Embracing the Call: The Urgency of Soul Winning
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the critical importance of soul winning, emphasizing that it is the primary mission for every Christian. We began by examining several scriptures, including Luke 10:2, Luke 15:3-7, and Ezekiel 3:17-18, which highlight the urgency and necessity of reaching out to the lost. Jesus Himself came to seek and save the lost, and this mission should be our heartbeat as well.
We discussed various methods of soul winning, such as personal evangelism, Christian literature, missionary work, gospel festivals, and mass crusades. The key point is that every believer, regardless of their role in the church, is called to be a soul winner. This is not a task reserved for the five-fold ministry but a mandate for all Christians.
The reasons for soul winning are manifold. Firstly, it is a divine commission given to us by Jesus. Secondly, it brings great joy and refreshes our spirits. Thirdly, it prevents church splits by keeping members focused on the mission rather than on each other's faults. Fourthly, it generates divine support and protection, as seen in Psalm 91. Lastly, it ensures that we are building on a solid foundation for eternity, rather than on shifting sands of earthly pursuits.
We also touched on the practical aspects of soul winning, such as the need for divine support and protection, and the importance of avoiding procrastination. The message concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to be diligent in their efforts to win souls and to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary, earthly concerns.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of Soul Winning: The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Every Christian is called to be a soul winner, not just those in the five-fold ministry. This divine commission is a mandate for all believers to reach out to the lost and bring them into the fold of Christ. [06:51]
2. Joy and Refreshment in Evangelism: Winning souls brings great joy and refreshes our spirits. When we engage in soul winning, we are energized and spiritually revitalized. This joy is not just for us but also for heaven, where there is great rejoicing over one sinner who repents. [11:44]
3. Preventing Church Splits: Soul winning keeps the church focused on its primary mission, thereby preventing gossip and internal conflicts. When members are actively engaged in evangelism, they have less time to focus on each other's faults, fostering a more united and loving community. [12:45]
4. Divine Support and Protection: Engaging in soul winning generates divine support and protection. Psalm 91 promises that those who set their love upon God will be delivered and set on high. This divine backing is crucial for the success and safety of our evangelistic efforts. [14:14]
5. Eternal Focus Over Earthly Pursuits: Building our lives on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly pursuits is essential. Jesus warned against the folly of placing our security in material things, urging us instead to focus on what truly matters for eternity. [20:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:03] - Opening Scriptures
[06:51] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
[07:50] - The Parable of the Lost Coin
[08:43] - Compassion for the Multitudes
[09:16] - The Call to Soul Winning
[09:46] - Methods of Evangelism
[10:15] - Reasons for Soul Winning
[11:16] - Created for Good Works
[11:44] - Joy in Soul Winning
[12:15] - True Greatness of the Church
[12:45] - Preventing Church Splits
[14:14] - Divine Support and Protection
[20:10] - Eternal Focus Over Earthly Pursuits
[23:18] - Persecution and Evangelism
[24:18] - Gaining by Trading
[25:17] - Kingdom Promotion
[26:15] - Faithfulness in Small Matters
[27:25] - Commitment to the Local Church
[29:18] - Avoiding a Meta Charge
[30:20] - Emphasis of the End Time Church
[32:41] - Overcoming Procrastination
[34:24] - The Mission of Jesus
[38:22] - Being Christ-like
[39:20] - Witnessing Through Experience
[42:19] - The Gigantic Harvest
[43:58] - Heart of the Father
[44:29] - Divine Balance of Ministry
[48:18] - Reaching Unreached Tribes
[52:12] - Faithfulness in Ministry
[55:44] - Global Evangelism
[58:57] - Economies of Scale
[01:00:29] - The Role of China in Global Economy
[01:01:34] - Apostolic Nations
[01:02:39] - Cross-Pollination in Ministry
[01:05:24] - Aggression in Evangelism
[01:09:44] - The Nigerian Example
[01:12:18] - The Role of West Africa
[01:14:19] - The Power of Impartation
[01:18:02] - The Importance of Seriousness
[01:22:05] - The Call to Prayer
[01:23:36] - The Impact of Global Evangelists
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 10:2 - "Then he said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'"
2. Luke 15:3-7 - "So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 'What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, "Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!" I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.'"
3. Ezekiel 3:17-18 - "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Luke 10:2, what does Jesus say about the harvest and the laborers?
2. In the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), what actions does the shepherd take when he loses one sheep?
3. What is the role of the "watchman" as described in Ezekiel 3:17-18?
4. What are some methods of soul winning mentioned in the sermon? ([09:46])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the need for more laborers in Luke 10:2? How does this relate to the urgency of soul winning discussed in the sermon? ([06:51])
2. How does the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7) reflect the importance of soul winning? ([11:44])
3. What are the consequences mentioned in Ezekiel 3:17-18 for failing to warn the wicked? How does this underscore the responsibility of Christians in soul winning? ([08:43])
4. How does engaging in soul winning prevent church splits and foster unity within the church community? ([12:45])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal efforts in soul winning. Have you been actively sharing your faith with others? If not, what steps can you take to start? ([09:16])
2. Think about a time when you experienced joy and refreshment from sharing the gospel. How did it impact your spiritual life, and how can you seek to experience that joy more frequently? ([11:44])
3. In what ways can you help prevent gossip and internal conflicts within your church by focusing on evangelism? ([12:45])
4. How can you seek divine support and protection in your efforts to win souls, as promised in Psalm 91? ([14:14])
5. Evaluate your current pursuits. Are you more focused on temporary, earthly matters or on eternal values? What changes can you make to prioritize eternal matters? ([20:10])
6. Identify one person in your life who is not a believer. What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with them?
7. How can you overcome procrastination in your evangelistic efforts? What practical steps can you take to be more diligent in soul winning? ([32:41])
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of Soul Winning
Every Christian is called to be a soul winner, not just those in the five-fold ministry. This divine commission is a mandate for all believers to reach out to the lost and bring them into the fold of Christ. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, and this urgency is highlighted in scriptures like Luke 10:2 and Ezekiel 3:17-18. Jesus Himself came to seek and save the lost, and this mission should be our heartbeat as well. The call to soul winning is not just a suggestion but a command that requires immediate action and dedication. [06:51]
Luke 10:2 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel today? How can you take a step towards sharing the love of Christ with them?
Day 2: Joy and Refreshment in Evangelism
Winning souls brings great joy and refreshes our spirits. When we engage in soul winning, we are energized and spiritually revitalized. This joy is not just for us but also for heaven, where there is great rejoicing over one sinner who repents. The act of evangelism not only fulfills our divine commission but also brings a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is unparalleled. Engaging in soul winning can transform our spiritual lives, making us more vibrant and connected to God's purpose. [11:44]
Luke 15:7 (ESV): "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you shared your faith with someone. How did it impact your spiritual life and joy? How can you make evangelism a regular part of your life?
Day 3: Preventing Church Splits
Soul winning keeps the church focused on its primary mission, thereby preventing gossip and internal conflicts. When members are actively engaged in evangelism, they have less time to focus on each other's faults, fostering a more united and loving community. This focus on the mission helps to build a stronger, more cohesive church body that is less prone to division and more aligned with God's purpose. By prioritizing soul winning, we can create an environment of love, unity, and shared purpose within the church. [12:45]
Philippians 2:2-3 (ESV): "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church through evangelism? What steps can you take to focus more on the mission of soul winning rather than internal conflicts?
Day 4: Divine Support and Protection
Engaging in soul winning generates divine support and protection. Psalm 91 promises that those who set their love upon God will be delivered and set on high. This divine backing is crucial for the success and safety of our evangelistic efforts. When we commit to soul winning, we can trust that God will provide the necessary support and protection to carry out His mission. This assurance allows us to step out in faith, knowing that we are not alone in our efforts to reach the lost. [14:14]
Psalm 91:14-15 (ESV): "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's support and protection in your life? How can you rely on His promises as you engage in soul winning?
Day 5: Eternal Focus Over Earthly Pursuits
Building our lives on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly pursuits is essential. Jesus warned against the folly of placing our security in material things, urging us instead to focus on what truly matters for eternity. By prioritizing soul winning, we are investing in eternal treasures that will never fade away. This shift in focus helps us to live with a greater sense of purpose and alignment with God's will, ensuring that our lives are built on a solid foundation. [20:10]
Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Reflection: What are some earthly pursuits that may be distracting you from focusing on eternal matters? How can you realign your priorities to invest more in soul winning and eternal values?
Quotes
1. "Soul winning is the only important job of bringing the unchurched people to the Lord Jesus Christ. That's our work as Christians. That's our primary call. You don't need to be in the five-fold. Five-fold being an apostle, an appropriate evangelist, pastor, teacher, to be a soul winner. Even being born again today, same hour, you can be a soul winner. You can tell others what has happened to your life." [09:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Soul winning gives great joy and energizes Christians. Why are Christians backsliding easily? It is because we are not winning souls. Once you are winning souls, you get refreshed in your spirit. And once you are refreshed in your spirit, you feel you can go on and tell others about Christ. But once you live like 007 James Bond, a secret Christian, then you'll find that soul winning will be difficult for you. And therefore you are not energized." [11:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The true greatness of any church is not measured by its capacity. What is capacity? The numbers that it can take. But the people that are going out. That's where the you find true Christians. If you want to measure yourself as a true Christian, find out concerning the area of one-to-one witnessing. Are you concerned about people that may go to eternity without Jesus Christ?" [12:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Soul winning prevents church splits. When Christians are full in a church and they are not witnessing, they yep, yep, they begin to talk. Please look at your neighbor and say like you. They begin to talk. And when they talk, all they are talking is nonsense. And therefore, they are hating each other. They are talking about each other and so forth. A church can easily be involved in gossip. It can be a gossip center." [12:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You must be a soul winner because soul winning generates divine support and protection. It is God who protects you when you begin to win souls. And it's very, very important. Psalm 91 talks about that protection. Because he has set his love upon me. When you are winning souls, you have set your love upon God. And the promise is very clear. I will deliver him. I will set him on high because he has known my name." [14:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We must save people from building their houses on sand. If all we do is build earthly houses, acquire property earthly, and do stuff that will remain here and forget eternity, we are in trouble. We are building on shifting sand. You will only discover that when you are about to die. Okay. Because there will come a time where all of us will die." [14:43] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Soul winning fulfills the principles of gaining by trading. What are the principles of gaining by trading? It is those talents that were given to individuals. The foolish ones took their talent and buried the talent and said, we knew you to be a hard man, an awesome man, difficult man, so we buried your talent. Whatever gifting God has given you, utilize it. And one of the ways to enhance your anointing is to go out and tell someone." [24:18] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You must be a soul winner because soul winning earns you the right to kingdom promotion. Promotion comes. There is a crown or crowns of soul winning. Very important crowns that we get in soul. Luke 19 verse 17. And he said to him, talking of talents now, he said to him, well done, good servant, because you are faithful. You are what? You are what, church? You are what? Then, have authority over these ten cities." [24:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You must be a soul winner because the harvest is overwhelmingly gigantic and very few Christians concern themselves with this work. There are few laborers, very few laborers when you compare with the workload. Very, very few laborers. I mean this world is close to 8 billion people and Christians are very, very few. We pray that you and I will be laborers." [43:19] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Soul winning is important because it proves that you have the heart of the father which was moved with compassion for the lost when he saw the multitudes he was moved. Matthew 9 verse 36. But when he saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd." [43:58] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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