POINT OF CONTACT: There are only three institutions that God set up. (1) The home, in the Garden of Eden. (2) Human government, after the flood. (3) The local N.T. church. For children, have a small model of a church and open the class discussing the fact that Jesus died for it!

TS: Today, we begin a new series entitled, "Christian Characteristics." These lessons will deal with how Christians should look and act, and what Christians should be doing.

I. WHAT DAY ARE WE TO ATTEND CHURCH?
     A) Sunday! Why Sunday?
         1. Jesus arose on Sunday! Mt. 28:1.
         2. Jesus met with His disciples on Sunday! Lk. 24:36-45.
         3. The church in Acts met on Sunday! Acts 20:7.
         4. They took up the collection on Sunday! I Cor. 16:2.
         5. John worshipped on Sunday! Rev. 1:10.
         6. It is a day of service, not rest!
     B) Why not Saturday?
         1. The Bible does not say to go to church on Saturday.
         2. Jesus did not command His disciples to keep the sabbath.
         3. Jesus did not keep the sabbath. *John 5:17,18.
         4. The Apostles did not teach the churches in Acts to go to church on Saturday/keep the sabbath.
         5. Scripture discourages it! Col. 2:14-17, Gal. 4:8-11.

II. WHY DO WE COME TO CHURCH?
     A) God commands us to! Hebrews 10:25.
     B) Not to would be a sin! James 4:17.
     C) It proves that we love Jesus! John 14:15 Do you love Him?
     D) To set the right example for our children, family, new Christians... I Timothy 4:12.
     E) To learn how to live and grow! Eph. 4:11,12.
         1. How to set up and run your home! Eph. 5:22-6:4.
         2. How to please God. Mt. 3:16,17.
         3. How to be a blessing to others...
     F) For comfort and encouragement! John 20:19-26, James 2:2-4
     G) Fellowship with the brethren!
     H) To tithe! I Cor. 16:1,2.
     I) To serve God.

III. YOU NEED A MINISTRY!
     A) A ministry is something you do to serve the rest of us.
     B) Examples of ministries:
        1. Buses - Captain, driver, worker, visiting, song leader...
        2. Nursery - worker, clean...
        3. Nursing homes - visit, sing, preach...
        4. Soul winning - this is a command to all Christians.
        5. Sunday school teacher.
        6. Golden years - cook, clean, visit, call...
        7. Tapes, video - take to shut-ins, sick, send out...
        8. Christian school teacher, helpers...
        9. Building and grounds - clean, build, maintain..