Winning souls for the Lord

Week 5: February 4th, 2018

Topic: Winning souls for the Lord – Part 1

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:23-31

Introduction

Soul winning is the backbone of Christianity. It is one of most efficient ways to snatch people from the clutches of the Devil and set people free from the bondages of the darkness. If you are not participating in winning souls for the Lord, it is as if you do not want the work of God to progress in the land of the living.

· Winning souls for the Lord is the best way to ensure that the Devil’s influence upon people’s lives is drastically reduces. It is an effective way of making satanic kingdoms to become desolate.

· Christians who love their neighbours as themselves must win souls for the Lord, and whoever confesses to be zealous for the work of God must make winning souls for the Lord to be his/her primary goal.

· Believers who are not selfish, but selfless must strive to win souls for the Lord because any legitimate child will like His heavenly Father’ kingdom to flourish.

In the beginning, God created humans to do His work, the Bible affirmed this by saying “Then the Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it” Genesis 2:15. God put Adam the first man in the Garden of Eden to take care of the garden and keep it which means, we are created to do the work of Almighty God Our Creator. Anyone that is not doing the works of his/her Maker is disobedient and no disobedient person will enter the kingdom of heaven, says the scripture Revelation 21:8.

Mankind fell spiritually in the presence of God, and He sent Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden Genesis 3:22-23. Then the virtues of human being began to deteriorate to the extent that the Lord was grieved. The scripture stated that “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on earth, and He was grieved in the His heart” Genesis 6:5-6. God decided to destroy the world, but Noah found grace in His eyes Genesis 6:7-8. Noah warned the world of the impending God’s righteous judgement and preached to save their souls, but they did not heed his voice/preaching. So God did not spare the ancient world, except Noah and his family. The world of ungodly people was destroyed by the flood 2 Peter 2:5. We can now ascertain that Noah is the first man who tried to win souls for the Lord.

Since one of the most important works of the Lord is soul winning because mankind is the Prime creation of God on earth: It is written that “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” Genesis 1:28. Though, God made human being to control and be in charge of all other creations because we are precious to Him, but no matter how rich or wealthy you may be, you can neither redeem yourself nor your family nor give God ransom for them. Wealth cannot save people’s lives and it cannot pay adequate ransom price to God because redemption of life is too costly and wealth will never be enough Psalm 49:7-8. The only succor is to win souls for the Lord.

What is soul winning?

Soul winning is to reach out to people, convince them with the Word of God to repent and reconcile with God. It is to inform people that all powers belong to the Lord God Psalm 62:11, Revelation 19:1 and to let people know that with God nothing is impossible Luke 1:37 so that they will keep their hope alive.

Soul winning can be described as convincing people with the Gospel to accept and confess Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour, for people to believe in the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and eagerly wait for His second coming.

God have no pleasure in the death of sinners

Soul winning is the primary obligations of believers because the Lord God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but for the wicked people to turn from their ways and live Ezekiel 33:11. It is for this reason that the Lord desire that Christians must win souls into His kingdom. The Book of Isaiah stated that “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaim peace, who brings glad tidings of good things who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion ‘Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7. But how can people call on Jesus Christ to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone preaches to them? And how can they preach unless they are commissioned and sent by God Romans 10:14-15. You have been sent, do not tarry, but go into the world to win souls for the Lord.

Beware, do not be among those who draw back to perdition, make sure you are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but be among those who believe and rely on God through Jesus Christ and by faith winning and preserving souls Hebrews 10:39. Ensure that you are one of the people of faith who win souls for the Lord. Therefore, get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the Word God has planted in your hearts which has power to save your souls James 1:21. Welcome and receive the Word which God implanted in your hearts that is able to save perishing souls.

Famine of the Word

We are at the end time and soul winning must be of utmost priority because there is extreme scarcity of the Word of God. Though, the Word of God is everywhere: on the internet, Radio Stations, Television networks and newspapers or Bible tracts, but most of them are misrepresentation of the Biblical facts. Misinformation and misinterpretation of the Word of God is very rampant nowadays, so the true word of God and the truth about His kingdom is very rare to come by these days.

The scripture is fulfilled which stated that “Behold the days are coming”, says the Lord, “That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a famine for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” Amos 8:11. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ our Lord said, “If a man has hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, he will rejoice over it more than the ninety nine that didn’t wander away Matthew 18:12-13, Luke 15:4. Therefore there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety nine persons who need no repentance Luke 15:7. Remember that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his/her way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins James 5:20. Go and win a soul for the Lord today, and save such person from death. Today is the day to touch a sinner’s life so that he/she will forsake the destructive path and return to God.

Believers are the Light of the World

Believers must acknowledge that we are the light of Jesus Christ to the world; therefore, we must shine and overcome the darkness of this world because we are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. Since no one light a lamp and then puts it under a basket/bowl, but on a lamp-stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. So let your light shine before men in such a way that they will see your good deeds and moral excellence which will prompt them to honour and glorify your Father who is in heaven Matthew 5:14-16. The best way to make your light to shine to everyone around you is to win souls for the Lord. For this reason, be in spirit at all times; let your soul pants and longs for Almighty God every time, like how the deer longs for streams of water Psalm 42: 1. It is only when you put your trust in the Lord and not in the glitterings of the world or humans that you will be able to win souls for the Lord and be successful in your undertakings. Let your mind be set on the heavenly things and do not depend on material things of this world because vanities of vanities, all is vanity says the preacher Ecclesiastes 1: 2. Be ready to win souls for the Lord without any ulterior motive or interference from the carnal things of this world.

Week 6: February 11th, 2018

Topic: Winning souls for the Lord – Part 2

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:23-31

We shall continue our discussion with the commandments of the Lord that were written in the Bible concerning winning souls for the Lord.

The commandments of the Lord

There are several commandments of the Lord that were written in the scriptures, but it must be noted that winning souls is different from donation of money, properties or items. Soul winning will cost you time, energy and possibly your sweat because it needs your direct participation.

Directives of the Lord: It is the duty of every Christian to win souls for the Lord immaterial of your financial status, education status, divine status and your post/position in the church or the community. It is your obligation whether you are male or female, young or old to win souls for the Lord. You must make disciples of all nations; teach all nations about our Lord Jesus Christ. You must help the people of the world to learn about Christ, you must make them to believe in Messiah and obey His words. Then you must baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:19. Do not fail to preach to the people of all races and colours, and bear testimony that Jesus Christ is the God appointed and God-ordained judge of the living and the dead. Your preaching and testimony must not fail to win souls into the kingdom of God. If the Lord can charge the apostles to perform this task then you are not exempted unless you are not a faithful believer Acts 10:42. For this reason, ‘Go into the world and preach and publish openly the Good News to every creature of the human race’ Mark 16:15. It is the commandment of the Lord, so pick up your Bible and go into the world to start winning souls for your Saviour and Redeemer.

It is a necessity to win souls: Christians must remember that God used a person or an incident to touch their lives and win their souls; therefore they must not be selfish, but go into the world to win perishing souls for the Lord. Now as for you believer, God is making you a watchman for the Christians; you will hear messages from the Lord and deliver them to the earthlings to warn them. When God announce that some wicked people will die and you fail to warn them and tell them to change their ways, then those wicked people will die in their sins, and God will require their blood from your hand; He will hold you accountable for their blood and responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and turn to God, but they are adamant, they will die in their sins, but you are innocent of their blood Ezekiel 33:7-9. Go into the world today and tell people to repent, change and turn to God so that you will not be guilty of their blood.

You must know that your preaching the Gospel is not to brag, and your winning souls for the Lord is not to boast, but you are compelled by God to propagate the Gospel and woe to anyone that fail to win souls for the Lord 1 Corinthians 9:16. Since necessity is laid upon you by the Lord, start winning souls for Your Creator today so that you will not be doomed. For this reason, I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead at His appearance and His kingdom: Preach the word as an official messenger of God; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not. Keep your sense of urgency whether the opportunity seems favourable or unfavourable, whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome. Make sure you correct those who err in doctrine or behaviour; warn those who sin, exhort and encourage those who are growing toward spiritual maturity with inexhaustible patience and faithful teaching 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Do not fail to spread the Gospel and win souls for the Lord whether it is convenient for you or not.

Only the wise win souls: Anyone who is wise will catch/capture human being for the Lord, and the people who are doing these are obedient to the word of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since soul winning is one of the best ways to work for God and please Him, it prompted Jesus Christ to promise His disciples that if they follow Him, He will make them fishers of men, which means, He will teach them the methods to win souls for the Lord God so that they can inherit the heavenly kingdom.

It is written that “Then He said to them, ‘follow Me and I will make you fishers of men’” Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17. The only way to be taught these procedures is if you follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ and do His will. If you want to prove that you are not a fool, but you are wise, it is inevitable for you to win souls for the Lord according to the Bible passage which stated that “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise” Proverb 11:30. Until you start winning souls into the kingdom of heaven, you are a fool in the presence of God. Even if people are praising you for your smartness or intelligence, unless you start winning and gathering souls for the eternal kingdom of God, you are a fool. Remember that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God 1 Corinthians 3:19. So, until you start winning souls for the Lord, else you are a fool.

Your primary goal must be how to save lives and win souls. Therefore, in every situation, your testimony must save lives and deliver souls, but never be a deceitful witness who speaks lies or a false witness who is deceitful Proverb 14:25. Remember that you have to treat others the same way you want them to treat you Luke 6:31. You have been told that it is important and essential for you to win souls for the Lord, so you have no excuse for not performing this divine task. And it is a sin to know what you ought to do and not do it. If you know what is right and good to do, but you do not do it, it is sin James 4:17.

The methods of winning souls

There are several ways of winning souls for the Lord, and the following are the procedures that were written in the Bible:

Evangelism: Evangelism is the most common way of winning souls for the Lord. It is the preaching or promulgation of the Gospel from one location to another. Evangelism can also be described as the winning of souls through the word of God or renewal of personal commitments to Jesus Christ. Evangelism is the commitment to win souls for the Lord or the act of publicly preaching of the Gospel with the intention of spreading the message and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Evangelism involves moving around from one area to another, but do not forget that no matter the number of souls that you win or the number of churches that you planted and watered, it is the grace of God that makes the churches grow. Only God is capable to edify the faith of the souls that you have won and make their number to increase. Therefore, it is not important who does the planting or the watering. What is important is that God makes the seed to grow 1 Corinthians 3:6-7. Whenever you are going for evangelism, make sure you pray to God to make the seed that you will spread around (which is the Word of God) to germinate/grow.

Preaching: The only difference between preaching and evangelism is that preaching can be done in permanent or stationary locations like Churches or Mountains. Preaching is to deliver a sermon or religious address (Word of God) to an assembled group of people. It is to publicly proclaim or teach the word of God or belief.

Though the aim of preaching is to win souls for the Lord, but the preacher must make sure that his/her message and preaching are not in persuasive words of wisdom or using clever rhetoric like the motivational speakers of nowadays, but they are in demonstration of the Holy Spirit operating through him/her and the power of God which is stirring the minds of the listeners/hearers and persuading them 1 Corinthians 2:4.

Music: It must be noted that you can use songs to win souls for the Lord - if your song preaches the Gospel of the Lord, if it is appealing and make people to repent, then the song will win souls for the Lord; unlike the world songs that lead people astray.

Teaching: Teaching is another way of winning souls for the Lord, and it is one of the tools of evangelism. The goal of any teacher is to let his/her teaching to fall on people like rain, to make his/her speech settle like dew, to let his/her words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. They must proclaim the name and the presence of the Lord. Concede, honour and ascribe greatness to our God Deuteronomy 32:1-3. Because no one speaking under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit of God can ever say “Jesus be cursed” or say any contrary word to Jesus. And no one can say “Jesus is the Lord’ except by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:3.

Revival/Crusade/Convention: This is a large gathering or conference whereby the word of God will be preached and taught in order to win souls into the kingdom of heaven.

Counseling and virtues: Souls can be won for the Lord through physical and spiritual counseling. You can also win souls for the Lord through your good conducts. If you have virtues which includes godliness, then you will be able to win souls, according to the passage which stated that “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable in all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” 1 Timothy 4:8. Let your virtues start winning souls from this moment.

Week 7: February 18th, 2018

Topic: Winning souls for the Lord – Part 3

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:23-31

We shall continue our discussion with the most important tool to win souls which is the Gospel or the Word of God.

The Word of the LORD God

The relationship between the Word of God and soul winning is smooth and firm because without the Word of God, it is impossible to win souls for the Lord. Also, it is inevitable for the Word of God to spread around without soul winning. This means, the Word of God and soul winning are closely related or go hand I hand. Therefore, the Word of God is necessary, essential and important to win souls. The Word of God is the greatest weapon capable of destroying the strongholds of the darkness, setting the captives free and winning souls for the Lord.

What is the Word of God? Jesus Christ our Lord is the Word of God that you are going to use to win souls into the kingdom of God. It is written, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1. Since Jesus Christ is the Creator of mankind, and the key to repair our glory/destiny belongs to Him, then only Christ can give repentance to our souls so that we will desert Satan and reign eternally with Him. Anyone that received the Word of God has put on Jesus Christ and such person will neither indulge in evil desires nor yield to sinful cravings Romans 13:14.

Jesus Christ the Word of God is the one who gave us redemption and salvation through His death on the Cross. It is for this reason that the Bible stated that “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” Revelation 19:13. So whenever you are preaching or teaching to win souls, it is Jesus Christ that you are preaching or teaching to set people free from the bondage of the darkness.

The Word is powerful and alive: The Word of God is living, active and full of power. The Word of God is effective, energizing and operative. It is sharper than any two-edge sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and the spirit, and of joints and marrow. It is so powerful that it can penetrate the deepest part of our nature, exposing and judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart Hebrews 4:12. Do not forget that the Word of God is powerful and capable of sifting, analyzing and discerning the thoughts and desires of your heart so as to make you a better person.

Do not joke with the powerful Word of God that was used to create the heavens and all their hosts including the Sun, the Moon and the stars Psalm 33:6. The Word of God is potent to the extent that whenever you are spreading it, and if you are in right standing before the Lord, healing, deliverance and salvation will manifest.

The efficacy of the Word of God made it an outstanding choice which made it to be used to form the heavens long ago, including the earth which was formed out of water with water surrounding it 2 Peter 3:5. It is this same Word of God that preserved the heavens and the earth till today 2 Peter 3:7.

The Word of God is right and endures: We must know that the Word of God is pure and proven. It is right and true at all times even if we lack the understanding to discern it. The scripture stated that “For the word of God is right, and all His work is done in truth Psalm 33:4. So we can trust the Word of God, and have confidence in His work because the Word of God is evergreen.

Unlike the contrary word, the Word of God retains its relevance and popularity eternally. It is for this reason that the Bible says “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” Isaiah 40:8. Since you now know that the Word of God abides forever and it retains its usefulness, so have confidence whenever you are using it to win souls, edify faith or mend relationship with your Creator.

Let the Word of God dwell in you: Anyone who wants to be successful in their Christianity journey and prosper in the land of the living must allow the Word of God to dwell richly in him/her Colossians 3:16. You must use the Word of God to preach, teach, admonish, counsel and train people. It is inevitable that you must deliver the messages of God without holding back. The messages/Word of God that seems like a fire which is burning in your heart and imprisoned in your bones must be delivered for the benefit of mankind. You must neither keep silent nor hold back the Word of God Jeremiah 20:9. Remember, it is your duty to speak out and spread around the Word of God so that Christians will be informed of their transgressions, and the gentiles will realize their sins Isaiah 58:1. The reward of speaking the Word of God for people to repent, change and turn to God is that God will turn His Word to fire in your mouth, and your problems together with the bondages of the souls to be won shall be turn to wood. Then the Word of God in/from your mouth will devour them Jeremiah 5:14. It is the promise of God that His messages will flame out of your mouth and consume the forces of darkness that are bothering you.

You need to fill your life with the Word of God not only because you want to utilize it to win souls, but for it to protect and preserve your life according to the passage which stated that “You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgements, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord” Leviticus 18:5. Never forget that the Word of God is the greatest weapon that is readily available to protect and preserve you together with any souls you have won for the Lord.

Correlation between repentance and soul winning

There is a powerful connection between repentance and soul winning because the goal of repentance is to make people to change and reconcile with God. The relationship is mutual and the link/bond which exists between repentance and soul winning is very strong because if there is no repentance, then there is no soul winning. It means, soul winning cannot occur without repentance.

John preached repentance to win souls: John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ preached repentance. The Bible affirmed that John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. John preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven their transgressions Mark 1:4. If repentance is not necessary to win souls, John will not preached repentance to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ preached repentance: The importance of repentance to soul winning prompted our Lord Jesus Christ to preached saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Jesus Christ preached for people to change their mind positively and amend their ways with abhorrence of their past sins. He preached that people should desert their old ways of thinking, regret their past sins and live in a new way that pleases God Matthew 4:17. Let your soul winning activities begin and end with repentance.

The commandment of Christ: Since repentance is a necessary condition which must be satisfied to gain forgiveness of sins, we have the directive that repentance and remission of sins must be preached in Christ’s name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem. The instruction of the Lord Jesus Christ is for us to win souls for Him by preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins throughout the world Luke 24:47. Be obedient; do not cease to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to win souls for the Lord.

Week 8: February 25th, 2018

Topic: Winning souls for the Lord – Part 4

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:23-31

We shall continue our discussion with the soul winning activities of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Soul winning activities of Jesus Christ

Our Lord Jesus Christ started winning souls for His heavenly Father right from the onset. He won souls into the kingdom of His Father from birth till after His death and ascension to heaven.

The prophecy and the fulfillment: Before Jesus Christ came to this world in human form, prophet Isaiah had prophesied about Him saying “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” Isaiah 61:1. This prophecy is the summary of the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth. His mission is to:

· Preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor and the afflicted.

· Give freedom from confinement and condemnation to those held captives by the darkness.

· Deliver and release those in spiritual prison and bondage.

However, the goal of His mission on earth is to win souls into the kingdom of His Father through repentance and reconciliation. The prophecy was fulfilled when He went to the synagogue at Nazareth on the Sabbath. He was given the Book of prophet Isaiah and when He opened the book, He read the passage that prophesied about Him. He confirmed that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in everyone’s presence and hearing” Luke 4: 16-22. It is left to you to increase/double your efforts so that the promises and plans of God will be fulfilled in your life.

Christ won souls at birth and tender age: When Jesus Christ was born, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds to inform them about the birth of the Saviour of the world. Later a multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel praising God. As the shepherds continued to spread the news around, people marveled and souls were won through this great news of the birth of Jesus Christ and the unique testimony of the angel Luke 2:10-18. If the situation of your birth or the news of your birth did not win souls for the Lord like that of Christ, you still have to win souls since you are still alive.

Jesus Christ also started doing His Father’s work at a tender age. When His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, He was twelve years old and He lingered behind in Jerusalem. When His parents realized that He was not in the company of people, they returned to Jerusalem to find Him. They found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers which led to the winning of several souls together with edification of the faith of many people.

His parents were amazed too and His mother said, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look Your father and I have sought You anxiously”. Jesus replied and said “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business” Luke 2:41-49. Did you start winning soul for your heavenly Father since your tender age? If not, it is not too late; start winning souls for the Lord from this moment onward.

Jesus won souls through Evangelism: There are many passages in the Holy Bible where Jesus Christ evangelized to win souls, but we will consider few of these passages.

After the temptation of Jesus Christ and John was put in prison, He started His ministry and as He walked the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew. He told them “follow Me and I will make you fishers of men”. He also won the souls of James and John the children of Zebedee. He later went to Capernaum on the Sabbath and taught in their synagogue Matthew 4:14-21. You need to emulate Jesus Christ by evangelizing from city to city without getting weary.

Jesus Christ is so compassionate that He went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every sickness and every disease among the people thereby winning their perishing souls Matthew 9:35. When was the last time that you have gone to the villages or the suburban areas to evangelize and win souls?

Christ utilized teaching to win souls: On several occasions, our Lord Jesus Christ had used His extra ordinary teachings to heal people and win souls. One of His teachings is the teaching on the mountain Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-48. One exceptional thing about the teachings of Jesus Christ is that people are always amazed at His teachings because He teaches as someone who has authority.

Therefore, build your house on the Rock like wise people who hear the teachings of the Lord and does them so that your house will not fall when it rains and flood comes, but endures forever Matthew 7:24-29.

Jesus preached to win souls: Preaching is one of the ways that Jesus Christ used to win souls. When John heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent his disciples and said to Him “Are You the coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus replied that “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them” Matthew 11:2-5. On another occasion, Jesus Christ had to voice out “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” Luke 4:40-43. Therefore, do not cease preaching to win souls for the Lord.

Christ convened a Convention: Jesus Christ convened a convention in a deserted place; He won souls for His Father and fed about five thousand men, besides women and children with five loaves of bread and two fish. They even had twelve baskets full of leftover Matthew 14:13-21. Were you taught the techniques of winning souls for the Lord at the last convention/crusade that you attended? If not did you gain anything that can assist you in your Christianity journey? And of what importance and value were the topic(s) discussed at the conference/revival program?

Jesus taught daily in the Temple: After Jesus Christ drove out those who are trading in the temple, He said “It is written, My house is a house of prayer but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’”. The Bible affirmed that He was teaching daily in the temple Luke 19: 45-47. Are you teaching daily in the church? If your schedule is so tight, when was the last time you taught to win souls for the Lord?

Christ worked and won souls on the Sabbath: Many people like to rest instead of working for the Lord on the Sabbath. It is not a crime to win souls for the Lord on the Sabbath. It was for this reason that Jesus Christ laid the example for us the believers to follow His footstep. The Bible started that He healed people on the Sabbath because it is lawful to heal, counsel, and win souls on the Sabbath Luke 14:1-6. Do not forget to work for the Lord on the Sabbath day and most importantly, do not forget to win souls on this special day.

The salvation of Zacchaeus: Jesus Christ did not relent in His soul winning activities but intensify His efforts. When He was passing through Jericho, He saved a man named Zacchaeus who was a tax collector saying “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which is lost”. This event won several souls into the kingdom of God Luke 19:1-10. Do you always win souls for the Lord whenever you travel? If not have a change of attitude and start winning souls for your Creator wherever you may be.

Selflessness of Christ: Our Lord Jesus Christ made great sacrifice for mankind by His death on the cross. However, before His death, He demonstrated His selflessness towards humans, because His lack of basic necessity of life did not deter Him from winning souls for His heavenly Father. The scripture stated that “And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet” Luke 21:37. Is the lack of your life preventing you from doing the work of the Lord? Do you relent from winning souls for the Lord because of your scarcity? Remember nothing must hinder you from working for your heavenly Father. Since Jesus Christ did not give excuse that He did not have sufficient food, clothing and shelter, you too do not have any excuse not to win souls.

Christ continues to win souls after His ascension: Jesus Christ won the soul of Saul, when He met with him on his way to Damascus. He revealed His awesome power to Saul and won his soul. This means after the death and ascension to heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ, He continued to win souls for His Father Acts 9:1-6. Do not stop working for the Lord and winning souls for Him until you bid this world goodbye.

Not for price or reward: All the works of our Lord Jesus Christ were performed free of charge. He did not charge anyone money to teach, preach or counsel them. This is in accordance with the prophecy in the Book of Isaiah concerning Cyrus that “I have raised him in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward” says the Lord of hosts Isaiah 45:13.

Jesus Christ instructed His twelve apostles when He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal all kinds of sickness and disease that “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” Matthew 10:1-8. Remember, do not charge any money for doing the work of God, and charge nothing to win souls for the Lord.

Week 9: March 4th, 2018

Topic: Winning souls for the Lord – Part 5

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:23-31

Our discussion will continue with the preparation that anyone who wants to win souls for the Lord must undergo.

You must be prepared

Winning souls for the Lord is a spiritual process; therefore, before you go out to win souls for the Lord, you must pray fervently for guidance so that His glory will manifest physically through you.

You must be in spirit: Our Lord God is a spirit and we can only walk with Him in spirit, so those who are in the flesh cannot please God Romans 8:8. Take note, people who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. If you want to please and satisfy God, if you want to be acceptable to Him, then stop living the life of flesh and cease catering for the sinful appetites together with impulses of carnal nature. From this moment, start living in spirit and keep in step with the Spirit according to the passage which stated that “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh because the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4. Since our weapons are divinely powerful through God for the demolition of fortresses, then you need to use them because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places Ephesians 6:12. Therefore, always make sure you are in spirit whenever you are going out to win souls for the Lord, else the contrary spirits and principalities will overcome you.

Be bold and God will speak through you: Whenever you are going out to win souls for the Lord, you must not be afraid, but be bold. You must neither put on a spirit of timidity nor cowardice, you must not be craven, weak or cringe “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7. Since fear is one of the weapons of the darkness, do not fear or cower, but be bold whenever you are teaching or preaching the Word of God.

Do not forget that Almighty God that sent you on this errand will be with your mouth and He will teach you what you will say Exodus 4:12. God will not leave you or forsake you, but He will give you His words of wisdom so that you will know how to comfort the hopeless and traumatized people. He will open your understanding to His will and assist you to accomplish the task according to the Bible passage which stated that “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens my ear to hear as the learned” Isaiah 50:4. If the law permits it in your community, do not fail to wake up every morning to win souls for the Lord.

Season your speech: Your speech to win souls must be winsome. It must be able to touch the inner core of people’s minds so that people will believe with their hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus Christ is the Lord Romans 10:10. Your speech must be able to make people to rend their hearts and turn to God. The scripture says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer everyone” Colossians 4:6. You need to know that if your speech is not gracious and attractive you will not have the right response for everyone. If your speech is not pleasant you may not be able to win any soul, but if your speech is friendly and appealing, then people will ask for more of your speech/teaching/preaching: Just like how the gentiles earnestly begged Paul and Barnabas that they should preach the word of God to them the next Sabbath Acts 13:42. One thing you must realize is that if you do a good job, God will bless you with spiritual gift that is beyond your comprehension and your name will spread around like wild fire. Your name will be written in the Book of Life; your deeds will be remembered and discussed like the woman who anointed Jesus feet with alabaster oil Mark 14:9, Matthew 26:13.

Necessary conducts to win souls

There are several conducts that are essential to win souls for the Lord and whenever this conducts are missing then you are not winning souls for the Lord, but recruiting souls for the Devil.

Grace of winning souls: We must know that it is the mercy of the Lord that is sustaining us because all our righteousness are like filthy rags Isaiah 64:6. So we are not worthy to preach the Gospel or wins souls for the Lord. Though we are dust, He gave us the grace to preach among the unbelievers the unsearchable riches of Christ and win their souls. You have been granted the grace to proclaim to the gentiles the Good News of the incomprehensible riches of Christ together with the spiritual wealth which no one can understand Ephesians 3:8. For this reason, do not think of yourself more than what you are/worth; do not have an exaggerated opinion concerning your importance or ability. It is written that “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God dealt to each one a measure of faith Romans 12:3. Never think of yourself more than you ought because you are dust, your worldly possessions are dust and you will certainly turn back to dust. So, do not misuse the grace to win souls for the Lord.

Do not preach yourself, but Christ: It is a common occurrence in the Churches/Mountains/Conventions for people to be speaking or teaching about themselves. Pastors/Priests always ignore the reason for the gathering, which is to learn more about Christ. These set of people are novice and ignorant. People who speak for themselves seek to win honour for themselves; anyone whose teaching originates with him/her seeks his/her own glory. But anyone who seeks the glory and honour of God who sent him/her, such person is the true disciple/servant and there is no unrighteousness or deception in such person John 7:18. It is for this reason that Jesus Christ said “I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges John 8:50. If Jesus Christ did not seek His own glory, you too must not seek your own glory because Almighty God will glorify you at the appropriate time. He is an honest judge and judge of all judges. Therefore, do not preach/teach about yourself. Never show off your beautiful wife or handsome husband to the congregation so that they will not commit fornication/adultery. Do not boast about your designer clothing or shoes. Never display your expensive wrist watch or jewelry so that people in the congregation will not break the law to be like you. Emulate Paul apostle, he said “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservant for Jesus sake” 2 Corinthians 4:5. Do not deviate from preaching and teaching Christ to win souls. Whenever you are going to refer to yourself, let people know that you are their servant for Jesus sake.

Never preach Christ for selfish ambition: Many people nowadays are preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry. Countless people are preaching the Gospel out of jealousy and to get back at their presumed enemies. Numerous people are preaching the Good News for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition. It is only the children of God that are preaching out of a loyal spirit and goodwill Philippians 1:15. For this reason, if it is your pastor/priest or an angel from heaven that preach any other Gospel to you than what was written in the Bible, let the person be accursed and condemned to destruction. Whoever that is preaching anything that is contrary to the teachings of the Bible will be doomed to eternal punishment Galatians 1:8-9. Since you know that the curse of God will fall on anyone including we the servants/messengers of God or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one of Christ. Make sure that you do not embrace the demonic doctrines and satanic teachings. Remember how you received the Gospel and how it was given to you.

You have been forewarned, do not add to the Word of God to suit your own purpose or deduct from it because of selfish motives. If anyone distorts the Word of God written in the Bible, God will take away the person’s share from the Tree of Life and from the holy city which is the New Jerusalem. The Bible says “And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book” Revelation 22:19. Do not add to the words of God if you don’t want God to add to the affliction of your life. Do not remove from the words of the Holy Bible if you don’t want your name to be erased from the Book of Life.

Whatever happens shall benefit the Gospel: We want you to be assured and confident that whatever happens to you when winning souls for the Lord will turn out to benefit the propagation of the Gospel. Believers, be convinced that whatever occurs during the course of winning souls for the Lord will actually serve to advance and give a renewed impetus to the spreading of the Gospel Philippians 1:12. Bear in your mind with great confidence, that God causes all things to work together according to His plan for the good of those who loves Him. According to the passage which stated that “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. We pray that everything will work together for good in your life, and the plans of God for you will materialize quickly.

Week 10: March 11th, 2018

Topic: Winning souls for the Lord – Part 6

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:23-31

We shall continue our discussion with the people mentioned in the Bible who won souls into the kingdom of God during their lifetime.

People who won souls for the Lord

Believers must know that winning souls for the Lord is an inevitable task. If anyone refuses to win souls for the Lord, God will replace him/her with another person who will work tirelessly to win souls into His kingdom.

We must realize that if humans refused to praise God, then non-living things and other creatures will fill in the gap and praise the Lord continuously. Jesus Christ replied to the Pharisees who asked Him to rebuke His disciples and the crowd of people that were praising God during His triumphant entry into Jerusalem by saying that “I tell you that if those should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out” Luke 19: 37-40. If people forsake their duties of winning souls for the Lord, He is capable and abundantly able to replace them with stones or better creatures. So do not deceive yourself that if you abandon the work of God, it will come to a halt or an end. The work of God will continue with or without you.

The Prophets/Messengers: All the prophets/messengers that were mentioned in the Bible starting from Isaiah to Malachi were sent to preach the repentance and proclaim the salvation of the Lord in order to win souls into the kingdom of God. Prominent among them was Jonah who was sent to the people of Nineveh. The Bible affirmed that the people of Nineveh repented through the preaching of Jonah “So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on a sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them” Jonah 3:5. Turn to God, and zealously win souls into His kingdom so that He will resolve the issues of your life quickly.

The Apostles won souls for the Lord: Jesus Christ sent the apostles out to win souls with the commandment that “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” Matthew 10:5-6. The apostles were sent to win souls because it is an unavoidable task. Christ gave the commandments because their priority must be the children of God that had backslid and the believers that has strayed due to one reason or the other.

After the death and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, the apostles did not depart from the soul winning mission, but they continued to teach and preach that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour. They continued with teaching and preaching daily in the temple and from house to house to win souls for the Lord Acts 5:42. If the apostles continued to win souls for the Lord during their lifetime, then you are not exempted from winning souls for the Lord.

When great persecution arose against the Church which was at Jerusalem and the disciples excluding the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word to win souls for the Lord Acts 8:1-4. Whatever you are passing through, do not cease winning souls for the Lord, but emulate the disciples whose lives were disrupted, still they continued to win souls for the Lord.

Punishment for failing to win souls

There are several punishments that will come upon anyone who fails to win souls for the Lord, most especially the novice and the ignorant people who put their trust in their wealth, post/position and fame or connections. These people must know that their silver and gold will not save them on the day of the Lord’s anger Zephaniah 1:18. Since you know that your wealth, position and fame cannot deliver you on the day of the Lord’s wrath, it is better for you to yield today and start winning souls for the Lord.

You will be punished for your sins: It is written, that “Can two walk together, unless they agreed?” Amos 3:3. It means you cannot walk with God unless you are blameless, you cannot please God unless you obey His commands and keep His statutes among which is to win souls for Him. People that defy this command of the Lord will be punished accordingly. Remember that Christians are the chosen generation, royal priests, a holy nation and God’s special possession so we will be punished for our shortcomings 1 Peter 2:9. It is for this reason that the Bible says “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” Amos 3:2.

Child of perdition shall perish: Anyone who belongs to God listens to the words of God and obey His commandments; but anyone who neither harken to the words of God nor obey Him does not belong to God. Such people do not have any portion in the Lord and they are neither in fellowship with Him nor in harmony with God because they are destiny for destruction John 8:47. So the child of perdition will certainly be destroyed according to the Bible passage which stated that “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept, and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled” John 17:12. Listen to the warnings form the Lord so that you will not perish with the world.

Many will not enter the eternal rest: The scripture testified that God rested on the seventh day from all His works Hebrews 4:4, Genesis 2:1-2. Anyone who has entered God’s rest has also rested from the weariness and pain of human labour just as God rested from His work. All the people who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their toil and struggle, just as God did after creating the heaven and the earth Hebrew 4:10. But many people will not enter God’s rest because though God rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this Good News failed to enter due to their disobedience. The promise remains for some believers to enter God’s rest, but majority of those who formerly had the Good News preached to them failed to grasp it and did not enter because of their unbelief and disobedience Hebrews 4:5-6. Jesus Christ will declare to these people that “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” Matthew 7:23, Luke 13:27. We pray that all of us will enter the eternal God’s rest and the unpleasant voice “I do not know you, so depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity” will not greet us on the last day in heaven.

Judgement will start at the House of God: It is written that “For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17. Since we have confirmed that it is time for judgement to begin with the household of God and if it begins with the believers, then you can imagine what terrible fate awaits those who neither respect nor believe nor obey the Gospel of God.

Benefits of winning souls

There are many benefits that will accrue to the people who are winning soul for the Lord. Since countless of these benefits were written in the Bible, we will only mention few of them as reference points.

You will become a friend of Christ: The easiest way to become a bosom friend of our Lord Jesus Christ is to obey His commandments. If you want to become a close friend of Christ do whatsoever He commands you including winning souls for Him John 15:14.

You will be rewarded on earth and in heaven: Everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will be repaid many times over in this life and will have eternal life in the world to come Luke 18:29-30. Bear in mind that if you leave your household and relatives together with your earthly possessions because of God’s work, you will be rewarded bountifully in this world and the world to come. Furthermore, you will rest and rise again to receive your allotted inheritance at the end of the age Daniel 12:13. If you neither stray nor backslide, when you sleep in the Lord, you will enter God’s rest and then at the end of the days, you will resurrect again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.

You will be glorified with Christ: Jesus said, “I have given them the glory and honour which you have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one” John 17: 22. If you want to be glorified and honoured with your Lord and Saviour, do not cease winning souls for Him.

You will not be put to shame: The scripture says “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame” Romans 10:11. No one who believes in Christ and adheres to Him will ever be put to shame. So if you don’t want to be disappointed or disgraced in life, rely on the Lord and put your trust in Christ.

You will be given many crowns: If you are steadfast and continue to win souls for the Lord, then you will be given the following crowns:

· You will receive the crown of righteousness 2 Timothy 4:8.

· You will be given crown of glory that will never fade 1 Peter 5:4.

· You will be granted crown of life Revelation 2:10.

You will reign with Christ: If you are obedient and endure till the end, if you continue to testify that Jesus Christ is the Lord and you never stop proclaiming the Word of God. If you do not worship any contrary god or idol and you do not have any satanic mark on your body, then you will resurrect and reign with Christ for a thousand years. This is the first resurrections; during this period, the rest of the dead people will not come back to life until the thousand years has ended. Blessed and holy are you if you partake in the first resurrection because the second death will have no power over you. You will be among the priests of God and Christ, and you will reign with Him for a thousand years Revelation 20:4-6.

Finally, we must realize that the Good News about the kingdom of God will be preached throughout the whole world so that all nations will hear of it, and then the end will come. The Gospel will be proclaimed throughout the globe as a testimony to the nations of the world; after which the end of age will come Matthew 24:14.

The Seal: Revelation 14:6: Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth – to every nation, tribe, tongue and people.