1. Week 6: What are the Important Marks of a Healthy Church? 1. Biblical Understanding of Evangelism 2. Biblical Understanding of Church Membership Part 1 February 10, 2013

2. Important Mark # 2: Biblical Understanding of Evangelism Evangelism will be shaped by our understanding of the previous Essential and Important Marks but especially our understanding of Conversion Two Great Questions to ask ourselves: 1. What did we teach about God, sin and the world 2. What does Discipleship in Christ mean?

3. What about our Approach? 2 Cor 5: 11: Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 2 Cor 4: 2: But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

4. Love God, Not the World 1 John 2: 15-17: 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

5. The Expulsive Power of a New Affection We sin because our affections are misplaced. The way to stop sinning is to have a heart that is in love with God 1 Peter 1: 8: Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

6. What is Evangelism? Evangelism is speaking words that share the good news of the Gospel. Christ by His death and resurrection secured a way for a Holy God to be reconciled with his rebellious and traitorous people. (See Acts 17: 22-34 for an excellent example) When you Evangelize be sure to convey 3 things: The decision is costly and must be considered carefully. Luke 9: 62 The decision is Urgent, so make it soon. Luke 12: 20 The decision is worth it. John 10: 10

7. Important Mark # 3: Biblical Understanding of Membership What is the definition of Imperium? 1. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Rome) the supreme power, held esp by consuls and emperors, to command and administer in military, judicial, and civil affairs 2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) the right to command; supreme power Romans 13: 1-5: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

8. Hebrews 13: 7; 17: 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith; 17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

9. Symptoms of wrong thinking about the Church Christians think they can attend a church indefinitely without joining. Christians view the Lords Supper as their own private mystical experience and not as an activity for church members to share corporately as the body. Christians don’t incorporate their Monday thru Saturday lives with the lives of other saints. Christians assume they can make a perpetual habit of being absent a few times a month from the gatherings on Sunday. Christians make major life decisions without considering the effects on relationships in the family of the Church or consulting the wisdom of the Pastor or Elders Christians don’t realize that they are partly responsible for spiritual welfare and physical needs of the members of their Church.

10. Looking for the right things in the Bible John 15: 4-6: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

11. Class Outline What is a Healthy Church Week 1: The Church (What is a Healthy Church Chap. 1&2) Week 2: What is the Church’s Purpose and Function What is a Healthy Church Chap. 3&4 and Article II from PBC Constitution What are the “Essential” marks of a Healthy Church Week 3: Essentials of a Healthy Church What is a Healthy Church Chap 5, 6 & 7 Week 4: What the Church Believes Article III PBC Statement of Faith What are the “Important” marks of a Healthy Church Week 5: A Biblical Understanding of Conversion What is a Healthy Church Chap. 8, Week 6: A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism and Church Membership Part 1. What is a Healthy Church Chap. 9 and 10 and 9Marks Church Membership book Week 7: Church Membership Part 2 and Discipline. What is a Healthy Church Chap. 10, 11 and 9Marks Church Membership book Week 8: Biblical Discipleship and Church Leadership. What is a Healthy Church Chap. 12 & 13 What is a Healthy Church Member Week 9: A Healthy Church Member is an Expositional Listener and Biblical Theologian. What is a Healthy Church Member Chap. 1 & 2 and Listen Up booklet Week 10: A Healthy Church Member is Gospel Saturated and Genuinely Converted. What is a Healthy Church Member Chap. 3 & 4 Week 11: A Healthy Church Member is Biblical Evangelist and a Committed Member. What is a Healthy Church Member Chap. 5 & 6 Week 12: A Healthy Church Member Seeks Discipline and is a Growing Disciple. What is a Healthy Church Member Chap. 7 & 8 Week 13: A Healthy Church Member is a Humble Follower and a Prayer Warrior. What is a Healthy Church Member Chap. 9 & 10