TAKING INVENTORY
Introduction:
1. At given periods businesses stop their daily routine and
take inventory to determine where they stand.
2. They locate short stock, out-of-date merchandise, etc.
3. Then they re-order, discontinue items, bring things back
to where they ought to be.
4. They bring the store up to date, able to compete with
their neighbors.
5. Sometimes we go to the Doctor for our yearly check-up. We
want to see how we are doing, if everything is in order.
Are we progressing, or do we have a problem. If we have
confidence in the doctor we take his advise follow his
instructions.
6. We, in the family of God, need to stop; take inventory.
(1) 2 Cor. 13:5 -- "Try (examine, KJ) your own selves,
whether we are in the faith; prove your own selves."
(2) Jas. 1:21-25 -- Look into the mirror. Not just to see
the image, but to improve self.
7. Ultimately we shall all be judged by THE WORD.
(1) Rev. 20:12 --
(2) John 12:48 -- "The word that I spake, the same shall
judge him in the last day."
9. This being true, we need to stop and take inventory. We
need to look at our present condition and see how we
stand.
10. Thus our lesson: TAKING INVENTORY
I. AS A CONGREGATION:
1. All Bible students know that we shall not be judged as a
congregation, but as an individual. We must each one give
and account as to what we have done in service to God.
Rom. 14:12 -- "So then each one of us shall give an
account of himself to God."
2. But, as we give an account of our individual actions, part
of that accounting will be as to how I have been in my
responsibilities to the local congregation where I labor
and worship. As an individual I have certain obligations
to the local work, to which I have joined myself.
3. With that in mind, let us look at WHITE PARK:
4. ATTENDANCE:
(1) Our attendance overall is very good. We have just
concluded a most encouraging gospel meeting. As I
viewed the audience nightly, almost every member what
present each night, with but a very few exceptions.
(2) Let me give some figures. If everyone is present,
adults and children, no illness, none working, none
out-of-town, etc., the number present is 55.
(3) Our attendance numbers for the past six months for
the morning worship hour has been 50 . Obviously, we
have visitors on a regular basis.
(4) Look at Sunday evenings -- 38. Wed. Nights -- 32. The
figure for Wed. night is 64% of possible number.
(5) There is no count on the Bible Study for Sunday
morning, but it has been down some.
(6) Obviously, everyone is not able to be present for
every service, due to sickness, work, etc. And, this
the Lord understands, as do I. But, we need to
examine our own personal life to see if we are
availing ourselves of our opportunities. Are we using
the blessings the Lord continues to bestow on us??
Yes, it is a blessing to be able to worship our God!!
(7) Public worship has always been a vital part of God's
children; those who love the Lord and his people.
There is strength in numbers, in associations;
opportunities to learn; to encourage each other, etc.
(8) We are presently engaged on Sunday mornings in the
adult class in a study on "The Origin of
Denominations." I believe this to be an extremely
important study. Where did all the denominations come
from, why are they here, what do they teach, etc.
Each one needs this information. To be able to teach
your neighbor, friend, etc.
(9) OUR WORSHIP PERIODS:
(a) The exalted privilege to meet with the Lord at
His Table, and remember that great sacrifice He
gave for US. For YOU and ME. How would you feel
if you prepared a great feast, invited guests,
but they refused to come??? You stand at the
door and no one shows up.
I can tell you how our Lord feels.
Matt. 22:2-10; Lk. 14:16-24.
(b) The POWER OF PRAYER as we join together in
partitioning the Father. As we join together in
taking to Jehovah. A God whose ears are attuned
to our needs.
(c) To LIFT our souls in songs of praise before His
Throne. God does not require the voice of a
mocking bird or an opera singer; but, He does
desire us to have melody in our heart and express
it through our lips. Heb. 13:15.
(d) Then to return a portion of our worldly
possessions; those things which He has so richly
endowed us with.
7. OUR CONTRIBUTION: Let us talk about this for a little.
(a) For a congregation our size, the contribution
continues to be an encouragement. (Not to say
that it could not be more.)
(b) For the past six months, this year's average has
been $1066 per SUNDAY. But, again, the great
concern is, How much have I been a part of this.
Remember, as stated earlier, we are not going to
be judged as a congregation, but as we have
individually contributed.
(c) At the present time we are financially assisting
6 preachers in other places in their efforts to
preach Christ Jesus. One in north Texas, one in
Florida, one in St Criox of the Virgin Islands;
one in Monterey, Mexico; one in San Cristobal,
Mexico; and one is Larranzer, Mexico. This
support amounts to $2000 per month.
(d) Preacher support (including mine) accounts for
77% of our total income.
(e) We also have our RADIO BROADCAST each Sunday.
That is another $100 per month spent in
preaching.
(d) We have sent out one mail-out this year that has
gone into every home in our immediate area. This
amounts to about $300.
(e) Once and again we have sent to the Philippines to
assist needy saints. Within the last six months
the total is $7000.
(f) We have sent for the needs of brethren in Mexico
time and again. Recently sending to assist Delfino
in their medical needs with reference to his son,
Isai. Also, individually members sent $400 to the
needs of a young lady to purchase a walker. I am
sure that I am overlooking others that have been
done.
(g) And as mentioned, our gospel meetings, as we have
just concluded.
II. AS AN INDIVIDUAL:
1. As encouraging as all of this might seem, it can be of no
value to me, unless I have been a part of it.
2. Actually, that is the only way that taking inventory can
benefit ME.
3. How much do I do with reference to the work at White Park?
4. How often do I attend, participate?
5. How much do I give, assist?
6. It matters NOT what the congregation does, unless I am a
part of it; as mentioned earlier, it is of little value to
me; for we shall not be judged as a group.
7. Matt. 25:14-30 -- Parable of the Talents. The one talent
man might have said, "Lord, look at what we have done. You
gave us 8 talents and have 7 in return. That is a pretty
good increase." Depart, wicked servant.
Conclusion:
1. Thus, let us examine ourselves -- 2 Cor 13:5.
2. Stand before God's mirror -- WHAT DO YOU SEE?????
3. How do I measure up.
4. One must be in HIS FAMILY if we expect Heaven and its
rewards.
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