2. ARE WE READY TO GROW?

3. As a congregation, we can offer assemblies that edify But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. (1 Corinthians 11:17 ESV) If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? (1 Corinthians 14:23)

4. As a congregation, we can offer assemblies that edify By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) Experience help, courtesy, warmth, interest?

5. As a congregation, we can offer assemblies that edify Will our guests find a greeting, enthusiasm, preparation in worship leadership? And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

6. As a congregation, we can assimilate/nurture new members Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (Hebrews 2:1 ESV) We drift slowly But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 3:13 ESV) We are hardened in heart slowly

7. As a congregation, we can assimilate/nurture new members We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:1-2)

8. As Individuals, we can improve our relationship with God …having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-8 ESV)

9. As Individuals, we can improve our relationship with God …if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:8 ESV) Happens in… Study Prayer Worship fellowship

10. As Individuals, we can improve our relationship with one another Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 ESV) Excelling in love

11. As Individuals, we can improve our relationship with one another Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, (1 Peter 1:22 ESV) This is the reason some obey

12. As Individuals, we can improve our relationship with one another Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:8-9 ESV) One simple way to accomplish this is through hospitality

13. As Individuals, we can improve our relationship with the lost Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12 ESV) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

14. We need to be ready, to be useful to the Master The church needs to be ready Each member needs to be ready