Soul-winning is not just a duty or a hobby; it is a matter of life and death. It is the most loving thing we can do for our fellow human beings because God loves them and wants them to be saved.
Answering the call of God to share the gospel with others means that you are willing to obey God's command to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone you meet. It means that you are not ashamed of the gospel but proud to be a follower of Christ and a witness of his love and grace. It also means that you are ready to face challenges, difficulties, and even persecution for the sake of Christ, knowing that he will reward you in heaven.
As believers, we need to have a passion for the lost and a desire to see them saved from sin and death. This requires that we be equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to speak the truth in love and demonstrate the gospel through our actions. Therefore, answering the call of God to share the gospel with others is the highest privilege and responsibility of every Christian.
Soul-winning is not just a duty or a hobby; it is a matter of life and death. It is the most loving thing we can do for our fellow human beings because God loves them and wants them to be saved. Jesus paid the ultimate price for their salvation by dying on the cross and rising again. He offers them forgiveness, peace, joy, and eternal life. But if they reject his offer, they will face the wrath of God and the horror of hell.
While hell is a real place of torment, where there is no hope, no escape, and no end, heaven is a real place of bliss, where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no sin. We have the privilege and the responsibility to share this message with the lost and to persuade them to repent and believe in Jesus. This is the most urgent task in the world because we do not know when our or their time will run out.
Soul-winning Requires a Godly Life and a Clear Message
Before we step out to win souls for the heavenly kingdom, we must first live in a way that reflects Christ’s character and attracts others to Him. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). A godly life is a powerful testimony that shows the reality and beauty of the gospel. It also builds trust and credibility with those who are seeking the truth.
We must also use a simple and effective method to communicate the gospel, such as the gospel acrostic. This is a tool that helps to memorably explain the main points of the gospel. Jesus already paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. Therefore, everyone who believes in Jesus and receives His gift of forgiveness and eternal life can be restored to God. Life with Jesus is an abundant and joyful life that begins now and lasts forever.
Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them and convict the hearts of those who hear the gospel. Jesus said in John 16:8, "When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." The Holy Spirit is the one who opens people's eyes to see their need for a Savior and their opportunity to be saved. He also empowers Christians to speak with boldness and wisdom as they share the gospel.
Soul-winning Results in Eternal Rewards and Joy
Sharing the gospel is beneficial for both those who hear it and for those who share it. Here are some reasons why soul-winning results in eternal rewards and joy for Christians:
First, Christians who share the gospel will receive crowns of glory in heaven. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
Paul considered the Thessalonians his crown of glory because they believed the gospel he preached. Similarly, Christians who lead others to Christ will have a special reward in heaven, as they will see the fruits of their labor and rejoice with those they have pointed toward salvation.
Second, Christians who share the gospel will experience joy and fellowship with those who believe. Jesus said to his disciples in John 4:36, "The one who reaps draws a wage and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together." Jesus was talking about the harvest of souls he and his followers were bringing into God's kingdom.
He said that both the sower and the reaper would be glad together, meaning there would be a mutual joy and bond between those who share the gospel and those who receive it. Christians who share the gospel can enjoy a deeper relationship with God and other believers as they share in the joy of salvation.
Third, those who share the gospel will glorify God and fulfill His purpose for their lives. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Everything Christians do should be for God's glory, including sharing the gospel. By sharing the gospel, we are honoring God by obeying His command (Matthew 28:19-20), by displaying His love (John 13:34-35), and by advancing His kingdom (Matthew 24:14).
By sharing the gospel, we are also fulfilling God's purpose for our lives since we are using our gifts and talents to serve Him and others (Ephesians 2:10).
How We Can Become Effective Soul-winners
Are you ready to become an effective soul-winner for Christ? Here are some practical steps to take:
Pray for the lost: Ask God to give you a burden for those who do not know Him. Pray for specific people in your family, at your workplace, at your school, or in your community. Pray that God will open their hearts to receive the gospel and that He will send laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38).
Prepare yourself: Study the Scriptures and learn how to present the gospel clearly and simply. Memorize some key verses that explain the way of salvation, such as Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc. Be ready to answer common objections or questions that people may have about Christianity. Even equip yourself with some gospel tracts or booklets that you can give to those who are interested.
Proclaim the message: Look for opportunities to share the gospel with people around you. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and guidance. Be bold and courageous, but also gentle and respectful.
Use appropriate illustrations or stories that relate to the person's situation or background. Focus on the main points of the gospel: God's love, man's sin, Christ's death and resurrection, and man's response to repentance and faith.
Persuade the hearer: Don't stop at merely presenting the facts of the gospel, but urge the person to decide for Christ. Explain the consequences of rejecting or accepting God's offer of salvation. Invite the person to pray with you and receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.
If they are not ready, don't pressure them, but leave them with something to read or think about. Follow up with them later, and continue to pray for them.
My dear brothers and sisters, let us not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God to save everyone who believes. Let us not be negligent in our calling, for we are debtors to all men.
Let us not be indifferent to the plight of the lost, for they are without hope, without God, in this world (Ephesians 2:12). Let us not be complacent in our comfort zone, for we are pilgrims and strangers on this earth. And let us not be afraid of man's opposition, for we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
Rise and take action! Let us commit ourselves to soul-winning. Let us go forth with love and compassion. Let us speak with clarity and conviction. Let us trust God for the results and give Him all the glory.
As Charles Spurgeon said, "If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for."
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