2.  More money  More money Some television evangelists  Status  Status Denominational leaders in a community  Large numbers  Large numbers To some churches of Christ with many social and secular programs, functions and activities sponsored by the church.

3. TO GOD spiritual depth The spiritual depth of every Christian. Heb 5:12-14 2 Pet 3:18 Heb 5:12-14 — 2 Pet 3:18 When each member grows as he should, numbers take care of themselves.

4. Greatest Work on Earth Lost Saving the Lost Eph 2:10 1 Tim 3:15 Matt 28:19-20 2 Tim 2:1-2 Eph 2:10, 1 Tim 3:15 Matt 28:19-20, 2 Tim 2:1-2 Saved Edifying the Saved Acts 20:28-31, 2 Tim 2:15 4:2-3 Acts 20:28-31, 2 Tim 2:15, 4:2-3BENEVOLENCE?

5. NT BENEVOLENCE It is only a supplement to the work of saving lost souls and edifying the saved.  1 Tim 5:39-102 Th 3:10  1 Tim 5:3, 9-10, 2 Th 3:10, faithful Christians What help to the cause of Christ does an unfaithful Christian or non-Christian offer?  2 Cor 8:4  2 Cor 8:4, Work of fellowship among saints. Can saints be in fellowship with non- Christians? Acts 3

6. For some, evidence of growth is seen in the creation of: Secular Education EntertainmentRecreationSocial Scripture 

7. Appeal To The Spiritual Not Physical Acts 3:6  “Silver and gold I do not have”…………….Acts 3:6  LOSTMark 16:15-161 Cor 2:1-5Gal 1:11-12  LOST…...Mark 16:15-16, 1 Cor 2:1-5, Gal 1:11-12  SAVEDActs 20:2025-272 Th 2:15  SAVED……………....Acts 20:20, 25-27, 2 Th 2:15 1 Cor 3:1-34:6  Human ideas—carnal……………..1 Cor 3:1-3, 4:6 2 John 9,2 Th 3:614  Violation? ……...………….. 2 John 9, 2 Th 3:6, 14 Acts 5:1-14 -Growth by reduction…………...……..Acts 5:1-14 -Honest people, seeking truth will not want to be part of a group that refuses to rid itself of sin. - SIN IN THE CHURCH AFFECTS GROWTH!

8. Using the Wrong Principles for Growth  Appeal to the flesh then claim to teach Bible.  Preaching lacks essentials for spiritual maturity.  RESULT?  Little time and effort for spiritual maturity.  Temporal enticements must be upgraded.  Money is wasted that could be spent on preaching the gospel.  Time is wasted that could help train Christians to teach the lost.  Numbers do increase but look what is missing….?

9. John 16:13-15  Before Jesus’ death…...…………..…….John 16:13-15 Acts 1:82:1-411  After his death……….………………Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 11 Acts 2:36-37  Appeal to wretched condition………….…Acts 2:36-37  Church grew from mature Christians teaching the lost, who taught the lost, etc.  NOTE: In times of persecution or invasion of false doctrine, it will not matter how many members a local church has. If they have not been fully grounded in truth they will not stand. The church will weaken, go into apostasy and often be divided, become a denomination or disperse.  Churches that grow without spiritual focus do so in good times only.

10. 2:42…….... 4:29-31….. 5:42-6:1…. 6:3-7…….. 8:1-5…...... 9:31…....... “apostles' doctrine” “spoke with boldness” “disciples multiplying” “disciples multiplied greatly” “everywhere preaching” “they were multiplied” ACTS

11. First century Christians did not dilute the gospel to appeal to the flesh. PaulActs 13:42-49 Paul…….……Acts 13:42-49

12. Most important question on church growth! Are we doing all we can to be the mature teachers of the gospel to bring about the kind of growth God wants? Matt 5:13-1628:19-20 Matt 5:13-16, 28:19-20