conversion of the alien. 1. One who has never obeyed the gospel of Christ. 2. Neighbors, relatives, friends, co-workers, acquaintances-- everyone is a prospect: whole creation. 3. One we may not recognize--but could be interested(or create an interest). a. Look around you--think! b. "You never mentioned..." 4. How can I teach one? a. Tell the person what you did to become a Christian. b. Point out what the New Testament says about the kingdom, etc. 5. Need help? a. Give name of prospect to one of the brethren. b. Hand a tract..... c. Invite to study(home or services). d. Use the "cards" we printed. 6. Paul preached to all levels, all conditions--all men everywhere. 7. Note: Acts 5:42. B. Restoration of the erring. 1. These are prospects! 2. Perhaps only need a word from you to spark back to life. 3. The instruction: Galatians 6:1. a. May not listen to preacher(or others) but could listen to you. b. Note: I Thessalonians 5:14. 4. Those who stray from the Lord do so for various reasons. a. Discouragement(lack of growth spiritually). b. Disappointment(in a preacher, person or congregation). c. Unhappiness(with others or self). d. Unwillingness to sacrifice(demands too great: time, effort, money, etc. e. Worldliness: II Timothy 4:10. 5. Do you know of an erring child? Why not contact this week? 6. Look in directory: call people you do not see at services: show an interest. C. Maturing of the faithful. 1. Peter's last encouragement: II Peter 3:18. 2. Lack of spiritual growth is the real reason people quit the Lord. 3. Starts at point of obedience: I Peter 2:2(analyze). 4. Continues through life: Hebrews 6:1. 5. When the church grows spiritually, she will also grow numerically. 6. Maturity guards against: Ephesians 4:14-15. 7. How can I mature as a Christian? a. Study and apply the word of God: II Timothy 2:15. b. Support and participate in the local work. (1 Attend all services. (2 Be active in helping in the local work(teach a class, care for communion, etc.) (3 Assist others in their growth. III. Conclusion. A. We have great prospects for growth: spiritually and numerically. B. We have come a long way in the last few months: make the future ever greater. C. We are interested in the most precious creation of God: the souls of men. D. Hence: Ephesians 4:16. -James L. Yopp