Many congregations are dwindling Young not converted Old passing on Members falling away No conversions from the world.

Many congregations are dwindlingYoung not convertedOld passing onMembers falling awayNo conversions from the world

Can we convert 4, 5, 6 people this year?Too difficult?Harvest waiting, Jn. 4:35Preach to the whole world, Mk. 16:15

The seed is the word of God, Lk. 8:11Power, Jas. 1:18, 21Fruitful, Jn. 15:1-8

Four kinds of menHard-hearted, Lk. 4:16-29Weak, shallow, Mt. 26:31-35, 69-75Worldly, 2 Tim. 4:9, 10Good, faithful, steadfast, Phil. 2:19-22

What kind of “soil” is out there?First three?Last one?What are we?

Constant attention is neededto produce a fruitful crop

Plant, Mt. 28:19Water, Mt. 28:20Weed, Jer. 1:10

God gives the increaseCannot force itFaith in God & His word

›Will accomplish its purpose, Isa. 55:8-11›Power to salvation, Rom. 1:16›Pierces the soul, Heb. 4:12

You will reap what you sowAfter its kind, Gen. 1:12

›Peaches›Corn

You will reap what you sowSow seed of the gospel – harvest a Christian, 1 Pt. 1:22, 23; Acts 26:28

›Methodist book of Discipline – Methodist›Book of Mormon – Mormon›Baptist Doctrine – Baptist

You will reap what you sowSow to the spirit, reap blessings

›Individuals: growth, peace›Congregations: unity, health, growth

You will reap what you sowSow to the flesh, reap corruption

›Individuals: sadness, separation›Congregations: factions, leaven

You will reap more than you sowPlants

›Peaches›Corn

You will reap more than you sowSpiritual: obedience & faithful service

›Forgiveness›Fellowship›Eternal life

You will reap more than you sowCarnal: fornication, adultery

›Disease›Unwanted pregnancy›Divorce›Damnation

You will reap later than you sowGarden

›Plant›Tend›Harvest

You will reap later than you sowSpiritual

›Congregation: 5 more members next year– must start now

›Individual: heaven in the next lift– must start now

You will reap later than you sowCarnal

›Congregation: apathy now – death later›Individual: sin now – hell later

Challenge yourself to contact 2-3 peopleIn the next 8 weeks

Home studyInvite to servicesInvite to gospel meeting

Lean on God & brethren for helpPrayerEncouragementAdvice

Can we convert 4, 5, 6 people this year?Too difficult?Harvest waiting, Jn. 4:35Preach to the whole world, Mk. 16:15