Does anyone really care?

1
Does anyone really care?

• We sometime sing Lead Me to One Soul Today.

2
Does anyone really care?

• Lead me to some soul today O teach me, Lord,
  just what to say Friends of mine are lost in
  sin, And cannot find their way. Few there are who
  seem to care, And few there are who pray Melt my
  heart and fill my life Give me one soul today.

3
Does anyone really care?

• This is a real problem within churches. The old
  saying is often true Out of sight, Out of mind.

4
Does anyone really care?

• This is a real problem within churches. The old
  saying is often true Out of sight, Out of mind.
• Could you and I become more like Jesus? (Lk
  151-7)

5
Does anyone really care?

• Luke 151-7 Then all the tax collectors and the
  sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the
  Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This
  Man receives sinners and eats with them." 3 So
  He spoke this parable to them, saying

6
Does anyone really care?

• 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he
  loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine
  in the wilderness, and go after the one which is
  lost until he finds it? 5 "And when he has found
  it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6
  "And when he comes home, he calls together his
  friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice
  with me, for I have found my sheep which was
  lost!'

7
Does anyone really care?

• 7 "I say to you that likewise there will be more
  joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than
  over ninety-nine just persons who need no
  repentance.

8
Does anyone really care?

• What is one compared to 99?

9
Does anyone really care?

• What is one compared to 99?
• What about the viewpoint of the one? What if that
  one was you?

10
Does anyone really care?

• I saw a Facebook post from a dear brother who had
  fallen away for years who returned to the
  assembly today. He said he was glad it was
  raining in case the building caught on fire when
  he entered it!

11
Does anyone really care?

• What if it was you? (Mt 712)

12
Does anyone really care?

• Matthew 712 - "Therefore, whatever you want men
  to do to you, do also to them, for this is the
  Law and the Prophets.

13
We need to see the lost as God does

• We studied how Gods love is unconditional. (Rom
  58, 10)

14
We need to see the lost as God does

• Romans 58, 10 - But God demonstrates His own
  love toward us, in that while we were still
  sinners, Christ died for us.

15
We need to see the lost as God does

• 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled
  to God through the death of His Son, much more,
  having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His
  life.

16
We need to see the lost as God does

• There is a difference in how we see someone when
  we look at them in love rather than in
  self-righteousness. (Lk 152, 9-11)

17
We need to see the lost as God does

• Luke 152 2 And the Pharisees and scribes
  complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners
  and eats with them.

18
We need to see the lost as God does

• Luke 159-11 9 "And when she has found it, she
  calls her friends and neighbors together, saying,
  'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece
  which I lost!' 10 "Likewise, I say to you, there
  is joy in the presence of the angels of God over
  one sinner who repents." 11 Then He said "A
  certain man had two sons.

19
We need to see the lost as God does

• I often hear from grieving parents asking me to
  do something to help their student. Do you see
  it? What are you seeing?

20
We need to see the lost as God does

• I often hear from grieving parents asking me to
  do something to help their student. Do you see
  it? What are you seeing?
• Here is how God saw Nineveh. (Jonah 411)

21
We need to see the lost as God does

• Jonah 411 11 "And should I not pity Nineveh,
  that great city, in which are more than one
  hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot
  discern between their right hand and their left
  -- and much livestock?

22
We need to see the lost as God does

• Here is how Jesus saw those who killed Him. (Lk
  2334)

23
We need to see the lost as God does

• Luke 2334 - Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive
  them, for they do not know what they do." And
  they divided His garments and cast lots.

24
We need to see the lost as God does

• We will be persistent when we see as God does.

25
We need to see the lost as God does

• We will be persistent when we see as God does.
• When a soul is valuable we will never give up!
  (Lk 181-6)

26
We need to see the lost as God does

• Luke 181-6 - Then He spoke a parable to them,
  that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
  2 saying "There was in a certain city a judge
  who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 "Now
  there was a widow in that city and she came to
  him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my
  adversary.'

27
We need to see the lost as God does

• 4 "And he would not for a while but afterward he
  said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God
  nor regard man, 5 'yet because this widow
  troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her
  continual coming she weary me.' " 6 Then the
  Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said.

28
We need to see the lost as God does

• It is very important to combine this love with
  wisdom.

29
We need to see the lost as God does

• If you could make a list right now of fallen
  Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask
  you to make that list.

30
We need to see the lost as God does

• If you could make a list right now of fallen
  Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask
  you to make that list.
• How can I change a poor attitude towards the weak?

31
We need to see the lost as God does

• If you could make a list right now of fallen
  Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask
  you to make that list.
• How can I change a poor attitude towards the
  weak?
• You need to remember what God has done for you!

32
We need to see the lost as God does

• If you could make a list right now of fallen
  Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask
  you to make that list.
• How can I change a poor attitude towards the
  weak?
• You need to remember what God has done for you!
• You would do well to look at the heart of the
  Pharisees. Is this you?

33
We need to see the lost as God does

• When the love of God enters your heart it will
  provoke you to action! (2 Cor 511, 14-15)

34
We need to see the lost as God does

• 2 Corinthians 511 - 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.

35
We need to see the lost as God does

• 2 Corinthians 514-15 - For the love of Christ
  compels us, because we judge thus that if One
  died for all, then all died 15 and He died for
  all, that those who live should live no longer
  for themselves, but for Him who died for them and
  rose again.

36
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• It is better to take action than to do nothing.
  (Lk 1030-34)

37
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Luke 1030-34 30 Then Jesus answered and said
  "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to
  Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him
  of his clothing, wounded him, and departed,
  leaving him half dead. 31 "Now by chance a
  certain priest came down that road. And when he
  saw him, he passed by on the other side.

38
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• 32 "Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the
  place, came and looked, and passed by on the
  other side. 33 "But a certain Samaritan, as he
  journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw
  him, he had compassion. 34 "So he went to him
  and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine
  and he set him on his own animal, brought him to
  an inn, and took care of him.

39
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• When your words are motivated by love then many
  things you do will be understood.

40
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• When your words are motivated by love then many
  things you do will be understood.
• Still, even the apostle Paul asked for greater
  wisdom when he spoke to the lost. (Col 43-6)

41
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Colossians 43-6 - meanwhile praying also for
  us, that God would open to us a door for the
  word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I
  am also in chains, 4 that I may make it
  manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom
  toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
  6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
  with salt, that you may know how you ought to
  answer each one.

42
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• How do I obtain wisdom?

43
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Care about others and learn. Talk with others who
  care about others and learn.

44
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Care about others and learn. Talk with others who
  care about others and learn.
• How many good example have you seen in this area?
  What have your children heard when they ask about
  one who has stopped attending?

45
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Care about others and learn. Talk with others who
  care about others and learn.
• How many good example have you seen in this area?
  What have your children heard when they ask about
  one who has stopped attending?
• Just as Paul did, you do the same, pray!

46
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• You need the council of spiritual people to know
  what role you should play. (Gal 61-2)

47
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Galatians 61-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken
  in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore
  such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
  yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one
  another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of
  Christ.

48
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• If you are ready to talk to the erring be sure to
  listen to the fallen one carefully. (Prov 1813)

49
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Proverbs 1813 13 He who answers a matter
  before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

50
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• You need to see if a door is open or not. (Acts
  169)

51
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Acts 169 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in
  the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded
  with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and
  help us.

52
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Often you make contact with the hopes of one day
  having an open heart to reach out to you.

53
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Often you make contact with the hopes of one day
  having an open heart to reach out to you.
• The father of the prodigal son did not run after
  the son. However, he acted decisively when the
  door was open! (Lk 1520-24)

54
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Luke 1520-24 20 "And he arose and came to his
  father. But when he was still a great way off,
  his father saw him and had compassion, and ran
  and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 "And the
  son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against
  heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy
  to be called your son.'

55
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring
  out the best robe and put it on him, and put a
  ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23
  'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and
  let us eat and be merry 24 'for this my son was
  dead and is alive again he was lost and is
  found.' And they began to be merry.

56
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• Remember, you cannot change another person
  against their will! (1 Cor 35-7)

57
We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

• 1 Corinthians 35-7 - Who then is Paul, and who
  is Apollos, but ministers through whom you
  believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I
  planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the
  increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is
  anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives
  the increase.

58
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Develop a plan to help them see their hearts.

59
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Develop a plan to help them see their hearts.
• The goal of every teacher is this challenging
  truth. (Lk 234-35)

60
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Luke 234-35 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and
  said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is
  destined for the fall and rising of many in
  Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken
  against 35 "(yes, a sword will pierce through
  your own soul also), that the thoughts of many
  hearts may be revealed.

61
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Opening hearts is a very dangerous work. (Acts
  237 754)

62
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Acts 237 37 Now when they heard this, they
  were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the
  rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what
  shall we do?

63
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Acts 754 54 When they heard these things they
  were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him
  with their teeth.

64
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Do you have the courage to love and be rejected
  and attacked?

65
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Many people fall away because of anger. (1 Jn
  315 Eph 431-32)

66
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• 1 John 315 15 Whoever hates his brother is a
  murderer, and you know that no murderer has
  eternal life abiding in him.

67
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Ephesians 431-32 31 Let all bitterness, wrath,
  anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from
  you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one
  another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
  just as God in Christ forgave you.

68
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Many people with anger issues deny it and we must
  help them see it.

69
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Angry people will tell you that their problem is
  one thing while it is actually another.

70
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Make every issue a Jesus issue.

71
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Make every issue a Jesus issue.
• You must be willing to give of your time to be
  with people. (Phil 217)

72
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Philippians 217 17 Yes, and if I am being
  poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice
  and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice
  with you all.

73
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• Personal association over a period of time is how
  most are reached. While a call now and then is
  good, you need to come to know this
  individual. He needs to know that you really care.

74
Learn what has overtaken the one and
compassionately teach them.

• This is a time consuming work. True results will
  take time!

75
Prevention is better than restoration!

• It is better to be involved now because you love
  as Jesus did. (Heb 1023-25)

76
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Hebrews 1023-25 23 Let us hold fast the
  confession of our hope without wavering, for He
  who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider
  one another in order to stir up love and good
  works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of
  ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but
  exhorting one another, and so much the more as
  you see the Day approaching.

77
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Consider some common reasons people fall away.

78
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Drifting (Heb 21-2)

79
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Drifting (Heb 21-2)
• Isolation (1 Cor 1220-27)

80
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Drifting (Heb 21-2)
• Isolation (1 Cor 1220-27)
• A Failure to Deal with Guilt (Mt 273-5 2 Cor
  27,11)

81
Prevention is better than restoration!

• 2 Corinthians 27 7 so that, on the contrary,
  you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest
  perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much
  sorrow.

82
Prevention is better than restoration!

• 2 Corinthians 211 11 lest Satan should take
  advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his
  devices.

83
Prevention is better than restoration!

• No Direction as a Christian (1 Cor 1558 Phil
  127)

84
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Will anyone really care?

85
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Will anyone really care?
• Before the invitation song lets sing Lead Me to
  Some Soul Today 476- V 1,2

86
Prevention is better than restoration!

• Look at your list. It is now your move. May I be
  of help?