As believers, we are entrusted with the profound responsibility of warning those who are lost and guiding them towards righteousness. This is not merely a duty but a divine calling that carries significant weight. Ezekiel 3:18 warns us that if we fail to speak out and warn the wicked, their blood will be on our hands. This underscores the seriousness of our mission to save souls. It requires courage, commitment, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to fulfill this calling. The urgency of this task is not to be taken lightly, as it has eternal implications for those we are called to reach. [00:51]
Ezekiel 3:18 (ESV): "If 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, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of salvation today, and how can you take a step towards sharing it with them?
Day 2: Bravery Beyond Comfort
The story of the flood in the Gamus River Valley serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual floods that threaten to sweep away souls. Just as Jenny's great-grandfather risked his life to save a family from the rising waters, we are called to risk our comfort and security to rescue those perishing in sin. This narrative highlights the need for bravery and selflessness in our mission. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and be willing to face danger for the sake of others. The courage to act in the face of danger is a testament to our faith and commitment to God's calling. [05:01]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith and courage, even if it means leaving your comfort zone?
Day 3: Battling on the Front Lines
Soul winners are on the front lines of a spiritual battle, facing opposition from both external forces and internal discouragement. The enemy seeks to undermine and attack those who stand for truth, using various tactics to recruit individuals to do his bidding. This battle is not just external but also internal, as many faithful preachers and Christians face discouragement and weariness. Yet, God promises to honor those who remain steadfast and continue to turn many to righteousness. The spiritual warfare we face is a testament to the importance of our mission and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity. [15:06]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced spiritual opposition in your life, and how can you equip yourself to stand firm in the battle?
Day 4: The Sustaining Power of Scripture
The Bible is not just a source of doctrine but a source of survival. It provides the strength and guidance needed to withstand the enemy's attacks and to continue in our calling with renewed vigor. Keeping our eyes on Christ and His Word is essential for spiritual endurance. The scriptures offer us the wisdom and encouragement we need to navigate the challenges we face as soul winners. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we find the sustenance required to persevere and fulfill our divine calling. [39:24]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's Word into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual endurance?
Day 5: Supporting the Weary Warriors
The Church is called to pray fervently for those on the front lines and to support those who have become casualties in this spiritual war. Encouraging them to rise again and fulfill their God-given mission is crucial for the advancement of God's kingdom. This support is not only a source of strength for those who are weary but also a testament to the unity and love within the body of Christ. By lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement, we fulfill our role as a supportive community that empowers one another to continue the fight for righteousness. [56:33]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your community is in need of support and encouragement today, and how can you be a source of strength for them?
Sermon Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound responsibility and calling of being a soul winner, drawing from the scriptures and personal anecdotes to emphasize the urgency and gravity of this mission. Ezekiel 3:18 reminds us of the weight of responsibility we bear when we fail to warn the wicked, as their blood will be required at our hands. This is a call to action for all believers to actively engage in turning others from iniquity, as highlighted in James 5:19 and Daniel 12:3, where those who lead many to righteousness will shine like stars forever.
The story of the flood in the Gamus River Valley serves as a poignant metaphor for the spiritual floods that threaten to sweep away souls. Just as Jenny's great-grandfather risked his life to save a family from the rising waters, we are called to risk comfort and security to rescue those perishing in sin. The narrative underscores the need for courage and selflessness, as well as the importance of having a supportive community that encourages rather than hinders our mission.
We also delved into the spiritual warfare that soul winners face, as they are on the front lines of the battle between God and Satan. The enemy uses various tactics, including recruiting individuals to undermine and attack those who stand for truth. This battle is not just external but also internal, as many faithful preachers and Christians face discouragement and weariness. Yet, the promise remains that God will honor those who remain steadfast and continue to turn many to righteousness.
In the face of opposition, we are reminded to keep our eyes on Christ and His Word, which is not only our source of doctrine but our source of survival. The Bible provides the strength and guidance needed to withstand the attacks of the enemy and to continue in our calling with renewed vigor. The message concludes with a call to the Church to pray fervently for those on the front lines and to support those who have become casualties in this spiritual war, encouraging them to rise again and fulfill their God-given mission.
Key Takeaways
1. The Weight of Responsibility: As believers, we are called to warn the wicked and turn them from their ways. Failing to do so means their blood is on our hands, emphasizing the seriousness of our mission to save souls. This responsibility is not just a duty but a divine calling that requires courage and commitment. [00:51]
2. Courage in the Face of Danger: The story of the flood in the Gamus River Valley illustrates the need for bravery and selflessness in rescuing those in spiritual peril. Just as Jenny's great-grandfather risked his life, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to save others. [05:01]
3. Spiritual Warfare: Soul winners are on the front lines of a spiritual battle, facing opposition from both external forces and internal discouragement. The enemy seeks to undermine and attack those who stand for truth, but God promises to honor those who remain steadfast. [15:06]
4. The Power of the Word: The Bible is not just a source of doctrine but a source of survival. It provides the strength and guidance needed to withstand the enemy's attacks and to continue in our calling with renewed vigor. Keeping our eyes on Christ and His Word is essential for spiritual endurance. [39:24]
5. Support and Restoration: The Church is called to pray fervently for those on the front lines and to support those who have become casualties in this spiritual war. Encouraging them to rise again and fulfill their God-given mission is crucial for the advancement of God's kingdom. [56:33] ** [56:33]
According to Ezekiel 3:18, what is the consequence of failing to warn the wicked? How does this relate to the responsibility of believers mentioned in the sermon? [00:51]
In the story of Jenny's great-grandfather, what actions did he take to save the family during the flood? How does this story serve as a metaphor for spiritual rescue? [05:01]
What are some of the tactics used by the enemy in the spiritual warfare described in the sermon? How do these tactics affect soul winners? [15:06]
How does the sermon describe the role of the Bible in the life of a believer, especially in the context of spiritual warfare? [39:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the responsibility described in Ezekiel 3:18 challenge the way believers view their role in evangelism? What does it mean for their daily lives? [00:51]
The sermon uses the story of the flood as a metaphor for spiritual danger. What qualities are necessary for believers to step out of their comfort zones to help others, according to the sermon? [05:01]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that internal discouragement can be as challenging as external opposition in spiritual warfare? How can believers combat this discouragement? [15:06]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping one's eyes on Christ and His Word. How does this focus provide strength and guidance in the face of spiritual challenges? [39:24]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of responsibility to share your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [00:51]
Consider a situation in your life where you might need to step out of your comfort zone to help someone spiritually. What practical steps can you take to prepare for this? [05:01]
Identify a specific tactic of the enemy that you have experienced in your spiritual journey. How can you use the Bible to counteract this tactic? [15:06]
What specific passages or verses from the Bible have provided you with strength and guidance during difficult times? How can you incorporate these into your daily routine? [39:24]
The sermon calls for the Church to support those on the front lines of spiritual warfare. How can you actively support and encourage someone in your community who is engaged in this battle? [56:33]
Reflect on a time when you faced discouragement in your spiritual life. What role did prayer and community play in helping you overcome it? How can you ensure these remain a part of your life? [56:33]
Think of someone in your life who may be a "casualty" in their spiritual journey. What steps can you take to encourage and support them in rising again to fulfill their God-given mission? [56:33]
Sermon Clips
Ezekiel 3:18 when I say when I say unto the wicked when I say unto the wicked Thou shalt surely die and thou givest him not warning thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn to warn the wicked from his Wicked way to save his life the same Wicked man shall die in his iniquity but but his blood his blood his blood will I require at thine hand his blood will I require at thine hand. [00:12:24]
Let him know that he that converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from Death let him know that he that converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins James 5:1 19 Malachi 2:6 he walked with me he walked with me and did turn many away from iniquity. [00:95:47]
The Gamus River Valley which is the Bread Basket of a great part of southern Africa which is otherwise not very good for farming now there is a book out about that gamt Valley where hundreds of people were were washed and swept away to their death when the river especially in the early days before the great dam was built to try and restrain and modern monitor the water even then many have been killed as the rivers just rise in the catchment areas with freak floods. [00:188:00]
Now they that turn many to righteousness God promises in Daniel 12:3 they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the firmament forever and ever there will be something about Soul winners that you will know for all eternity that they cared for others not just Grace for thems God will honor them God will honor them in a unique way that others who didn't whose wives stopped them whose children stopped them. [00:755:72]
Beloved they will face the full wroth of Satan for they are on the front line of the battle they are on the front line of the battle between God and Satan for The Souls of men on this battlefield called Earth they shall face the full wroth of Satan through through men who stoop to serve him through men who stoop to serve him we are not ignorant of his devices. [00:885:39]
I believe God calls upon dedicated Soul winners I believe God calls upon dedicated Soul winners and uncompromising preachers worldwide a thousand times more than others to be sober be vigilent because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walth above out seeking whom he may devour 1 Peter 5:8 but in order for him to do that he first walketh about this world seeking for men to recruit into special task for forces who he commissions to undermine and attack and seek to destroy those dedicated Soul winners who are still faithful to God in this world. [00:989:92]
Continual unrelenting unjust undermining and attacking can eventually break down a good man even mentally continual unrelenting unjust undermining and attacking can eventually break down a good man even mentally till he malfunctions as a Christian and even as a human Satan wears out the Saints Satan wears out the Saints Daniel 7:2 and a weary disillusioned crust preacher can so take his eyes off of God and so break off the discipline of vital fellowship with God. [00:2107:16]
To those preachers and soul winners who have become the casualties of this war in Matthew 10: 29 Jesus said are not Two Sparrows sold for a farthing and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father that is without your heavenly father watching and don't doubt this beloved not one of them is forgotten before God Luke 12 verse6 fear not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows God can still restore you sir but you must get your eyes back onto Christ and his healing word Psalm 107: 20. [00:2261:92]
Keep your eyes on Christ Soul keep your eyes on Christ by keeping this sacred book Oren day and night for instructions for encouragement for survival preacher the Bible must cease to be your your source of Doctrine the Bible must cease to be your source of Doctrine and become your source of survival and you will eventually preach as you have never preached before as you were never able to preach before in such a way that would stagger the power of hell and stagger the hearts of your enemies who've tried to destroy you but don't dare give up remain at your post I beg you. [00:2364:92]
Sorrow is survived by fervently committing yourself to your life's calling sorrow is survived by by fervently committing yourself to your life's calling Ecclesiastes 5:2 for he shall not much remember the days of his life that is the sorrow of his life literally because God answer him literally because God keeps him busy in the joy of his heart the joy of pursuing that which you are called to be and to do. [00:2682:48]
Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46:10 I haven't ceased to be God Keith just because of these things and these people that Satan is using you be still he it is that shall tread down our enemies Psalm 108:3 the Lord your God he it is that fighteth for you as he ha promised you Joshua 23:10 this is in history recorded in the Old Testament you are in terrible danger Christian if you think the Old Testament is historical record of God's dealing with individuals and people no don't tell me 2third of the Bible he is the history just for our interest no ways it is as vital as the New Testament in the light of the New Testament for you to know the heart of God the warnings of God these things were written for us as warnings and admonitions. [00:3065:76]
Church of Christ Church of Christ worldwide look again look again in compassion at your Fallen preachers crushed wounded many sadly destroyed stwn across our Evangelical World My Cry to the church worldwide today is to pray as never before for the dedicated conservative uncompromising preachers left on the front line of the battle if you have any consant left out there you be careful what you do with this message preachers churches denominations the enemies within and those that stop to be commissioned by Satan to attack and undermine The Godly who are left standing in the pulpits and Out who bring many to souls to Christ and to those who are casualties you listen to this message and you seek God and you get up and maybe you won't win the love and attention of the multitudes that found Christ through you because of your failures when you were so staggered in your faith the devil could tempt you morally that he could never had had they not crushed you in their wickedness while They Carried Bibles and prayed but destroyed you you get right with God preacher you have that right David did in Psalm 51 and he did worse than you and he was restored to the equal words of God from before the fall no man like this who was such a man after God's Own Heart after that when he got right with God you can do that it matters to walk with God sir even if the world won't forgive you don't lose that and even if you go one by one go wi Souls again you have the right to David and those staggering God's watching you keep this holy book open and you keep casting your self into fulfilling the call of God and watch what God does to your enemies before they can destroy you you will look at them in pity as I have looked at virtually every single one many who would fell dead three in one day in 30 minutes while I was on my face praying for God to stop them and yes I aged because I didn't want that others who just fell dead as they fought in front of me others who landed up in such shame that they were run out of the church and the missions but you leave them to God. [00:3352:40]