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1. The Church Is the Lord’s Vineyard
   • God calls the church a BODY – emphasizing its unity and cooperation
   • God calls the church a FAMILY – emphasizing its closeness and acceptance
   • God calls the church a KINGDOM – emphasizing its law and order
   • God calls the church a BRIDE – emphasizing its faithfulness and love
   • God calls the church a TEMPLE – emphasizing its worship and fellowship
   • God calls the church a FLOCK – emphasizing its following and togetherness
   • God calls the church an ARMY – emphasizing its mission and defense
   • God calls the church a VINEYARD – emphasizing its hard work and daily effort
2. The Lord Is the Vineyard’s Righteous Owner
   • God is good and generous (Matt. 20:15; Psa. 34:8)
     1. God “gives” (Matt. 20:4, 8, 14)
   • God is righteous and just (Matt. 20:4, 7, 15; Gen. 18:25)
     1. God does “no wrong” (Matt. 20:13)
   • When it comes to our relationship with the Lord, let us:
     1. Not “suppose” that He will do differently than He has revealed (20:10)
     2. Never “grumble against” Him and His will (20:11)
     3. Remember that we “agreed” to submit to Him and serve Him (20:2, 13)
3. All Laborers Are Equal Before the Lord
   • God’s love is equal for all men and His desire equal for all to be saved (20:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:4; Acts 10:34-35)
   • God draws a distinction between those “out” of His church and those who have come “into” His church (20:1, 3, 5, 6 ~ 20:2, 4, 7)
   • All are welcome in His church and are treated “equally” (20:12; Gal. 3:28-29)
     1. All enter the church in the same way—baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27)
     2. All are given the same work—bring lost souls to Christ (Mark 16:15)
     3. All will be “given” the “same” reward—home in heaven (Rev. 2:10)
4. Every Christian Must Labor in the Lord’s Church
   • • Those in His vineyard are called “laborers” three times (20:1, 2, 8)
     • Those sent “into” His vineyard are there to labor (20:2, 4, 7)
     • The Lord is not pleased at all with those who “stand idle” (20:3, 6)
     • Perhaps we could make each day of the week a special focus of work for the Lord—to create habits and become more consistent
       1. Sunday:        ___________
       2. Monday:      ___________
       3. Tuesday:      ___________
       4. Wednesday:               ___________
       5. Thursday:    ___________
       6. Friday:          ___________
       7. Saturday:     ___________
     • God is looking for laborers—is that me? (1 Cor. 3:5-9; 15:58)
5. Are You a Laborer in the Lord’s Vineyard?
6. 1. • Believe Jesus is the Son of God – Romans 10:9
      • Repent of your sins and turn toward God – Romans 2:4
      • Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Romans 10:9
      • Be baptized into Christ – Romans 6:3
        1. God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
        2. God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
        3. God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
      • Keep serving the Lord sacrificially each day – Romans 12:1-2