Pastor A

There are at least 100 benefits that accompany our salvation. Be encouraged today as you consider all the wonderful benefits of obeying God’s command to enter into a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” Hebrews 6:9

1. A better hope – Hebrews 7:19
2. A building of God, in the heavens – II Corinthians 5:1
3. A great high Priest – Hebrews 8:1
4. A kingdom which cannot be moved – Hebrews 12:28
5. A power within through which God can work transcendentally – Ephesians 3:20
6. A purged conscience – Hebrews 9:14
7. Abounding hope – Romans 15:13
8. Abundant life – John 10:10
9. Access to grace, wherein we stand – Romans 5:2
10. Access to the Father in Christ and through the Spirit – Ephesians 2:18
11. Access WITH confidence – Ephesians 2:12
12. All of our needs supplied according to ‘God’s glory’ – Philippians 4:19
13. All spiritual blessings in heavenly places – Ephesians 1:3
14. All things becoming possible – Mark9:23; Ephesians1:20,3:20
15. All things pertaining to life and godliness – II Peter 1:3
16. An anointing that teaches us to abide – I John 2:20-27
17. An incorruptible inheritance, reserved for us in heaven – I Peter 1:4
18. An understanding ministered by Jesus Himself – I John 5:20
19. Being called into liberty – Galatians 5:1, 13
20. Being established by God – II Corinthians 1:21
21. Being filled with all the fullness of God – Ephesians 3:19
22. Being heirs of God – Romans 8:17
23. Being joined to the Lord – I Corinthians 6:17
24. Being joint heirs with Christ – Romans 8:17
25. Being kept by the power of God – I Peter 1:5
26. Being married to Christ – Romans 7:4
27. Being raised up to sit together with Christ – Ephesians 2:6
28. Being sanctified wholly, spirit, soul, and body – I Thessalonians 5:23-24
29. Being suitable for the Master’s use – II Timothy 2:21
30. Being taught by God to love one another – 1 Thessalonians 4:9
31. Being taught of the Father by Jesus – Matthew 11:27-28
32. Blood that speaks better things than that of Abel – Hebrews 12:24
33. Bringing forth fruit to God – Romans 7:4
34. Christ has received us – Romans 15:7
35. Christ in us, the hope of glory – Colossians 1:27
36. Christ manifesting Himself to us – John 14:21
37. Deliverance from the power of darkness – Colossians 1:13
38. Discern the extent of salvation – Ephesians 3:18
39. Enlightenment – Hebrews 10:32
40. Eternal life – I John 5:11
41. Everlasting consolation and good hope – II Thessalonians 2:16
42. Everything working together for our good – Romans 8:28
43. Exceeding great and precious promises – II Peter 1:4
44. Fellowship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord – I Corinthians 1:9
45. Forgiveness when sin is confessed – I John 1:9
46. God being “for us” – Romans 8:31
47. God keeping us from failing – Jude 24
48. God working in us to will and to do – Philippians 2:13
49. Having all sufficiency in all things – II Corinthians 9:8
50. Having sufficiency from God – II Corinthians 3:5
51. Having the mind of Christ – I Corinthians 2:16
52. I have a heavenly treasure in an earthen vessel – II Corinthians 4:7
53. Illumination – Hebrews 8:1
54. Joy and peace in believing – Romans 15:13
55. Knowing “Whom” we have believed – I Timothy 1:12
56. Knowing the love of Christ that transcends knowledge – Ephesians 3:19
57. Knowing the things God has freely given to us – I Corinthians 2:12
58. Learning Christ – Ephesians 4:20
59. Made qualified to partake of the saint’s inheritance – Colossians 1:11-12
60. No condemnation – Romans 8:1
61. Our names written in Heaven – Luke 10:20; Hebrews 12:23
62. Partaking of God’s holiness through chastening – Hebrews 12:10
63. Partaking of the Divine Nature – II Peter 1:4
64. Partaking of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 6:4
65. Peace with God – Romans 5:1
66. Powerful spiritual weaponry – II Corinthians 10:4-5
67. Pure minds – II Peter 3:1
68. Purity of soul – II Peter 2:3
69. Receiving grace upon grace – John 1:16
70. Righteousness by imputation because of faith – Romans 4:6-8
71. Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit – Romans 14:17
72. Satan being bruised under our feet – Romans 16:20
73. Spiritual nourishment by God Himself – II Corinthians 6:2
74. Strength in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16; Romans 8:11
75. Tasting of the Lord – I Peter 2:3
76. Tasting of the powers of the world to come – Hebrews 6:5
77. Tasting of the Word of God – Hebrews 6:5
78. Tasting the heavenly gift – Hebrews 6:4
79. The continual intercession of Jesus – Hebrews 7:15
80. The Father and the Son making their abode in us – John 14:23
81. The full assurance of faith – Hebrews 10:22
82. The full assurance of hope – Hebrews 6:11
83. The full assurance of understanding – Colossians 2:2
84. The Holy Spirit – I John3:24; 4:13
85. The intercession of the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:26
86. The Lord being our helper – Hebrews 13:6
87. The love of the truth – II Thessalonians 2:10
88. The ministry of holy angels – Hebrews 1:13-14
89. The opening of the eyes of our understanding – Ephesians 1:18-19
90. The peace of God keeping our hearts and minds – Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15
91. The privilege of walking in the light – I John 1:7
92. The sealing of the Holy Spirit – II Corinthians 1:22
93. The Spirit of adoption – Romans 8:15
94. The spirit of power, love and a sound mind – II Timothy 1:7
95. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation – Ephesians 1:17
96. The victory of overcoming the world – I John 5:4-5
97. The whole armor of God – Ephesians 6:11-18
98. The Word of God building us up and giving us an inheritance – Acts 20:32
99. The work of God performed in us until the day of Christ – Philippians 4:19
100. Translation into Christ’s Kingdom – Colossians 1:13

In recent years there has been a growing movement to “modernize” the church and its ministry. A great number of churches and professing believers have adapted a new way of reaching out to the world. The old fashioned approach has become outdated and has been replaced with the new fad of contemporary worship services.

With hearts full of sensuality and hearts empty of Scriptural principles many pastors and youth leaders have transformed their sanctuaries into houses of entertainment providing a worldly opportunity of worship to meet the so called needs of a spoiled generation.

The very term “contemporary” reveals the nature of contemporary worship, music, etc. The word means, “up to date, modern, or fashionable.” Can anyone show me in Scripture where Christ or the Apostles encouraged the church to adopt worldly practices to promote the Gospel?

I can show you a clear command from Paul in his writings to the Romans where he denounced being fashioned after the world. Romans 12:2 reads, “And be not conformed to this world…” The Bible clearly teaches that we as believers are to be different, separate, and not of this world. We are a peculiar people whose identifying mark is holiness. If we are to separate from the world, why have we seen a marked shift all across this country to this style? The answer…

Compromise! Church leaders would rather compromise with the world than to stand against it. Youth leaders would rather have a “crowded” youth group than a “Christian” youth group. Contemporary simply means worldly, and it is evident that many in our churches have a deep love for the world. The beloved John expressly wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

In amazes me how we have slipped in our practice of Biblical separation and how the leadership of churches are deliberately trying to mimic worldly practices in our churches. But then again, God spoke of His people in Jeremiah 4:22, “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do eveil, but to do good they have no knowledge.”

We know and love the world, that’s for sure, but the Christianity taught by Christ is a concept far from the attitude and actions of the average believer today. Having just returned from China, we were privy and part to a worship service that was far from the modernism of today. The house church met outside the city limits in a silver factory. The people did not have the lights, sounds, wild hair music, and “show” that so many in America have come to expect. They simply were obeying God’s word to worship Him. They sang with conviction (no piano, no organ, no worship set); they prayed with power (and we could not even understand the language); and they responded understanding the cost could be astronomical.

These Chinese Christians who regularly meet in an underground church have counted the cost. They know that to be a Christian means they MUST be different than the world. They have come to disdain the world for the world is sending their families and friends to hell. Our group will never be the same as they witnessed a church willing to eschew worldly methods to truly embrace the Biblical model, God’s model for church.

There are at least three proper reasons to be a dynamic soul winner for our Lord. This first reason is common sense: OBEDIENCE. Make no mistake about it, soul winning is not an option for any Christian. If we are to be obedient to the commission of Christ, we must be working to win souls! Matthew 28:19-20 was written for every single born-again believer. If there is one grace or virtue in the Christian life that is essential, it is obedience. Samuel said, “… to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken that the fat of rams.” I Samuel 15:22. We often sing a little chorus which says, “obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.” No truer words were ever spoken. Not begrudging obedience, but willing, cheerful obedience is that which warms the heart of God and brings forth fruit to the praise of Christ.

A second reason to be a great soul winner is LOVE. Though much maligned and misused, still it is by far the noblest motivation for serving Jesus Christ. The love of God shed abroad in our hearts must spill over in the lives of those about us. Love will overcome all the hindrances and evil motives which lurk in our hearts. Love is the fountain head of compassion and it will constrain us to maintain and strengthen our efforts to win souls. I have found that love is the only reason for serving Christ and it does not wear thin with time. Let us stay on our knees in prayer and in the Word that our service might be prodded by the love of God.

A third proper reason to tell others about Christ is BURDEN. Jesus said, “take my yoke upon you for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Indeed Christ does want us to assume burdens, duties, obligations; for in so doing the Lord molds our lives into His blessed image. The servant is not greater than his master. If our Master assumed the burden of sin at Calvary’s tree, we must assume the burden of His bidding to us. Let all of us rejoice in this responsibility. Let us embrace and begin soul winning as if our lives counted on it. Certainly the lost are counting on us!

Another improper reason for being a soul winner is OBLIGATION. This motive is not altogether bad if applied in the correct sense. If we look at soul winning as a duty imposed upon us by Christ and in no other light, I think we could say that obligation is a poor reason for service. This is not to say that Christians do not have a duty to Christ; they do! I would hope that the duty of being a soul winner would be considered a privilege, not a burden. Christ said, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21. Indeed we are indebted to Christ for His work in our behalf, and we have a moral and spiritual responsibility. But again, if our reason for service to Christ is obligation alone, our joy will be extremely limited.

Another improper reason for being a soul winner is PRIDE. It is a testimony to the perverse nature of man that he could serve the Lord, motivated by pride, but he can and often does. Men have to receive acclaim, even if that acclaim comes from other religious men. God hates pride and the haughty human spirit, especially when found present in a believer. If we do our service to be seen of men, we will not receive any reward from Christ. Some Christians pride themselves on being persuasive, effective soul winners; may God remove pride from our hearts.

A final improper reason for being a soul winner is PEER PRESSURE. I mean by this that those people with whom we associate expect us to be soul winners, so we fall into the mold. This reason is a special trap for Christian workers. Down in our hearts, we often do things because it is expected of us by our associations in our church, not because we truly want to please our Saviour.

Tomorrow I will address three proper reasons for being a dynamic soul winner for Christ. How is your soul winning today?

For every Christian it’s important to be obedient to Christ and to do the right things but it is equally important to do the right things for the right reasons. Obedience and service to Christ are a heart matter primarily for God hath said, “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7.

“Out of the heart are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 It is true that man looks upon the outward appearance in his evaluation of matters, but God looks upon our hearts and knows how we can perform a good deed perhaps for the wrong reason, and as far as God is concerned, we would not be credited for that good deed because we performed it with a motive that did not please Christ.

Good deeds, with bad motives, right actions for wrong reasons, these are matters that workers for Christ must carefully check into if we are to receive the reward from Christ that we desire on that day when He evaluates or service during this lifetime. No one would argue that soul winning is honorable service for Christ, but we must make sure that we serve Him this way for proper reasons. Our goal should be to have right motives for being a godly soul winner.

Let’s look at a couple improper reasons for being a soul winner: 1) FEAR! It would seem strange that service to Christ be motivated by an emotion such as fear. Let me qualify this matter of fear so we will be clear on its meaning. Jude 23 states, “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” II Corinthians 5:11 “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” These verses imply that a correct form of fear is not altogether bad for a reason to be a soul winner. This fear is not  a fear of reprisal from the Lord toward us, but it is a holy fear of what it would be like for a lost person to die and face God. It is wise for lost and saved alike to have a proper fear of God.

You may wonder why I list fear as an improper reason; the reason is simple. If fear is the only reason we serve the Lord, then we will lose our joy and sense of fulfillment for having served the Lord. Most effective soul winners have found that fear alone will not sustain a Christian as a motive for working for the Lord. I John 4:18 “Perfect love casteth out fear.” May our hearts be made complete and be motivated by love.

II Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

Have you ever stopped to consider the vast differences between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman? Both were lost sinners, hell-bound, and in desperate need of salvation. Was one more important than the other? Was one more worthy of Christ’s love than the other? Should one have been reached more so than the other?

Consider, Nicodemus was religious, wealthy, of a socially elite status, moral, a “respectable” sinner, an “up and outer.” On the other hand, the Samaritan woman was not religious, poor, an outcast, a disgraceful sinner, a “down and outer.” Yet, even with the vast differences between these two, both still needed Christ. Jesus did not try to become like either; He merely met them where they were and shared the Good News that ultimately and vastly changed their lives.

There is a dangerous movement that has spread across the United States. This movement has taught a generation that to win other to Christ we must become like the world (dress like the world, talk like the world, use the music of the world). The Devil has said, “If you are too weird and different, they won’t want to be like you.” As a result of this damning influence, not only have we failed to reach the world, the world has snatched, defeated, and prevented Christians from truly reaching the world. Instead of impacting the lost world with the Gospel message, I’m afraid that the world has impacted those who have the answer in the Gospel message.

May we all be reminded that I John 2:15 states, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Ouch!

Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify himself a peculiar people. Zealous of good works.” What do your “works” look like to our Lord?

Several important examples can be learned from our Lord’s dealing with the woman at the well in John 4. In going through Samaria and speaking to this sinful woman, Christ proved His lack of prejudice and His willingness to bear reproach for the spiritual good of another person. A spiritually minded Christian must constantly strive to establish a spiritual relationship with others who may not happen to be part of the “in group.”

Christ knew He would be reproached by the religious crowd if He had anything to do with a Samaritan. In fact, the woman was surprised that Jesus would even talk to her. It is a coward’s way out when we fail to witness because we are afraid for fear of what people will think of us. It’s interesting that Christ instinctively knew the woman’s sin and need through His all seeing eye. We too should be soul conscious, endeavoring to be led by God’s Spirit so that we might recognize people with needy souls.

In looking at Peter and Paul, these men were from radically different backgrounds. They had different education, different personalities, and utilized different approaches in serving Christ. However, each man was used mightily by God to win souls for Him.

Peter was bold, spirited, and a fearless leader of the early church in Jerusalem. As we picture Paul, we see a smaller, more intellectual type with a more meticulous approach to ministry. Both were mighty instruments of God. We often think of Phillip, the evangelist, as being a great example of a soul winner, as indeed he was.

All of the Bible examples can be studied to great profit for the personal worker. The Lord’s compassion, Peter’s boldness, Paul’s knowledge, Phillip’s willingness to be led by God form in us the ingredients to be effective in our own evangelistic efforts.

Who was the last person who heard about Jesus Christ as a direct result of my own personal witness? If we have to think very long, it has been too long!

It has been well said that a picture is worth a thousand words. So, let’s use the Word of God to “see” what personal soulwinning should look like. The best and most obvious example for us would be our Savior Himself. The Scriptures record many encounters between the Lord and needy souls. Let’s first look at John 3 and examine the descriptive story of Nicodemus.

In focusing on Nicodemus, we find him coming to Christ by night saying, “we know thou art a teacher come from God…” There is implied in this statement a very important lesson for soulwinners. The Lord’s life was so obviously different that Nicodemus was drawn to him seeking food for his hungry soul. Jesus was not a “closet” Christian or believer! This can serve to be one of the great encouragements to soulwinners. The world may criticize and make fun of us, but in their hour of trial they will recognize that our lives manifest the fact that we have an answer for the world’s deepest need.

The fact that Nicodemus came to Christ was proof that empty religion cannot satisfy the soul. As soulwinners we must realize that even religious people are empty and lost without Christ and need to be shown the pathway to a relationship with Jesus Christ. What a continuous, great responsibility we all have who name Jesus as our Lord.

Another important area that I would like to point out concerning the example of Christ; he got right to the heart of the matter. Nicodemus needed to be “born again.” Too many people make excuses for not serving God or blame their lack of obedience on some other serious problem in their lives. But many times the real heart of the matter, as in the case of Nicodemus, is the need of a real, born again experience with Jesus Christ.

What excuse am I giving for failing to tell others about my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

The Lord Himself said that no person should aspire to do a certain task until he had carefully counted the cost. In order for us to become effective and active in the work of personal evangelism, we must first come face-to-face with the cost and requirements. The tool of evangelism is God’s Word. Until we have a working knowledge of the Scriptures, at least the Scriptures dealing with salvation, we will fail in the great work of evangelism.

This work requires that we memorize Bible passages that deal with salvation. Some may object by saying that you do not possess the skill to memorize. I would say this to you; I have never met any normal person yet who could not at least memorize the reference of a verse so that he could go to it quickly in a soul winning situation. Allow me to make some helpful suggestions concerning memorizing the Bible.

Why should we memorize Bible verses? It is clear to me that the Bible states that memorization should be a part of our lives and our being. Deuteronomy 6:6 “And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart.” Deuteronomy 11:18 states that the Word “shall be before our eyes.” Joshua 1:8 “these words shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…” In thine heart, before thine eyes, and in thy mouth are all phrases that should convict and convince us that the Word of God should be a major part of our lives as Christians.

I cannot overstress the practical value of memorizing. It will help you secure victory over sin and avoid succumbing to temptation in time of weakness. Psalm 119:9-11 “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Memorizing God’s Word will greatly influence your thought life. I Timothy 4:15 “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” Memorizing God’s Word will also whet your appetite for further Bible study. Have you ever worried over an issue or situation? Instead of worrying, thirst for God’s Word as we find in Philippians 4:4-9. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true… honest… just… pure… lovely… of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

How is it with you today? What is the last verse you memorized? It is difficult to evangelize if you do not know God’s Word!

What is evangelism? Let’s look at the entire forest before we look at just one tree. Perhaps a better understanding can be achieved by actually looking at the word, “evangelism.” The word evangelist in the KJV comes from a Greek word which means a messenger of good. We can quickly surmise that God’s good news is centered around the Gospel of Christ. To understand this aspect of evangelism shows that we all can become involved in this great work.

We should listen to Paul’s command to Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist.” II Timothy 4:5. Permit me to add this exhortation; evangelism is first of all just what Paul called it, “work!” Perhaps the reason that so many members are less inclined to become involved in evangelism is because it requires hard work.

There are many types of evangelism or ways to spread the Gospel message. I personally believe that the most effective means of evangelism is “personal soulwinning.” Soul winning is a term which simply means a Christian will share with a lost person how to become a Christian and then invite them to do so.

There are great advantages to personal soulwinning: a personal witness is very effective when it seems all else has failed; personal compassion can be demonstrated; the soul winner himself grows as a Christian; there is no great expense for the church to have a motivated membership willing to be personal soul winners; it is the quickest and most effective way for church growth; and this method is in direct compliance with God’s command to evangelize.

Are we following God’s mandate to be personal soul winners?

At the outset of these thoughts regarding evangelism, we must first establish the Biblical basis. We should all develop a conviction concerning the blessing and responsibility of evangelism; however, it is paramount that our convictions are founded upon and developed by God’s Holy Word, the Bible. What we believe and practice should first be established by statement or principle in God’s instruction book. 

The Lord records a direct command in Matthew 28:19-20. The responsibility of this command cannot be escaped. Every church (pastor, member, retired person, business person, deacon, usher, teenager, nursery worker, choir member, college and career person, etc.) is faced with this privilege and responsibility. It is interesting that the whole program of the church is outlined in the “Great Commission.”  

Let me attempt to establish this principle in our minds concerning the Lord’s command to evangelize. This principle is costly; however, this principle is blessed by God Himself. The principle is simply one of obedience. Christ gave the command to evangelize the lost. To be happy and blessed by God, we must obey. How imperative it is that we all live by this principle of obedience. “…Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” I Samuel 15:22-23 

To obey brings great premiums in blessing; to disobey will bring us a harvest of defeat and despair in our daily walk with Christ. 

We have established that evangelism is a command of our Lord to be obeyed, but it is important to point out something else implied in the Great Commission. When Christ tells us to go tell the lost of salvation there is illustrated for us God’s great love for a lost and dying humanity. Jesus said, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 We should love the lost as Christ loves them and seek them out so that we might be in full compliance with our Lord’s desire. 

Allow me to take a quote out of context. Former President John Kennedy said, “God’s work upon this earth must surely be our own.” There is a very real sense in which this is true for the Christian. John 15:16 states, “… I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain.” Every person must understand that having received the fruit of salvation, God expects that our fruit be reproduced in our efforts to evangelize the world in which we live. 

We are the Lord’s chosen vessels to bear the message of salvation. The Bible is clear that we do have a responsibility for the salvation of others; we are our brother’s keeper! Proverbs reminds us of the wisdom of winning the lost. Indeed it should overwhelm us to think that God would commission us a bearers of the most precious gift ever provided by God for mankind. The Lord not only commands us concerning His Gospel; but also, promises success for obedience to His command.  

Psalm 126:5-6 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” 

God’s instruction book clearly announces our marching orders from Christ to go! The security and peace of God can truly be in our possession as we obey God’s command.