Seeing The Lost Saved and Added
Q: The early church saw the lost saved and added to their midst. Why is this important for our Lifegroups and how do I help my group live this out?
The early church was marked by the Gospel going forth and lives being changed. We want to build Lifegroups marked by this value. This guide is designed to equip you to lead both yourselves and others in this!
What This Value Is:
Acts 2.47 And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God worked through the early church to seek and save the lost and to see them knit into the church community. It’s our desire to build Lifegroups marked by this value as well.
Why This Value Matters:
Jesus came to seek and save the lost because lost people matter to God (Luke 19.10) Jesus sends His church in the power of the Spirit on this same mission (Matthew 28.18-20 and Acts 1.8). Lost people matter to God and lost people matter to us.
Lifegroups that value the lost being saved and added to their number live out this calling and vision of Jesus for His church.
How Do I Help My Group Live This Value Out?
Here are seven ways to build a community that sees the lost saved and added:
1. Lead by example: Jesus is our model for seeking and saving the lost. As leaders we want to follow His example in our own lives and in leading our Lifegroups
Here are a few ways He lived this value out:
Jesus loved and came to seek and save the lost: Luke 19:10 - "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Jesus actively pursued relationships with the lost: Luke 15:1-2 - "Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.'"
Jesus shared Good News with the lost: John 4:7-9 - "When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?' ...The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?'"
Jesus wept over the lost: Luke 19:41-42 - "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.'"
Jesus celebrated when the lost were found: Luke 15:7 - "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Jesus commissioned His followers to reach the lost: Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Jesus prayed for those who would believe through his disciples evangelism: John 17:20 - "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message."
Jesus gave His life to save the lost: John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
As leaders, our goal is to follow Jesus in His love and mission to seek and save the lost. As we do this we partner with the Lord in cultivating a community marked by seeing the lost saved and added.
2. Pray that God would give your group a heart for the lost and send you out as laborers: Matthew 9:36-38 - "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"
3. Cast Vision For This Type of Community: Evangelism is one key reason you exist as a lifegroup. You're not a Bible study that occasionally invites people. You're a Spirit-filled community on mission with Jesus to seek and save the lost. Continue to cast this vision consistently
4. Build discipleship groups within your Lifegroup. As discipleship groups do Look Up, Look In, Look Out together, they will help each member be on mission in their sphere of influence.
5. Rekindle Passion: Lost people matter to God, and they should matter to you. Spend time in prayer as a group for God to rekindle this passion for souls.
6. Review Strategy: God wants to work through your group to impact your sphere of influence. Train your Lifegroup in how to share their testimony, share the Gospel with the bridge diagram and reach out to their sphere of influence. Do dinner parties or other events to invite people to.
Next Steps:
What is the Holy Spirit highlighting as you and your group's next step in growing in this value?