Introduction: 1. A tremendous challenge. 2. Church needs/must look for the lost. I. A possibility that is to be avoided A. Can a child of God fall from the grace of God? B. The Bible says: Listen and reason together. 1. 1 Cor. 9:24-27. 2. 2 Cor. 6:1. 3. Heb. 10:19-29. 4. Heb. 6:4. 5. Jn. 15:1-6. 6. Jn. 3:18. C. Note: There is a difference between falling (sin) and falling away. II. A picture of some to behold. Why do some fall away? A. Never converted to the cause of Christ. (Mt. 13:5, 20). B. Neglect of their own salvation. The slow wandering away process –a little at the time (2 Cor. 11:3; Heb. 2:1). We must grow (1 Pet. 2:2; 3 Pet. 3:18; 1 Cor. 3:2). C. Given to persecution (3 Jn. 9, 10; 2 Tim. 3:12). D. Overtaken in a fault (Gal. 6:1). E. Some get distracted. F. False teaching (2 Tim. 4:2, 3; Ja. 5:19; Gal. 5:1-4). III. A plan of action to take back that soul from the devil. A. Promises God gives: 1. Forgiveness (Ps. 130:4; 51:9). 2. Reconciles (2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:20). B. Plan for the wayward man. 1. Pray for (Ja. 5:15f, 1 Tim. 2:1). His power (Lk. 11:11-13; 1 Jn. 3:22). 2. Approach him (Lk. 15:4, 8; 19:10). Be friend (Prov. 27:6). 3. Aim to restore (Gal. 6:1; Ezek. 18:24; 34:16). 4. Exhort and encourage. 5. Remind them what they lost. C. A purpose for the erring-come home. Conclusion: 1. Where is your friend? Where is the Lord? Where are you?
Entered on 2/10/2008
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