Does anyone really care? n n We sometime sing “Lead Me to One Soul Today.”

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

We sometime sing “Lead Me to One Soul Today.”

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

“Lead me to some soul today; O teach me, Lord, just what to say; Friends of mine are lost in sin, And cannot find their way. Few there are who seem to care, And few there are who pray; Melt my heart and fill my life; Give me one soul today.”

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

This is a real problem within churches. The old saying is often true “Out of sight, Out of mind.”

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

This is a real problem within churches. The old saying is often true “Out of sight, Out of mind.”

Could you and I become more like Jesus? (Lk 15:1-7)

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

Luke 15:1-7 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

7 "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

What is one compared to 99?

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

What is one compared to 99? What about the viewpoint of the one? What

if that one was you?

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

I saw a Facebook post from a dear brother who had fallen away for years who returned to the assembly today. He said he was glad it was raining in case the building caught on fire when he entered it!

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

What if it was you? (Mt 7:12)

Does anyone really care?Does anyone really care?

Matthew 7:12 - "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

We studied how God’s love is unconditional. (Rom 5:8, 10)

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Romans 5:8, 10 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

There is a difference in how we see someone when we look at them in love rather than in self-righteousness. (Lk 15:2, 9-11)

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Luke 15:2 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them.“

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Luke 15:9-11 9 "And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' 10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." 11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

I often hear from grieving parents asking me to do something to help their student. Do you see it? What are you seeing?

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

I often hear from grieving parents asking me to do something to help their student. Do you see it? What are you seeing?

Here is how God saw Nineveh. (Jonah 4:11)

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Jonah 4:11 11 "And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left -- and much livestock?“

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Here is how Jesus saw those who killed Him. (Lk 23:34)

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Luke 23:34 - Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

We will be persistent when we see as God does.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

We will be persistent when we see as God does.

When a soul is valuable we will never give up! (Lk 18:1-6)

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

Luke 18:1-6 - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

4 "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 'yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " 6 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

It is very important to combine this love with wisdom.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

If you could make a list right now of fallen Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask you to make that list.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

If you could make a list right now of fallen Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask you to make that list.

How can I change a poor attitude towards the weak?

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

If you could make a list right now of fallen Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask you to make that list.

How can I change a poor attitude towards the weak?

You need to remember what God has done for you!

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

If you could make a list right now of fallen Christians, how long would your list be? I do ask you to make that list.

How can I change a poor attitude towards the weak?

You need to remember what God has done for you!

You would do well to look at the heart of the Pharisees. Is this you?

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

When the love of God enters your heart it will provoke you to action! (2 Cor 5:11, 14-15)

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

2 Corinthians 5:11 - Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

We need to see the lost as God doesWe need to see the lost as God does

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

It is better to take action than to do nothing. (Lk 10:30-34)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Luke 10:30-34 30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 "Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

32 "Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 "So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

When your words are motivated by love then many things you do will be understood.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

When your words are motivated by love then many things you do will be understood.

Still, even the apostle Paul asked for greater wisdom when he spoke to the lost. (Col 4:3-6)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Colossians 4:3-6 - meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

How do I obtain wisdom?

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Care about others and learn. Talk with others who care about others and learn.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Care about others and learn. Talk with others who care about others and learn.

How many good example have you seen in this area? What have your children heard when they ask about one who has stopped attending?

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Care about others and learn. Talk with others who care about others and learn.

How many good example have you seen in this area? What have your children heard when they ask about one who has stopped attending?

Just as Paul did, you do the same, pray!

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

You need the council of spiritual people to know what role you should play. (Gal 6:1-2)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

If you are ready to talk to the erring be sure to listen to the fallen one carefully. (Prov 18:13)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Proverbs 18:13 13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

You need to see if a door is open or not. (Acts 16:9)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Acts 16:9 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us.“

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Often you make contact with the hopes of one day having an open heart to reach out to you.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Often you make contact with the hopes of one day having an open heart to reach out to you.

The father of the prodigal son did not run after the son. However, he acted decisively when the door was open! (Lk 15:20-24)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Luke 15:20-24 20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

Remember, you cannot change another person against their will! (1 Cor 3:5-7)

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

We need to constantly seek wisdom in our efforts

1 Corinthians 3:5-7 - Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Develop a plan to help them see their hearts.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Develop a plan to help them see their hearts.

The goal of every teacher is this challenging truth. (Lk 2:34-35)

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Luke 2:34-35 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.“

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Opening hearts is a very dangerous work. (Acts 2:37; 7:54)

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Acts 2:37 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?“

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Acts 7:54 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Do you have the courage to love and be rejected and attacked?

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Many people fall away because of anger. (1 Jn 3:15; Eph 4:31-32)

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

1 John 3:15 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Ephesians 4:31-32 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Many people with anger issues deny it and we must help them see it.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Angry people will tell you that their problem is one thing while it is actually another.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Make every issue a “Jesus issue.”

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Make every issue a “Jesus issue.” You must be willing to give of your time to

be with people. (Phil 2:17)

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Philippians 2:17 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

Personal association over a period of time is how most are reached. While a call now and then is good, you need to come to know this individual. He needs to know that you really care.

Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them. Learn what has overtaken the one and

compassionately teach them.

This is a time consuming work. True results will take time!

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

It is better to be involved now because you love as Jesus did. (Heb 10:23-25)

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Hebrews 10:23-25 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Consider some common reasons people fall away.

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Drifting (Heb 2:1-2)

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Drifting (Heb 2:1-2) Isolation (1 Cor 12:20-27)

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Drifting (Heb 2:1-2) Isolation (1 Cor 12:20-27) A Failure to Deal with Guilt

(Mt 27:3-5; 2 Cor 2:7,11)

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

2 Corinthians 2:7 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

2 Corinthians 2:11 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

No Direction as a Christian (1 Cor 15:58; Phil 1:27)

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Will anyone really care?

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Will anyone really care? Before the invitation song let’s sing “Lead

Me to Some Soul Today” #476- V 1,2

Prevention is better than restoration!Prevention is better than restoration!

Look at your list. It is now your move. May I be of help?