Article by By David J. Stewart

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." —Proverb 11:30

The Soulwinner's Heart

First, nothing means anything if you don't have a DESIRE to see people saved. Jesus commanded His disciples in Matthew 28:19 to “GO” into all the world preaching the Gospel. Every Christian is commissioned by the Lord to “GO.” Most churches never get beyond the word “GO.” All the Bible knowledge and eloquent speaking ability in the world means nothing if a person does not “GO.” This means taking the Gospel, using our feet as Romans 10:15 says, to preach the Gospel.

Frankly, most believers today couldn't care less about leading people to the Lord for salvation. This is tragic. Most Christians claim to believe in eternal damnation for the lost, yet there are so few soulwinners today. Why? The Bible tells us why. In Mark 4:14 and Luke 8:11, Jesus likens the Word of God to seeds being planted by a sower. There are FOUR results mentioned:

CHRIST-REJECTERS. Some seeds fall by the way side, and the person doesn't get saved. This is seen in Luke 8:12, "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." So many people are going to burn in Hell someday because they "almost" got saved. King Agrippa said in response to Paul's Gospel presentation in Acts 26:28, ", Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Almost is not good enough. Carefully notice the phrase,  "then cometh the devil." Mark 4:15 uses the phrase,  "Satan cometh immediately." Satan is working relentlessly to keep lost sinners from being saved (2nd Corinthians 4:4). This group is not saved.


WORLDLY BELIEVERS. Some seeds fall upon the rocks and begin to sprout, but are quickly uprooted because they have no roots. This is seen in Mark 4:17, "And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." These are believers who are saved "as by fire" (1st Corinthians 3:15). These believers are worldly--they listen to Christian rock, see nothing wrong with Harry Potter, are gay-tolerant, see no harm with women wearing pants, etc. They are OFFENDED by the Truth of God's Word when it comes to separation from the world.

If there were no dead-beat, neo-evangelical, compromising churches to go to--they'd stay home. We read in 2nd Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This group doesn't live godly because they don't want to be persecuted. So they instead bring the world into the church, and attempt to justify it by twisting God's Word. They rarely, if ever, share the Gospel with anyone.


SELFISH BELIEVERS. Some seeds fall upon the ground and begin to sprout, but are choked by weeds and never grow to produce any fruit. This is seen in Mark 4:18-19, "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." These are the believers who are selfish and self-centered, who are so busy enjoying life that they never have time for serving God. Oh sure, they'll give a little pocket-change, go to church, fellowship, etc; but they have the wrong priorities in life.

These are the believers who are sitting-on-the-premises, rather than standing-on-the-promises. Most believers today are living in pleasure, thinking about everything they have to get done, and what they're going to buy with their future paychecks. Meanwhile, the world is going to Hell, literally. These believers are materialistic, and are mostly interested in protecting their personal interests. They rarely, if ever, share the Gospel with anyone.


SOULWINNERS.  Then there's the seeds that fall upon the ground and grow healthy, and produce fruit. This is seen in Mark 4:20, "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred." Wow! Can you imagine,  winning 100 people to the Lord? Most believers have never even tried to share the Gospel, let alone winning someone to the Lord. We are told in Daniel 12:3 that soulwinners will shine for eternity, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."

No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 6:20, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." What will this temporal life matter 100 years from now, or 10,000 years from now? All that will matter when we die is that we died in the Lord (i.e., born again), and that we spent our life soulwinning and living for the Lord. I don't know about you, but I want to be in this last group!

Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few." Things haven't changed much in 2,000 years. Just as in Jesus' day, there are few soulwinners today. Preachers are dime a dozen nowadays, but men of God who genuinely burn with desire to see lost souls saved are becoming rare. I wouldn't give you a dime for any pastor or preacher who doesn't make soulwinning top priority in his ministry.



I will say, this article hits my heart, Go go as Jesus instructed us to, see link for more,
[url]http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Believer's%20Corner/how_to_win_a_soul.htm[/url]

[center]Hold on to GOD's Unchanging Hand[/center]

Hold on to GOD’s Unchanging Hand
Prayer

Main:

Job 14:13-15
Oh that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! [14] If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. [15] Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Focus:

Job 14:15
Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

I want to use as a title for this text today “Hold on to GOD unchanging hand”

Today, I wanted to talk to and to the saints of GOD, the babes in Christ, and those who want to come into the fold. Today, I want you to understand that there is 66 books in our canonize version of the bible. In the first 39 books of the bible, it tells stories and set examples of how we should live and develop a relationship with GOD. In the last 29 books, the essences of the first 39 books are clarified to erase any misunderstanding that we have. That is why Jesus said in

Matthew 5:17-18
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

This is important because it will give you the insight of what GOD trying to tell you and strength you against the devil ability to manipulate us. Matthew 4 clarify this when the devil took Jesus to the top of temple and told Jesus to jump because what is written in the book of psalms, but Jesus strength in the word and relationship with GOD allow him to resist the devil with the book of Deuteronomy.

Now, this bring me to today’s example, Job. Though many have read the story of Job and how GOD bless his life; and the many Christians that have read or hear the story are fascinated by the events that took place. Many wish that they could live like Job, but many believe that Job is factitious character created to show us as Christians how we should live and trust in GOD in a time of peace and suffering. The will weaken the solidity of GOD’s words in this story, and create a utopia in our minds that we as Christians believe is impossible to achieve since our faith is weak in GOD. Job was real, how:

Biblical Proof: Genesis 46:13
And the sons of Issachar (This being the son of Isaac who one of the twelve tribes of Israel was name after); Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

This proves that Job was not a created character, but a very real person indeed. Job had true loving relationship with GOD. He show up for church every Sunday, attended bible class, and Sunday school, cheerfully paid he tithes and offering, talk about GOD on the job and at home, prayed day and night, and constantly pleaded the mercy sit of GOD everyday forgiveness for anything that might have happen. Job had this true relationship, for GOD said it was true about Job. All of us GOD-fearing children of know the word of GOD is true.

Biblical Proof: Job 1:8
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Job was able to live in peace with GOD and man due to his relationship with GOD, yet here is the devil looking for an opening to destroy Job. Let me tell you church folk something; some of us have heard this old saying, “The greatest trick the devil ever pull is that he made man believe that he didn’t exist”. Yes, many ministries today teach you, just as long you have a relationship with GOD, you cannot do any wrong, and the devil can touch you. Creating a positive frame of mind for you to live by, this is true, but many of them fail to tell you that GOD is quick to prove who his children are truly. This type of ministry teaches that if something happen to you, it was because you have sin against GOD or GOD is getting you for past sins; but this is not true. The book of Job proves that GOD will allow the testing of your faith. If you look at the story of Job, you will notice that GOD said that Job is in right standing with him, but allow the devil to test his faith because the devil honestly believe that Job serve GOD because of what he bless to have.

Job 1:9-11
Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? [10] Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. [11] But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

This were this prosperity teaching will get you in trouble. Job was not bless with things because, the word bless is a Greek word that means, “Speak well of”. Proving that Job found favor with GOD, and if you want favor with GOD, you need to do like Job and ask for mercy. If you plead the blood of Jesus at the mercy sit of GOD, he will grant access to all that you desire.

Biblical Proof: (Jesus said) John 16:23
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

(Proving) 1 John 5:13-15
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. [14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

(This clarifying in the old testament) Psalm 37:3-5
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. [4] Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. [5] Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

(This is verse is sum up and clarified) Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Is it good to have favor with GOD?

Now was in right-stand and had favor with GOD, but understand that devil is always trying to attack the children of GOD. The devil knew that he could not get a true child of GOD without permission. Now, satan is not the only devil asking permission from GOD to bring harm in your life, but you better be careful of some these church folk who is sitting around you. Some of these people are coming to church everyday to obtain permission from GOD to bring misery in your life. So you need to make sure that you right with GOD, so in a time of need you can obtain GOD Favor. Let me tell you something else GOD loves a challenge to prove who he is and what he means to his children. When the devil came to GOD asking for a challenge, GOD did not pull out a list of his children listed from greatest to less, he just said try my servant, Job. That right, Uncle June, GOD did not look at a list to find your name, when he wanted to bring some mess in your life, he just said have you try my servant June. Pastor GOD just ask have you tried my servant Nichols. Church how many of us can say, “The reason I am going through what I am going through not because I have sin against GOD, but because GOD has ask the devil have you tried my servant?”

Now, this brings me to the text. If you look at the story of Job, he was at work one day and working hard then a he got a message. Understand, Job was having a good day at work, no problems then he received the bad news. In Job 1:13-19 some of his kids was having a party at there Uncle house then some men came by and kill all that was present except for one; all of property was burning up; and to top it all off when Job got sick and boils began to show up on his skin. Let me bring this situation up-to-date. You are sitting at work; production is going real good; and there are rumors that many will be able to go home early then you get a message to come home. You get the message some of your children have been shot dead while they were partying at your brother house, then you get in your car you get a call on your cell phone that a wild fire came by and burn up all of your property; and to top it all off when you got home to meet your spouse you begin coughing and your spouse notice boils begin to break out on your skin. Your spouse is now thinking in the back of their heads you ain’t being faithful to them and then you hear the news from the doctor you have a rare form of a common disease. The only thing you can say is, “What is going on”.

Though Job is going through all of this he still realizes that he is blessed. Yes, Job was blessed by GOD, why, because GOD allows the devil to take away everything except his life. That right the devil cannot kill you, no matter what you are going through, because the power of life and death is in GOD’s hands. Job realizes that came at peace with GOD.

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

One singer and songwriter stated, “Time is filled with swift transition, Naught of earth unmoved can stand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to GOD’s unchanging hand.

If you hold on to GOD’s unchanged hand he will keep you in prefect peace, no matter what you are going through.

Now, while you are going through remember some things:

1. humble yourself.
If you humble yourself GOD will answer any of your prayers, deliver you from what you are going through, and heal you.

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

(That is why)
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

You cannot accuse GOD of anything because we all have to come and falling short of the Glory of GOD yet he love you he send his son Jesus Christ to save us and give us a chance to see His Glory

John 3:16-18
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

2. Talk to GOD and let him what is bothering you.

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Job expresses his concerns to GOD while he was going through his ordeal. Job did have the question what is going because Job lived by the word and this is not what the word said. So why you are talking to GOD seek to learn from him so that you may be giving the strength to make it through your situation.

Philippians 4:12-13
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

In this type of situation you can talk to your friends and family because they have turned their back on you. You also talk to everybody about what you are going through they may be the ones trying to insure that you stay down. (Explain Job’s Friends and family)

Take it to the cross!!!!!!

Article

 First, nothing means anything if you don't have a DESIRE to see people saved. Jesus commanded His disciples in Matthew 28:19 to “GO” into all the world preaching the Gospel. Every Christian is commissioned by the Lord to “GO.” Most churches never get beyond the word “GO.” All the Bible knowledge and eloquent speaking ability in the world means nothing if a person does not “GO.” This means taking the Gospel, using our feet as Romans 10:15 says, to preach the Gospel.

Soul winning is Gods no 1 business

Frankly, [b]most believers today couldn't care less about leading people to the Lord for salvation. [/b]This is tragic. Most Christians claim to believe in eternal damnation for the lost, yet there are so few soulwinners today. Why? :

This is a sad and great observation. What a miracle will it be to have every christian everywhere sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ .

God bless.

This is a sad and great observation. What a miracle will it be to have every christian everywhere sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ .

God bless.

The heaven will rejoice and feast such.