1. For Jesus to be our Lord, we MUST be a Christian. "Christ"-ian

(1 Peter 4:12-19; 1 Peter 3:12; Acts 11:26)

2. How does one become a Christian? (Romans 10:9-17;

Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38)

A. Hear - "do you STILL listen?" (Matthew 28:18-20; James 1:21-25; Luke 6:46)

B. Believe - "do you STILL believe?" (John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6)

1) As Creator - Colossians 1:16

2) As God - John 20:28; John 8:58; John 9:38

3) As head over all things to the church - Ephesians 1:22-23

C. Repent - Hardest command - "do you CONTINUE to evaluate your life?"

1) Colossians 3:1-4; 8-10; 12-17

2) Romans 6:3-4

D. Confess - What does this mean? As Lord? Confess sins?

(Romans 10:9-10; Luke 12:8; Revelation 3:5)

Do you confess Him with your lips? In your life?

E. Baptized - "do you remember how it felt to be free from sin?"

(Acts 22:16; Acts 8:39)

1) Same today - different command - (Acts 8:22) "repent and pray"

2) NO MATTER HOW BAD YOUR SINS -You can still be forgiven -

You can still have a "clean slate"

Do you have that same JOY that you first had? - YOU CAN!!

2. If Jesus is Lord of your soul YOU MUST:

A. be a learner (disciple) - Matthew 28:18-20

B. be humble - Luke 18:14; John 13:3-5; Colossians 3:12

C. be honest - Romans 12:17; Philippians 4:8

D. be a worker - Almost all parables have to do with "workers" or "slaves"

Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 25:31ff

E. be forgiving - Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14

F. be faithful - Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58

Because He demands no less from each of us!

1. Someone once said, when asked the difference between a man's character and his reputation, "Your REPUTATION is what others think about you; but your CHARACTER is who you really are."

A. We spend our lives worried about our reputation.

B. Who are you? Really, as God sees you, WHO ARE YOU?

C. What is the "goal" of a Christian? (Luke 16:40; Romans 8:29)

2. If Jesus is Lord of your life ......You will learn to "discern (choose) between good and evil." - Hebrews 5:11 thru 6:1

A. This lesson will help us to make proper decisions so that Jesus, not self, will be Lord of our lives.

B. Deciding what is right and wrong (i.e. what Jesus, Our Lord wants us to do), and then choosing the right, is what the life of a true subject of the Lord is all about.

3. To make the right decisions we must ask ourselves the following questions:

A. IS IT CLEARLY CONDEMNED BY OUR LORD?

1) Many things are specifically mentioned as being wrong (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-7). What are some of these things?

2) IF JESUS IS LORD OF YOUR LIFE, THESE THINGS ARE SETTLED!

But not all sins are mentioned by name ...... So another question needs to be asked.

B. IS IT SIMILAR TO THOSE THINGS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE?

1) Notice in Galatians 5:19-21 the phrase, "And such like."

a) When we are uncertain about some decision, we need ask, "Is it LIKE any of these sins that are specifically mentioned?"

b) For example; smoking marijuana is LIKE "drunkenness."

c) What are some other examples?

2) We might even compare the decision to those things that we know Our Lord approves of.

a) Notice Galatians 5:22-23, (NASB) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

b) Is the matter in question more like the "fruit of the spirit" (that which is good); or the "works of the flesh" (that which is bad)?

c) What are some examples?

But there is another question which must be considered......

C. DOES IT HURT YOUR CONSCIENCE?

1) Those who follow the Lord Jesus are concerned about their conscience. (1 Timothy 1:5; 18-19; 3:9)

2) Let's remember that we can violate our consciences to the degree that some sin(s) no longer bother(s) us. This is a sure sign of apostasy!

(1 Timothy 4:1-2)

If Jesus is our Lord then we would want to consider another question.....

D. WHAT DO MATURE CHRISTIANS THINK ABOUT IT?

1) When one is not concerned with this question what might we suspect about this Christian?

2) Obviously this is not our "standard of authority." Mature Christians can be wrong. But consider Hebrews 5:14; Philippians 3:17; Titus 2:1-6.

3) What do we learn from Rehoboam? (read 1 Kings 12:6-20)

4) Who do YOU listen to??

Another question that is too often overlooked.....

E. DOES IT HURT MY INFLUENCE? BOTH BY EXAMPLE AND WORD, PAUL STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING CONCERNED ABOUT OUR INFLUENCE ON OTHERS.

1) Paul tells us to imitate him as he imitates his Lord. If Christ is our Lord then we will gladly follow Paul. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

2) Paul was concerned about his influence. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

3) Paul tells us to follow his example in this.

(1 Corinthians 10:31 thru 11:1)

4) Peter also teaches us the value of good influence. (1 Peter 3:1-2)

Another question we need to consider:

F. IS IT POOR STEWARDSHIP?

1) Some things are alright within themselves, but if it takes too much of our time, money, or energy. Then we must consider whether we would be following Jesus as our Lord..... or allowing our own desires to supersede His.

One last question.........Perhaps the most important!

G. WOULD JESUS DO IT? (Consider Philippians 3:3-8)

1. What is a "home?" What is a "Christian Home?"

A. Compare "house," "home," & "Christian Home."

B. Functions of a "Christian Home," where Jesus is Lord.

1) Where we eat and drink (1 Corinthians 11:22, 34)

a) families need to share their mealtime with each other

b) meals are an expression of fellowship

2) Where proper respect for parents is shown (1 Timothy 5:4)

a) children see how grandparents are treated

b) learn love, respect, compassion

3) A place of training (Ephesians 6:4)

a) daily Bible study and prayer

b) How do you talk about spiritual matters? spiritual duties?

c) How do you talk about fellow Christians? the preacher?

4) If Jesus is you Lord, your home will a center of religious activity.

a) Paul taught from house to house (Acts 20:20)

b) Apostles taught from house to house (Acts 5:42)

c) Timothy raised by Godly mother and grandmother (Eunice & Lois) in a Godly home. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)

d) Jesus said to go into your inner room and pray (Matthew 6:6)

e) If the prophets wives had any questions they were to wait until they got home to ask them. (1 Corinthians 14:35)

5) A place to show hospitality

a) 1 Peter 4:9

b) 1 Timothy 5:9-10

2. What did God have in mind when He began the home?

A. Matthew 19:3-9

B. Not homosexual ..... live-ins ....... etc.

1) One man, and one woman, created to be in harmony

2) Why? Basis needs and functions work in concert with each other.

a) Sexual (Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

b) Companionship (Genesis 2:18)

c) Emotional (1 Peter 3:7)

C. When Jesus is your Lord you will consider one another - mutually.

(Ephesians 5; 1 Peter 3:7)

D. When Jesus is the Lord of your home, the husband is the head of the family. (Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter 3:7)

1) Marriage is patriarchal (patriarchs were absolute heads of their families)

2) Not just in areas where you agree, either!

3) Attitude is vital!

a) Wives are not to submit "grudgingly."

b) Husbands are to "rule" with strength and love.

E. Husbands and wives who have Jesus as Lord realize that marriage is permanent and cannot be dissolved

1) Romans 7:2-3

2) Matthew 19:5-6

3) Matthew 19:9 -The Exception

F. A marriage under Jesus' lordship is based on mutual love.

1) Husband and wife both willing to sacrifice; not wanting to have your own way. (1 Corinthians 13)

2) Ephesians 5

4) Titus 2:4

G. When Jesus is Lord, husbands and wives will "leave and cleave." (Matthew 19:5)

1) "They shall be one flesh" ..... no longer two

2) Parents stay out of married children's business!!

3) Married children - don't depend on Mom & Dad to "bail you out."

3. If Jesus is YOUR Lord, He will be directing your home (Joshua 24:15)

4. Husbands and wives are "heirs together of the grace of life." (1 Peter 3:7)

1. Jesus MUST be our Lord when it comes to HIS church.(Matthew 16:16-18)

A. When elders function, they function under HIS authority. They have none of their own. They are servants of the church rather than the other way around.

`(1 Peter 5:1-3)

B. When deacons function, they also function under Jesus' authority, as directed by the elders. (1 Timothy 3:13)

C. Preachers work for the Lord, the church supports him from the Lord's treasury.

He is responsible to the Lord. (2 Timothy 4:2)

D. Song leaders, Bible class teachers, treasurers, etc. are to do their work as the Lord directs (under the supervision of the elders).

1) There are no unimportant jobs in the Lord's work! (Colossians 3:15-17)

a) Song leaders are to select songs with the needs of the Lord's church in mind. (Not just wait 5 min. before services to put any thought into his important work.)

b) Bible class teachers are to be well prepared to TEACH the Lord's will. (Not just "fill a teaching slot." Or be a "baby sitter" so the adults can have class without kids.)

c) Treasurers have the thankless job of paying the bills. There is no function of the Lord's church that has less authority, less praise, for the great amount of work that needs to be done.

They don't just "pay the bills." There is a great deal of book work. The church is responsible for the Lord's money; but the treasurer has to always be ready to account for every penny. (see 2 Corinthians 8:16-24)

E. EVERY member of the Lord's church must function as He directs for the church to be healthy and grow.

1) We are to be evangelistic. When Jesus is your Lord you continually look for opportunities to share His gospel.

a) That means we, like Him, are concerned about lost souls. According to Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:1-3, whose work are we to "take over?"

b) What is the most effective way to reach bring people to Christ and this church?

The Institute for American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question:

"What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?"

Their replies were as follows.......

1) I had a special need - 3%

2) I just walked in - 3%

3) I liked the minister - 6%]

4) I visited here - 1%

5) I liked the Bible classes - 5%

6) I attended a gospel meeting - 0.5%

7) I like the programs - 3%

8) A FRIEND OR RELATIVE INVITED ME - 79%

How would you answer the survey question? Using the eight choices above, what was most responsible for your being here?

What do we learn from a survey like this?

c) What is the greatest motivating quality that a Christian must have to be evangelistic? (Matthew 9:36-38; Romans 9:1-3; 10:1)

2) Congregations where Jesus is Lord will be CARING CONGREGATIONS.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE A CARING CONGREGATION??

a) What important quality proves that we are His disciples? (John 13:35)

b) What does Jesus refer to as an "open door" in Revelation 3:7-8?

How can we have that "open door" quality for our Lord?

c) What are we commanded to do by Peter in 1 Peter 4:9?

How can we accomplish this?

d) How many lost, who would have a heart to obey, do you believe are in the your area?

e) What can the church do to reach them?

f) What can YOU do?

1. Make a list of 5 to 8 people that you know who are lost - THIS IS IMPORTANT!!

A. UTILIZES A TECHNIQUE USED IN BUSINESS - "TO DO LIST"

B. PUTS FACES & NAMES WITH THOSE WE HOPE TO CONVERT

C. START WITH THOSE YOU SEE MOST OFTEN & WORK OUTWARDLY

D. GIVE PRIORITY TO THOSE WHO DO NOT GO TO CHURCH AT ALL

2. Keep this list where you will see it often (car, desk, etc.)

(perhaps make more than one list)

3. What does Col. 4:3 and 2 Thess. 3:1 tell us to do?

Col 4:3, "praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;"

2 Th 3:1, "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;

g) What should we ask for in prayer?

(Col. 4:3; Eph. 6:19-20, 2 Thessalonians 3:1)

F. But all will be to no avail if the church is not filled with DISCIPLES.

1) You believe in Jesus . . .

2) You probably attend church services regularly . . .

3) You may even do many "good" works . . .

BUT, WE MUST ASK OURSELVES, IS THIS WHAT MAKES US HIS DISCIPLES?

G. THE DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE:

1) Using whatever "tools" you have handy (i.e., dictionary, Greek Expository Dictionary, Word Study books, etc.). What does the word "disciple" mean?

2) What is the "GOAL" of a disciple according to Luke 16:40?

3) According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with God's "GOAL" in the redemption of mankind, what is that "GOAL?" (Romans 8:29)

Do you have a strong desire to follow Jesus and to be like Him?

Unless you do,, you are not truly His disciple, and He is not your Lord!

H. THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE:

There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus that can help us to further identify whether we are disciples of His.

1) What does John 8:31 teach us that a disciple does?

2) What does John 13:34-35 teach us concerning discipleship?

What is the "pattern" that we are to follow when it comes to our love for the brethren?

3) What does John 15:8 teach us about being a disciple?

1. What is meant by the word "much" (found also in v. 5)? ("I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.")

2. Compare to Matt. 5:16. What portion of a day should be spent by a "disciple" of Jesus in doing good works? Mat 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

3. In John 15:1-2. What will happen if one fails to "bear much fruit?"

John 15:1-2 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit." YOU CAN BE SEVERED FROM CHRIST-----

ARE YOU MORE THAN JUST A CASUAL CHURCH MEMBER? DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW COMMITMENT WHEN IT COMES TO:

THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST?

THE LOVE OF THE BRETHREN?

BEARING FRUIT TO THE GLORY OF GOD?

UNLESS YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST A CASUAL CHURCH MEMBER THEN YOU ARE NOT A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST, AND YOU ARE NOT OBEYING HIM AS YOUR LORD!