Strength for the Laborers Conference

Speakers of timely and powerful messages: Pastors +Glen Knight, +Robert Harris, +Jim Crain,  +Larry Clements, +Bryan Sellers, +Jeff Luellen, +Mike Maxwell.

God have used this men to encourage and strengthen the brethren especially the pastors to serve and honor God. We have felt the work and moving of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. God is blessed and all the glory is given Him in this fellowship. And we too are blessed!

TOPICS:
"The Gospel at the Core of Humanity" Ptr. Glen Knight
"Extreme Commitment to Gospel Service: Ptr. Robert Harris
Beyond All boundaries: "Global Gospel Ministry" Ptr. Glen Knight
The Preparation of the Gospel: "God's Heart Toward Our World" Ptr. Larry Clements
The Preparation of the Gospel: "Calling and Commissioning of Servants" Ptr. Jeff Luellen
The Preparation of the Gospel: "The Absolute Necessity of Discipleship" Ptr. Mike Maxwell
The Preparation of the Gospel:"Logistics and Demographics of the mission" Ptr. Jim Crain
Critical Issues: "Defining the Mission" Ptr. Bryan Sellers
Critcal Issues: "Yielding to God's Agenda for the Mission" Ptr. Mike Maxwell
Critical Issues: "The urgency of the Mission" Ptr. Bryan Sellers
Critical Issues: "Trusting God's Provision for the Mission" Ptr. Bryan Sellers
Critical Issues: "Communicating the Message of the Mission" Ptr. Larry Clements
Critical Issues: "Rising Above Opposition in the Mission" Ptr. Jeff Luellen
Critical Issues:"Keeping the Mission on Course"Pr. Glen Knight
Critical Issues:"Assessing Our Ministry Strengths and Weaknesses" Ptr. Larry Clements
Critical Issues:"Fulfilling the Mission" Ptr. Robert Harris
Looking Ahead: "New Fields in the Same Old World-" The Generation Aspect of Gospel Ministry" Ptr. Glen Knight
"Personal Adaptation for Mission Advancement" Ptr. Jim Crain
"The Vitality of Leadership in the Mission" Ptr. Jim Crain
"Training Our Replacements in the Mission" Ptr. Mike Maxwell
"Standing Our Ground for Christ" Ptr. Jeff Luellen
Conclusion:"The Mission Continuum" "Never, never, never, never give in..." Ptr. Robert Harris

MUSIC FOR GOD’S CHURCH

MUSIC FOR GOD’S CHURCH

Music — An expression of a thought or idea, expressed through notes, pitch and harmony.
Music is one of the most influential things in the universe. Its purpose is divine. It is to worship God, and bring Him glory.
Music is important to God. All throughout HIS Book, the Bible, music plays an important role. It is important for the church ministry because it is a form of worship.

Here is why music is important to God
(1)The Psalms is the hymnbook of the Bible. It has 150 chapters.
(2) God responses to music [II Chronicles 5:12-14
 (3) Angels sang at Jesus birth [Luke 2:8-14].
(4) Songs will be sung in heaven [Revelation 15:3-5]
(5) A trumpet will sound at our final calling [II Thessalonians 4:16]
(6)It is used as a distress call — Paul and Silas [Acts 16:22]
(7) It is used after a victory [Exodus 15:1- 10,21]

Music greatly affects the entirety of a person. Because music is vibration, it can easily be transmitted to a person who also receives and transmits vibration.
Music affects a person...

1. Physically - Good music — increases eyesight by 25%, allows you to digest food better. Makes plant grow a few times more than normal plant growth. Bad music
— Gives headache, causes indigestion, kills plants

2. Mentally
(1 )What the musician believes greatly affects the listener even if the musician doesn’t say a word
(2) Information, attitude, idea, philosophy and even religion can be passed mentally through music.

3. Spiritually
(1)It either makes you strong or weak spiritually.
(2)Spiritual songs from God can help you flee temptation and calm fears.
(3) Check Christians who listen to rock music and you’ll find worldly, hardheaded, rebellious and wrong attituded Christians.
(4) Satan and his crowd back up rock music.

WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT LISTEN TO THE WORLD’S MUSIC
(1 )The singers defy the name of God through its lyrics — Exodus 20:7
(2)It is a fountain of rebellion, because Rock Music is actually an expression of rebellion to authority. (Ex. God, Parents, Law)
(3)Because of the lifestyle, philosophy, beliefs and practices of the artists.
(4)Because the lyrics and philosophy of the songs agrees with the Satanic Church by Anton Lavey. (5)Satan uses it to control your mind, and then your life.
(6)It is against God’s will. — Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 6:1-3; Ephesians 4:24
(7)The world’s music teaches that salvation is by works, not by faith in Christ Jesus alone.

HOW TO FIGHT SATAN’S MUSIC
(1.)Decide never to listen or sing Satan’s music
(2.) Decide to replace it with God’s music. Always sing true Christian music.
(3). Burn those worldly records. (Don’t give them away).
(4)Stand on the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-19).
(5)Be a soul winner. Have a burden for others who are bond by the devil and are going to hell.
(6)Put God first in your life. (Matthew 6:33).
(7)Love Him above all. (Mark 12:30)

Soul winning the children

SOUL-WINNING:
Dealing With Children

Lesson Text: Matthew 18:1-6, 10.
Devotional Reading: Worth of a Child, Hebrews 11:23-29.
Aim: To point up the worth and spiritual potential of the child, and show how to lead him to Christ.

Home Readings
    Monday: “Train up a Child,” Proverbs 22:1-6.
    Tuesday: “Discipline the Child, Proverbs 23:12-15.
    Wednesday: Recognize His Potential, John 6:8-11.
    Thursday: Teach His God’s Words, Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
Friday: Make Him “Wise unto Salvation,” 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Saturday: “Fordid Them Not, to Come,” Matthew 19:13-15.
Sunday: A Believing Maid’s Contribution, 2 Kings 5:1-4, 14

1. More Excuses.
    I am too young. Some look on the life of a believer as a solemn dreary experience only for adults. Young people have been known to shun receiving Christ, because they are not ready to settle down in life. However, those who have Christ in their hearts look at it differently. They know the only true happiness and joy in life are in Christ. “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Peter 1:8).
He is too young. Oddly enough, some parents take up this cry in behalf of their children. Some have even said they want their children to have some fun and sow their wild oats before they settle down to the serious matters of life. Such an attitude is dynamite for the spiritual future of a child.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:7, 8).
He is too young to understand. A young person must understand the same things as other sinners. He is lost. He cannot save himself. Christ is the only Savior. Christ will save if he repents and believes on Christ. One does not have to know the deep theology about salvation in order to receive it. To require children to understand matters adults did not know when they received Christ is absurd. Children need to be taught the Scriptures about Christ and salvation (2 Timothy 3:15).
Any excuse or delay for the youngster is just as surely a tactic of Satan as it is with adults. Moreover, one who is old enough to understand his lost condition should turn to the Lord for salvation (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

2. A Critical Period.
The winning of children must not be delayed. Delay is dangerous, perhaps fatal. Those who pass into adulthood without Christ are likely to go into a Christless eternity. One survey revealed nineteen out of every twenty believers received Christ before they were twenty-five years old. Therefore, the task of leading children to Christ is supremely urgent.
The personal worker must recognize the child’s need of the Saviour. “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14). When the disciples tried to hinder the children from coming to Christ. “he was much displeased” (Mark 10:14). How old must a child be to come to Christ? There is no set age, but a child is old enough when he is old enough to realize he is a sinner and when he is old enough to turn away from sin and to turn in faith to Christ as personal Saviour.
Some follow the philosophy of leaving a child to make his own choice in spiritual matters. That is much like leaving a garden to grow produce without help. The point is a child is lost by nature and is accountable to God when he is old enough to know he is a sinner and Christ is the Saviour. And while believers may leave the child alone, one may rest assured the Devil will not. The child’s nature by birth needs only time and occasion to bring forth its fruit of disobedience and spiritual death. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” (Job 14:4). “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” (Psalm 51:5) “The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58:3). Read also Isaiah 48:8.
It is of utmost importance for a child to be taught early to see his need of Christ as Saviour. The task is urgent. The age is critical. This is the sacred duty of parents, teachers, and pastors.

3. A Responsibility.
First, the youngster whom the Spirit convicts regarding sin and salvation is accountable to God for his spiritual condition. The Lord spoke of “one of these little ones which believe in me” (Matthew 18:6); consequently one who can become a believer has first been an unbeliever and accountable to God for his sin. Once a child has the capacity to be a believer, he is answerable to God for his soul’s salvation (John 3:18, 38).
Second, the saved youngster has a responsibility to witness to others, particularly those of his own age. At times a youngster will listen to those of his own age, when he rejects the witness of adults. The great difficulty is not in the ability of he youth to win the youth, but in the willingness to try.
Third, parents have a spiritual responsibility for their children. It is gravely dangerous to pass that responsibility on to others. Those who refuse to witness to their children, those who do not go to church with their children, and those who have no spiritual relationship to Christ are passing their responsibility to others. Although the child must repent and believe for himself, it is impossible to overestimate the value of parents who will point their child to Christ.
Fourth, each true church is responsible to evangelize children. A church does not “preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), if it neglects to preach the Gospel to children.
Fifth, the pastor has a responsibility in childhood evangelism. Usually, a pastor is careful to protect children from a force profession of faith. Normally, a pastor is on guard to protect parents from using incorrect methods in dealing with their children. Ordinarily, a pastor will encourage children to come to Christ. Customarily, a pastor will work with a child’s teacher to bring the child to Christ. Invariably, a pastor will notice a youngster’s susceptibility to the Gospel and recognize his need for Christ.
Sixth, teachers are very important. Children must have teachers who have a genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of their pupils. And, the teacher has a splendid opportunity to deal personally with lost children.

4. A Simple Method.
There is a simple method of presenting Christ to those who are very young. It enables the personal worker to know how much the child realizes about his need for Christ. First, the believer heads three columns on a sheet of paper. – innocent, lost, and saved. Second,  he explains to the child what each term means by telling how a child qualifies for each stage. He may write terms or Scripture references under each heading as he explains each category. Third, he asks the child to commit himself by selecting which category best describes his spiritual standing with God. Usually, the lost child will select the “lost” column, because he knows he is not an innocent infant and he has never been saved. Then, the believer should lead the child to turn to Christ in faith for salvation.
Youth is an age of idealism, characterized by courage and valor. It is an age of enthusiasm, characterized by a positive, frank, and direct attitude. It is an age of adventure. Christ has everything to appeal to them.

Soul Winning: REWARDS for those who work

SOUL-WINNING:
Rewards

Lesson Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:19,20; Philippians 4:1.
Devotional Reading: Losing the Reward, 2 John 7, 8.
Aim: To show some of the blessings and rewards of soul winning, as named in the Scriptures

Home Readings
    Monday: Shall Shine as Stars, Daniel 12:2,3.
    Tuesday: Joy in Heaven, Luke 15:7-10
    Wednesday: Reward for “Cup of Water,” Mark 9:38-41.
Thursday: Put in “Book of Remembrance,” Malachi 3:16-18.
    Friday: “Receive His Own Reward,” 1 Corinthians 3:5-8.
    Saturday: Finding the Bread, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
Sunday: Soulwinner’s “Crown of Rejoice” 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20.

INTRODUCTION: - A good witness offers facts, not hearsay evidence. He must know by experience that to which he testifies. He must be of good character in order for his testimony to be believed. He must tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. The most impressive witness is simple, direct, and sincere. The believer who has such a testimony will receive rewards.
    Love for the Lord is incentive enough for anyone to serve Him, but rewards offer an added incentive. And the basis on which God rewards is faithfulness, not success. Faithfulness is required of all God’s people. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

1. Present Joy.
The joy of one who wins the lost to Christ is real. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). It is the joy of doing good and the happiness of pleasing the Lord Jesus. This is the first reward in evangelizing. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:6).
Certainly there is joy when God saves a sinner. There is joy in Heaven. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:10). There is joy on earth. The one who witnessed to the individual rejoices. He knows he has helped rescue a lost man from a Christ-less eternity. His own faith is greatly confirmed in the matter. He also rejoices in the gratitude and affection the new believer expresses to him. The two of them will always have a unique tie because of that witness! Others rejoice with the soul-winner and the believer. No spiritual person can experience anything but joy in knowing one has passed from death unto life. One must not overlook the personal joy experience in the heart of one who has received Christ.
Only in Satan’s camp is there jealousy and resentment when a person is saved. It is a signal defeat for the Devil and his cause.

2. Present Achievement.
“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
“Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” (2 Corinthians 3:2, 3).
The sense of achievement adds to joy as a present blessing of personal workers. The personal worker has fellowship in the great work of Christ. Not every believer has achieved that. The Apostle John wrote to believers his desire for them to achieve that fellowship. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3).
Aside from helping sinners escape going to Hell and winning them to be inhabitants for heaven, one achieves a tremendous personal spiritual development by his activity in soul winning. No consistent personal worker is losing ground in his sojourn on earth (2 Peter 1:5-8). He does not lose sleep over his own salvation, because he is busy seeking others. He is a growing believer (1 Thessalonians 4:10). He studies his Bible regularly. He is a regular church attender. He is associated with the organizational life of the church. A soul winner achieves spiritual development by his activity. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10).
A personal worker achieves a friendship with heavenly inhabitants. He enjoys being around God’s people. And he knows the Lord will gloriously welcome him into Paradise (Luke 23:43). Also, he knows that welcome will be even more glorious if a host of the redeemed are there because of his witness.

3. The Judgment Seat of Christ.

The reality of present blessings must not be overlooked. At the same time, one must be careful lest he receive all his reward presently and have none in the future. The Lord indicated “showboats” have no reward in Heaven (Matthew 6:1). Their only reward is the praise of men (Matthew 6:2).
On the other hand, the faithful workers of God shall be rewarded. “And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:14). “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” (2 Timothy 2:5).
There are five distinct crowns mentioned in the New Testamen. They will be given at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
The crown of life. Christ promised this crown to those who are faithful unto death. “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10). It is associated with trial and temptation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12).
The crown of glory. This is the faithful pastor’s crown. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4). It is associated with feeding, overseeing, and being an example to the flock of God willing and readily (1 Peter 5:2-4). It is not for those pastors who serve by force, for filthy lucre, or as lords over God’s churches.
The crown of righteousness. This crown is available to every believer who loves the appearing of Christ. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8). Those who loving look for His return will live godly lives (1 John 3:3).
The incorruptible crown. This crown is associated with personal discipline. “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” (1 Corinthians 9:25). One must discipline his life to an active service with a determination of overcoming all obstacles with the Lord’s help. Paul challenged the Corinthian Church to obtain this crown (1 Corinthians 9:24). He said he wanted it, too (1 Corinthians 9:26, 27).

4. The Crown of Rejoicing.
This crown is for those who win the lost to Christ. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20). Those won by a personal worker will be his crown of rejoicing.
The Judgment Seat of Christ will be a sad occasion for those who have never led a sinner to Christ. It is almost beyond possibility to think a person could live on earth as a believer for any period of time without having some influence for Christ with the lost. Those who have never witnessed for Christ had better be about the Father’s business or lose forever the opportunity to receive the crown of rejoicing.
Even Daniel wrote of the special reward for those who are soul winners. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3).

Do you win souls? Why not?

SOUL-WINNING:
Answering Excuses

Lesson Text: Colossians 4:6.
Devotional Reading: Be Ready Always with an Answer? 1 Peter 3:14-17
Aim: To point up the believer’s responsibility to arm himself with scriptural answers for the excuses of the lost.

Home Readings
Monday: None too Wicked, Luke 23:39-43; 1 Timothy 1:12-15
Tuesday: None too Good, John 3:1-7; 7:50; 19:39
Wednesday: None too Rich, Mark 10:23-27
Thursday: Three Sorry Excuses, Luke 14:16-20
Friday: Foolhardy Procrastination, Acts 24:24-26.
Saturday: Almost not Enough, Acts 26:24-29
Sunday: Know How to Answer Every Man, Colossians 4:1-6.

1. Excuses Not to Witness.
While the aim of this lesson clearly deals with the excuses of the lost, perhaps it would be in order to deal first with some of the excuses the saved use for not witnessing.
I am unworthy. One who is aware of the importance of personal evangelism will have a feeling of unworthiness. However, God has invited His followers to work with Him in bringing the lost to the new birth. And, God is please when His children accept His invitation to work with Him. Regardless of one’s unworthiness, God’s work and God’s approval are worthy of one’s work (John 15:14).
I am not bold. A screen of false modesty is not a legitimate excuse for allowing the lost to enter eternity without a witness for Christ. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Corinthians 5:11). People will talk about everything else under the sun; therefore they should not be too modest to witness to the lost.
I don’t know the Bible. One’s ignorance of the Bible is his own fault (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17). A prayerful, reverent study of the Bible will create a desire to win people to Christ. One’s sincerity in this excuse may be quickly tested by this willingness to study.
I might make a mistake. The fear of neglect should be a greater fear. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). The believer should witness with faith and assurance in the Spirit and the Word.
I have some bad habits. If these destroy one’s influence for Christ, the believer should bread away from them. Paul’s attitude is the correct one for a believer (1 Corinthians 8:13). If a person will not give up sin or even a habit which destroys his influence, he loves sin and self more than he loves the Lord and lost souls.
I intend to witness some day. Neglecting souls is not wise. “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” Ezekiel 3:18).

2. Excuses Not to Be Saved.
A new excuse offered by lost people is seldom heard. If the personal worker is sincere, kind, and discreet, he can handle the excuse. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6). If the excuse is a reasonable one, the answer should be read from the Scriptures. That should settle it.
Some use excuses to lead the personal worker away from his subject. Sometimes the prospect does not take his own excuse seriously. In such cases, the believer is wise to suggest holding that question until the discussion regarding salvation be completed. At any rate, all excuses are barriers. They should be broken down or set aside.
I am afraid I cannot hold out. The Bible teaches salvation depends on Christ’s ability, not the sinner’s (John 10:27-29; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24).
There are hypocrites in the church. One who hates hypocrisy agrees with the Lord, because Jesus taught the hatefulness of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-33). One should be more concerned with spending eternity with them, rather than worrying about spending a few years with a few of them here (John 21:21, 22; Romans 2:1; 14;12; Ecclesiastes 12:;;14).
I am as good as others. One may thing he is good enough to get by, but God look at it differently (Romans 3:10-23). Besides, man is not saved by his goodness, but by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).
I am to great a sinner. The Lord came to save sinners (Luke 19:10; Matthew 9:13). God even saved the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15); therefore no sinner is too wicked to be saved and no sin is too great to be forgiven.
I am not ready now. A person should be saved when God is ready. God says He is ready to save right now (2 Corinthians 6:2). Tomorrow may never come in this life for the sinner. All he can deal with is right now. There is no advantage to delay, except to Satan.
I have plenty of time. Many presume to have plenty of time. They fully intend to be saved some day. Someone has correctly said, “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” No one knows how much time he has (Proverbs 27:1; 29:1). A person should seek the Lord while He still offers, salvation (Isaiah 55:6,7).
For those who employ Satan’s tactic of delay, the soul winner should meet their excuses with the following scriptural reasoning: First,  no better time will ever come for the sinner to be saved than now. Second, he will never be less a sinner than is now. Third, God will never be more ready to save a sinner than He is now. Fourth, the Gospel will never be more powerful to save a sinner than it is now.
There is no Hell. The Scriptures have so much to say about eternal death and Hell, much of which Christ spoke, it is difficult to see how one could justify his position of not believing in Hell. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17). The Lord described one’s existence there (Luke 16:23-26). No wise person would choose Hell over Heaven or the Devil over Christ.
A God of love would not sent anyone to Hell. A sinner sends himself to Hell by rejecting the love of God (John 3:16). In love God offers salvation so sinners may avoid Hell (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). However, one cannot love flowers without hating weeds. God loves righteousness; He hates sin (Proverb 6:16-19).
I will have plenty of company in Hell. There is no consolation in knowing others will suffer the same distress of Hell. In fact, the former rich man of Luke 16 did not mention any company there. Hell is a lonely place, and he didn’t want anyone else to come there, particularly his brother (Luke 16:27, 28).
I have sinned away my day of grace. Sin and delay must never be minimized, but one must never feel he has so sinned he has no hope. The Bible welcomes sinners to receive the Lord (John 6:37; Revelation 22:17). If a person should sin away his day of grace, it is not very likely he would know it.
I am doing the best I can. No man does his best. Even if he did, his best is not enough (Isaiah 64:6). The Bible has many examples of those trying to do their best, but each one needed to be born again (John 3:3).
I am a church member. One may have his name on a church roll and not have Christ in his heart. The Lord indicated many church workers would never go to Heaven, because He never knew them in a new birth relationship (Matthew 7:21-23; John 10:27; 2 Timothy 2:19). It is the roll in Heaven that counts for salvation (Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:15).
The Bible has an answer for every excuse. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” (Roman 1:20).

What may stop you to serve...

SOUL-WINNING:
Triumph Over Hindrances

Lesson Text: 2 Corinthians 2:14, 17; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Revelation 12:11.
Devotional Reading: Stumbling blocks, Romans 14:13-21.
Aim: To show how a would-be soul winner should overcome and gain victory over personal and Satanic hindrances.

Home Readings
Monday: Satan’s Hindrances, Mark 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:16-18
Tuesday: Personal Sin Ruins Testimony, 2 Samuel 12:10-14.
Wednesday: Triumph over Prejudice, Acts 10:13-16, 34, 35
Thursday: Triumph over Lack of Confidence, Exodus 4:10-15, 29-31.
Friday: Triumph over Handicap, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Saturday: Triumph over Fear, Jeremiah 20:8-11
Sunday: Triumph over Fainting, Galatians 6;9; Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:13.

1. Satanic Hindrances.

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Corinthians 4:4). A distinct work of Satan is hindering the lost from being saved. This is one of his prime objectives in opposing God. And, since a lost person is Satan’s child spiritually (John 8:44). He is constantly under the Devil’s influence and control.
One way Satan hinders the lost is through his churches. A false church with a false gospel and other false beliefs and practices keeps the lost from being saved. Often a person grows dissatisfied with the ritualism and formalism of his church, but he joins another false church because of Satan’s control. Satan doesn’t mind swapping members among his churches. The result is the lost person thinks he has found the truth and he is extremely difficult to win to the Lord (Matthew 23:15).
Satan has convinced some they do not need to be saved. They have a false sense of hope, and they do not feel lost. As in the case of the Pharisee in Luke 18:11,12, the Devil has blinded them to the true Gospel. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

On of Satan’s favorite methods of hindering the lost is delay. Many realize their lost and sinful condition and they know Christ will save them if they believe on Him, but Satan convinces them to delay (Acts 24:25; 26:28). Satan never gives up, even when the truth is preached to the lost. “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12).He convinces the lost they have plenty of time to decide the matter. All the while he is hindering the lost from being saved. One day it will be too late to be saved (Jeremiah 8:20).

2. Personal Hindrance.
Satan uses the human instrument to hinder the lost. “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” (Luke 11:52). It is a case of the blind leading the blind, when a lost man is hindering another lost man from being saved. The tragedy is they will both “fall into the ditch” or Hell (Matthew 15:14).
Saints may also hinder the lost. Paul recognized the need for keeping one’s life clean to make his message believable. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). If the vessel is filthy, the lost will not drink the testimony which comes from it.
However, even a clean vessel can be a personal hindrance to the lost. Satan actively hinders believers from being a personal witness for Christ. “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.” (Galatians 5:7,8). Only Satan would cause such a thing to keep God’s people from witnessing to the lost. Sometimes he merely hinders them from witnessing in a certain place. “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:18). “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.” (Romans 1:13)
The Bible even mentions a lack of harmony in the home will hinder prayer, thus hinder the lost from having a testimony of Christ (1 Peter 3:7).
Therefore, God’s people must clean up their lives and submit to the Lord to use them as His witnesses. Then, and only then will personal hindrances be overcome (Hebrews 12:1). In the past God’s people have overcome hindrances, so can the believer today.

3. Personal Victory.
    “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2:14). There is absolutely no call for believers to live in anything less than personal victory in Christ. Satanic and personal hindrance should not dominate one’s live in Christ. The believer should be able to make “manifest the savor of his knowledge…in every place.” “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17).
The personal victory for the lost is also in Christ.” And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)
The blood of the Lamb. Herein lies the sinner’s only hope of spiritual cleansing. “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). Anything short of that offer no victory over Satan.
The word of their testimony. Having spiritual cleansing “by the blood of the Lamb.” The believer needs victory for his life of service to God. Revelation impresses the Bible student with the importance of one’s testimony for Christ. I one’s work for God has no testimony for Christ. Satan is still hindering that believer.
They loved not their lives unto the death. This indicates the dedication necessary in one’s life to enjoy victory over Satan. Selfishness wins no victories over Satan. “The death” refers to a willingness to die for the testimony of Christ. That is real dedication. Many talk about dedication, but few are willing to pay the price required for it. One must fall out of love with himself.

4. Spiritual Victory.

While Satan tries to hinder from doing right things, God leads His people in the path of righteousness.
“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
“After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” (Acts 16:6,7)
The Lord led Paul and Silas to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:9,10).
The believer’s victory is in trusting God. Who is always working actively. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:37). God does not win by a narrow margin. When one trusts Him, God wins spiritual victory by a wide, surpassing margin. Not only is the enemy of souls defeated in salvation, but the believer may prove again and again the power and love of God in Christ. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
The believer dares to stand along with God, because the ultimate victory belongs to those who stand with God. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Each believer knows his victory over the grave in the resurrection also depends on the Lord. It is a challenge to stand true (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Soul winning: Concern and Intercession for the Lost and hell bound sinner.

SOUL-WINNING:
Concern and Intercession

Lesson Test: Rom_9:1-3; 10:1-3
Devotional Reading: A sin Not to Intercede, 1Sa_12:22-25.
Aim: To stress the importance and potential of Christian concern and intercession.

Home Readings
    Monday: Going Forth with Weeping, Psa_126:5-6.
    Tuesday: Intercession for Transgression, Isa_53:12; Luk_23:34.
    Wednesday:  Abraham’s Intercession, Gen_18:23-33.
    Thursday: Intercession for Murderers, Act_7:52-60.
    Friday: Concern for Lost Multitudes, Mat_9:35-38
    Saturday: Paul’s Travail and Tears, 1Th_2:7-13; Act_20:31.
    Sunday: Paul’s concern and intercession, Rom_9:1-5; 10:1.

1. Praying for the Lost.

Some reason, “If God wants to save the lost, why bother to pray for the lost?” Consequently, they conclude there is no purpose served in praying for the lost to be saved.
Such reasoning is ridiculous when it is applied to the overall prayer life of God’s people. God’s Word states, “Ye have not , because ye ask not” (Jas_4:2). The Lord said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Mat_7:7-8). These two passages indicate there are many things God will not do for the believer aside from prayer.
To say one should not pray about a matter which God already desires to do suggests one should only pray for those things God does not want to do. That contradicts every principle of godly praying. First of all, true prayer always accepts the will of God. That is how Christ taught His disciples to pray. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Mat_6:10). On who knowingly prays contrary to God’s will finds himself opposing God and out of His fellowship.
The only question regarding prayer for the lost is whether it is God’s will to save the lost. There is no doubt whatsoever the salvation of the lost is God’s will. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2Pe_3:9). In fact the Word exhorts believers to pray for the lost.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1Ti_2:1-4).

2. Concerned for the Lost.

How can the saved be unconcerned in view of the reality of Hell? “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev_20:15). Many claim to believe the Bible doctrine of Hell, but their lack of concern for the lost preaches a different message.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of the reality of Heaven and the new earth? Read 1Co_2:9-10. Many claim to believe the Bible doctrine of Heaven, but they act as though they do not want anyone to go there. Believers  need to read Revelation chapter 21 and 22 again to see if they really believe in this doctrine and to see if they have a genuine concern for the lost.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of salvation and its benefits? One who reads Psalm 23 knows the tremendous promises God gives to the saved. Many claim to believe all that; yet they show little or no concern for telling others of the riches of God’s grace.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of all Christ has done? “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1Pe_3:18). Many claim to believe in Christ’s redemptive work, but actions speak louder than words. One who really knows Christ personally should have a sincere concern for the lost.

3. Standing in the Gap.

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” (Eze_22:30). God’s indictment against Judah was there was no one to intercede to avoid God’s wrath. The principle of that passage is found several times in the Scriptures.
In the Old Testament the principle is evident in the intercessory work of Abraham for Sodom (Gen_18:23-33). God agreed not to destroy Sodom if ten righteous people were in the city. Also, Moses declared the principle of interceding for the wicked. On the basis of his plea God delivered Israel from His wrath (Exo_32:11-14). In the latter part of that chapter God rejected Moses’ compassionate plea for Israel (Exo_32:30-35). The dedicatory prayer of Solomon contains the principle of interceding for sinners (1Ki_8:39-43-50). Further, Daniel’s prayer for the city of Jerusalem indicates the principle of one standing in the gap for lost sinners.
In the New Testament the principle is even more apparent. Christ taught it in the sermon on the mount. “Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” would definitely embrace some lost people (Mat_5:44). The command of the Lord concerning workers involves lost people being saved to be come workers (Matthew 9:36-38). The greatest illustration of the principle is Christ’s prayer at His crucifixion (Luk_23:34). Similar to that was the prayer of Stephen at his martyrdom (Act_7:60). No doubt the conversion of Saul of Tarsus had something to do with Stephen’s intercessory prayer. And, Paul definitely declared the principle of interceding for the lost (Rom_10:1).
Yes, God is looking for believers who will ‘make up the hedge, and stand in the gap.” Read 1Pe_3:12 and Jas_5:16.

4. Failing to Pray.
Prayer is a great tool in evangelism. It tests one’s sincerity. It tests one’s dedication. Prayer in behalf of others opens the door of opportunity to witness to the saving grace of God. Prayer often brings results when all else fails. It is God’s way if involving His people in the work of Personal evangelism. There is no substitute for a prayerful interest in the souls of men.
However, those who fail to pray for the lost are in error. “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” (1Sa_12:23). To be disobedient to God in any way is a sin, and certainly it is a sin to fail to pray. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luk_18:1). Failing to pray for the lost is similar to the sin of murder stealing, and lying. A lack of prayerful interest in a lost person means he is doomed to die without Christ. A lack of prayerful interest means he is robbed of the privilege of salvation. A lack of prayerful interest means the believer does not really care about the lost. A lack of prayerful interest could mean Christ does not live in that professed believer’s heart.
The enormity of this sin cannot be overlooked. Failure to pray robs God of glory. He deserves. It robs Him of opportunities to reveal His power to mankind. It robs Him of opportunities to express His love to lost mankind. Some long for revival. They talk about revival. They work for revival. They even pray some for revival. But much prayer is involved in genuine revival in God’s churches.

Soul Winning: Spiritual resources to survive as a soldier and ambassador

SOUL-WINNING:
Spiritual Resources

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 6:10.
Devotional Reading: Great Compulsion, Acts 4:13; Psalm 39:2,3.
Aim: To encourage pupils to appropriate the spiritual aids available to every would-be soulwinner.
Home Readings
    Monday: Holy Spirit Guidance, Acts 16:6-11.
    Tuesday: Holy Spirit Power, Zechariah 4:6; Luke 4:14
    Wednesday: Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-24.
    Thursday: Prayer, Luke 18:1; Acts 10:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
    Friday: Wisdom, James 1:5-8.
    Saturday: Perseverance, Luke 11:5-10
    Sunday: The Added Virtues, 2 Peter 1:5-8.

1. The Provision.
    Soul-winning is a normal experience for believers. It gives proper motivation to godly living. It helps the saints to love people. It gives a sense of achievement which one cannot attain in any other manner. The greatest need today is for more pastors and church members to be involved in personal soul-winning.
And, God certainly provides everything a believer needs to do personal work. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Being a witness for Christ is certainly a “good work” therefore God has abundantly and sufficiently provided every spiritual resource one needs to witness for Christ.
God has provided His Word “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:17). Moreover, the Word of God provides one with the challenge, the instructions, and the message to witness to the lost.
Some say they cannot talk to lost people about their souls. Yet, the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13). Whatever a person needs to witness – courage, knowledge, wisdom, leadership, etc.- God provides, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

2. The Power.
There is absolutely no reason for a person to lack power in witnessing. All those who are members of a New Testament church have access to the Spirit’s power to evangelize; moreover only those who fail to claim God’s power lack it.
Paul exhorted the church at Ephesus to claim that power. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10). That is tremendous challenge. It challenges God’s people to claim the power God has graciously provided.
Regardless of the magnitude of Satan’s power, one is reassured to know God’s power is present. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). There is no limit to God’s “power that worketh in us.” “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20). Satan has many helpers in the spirit world, but God has even more. “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6: 16) A soul-winner has all the power he needs to be a faithful witness.

3. The Protection.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11). Believers are engaged in a warfare and are called to take a stand for Christ against the Devil. Satan has many tricks by which he ambushes the believers; therefore one needs the whole armor of God.
Since soul-winning is an invasion on Satan’s territory, the soul winner needs to be equipped for spiritual warfare. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”(Ephesians 6:12). The fight is against spirit forces who oppose God and His people, not against flesh and blood.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13). The armor, which protects the personal worker, is the very best available, because it is “of God.” God tailored it especially for the warfare of every believer.
Truth. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” (Ephesians 6:14). A wide belt pulled the garment together at the waist. The Devil tries to confuse, bewilder, and frustrate the minds of believers by flooding their minds with false teachings. The truth of God’s Word pulls the believer’s thoughts together.
Righteousness. The breastplate protected the chest, especially the heart. “The breastplate of righteousness” refers to clean living and faithful working for the Lord. One cannot convince others of the righteousness of God in Christ, if one does not “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12)
Gospel. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Ephesians 6:15). The word “preparation” indicates a readiness to do battle. Only those who are ready to go to battle with “the Gospel of peace” have this piece of armor. Those who take the Gospel to the lost have beautiful feet (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15).
Faith. “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16). The shield was large enough for the soldier to crouch behind it. It protected him from the fiery arrows of the enemy. “Above all” underlines the importance of this piece of armor. ‘The shield of faith” is one’s abiding faith in the Lord to give the victory (Galatians 2:20).
Salvation. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17). The believer must know without doubt he belongs to Christ (2 Timothy 1:12; 1 John 5:13). Otherwise, his head is unprotected.
Word. “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” leaves no doubt concerning the believer’s available weapon. God’s Word is used to defend the faith and to carry the fight to the enemy. The Spirit aids the believer in its use. Read Hebrew 4:;12.

4. The Prayer.
  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:18). There is no way to over emphasize the importance of prayer in personal soul winning. Prayer precedes revival in the heart of an individual, a church, or a nation. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Moreover, prayer is vital to prepare one properly who would be a witness for the Lord.
Faithful workers should pray for one another. “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:19). Prayer added to the whole armor of God is a tremendous encouragement to the soul winner to be bold and courageous in witnessing. “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:20).
The Holy Spirit longs to bless the testimony of those who appropriate the spiritual aids available to every believer. A soul winner has everything he needs to be a witness for Christ. He does not have to go to war without protection. The armor is available to every believer, and it has been thoroughly tested against the enemy.

Soul Winning Techniques

SOUL-WINNING:

Techniques

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
Devotional Reading: Subject: Tactful Method of Mars’ Hill, Acts 17:22-34.
Aim: To point up effective methods of soul-winning, with various approaches and appeals.
Home Readings:
    Monday: Preaching Christ, Acts 8:5-8
    Tuesday: Teaching and Preaching, Acts 5:40-42; 28:30,31.
    Wednesday: Testimony and Bringing, John 1:40-42.
    Thursday: Giving Personal Experience, Acts 26:9-20.
    Friday: Use of Parable, Luke 18:9-14.
    Saturday: Types and Figures, John 1:29; 4:10; 6:51; 8:12; 10:11
    Sunday: “All Things to All Men,” 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.

INTRODUCTION. – Many books are available on the art of soul winning. Some are good. Some are not. One thing the personal worker will learn is no book can teach him as much as personal experience. Books usually give one confidence in methods. The personal worker’s confidence should be in Christ and the Bible. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14).

1. The Wisdom.

    “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves..” (Matthew 10:16). What the soul-winner says and how he says it could determine the eternal destiny of a soul. Therefore, each personal worker should pray for wisdom in dealing with lost people. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5).
    It is always wise to extend Christian courtesy, but it is essential when a believer is a guest in the home of a lost person. People often say, “Make yourself at home.” However, one should never really do that. The guest who acts as though he owns another’s person’s home is deplorable. For the personal worker it is not wise. It is inexcusable. The courteous personal worker will always find an audience. Others will only be tolerated by the lost. Many personal workers would be better off if they took a course in salesmanship. At least, they ought to brush up on the golden rule (Matthew 7:12).
    It is wise for believers to look for opportunities to be a witness for Christ. There are many stories of sinners rushing into the pastor’s study inquiring about salvation. There are probably more stories than people who have actually done it. The entire Bible relates one lone example of a sinner rushing to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). There certainly aren’t many examples of it today either; therefore one is wise to look for opportunities to witness for Christ.

2. The Approach.

    Many mistakes have been made and always will be made in approaching the sinner, unless one uses wisdom. The first rule is the personal worker must depend on God. Otherwise the approach will lack the spiritual conviction it needs. With God’s help one can plan the best approach in presenting the Gospel of Christ.
    One may approach a prospect by the printed word. Some have witnessed by personal letters. Others have written books and periodicals. Still others have used tracts effectively to witness for Christ.
    However, there is nothing quite like the personal witness of talking with people face-to-face. In beginning a conversation, it is usually best to avoid abruptly introducing spiritual matters. It is wise to try to avoid being critical, argumentative, and antagonistic. Read 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
    The Lord always approached His prospects with love and compassion. “Then Jesus beholding him loved him…” (Mark 10:21). Following this example, one will find such an approach enables a lost person to know the believer has a genuine interest in him.
    The Lord dealt with people on the basis of their personal lives. For example, He spoke to the Samaritan woman concerning water and her husband (John 4). Soul-winners should patiently get acquainted with their prospects as they determine how best to approach them.
    One trait which helps God’s people in approaching the lost is the ability to listen attentively. This is especially true at the outset of the conversation. Patient, attentive listening enables one to learn about his prospect, and it obligates the prospect to listen patiently and attentively to the witness of Christ.

3. The Witness.
    When one gets to the matter of witnessing, he should stick with it until the hearer has received or rejected the Lord Jesus. With patience, sincerity, persistency, and determination one should present Christ. One should not give up easily. Neither should a prospect be pressured to the point of over-persuasion. When the rich young ruler turned sadly away from the Lord, Jesus let him go (Matthew 19:22) At the same time, delay in one of the Devil’s favorite tactics. Paul implored Agrippa not to delay being saved (Acts 26:27-29.
    One simple method of witnessing uses only five verses of Scripture from the book of Romans. First, Romans 3:10, 23 show the person he is a sinner. Second, Romans 5:12; 6:23 show spiritual death as a result of sin and indicate God’s offer of eternal life through Christ. Third, Romans 5:8 shows God offers eternal life on the basis of Christ’s death. The sinner should read these passages. And, as the witness patiently explains the fundamentals involved in the passages, God’s Spirit will use the Word to being conviction. Then, the personal worker should encourage the sinner to receive Christ in his heart by faith. Prayer is a good vehicle to help the sinner receive Christ. The personal worker should pray first. Then, the sinner should be encouraged to turn his case over to the Lord. Prayer does not save, but it enables a sinner to approach the Lord in faith for salvation (Luke 18:13; Romans 10:13).
    Another simple method of witnessing has for steps which one may adapt to his own selection of Scriptures. First, show the prospect he is a lost sinner. Second, show him he cannot save himself. Third, show him Christ can save him. Fourth, show him Christ has save him on two evidences, repentance and faith.

4. The Harvest.

    When one has witnessed for God and moves to lead a soul to receive Christ personally, both the personal worker and the sinner are standing on holy ground. If the person receives Christ, he has “passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). If he does not, he is in danger of perishing without Christ (Luke 13:3, 5). Therefore, the believer must not fail to bring the sinner to his moment of truth, wisely and scripturally (Psalm 126:6)
    When a person makes a profession of faith, the personal worker is not through with him. A new believer needs assurance of his salvation, because Satan will challenge his profession of faith many times. Such passages as John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 6:37 are excellent in giving assurance.
    Also, a new born believer needs to grow spiritually. He will need to cultivate a life of Bible study, prayer, worship, and witness. The only institution God has designated to mature such babes as they grow is a local New Testament church. Therefore, a true soul winner tells the new believer of his duty to Christ and His church (Ephesians 3:21).
    Now in a case of the sinner who does not receive Christ, the personal worker should leave the door open for another visit. Perhaps he may be more responsive on another occasion (Galatians 6:9). Moreover, the believer must conduct himself in such a way as to be welcome on another occasion. And, even in failing to lead a person to Christ, one may still get a commitment to receive Christ later.

5. The False Beliefs.
    One should not be let astray in the work of witnessing. However, there are times when one meets with resistance from false beliefs. If possible, such resistance should not deter the believer, but sometimes there is no alternative. A soul winner should always be courteous and fair with those of false beliefs. He should be tolerant and kind, but he must never compromise the truth. With Christian love he must stand firmly on God’s Word.
    Near every one knows Missionary Baptists believes in the eternal security of the believer. Consequently, many object to a Baptist witness. One must always impress on prospects Baptists are people of the Book, and the Book teaches security of the believer (John 10:27-29).
    One of the main false beliefs the Missionary Baptist faces is baptismal salvation. The Word repeatedly states one receives salvation at the point of faith in Christ (Acts 10:43; 13:39:15:9: Romans 5:1; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8: 1 John 5:1). The same passages expose the falsehood of other variations of the “good works for salvation” idea.
    In order to deal with particular sects, cults, denominations and isms one should study their beliefs intently to discern which beliefs are scriptural and which ones are not.

The door outside the church = THE FIELD!

SOUL-WINNING:
The Field

Text: Mark 16:15, 16.
Devotional Reading: Subject: “Every Man Heard Them Speak,” Acts 2:4-8.
Aim: To impress pupils with the fact the field is the world, and soul-winning endeavors should reach out to every person.
Home Readings:
    Monday: “The Field is the World,” Matthew 13:36-43.
    Tuesday: “Field…White Already to Harvest,” John 4:34-38.
    Wednesday: “Preached…Among All Nations,” Luke 24:46-48.
    Thursday: “Witness Unto All Men,” Acts 22:10-15.
    Friday: “ Sowing Seed on all Soils, Luke 8:4-15.
    Saturday: “Into the Highways and Hedges,” Luke 14:21-23.
    Sunday: “The Gospel to Every Creature,” Mark 16:14-20.

1. The World.

    If a church goes out of business, it is because the members quit trying to fulfill the commission. A church does not die from a lack of prospects. There will always be an abundance of prospects. If all are lost by nature and the Lord died for all, then the whole world is the field for New Testament churches. No business in the world has such a tremendous field of prospects.
    “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;” (Matthew 13:38). The Lord’s interpretation of the parable of the wheat and the tares emphasizes “ the field is the world.” To be a personal worker, one must realize how vast his field of prospecting are.
    The task of carrying the Gospel “ unto the uttermost part of the earth” was a tremendous task for the Jerusalem Church (Acts 1:8). Yet, God commanded and expected it of that church. Also, each church of the Lord is as obligated to cover the same field today. But, unless individual members accept the challenge of winning souls, the church will not cover the field.
    The Lord related the spreading of the Gospel in all the world to end-time prophecy. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14). Regardless of one’s interpretation of that passage, it should challenge every Missionary Baptist to do his part in giving the Gospel of Christ to the whole world. If God’s churches won’t do it, who will ? The world needs a witness of the truth, and Missionary Baptists have the truth. Moreover, if the world is to get the truth, Missionary Baptists must do their part in evangelizing the world.

2. Every Person.

    “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). “ To every creature” makes every human being the object of the witness of the Gospel. It puts the field on a more individual personal basis.
    The mission work of Missionary Baptist churches has a scope of evangelism to “preach the Gospel to every creature.” Many local associations have missionaries and mission work to win the lost and to establish churches in the local area. State associations have missionaries to do mission work on various fields of the state. As the churches associate on a national and international basis, their main purpose for such association is to cooperate in interstate (in the U.S.) and foreign missions. Although there are many fields at home and abroad which have no witness for Christ and His churches, Missionary Baptists have a mission program which enables the Lord’s churches to cooperate in going “into all the world.”
    However, it makes little sense to send missionaries to far away places and to neglect telling those nearby the Good News of the Savior. The duty of individual witness is not fulfilled by supporting missions. Both should be done. That is the only way the Gospel can go “to every creature.”
    The parable of the sower indicates the field has all sorts of hearts (Matthew 13:18-23). Some are hard, as in the case of the wayside soil. Others are shallow and emotional, as in the case of the stony soil. Then, there are those who are receptive and willing to delicate their lives to God, as in the case of the good soil. However, it is not the responsibility of workers to determine the type of hearts people have toward the Gospel. The Word was given “to every creature” in the parable, regardless of their purpose.

3. Every Nationality.
    Paul’s debt was to all people. “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” (Romans 1:14). It doesn’t really make much sense to send missionaries to Mexico, Japan, etc. and neglect those same nationalities at home.
    Matthew’s account of the commission deals with “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Luke’s account stresses “all nations” (Luke 24:47). The word “nation” is the same word in the Greek which the word “ethnic” comes from. It means nationality. It is the same word the Lord used in Matthew 24:14.
    Many Missionary Baptists are Gentiles. They should be grateful the Gospel was not allowed to remain with the Jews only (Acts 15:7-11). The commission is to preach the Gospel to all nationalities. That was difficult for the Jerusalem Church to accept (Acts 11:1-3). Even Paul was slow about that (Act 13:46;18:6). Finally, they were willing to reach all nationalities. “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18). “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it” (Acts 28:28).
    The personal worker must love those he seeks to win, but he must love Christ more. Christ loves all lost people and give Himself for them; therefore because of a love for Christ and his work the soul-winner must love those he seeks to lead to Christ. Christ commanded His people to go to “all nations.” Those who truly love Him will try to do just that (John 14:15; 15:14; Luke 6:46).

4. Every Class.
    The parable of the great supper indicates every class of people needs the Gospel (Luke 14:16-24). Furthermore, it teaches the Lord’s servants are to invite all classes of people to receive the Gospel.
    First, there were those who had promised to come, but they rejected the opportunity. Second, the servant went into the streets and lanes of the city to bring in ‘the poor, and the mained, and the halt, and the blind” (Luke 14:21). Third, as time went on the work of bringing men to the supper become more urgent. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23). The point is each one of those were in the personal reach of the servant to invite them. That indicates “every creature” within the reach of the soul-winner is a prospect for being won to the Lord.
    Too many personal workers are in the culling business. Some say, “He is not a prospect, because he drinks.” Others say, “Boy, if we could win that guy, he could really help us financially.” It is the believer’s business to witness. It is God’s business to save and lead those who respond favorably. “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:9). Each personal worker should also read James 2:1-8.
    Missionary Baptists must be evangelistic, not for themselves, but for Christ. They must try to get people to love Christ, trust in Him, and commit their lives to Him. The whole world is their field in trying to tell every person in every nationality and class in very place Christ is their only hope.

Special Message for your friends, relatives, and all who need it! Win someone to be a friend forever!

SOUL-WINNING:
The Message

Text: John 3:14-18.
Devotional Reading: Subject: “Except Ye Repent,” Luke 13:3, 5.
Aim: To outline plan of salvation and point up effective Scriptures for soul-winning.

Home Readings:
    Monday: Must Hear the Word, Romans 10:13-17
    Tuesday: Salvation Not of Works, Titus 3:3-7.
    Wednesday: All Are Sinners, Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Romans 3:10,23.
    Thursday: Christ Died for Sinners, Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24.
    Friday: Death-or Eternal Life? Romans 5:12;6:23.
    Saturday: Grace and Faith and Blood, Ephesians 2:8,9; Revelation 1:5.
    Sunday; Believe and Receive, John 1:11-13; 1 John 5:12.

1. The Gospel.

    “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16). Technically, the Gospel is the Good News about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as taught in Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The preaching of that Gospel is desperately needed today.
    The social gospel, which tries to change the world by healing the ills of society, is not the power of God unto salvation. The good-work gospel is not the power of God unto salvation. The right Gospel is the only message God blesses to save the lost; therefore those who would be soul-winners must use that Gospel message or have a perverted, anathematized gospel. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8). Education, wisdom, human reasoning, philosophy, and religion cannot save a single soul. Only God can do that, and the message He honors is the Gospel of Christ.
    In a general sense Gospel preaching is the presentation of the Bible plan of salvation and other truth. In the parable of the sower “ the seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12). Moreover, the personal worker must use the Work of God, present the plan of salvation, and stress the Gospel of Christ. The passages used in this lesson would be suitable to present these truths to the lost.
   
2. The Need.

    All are lost. A person must know this, or he will never know he needs to be saved. Perhaps no word pictures a condition so hopeless or helpless as the term “lost.” “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:” ( Ephesians 2:12).
    “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 2:23). By nature, practice, and choice every descendant of Adam is a sinner. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12).
    All are divinely condemned. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18).
    All are placed under sin. “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Galatians 3:22). All are in the state of sin or under the power of sin. That is the divine classification of the lost (Romans 3:9).

3. The Inability.
    The lost sinner cannot save himself, because he is spiritually dead. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Ephesians 2:1). A spiritual corpse cannot save himself. He has no spiritual ability.
    The lost sinner cannot save himself, because the righteous acts of the lost are unacceptable in the sight of God. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6).

The lost sinner cannot save himself, because salvation is by the grace of God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). “By grace,” “through faith,” and “the gift of God” indicate God is the One Who saves. “Not of yourselves” and “not of works” indicate man’s inability to save himself. Therefore, he has no reason to boast of his ability spiritually. Since salvation is by the grace of God, man’s works cannot contribute anything toward his salvation. “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11:6).
The lost sinner cannot save himself, because salvation is by the mercy of God (Titus 3:5).

4. The Savior.

    Jesus Christ is the only Remedy for the spiritual needs of the lost. He is the only Savior. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).
    He is the only Savior, because His blood is the only atonement for sin. “…and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).
    He is the only Savior, because spiritual life for the sinner in only in Him. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11)
    He is the only Savior, because the righteousness of God for the lost is only in Him. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
    He is the only Savior, because He is the only Door to God’s grace. “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9).
    He is the only Savior, because He is the only Access to God’s mercy to remove condemnation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1). There is no other choice. There could be no greater choice. Christ is the only Savior (Acts 4:12).

5. The Availability.


    Salvation is available to all. It is a gift of God offers to all mankind. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). It is God’s mercy offered to every unbeliever. “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Romans 11:32). He is the Savior for all, but He saves only those who believe. “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” (1 Timothy 4:10).
    Repentance and faith are two conditions on which God provides salvation to the lost. They are inseparable. One who truly repents is one who truly believes. Repentance is turning from sin, Satan, and the world. Faith is turning to the Lord. “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15). “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21).
    The person who truly repents of his sin and believes on Christ receives Christ as personal Savior. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:12). It is a matter of following a series of steps. It is a simple matter of truly trusting Christ to do what sinner is helpless to do.