2/17/10
The Supreme Marks of Christian Conduct for making a good first impression:
Hebrews 13:1-8
Controlling one's Personal Behavior
* Mark 1 Brotherly love (v1) John 13:34 & 35
* Mark 2 Hospitality (v2) Romans 12:3-8
Relationships are the one key to assembling people and growing a church.
I. How important are relationships?
1. When a new convert makes seven friends in 6 months, 90% stay.
2. When a new convert makes five to six friends in 6 months, 75% stay.
3. When a new convert makes three to four friends in 6 months, 50% stay.
4. When a new convert makes one to two friends in 6 months, 25% stay.
5. When a new convert makes zero friends in 6 months, 10% stay.
II. Things I can do:
1. Sit with them in Bible study and worship.
2. Introduce them to peers and to the church leadership.
3. Solicit prayer needs and pray with them.
4. Protect them from embarrassing experiences.
5. Offer to walk forward with them for prayer needs and spiritual decisions. (Baptism or
church membership, etc …..)
6. Spend time with them after church.
7. We must minister to the ones God sends our way.
* Mark 3 Helping the prisoner and the mistreated (v3) Matthew 25:35-40
* Mark 4 Purity in marriage (v4) Proverbs 5:18 & 19
* Mark 5 Contentment (v5 & 6)
A. By being free of covetousness.
B. By having God's continued presence and help. Psalm 27:1
C. By your testimony.
* Mark 6 Remembering your leaders (v7)
A. Those faithful to the Word.
B. Follow their faith.
C. Their end: They shall be with God.
* Mark 7 Remembering your source of life and power, Jesus Christ (v8) Philippians 4:13
