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Page 1: 7€¦  · Web viewThe Word of God is alive for the Word of God is Jesus (John 1:1,14). Jesus is the Word (1 John 5:7) and Jesus is the Propitiation of our sins…He is the atonement

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Points

On

Soul-Winning

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7 Points on Soul-Winning

CONTENTS

Introduction:

1. Understanding your position in Christ.

2. The importance of being a prayer warrior.

3. The importance of faithfully studying God’s Word.

4. What is your heart’s desire? Do you ask God daily to break your heart for the lost?

5. How does the Word of God save?

6. How important is your personal testimony?

7. How do you lead someone to the Lord?a. Visitation Soul-Wining.b. Spontaneous Soul-Winning.

Summary:

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Introduction

What does it take to be a Soul-Winner? A heart broke for the lost. When you ask God to break your heart for the lost you can be a Soul-Winner. God uses the broken things of the world to do His bidding (Christ was broke for us; 1st Corinthians 11:24). Brokenness is the key to winning souls. When you think of some relative, friend, or stranger, lost on their way to hell, do you shed tears for them? Does your heart cry out: Save them Jesus…Save them Jesus? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and pray for the lost. If you do this then you have the heart of a Soul-Winner. This passion for the lost is what God wants for each and every one of us and all we have to do; is ask God for it. So, before you even start to read this booklet; pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, break my heart for the lost, make me a Soul-Winner. Put your love in my heart, the love of Calvary, the love where you died for us, put it in my heart. Help me to love you with my heart, soul, and mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Put a passion to proclaim the Gospel in my heart. Lord, give me a vision of hell showing the reality of hell. Lord let me see the horror of hell in my heart. Let my heart break at the horror of hell. And then Lord, when I look or think of someone who is lost, let my heart tremble with sorrow for them. Lord, give me souls to witness to and give me Holy Spirit power to proclaim the Gospel. Amen.

Soul-Winners are after God’s heart. Soul-Winners want the passion of Christ. They want the zeal of Christ. They want to be used by God. They pray as Isaiah prayed, “Here am I; send me.”

How will you win souls? By the Word of God: There is no salvation without the Word of God (Romans 10:8-17). A Soul-Winner is simply a vessel for God to work through. This is why Soul-Winners must be surrendered to Christ; they do nothing but give out God’s Word. God’s Word does everything. God’s Word does the saving. Soul-Winners are used by God because He has chosen to work through His children. All Christians are God’s children and are members of His Royal Priesthood (Romans 10:14,15; 1 Peter 2:9).

As you read and study this booklet on Soul-Winning be sure to answer the questions and read the corresponding Bible verses noted. These verses are pertinent to the study and will bring God’s thoughts and light to your heart. This booklet is by no means presented as being a comprehensive study on evangelism. It is however, presented to encourage all to become a Christian soldier, to fight the battle for Christ. We are all to promulgate the Gospel (Matthew 28:19,20); tell every one about Jesus!

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1. Understanding Your Position in Christ

When a lost person asks Christ to save them, they are forever changed. They are washed by the Blood of Jesus Christ and have become a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Each of us who are saved readily understands we have been changed; we have become a child of God.

What is a child of God? _____________________________________________________________________

However, the lost do not understand this concept and therefore it is vital for a soul-winner to not only accept they are changed in Christ, but they must be able to thoroughly understand scripturally what has happened to them. Furthermore, they must be able to explain to a lost person what has happened to them if they want to be an effective soul-winner.

When did you become a child of God? __________________________________________________________

The term ‘Born Again’ (John 3:3) is confusing to the lost and many saved don’t completely understand what it means to be ‘Born Again’ To explain this verse let’s first look at lost man, he is dichotomous… two parts. God gave each created being a spirit, which brings life. This spirit in lost man is dead to God because of Adam’s sin (Rom. 5:12). Along with man’s spirit God gave each created being a soul and body. In lost man this soul (the personality of man) is joined with his spirit as one unit giving life to the body. Although the spirit-soul have life and will exist eternally, it is dead to God (doomed to hell) and must be ‘Born Again’ to be alive to God (John 6:63).

What caused the lost to be dead to God? _______________________________________________________

Man was created in God’s image, he thinks, he reasons, he has desires, he has personality, and most importantly, he can choose. He is like a ‘god’, he will exist eternally somewhere: if he is saved, he will be with God forever; if he is lost, he will burn in hell forever. It is choice that determines where a person will spend eternity: choose God through acceptance of the shed Blood of Jesus Christ and he will spend eternity in heaven with God (Rom. 10:13); reject the Blood of Jesus Christ and he will live in fire forever (Rev. 20:15).

Is hell real? ______________________________________________________________________________

In order for lost man to be ‘Born Again’ he must by Faith (Eph. 2:8,9) admit he is a sinner (Rom. 3:23); admit he is doomed without Jesus (Rom. 6:23) and then by Faith ask Jesus to save Him (Rom 10:9,10,13). This Faith comes to lost man by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17) when lost man accepts the drawing of God to Jesus (John 6:44; Rev. 3:20). The Faith of God comes as a two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12) and when a lost person asks for salvation the Word of God …the Sword divides asunder the spirit from the soul of lost man. God takes the dead spirit and breathes life into it and joins His Spirit to the ‘Born Again’ spirit of now saved man; he positionally is in heaven, he has become trichotomous, three parts; spirit (joined with Christ alive) -soul-body.

Is man born with Faith? ____________________________________________________________________

Now, man’s spirit joined with God’s Spirit (Rom. 8:16) fills the vessel…the flesh…the body and soul of the new creature in Christ enabling it to be free from sin (Rom. 6:7). The body-soul-flesh has a propensity for God…the filling of the Holy Spirit.

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What is a new creature in Christ? ____________________________________________________________

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit regenerates lost man (Rom. 6:1-6; Acts 1:5,8) to become part of the Body of Christ… the Church…the Bride of Christ forever; it is irrevocable and unconditional. Additionally, this Baptism of the Holy Spirit fills the believer’s flesh…soul-body with God’s power; however, this filling is conditional on the believer living a life honoring God. This propensity of the body-soul for the Holy Spirit is where the power comes to resist sin. The more God in us, the more power we have to resist sin. Soul-winners are encouraged to explain to all believers the importance of daily praying and Bible reading to stay filled with God’s power.

What happens when you read the Bible? _______________________________________________________

All ‘Born Again’ believers are Baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit holds the believer in the body of Christ (Eph. 4:30) and nothing or anyone can take a believer, God’s child from Him (John 10:27-30). A ‘Born Again’ believer has eternal salvation and can never lose their salvation. Their salvation is not based on works, rather on the redemptive power of the Blood of Jesus Christ applied by Faith all through the power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 1:18; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12-14. Only God incarnate could shed His Blood for the remission of sins, no other blood sacrifice would do (1st Pet. 1:16-20). Only perfection, Jesus Christ (Heb. 5:7-9) could die for sin, only His Blood is acceptable. No created being could die for sin only He that was always and will always be (John 1:1,14; Col. 1).

When witnessing, why is it important to explain the Blood of Jesus Christ ______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

As you examine your salvation experience, you easily see these scriptural concepts that occurred as you asked Jesus for salvation. Study the verses presented to you in this brief indoctrination of salvation to help you thoroughly understand what it means to be a new creature in Christ…‘Born Again’. All soul-winners should continually study God’s Word to enable them to be a powerful witness for the Lord (2 Tim 2:15).

What does it mean to be ‘Born Again’? _________________________________________________________

All new converts are to be vigorously discipled. The soul-winners responsibility does not end when someone accepts Jesus as their Savior. They are to be encouraged to attend church, Sunday school, and to be baptized as soon as possible. Many new converts will be reluctant to attend church services usually because they think they will be uncomfortable not knowing anyone there. Let them know you are their friend, their brother or sister in Christ. Inform them they are part of the Church of Jesus Christ and that all brothers and sisters in Christ have an affinity with each other and there is power when God’s people come together (Matt. 18:20).

How will you encourage new converts to come to church services? ___________________________________

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2. The Importance of Being a Prayer Warrior

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” Jer. 33:3. It is vital for a Soul-Winner to be a Prayer Warrior. Prayer is our vehicle to allow God’s power to flow to us and to those we are witnessing. Our lives are opened to God by prayer and it is because of this communion with God that we are led to those whom God has ordained to hear the Gospel from us. A soul-winner cannot move without God’s guidance, this is paramount to be an effective witness.

What does it mean to be a Prayer Warrior? _____________________________________________________

Are you a Prayer Warrior? _________________________________________________________________

As Christians begin to become Prayer Warriors, their lives change, they become more like Jesus. This is what is so good about praying, we become more like Him. Through prayer, our hearts become tender, compassionate, full of love and this love causes our hearts to be broken (Psalm 126:5, 6). It is from this brokenness that our prayers reach to the deepest levels of God and this is where we need to be. The only way we can understand and identify with the love of John 3:16 is through prayer.

Why do you want to be a Soul-Winner? ________________________________________________________

A soul-winner needs to be humble (James 4:10). We have no power except God’s power. As a soul-winner becomes confident in delivering the Gospel, he needs to pray, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalm 19:14.

Why is it important to have a humble heart?_____________________________________________________

When you pray for someone to be saved; pray with this thought in mind: All for God’s Glory. Every soul won to the Lord is for God’s Glory. God is glorified when the lost come to Him. He died for them because He loves them and wants all to be saved and our hearts are motivated by love for the lost, for we dread for anyone to die and go to hell. Man was made for God’s pleasure (Rev. 4:11): When a lost person chooses Christ and asks Him to save him, God is glorified. When God is glorified, all of His children share in His Glory for He is in us and we are in Him.

How do you get a Soul-Winners heart? ________________________________________________________

Prayers prayed in God’s Will are answered prayer (1 John 5:14, 15) and any prayer prayed for someone to be saved is a prayer prayed in God’s Will (1 Tim. 2:4). When prayers are offered up for someone to be saved, God draws them to salvation (John 6:44). This is why it is so important for us to pray continually for someone to be saved. Each time we pray God sends His Word to the person prayed for, drawing them to salvation and the more people praying the more power sent (Matt 18:19,20).

When should you stop praying for a lost person to be saved? _______________________________________

Prayer, communion with God, is an integral part of soul-winning. Without prayer, souls will not be saved.

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Prayer opens Heaven’s Gates to unleash God’s power. Strongholds of satan will not be torn down without prayer. Prior to soul-winning, Christians must meet and pray together for God’s guidance, power, and protection. The evil forces of satan are out and about trying to thwart the spread of the Gospel, but they cannot prevail if time has been spent in prayer specifically rebuking satan and his demons. As you prepare in prayer for soul-winning be sure you rebuke satan by the Blood of Jesus Christ, rebuke him by the Word of God. Jesus showed us time and time again that He was strengthened by prayer and that He rebuked satan by the Word of God. This is our power with God; we are to cry out to God in prayer for his guidance, power, and protection.

Do you understand why a Soul-Winner needs to spend much time in prayer? ___________________________

Why is it important to pray right before visiting?_________________________________________________

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3. The Importance of Faithfully Studying God’s Word.

 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Rom. 10:17. If you are a soul-winner then you must have strong Faith and Faith comes from the Word of God. Faith enables you to step out of your comfort zone and be a witness for Jesus. Faith gives you strength to present the Word of Faith, which brings Faith to the one hearing the Word of Faith, which brings salvation. Isn’t the Word of God amazing; it gives you Faith to deliver Faith to the lost, which saves them.

How often do you read God’s Word? __________________________________________________________

How much do you read when you read? ________________________________________________________

How much should you read? _________________________________________________________________

As we read and study God’s Word we grow in understanding of how God’s Word works. It is truly amazing to witness God’s Word at work in our hearts and in those we witness to. We readily realize that when we witness, we have no power unless we use God’s Words. God’s Word is alive (Heb. 4:12) it speaks to all who receive it.

When you read the Word of God, do you feel as though God is talking to you? _________________________

The Bible is meat for the soul (Jer. 15:16), it builds and prepares us for the work God has called us to do. When God puts His thoughts of service in our hearts and we respond to His call; He further calls us to more study of His Word. This is done because when a Christian enters the battle the enemy, satan, steps up his attack on us. God knows this and equips for this by impressing upon us the urgent immediate need of more of God’s Word. Even right now, each of you studying this course are being called by God to a deeper devotion of His Word.

Will you heed God’s call to a deeper study of His Word? __________________________________________

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Tim 2:15. It is incumbent of God’s soul-winners to have a good knowledge of His Word. They are to understand the tenets of the Faith: What it means to be saved, heaven-bound; what it means to be lost, doomed to hell; why it was necessary for Jesus to shed His Blood at Calvary.

Once you are “Born Again” can you lose your salvation? Explain __________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Tim. 3:15-17. 

God’s Word is our all in all; it will bring us to where we need to be and it will enable us to be a soul-winner. The desire to be a soul-winner will be kept alive as we study God’s Word. It requires action on our part; we must set aside time to study God’s Word, which means, it requires a sacrifice on our part. Our armor needs to be strong, our shield of Faith needs to be thick, and the more we read and study God’s Word, the thicker our

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shield of Faith will be. When a soul-winner is on the frontline, in the trenches, they need to have a strong shield of Faith. The battle gets rough, but if you are equipped with God’s protection, you will not falter (Eph. 6: 10-18).

How strong is your armor? _________________________________________________________________

As a Soul-Winner, your weapons are prayer and the Word of God. With these two items, you are invincible; the evil one cannot defeat you. The shed Blood of Jesus Christ ensured victory for us (Heb. 2:14); we are victorious through the Blood. Our defeat can only come when we work in our own power; prayer and Bible study keep us humble, keep us at the feet of Jesus, and there is safety there. Do not try to be a soul-winner out of the umbrella of God’s protection; you will be defeated (Psalm 91). Stay with the Word of God and you will be victorious.

Are you under God’s umbrella of protection? __________________________________________________

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4. What is Your Heart’s Desire? Do You Ask God Daily to Break Your Heart for the Lost?

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” Psalms 37:4.

When did God call you to be a Soul-Winner? ___________________________________________________

Is everyone called to be a Soul-Winner? _______________________________________________________

Everyone is called to be a soul-winner; however some are called to a more active, aggressive role. Door to Door Soul-Winning does take a special call from God; not all will feel comfortable with this type of evangelism. However, sharing the Gospel with your neighbors, fellow workers, and church visitors is a call from God to everyone.

Do you feel comfortable giving the Gospel to people you know? ____________________________________

If you pray for God to break your heart for the lost; what do you think will happen? God will do just that. It takes God’s tenderness to change our hearts to care more for others than ourselves. Being a soul-winner takes us out of our comfort zone and normally, we don’t like that. But when we tell God to change us to care for the lost; that’s just what He does. God doesn’t make us serve Him; where is the Glory for Him in that. Rather God wants us to willingly come to Him and ask Him to put His desires in our hearts. God desires for all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4) and this desire He wants to impart to all of us.

Do you desire to be a Soul-Winner? __________________________________________________________

Why does God want all to be saved? _________________________________________________________

As we read God’s Word and pray…as we listen to Bible teaching and preaching, we all acknowledge God’s desire is for all of us to have a part in soul-winning. Most of us, however, are timid about presenting the Gospel for various reasons. God is aware of these obstacles in our lives and wants each of us to know that He will carry us through whatever he calls us to do; He will be our power (Phil. 4:13).

Do you believe God will help you be a Soul-Winner? _____________________________________________

Christians are a chosen generation…part of the Royal Priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9); we come boldly to throne of God through the shed Blood of Jesus; however, we are also mandated to spread the Gospel. As Israel was to be the priesthood to spread God’s Word, we, the Church, the Bride of Christ, are now the Royal Priesthood to spread the Word…Jesus Saves. God does not want any to perish; He wants all to come to heaven (2 Pet. 3:9; John 3:16).

Do you understand what it means to be part of the Royal Priesthood? _______________________________

A soul-winner needs to ask God daily to break their heart for the lost. This call from God is attacked constantly by satan. He does not want souls saved; therefore, he strives continually to create problems in a soul-winners life. Think long and hard about what is being presented here! The evil one hates soul-winners. That means he is

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after you more than a pew sitter. If you stand up and be counted in God’s Army; the evil one will come after you in a hurry. This is truth, but as long as the soul-winner stays: humble, prayerfully, in the Word, obedient to God; they have no need to fret. God will protect His soldiers, but they must be rightly related to Him; they cannot be in sin and expect to be impervious to satan’s attacks. Having done all to stand…stand therefore…stand on the Rock…stand on Jesus Christ.

Do you ask God daily to break your heart for the lost? ____________________________________________

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5. How Does the Word of God Save?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12

The Word of God is alive and powerful no force on earth or in the heaven can stop it. It is all powerful; yet, all a lost person has to do to stop its mighty work of salvation is simply say, “I don’t want Jesus”, and the all powerful Word of God cannot save. The Word of God is Truth (John 17:17) and none can claim that they never heard the Truth for The Word goes to all (Rom.1:20; Rom. 2:11-16).

Do you remember when the Word of God brought you to salvation? _________________________________

Did you acknowledge that God’s Word was alive? _______________________________________________

The Word of God is alive for the Word of God is Jesus (John 1:1,14). Jesus is the Word (1 John 5:7) and Jesus is the Propitiation of our sins…He is the atonement of our sins…He is the Blood Sacrifice for our sins. Through His Blood, we are cleansed (Col. 1:14); by His stripes we are healed (Isa. 53:4-7). When witnessing, always preach the Blood of Calvary, this is the Power of the Gospel!

How is Jesus the propitiation for our sins? ____________________________________________________

How can Jesus and the Word be the same? Because God’s Word is alive and God’s Word says it is so and God’s Word bear witness with our spirit and tells us so; for God’s Word is alive, AMEN!

Have you seen God’s Word bring a lost person to salvation? ______________________________________

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8,9

The Word of God brings Faith (Rom. 10:17), and without Faith there is no salvation. Faith is the vehicle by which Grace is applied to the sinner. When a lost person accepts the knock on the door of their heart from Jesus (Rev. 3:20), the Word …the Sword of the Lord is plunged deep into their heart it brings the Truth (John 8:32)…the Gospel message of salvation. God’s Word, when invited in the heart, holds back all sin it allows the recipient the opportunity to accept or reject the Word of God. The evil one is held back while the lost person decides where he will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven eternally or in hell forever. If the lost person hesitates the evil one robs the Word of God from the lost persons heart (Matt 13:19) and once again regains his grip of death.

Have you ever watched someone hear the Word of God and reject it? Explain ________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

When you witness to someone, give the Word of God (Rom 10:8). You do not have to be a powerful speaker, a great conversationalist, a learned scholar of the Bible. All you have to do is present the Word of God and God does everything else. Always present the Word of God. The Word of God is alive it saves. Never doubt the

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power of the Word of God. It can be paraphrased, it can be read, it can be spoken, it can be signed; any way the Word of God is presented it brings Truth and Truth is Jesus Saves.

Do you feel comfortable giving out the Word of God? ___________________________________________

The Word of God when invited grabs the heart and will not let go. It holds the recipient in its might grip filling the heart with Truth of salvation; they are captivated by the Word of God. When you see the Word of God captivate someone, then is when you give scripture one after another. They are like a sponge soaking in every Word of God…accepting Truth…they are ready for salvation (Romans 10:9,10,13).

Can you lead someone to the Lord with the Bible? ______________________________________________

What scriptures will you use? _____________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

A Soul-Winner relies on the Word of God to win souls; there is no other way. The Word of God presents the shed Blood of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation (John 14:6). Jesus is the only way to salvation and the Word of God is the only way to present Jesus Christ…for He is the Word of God and the Word of God is alive. God empowers the Word of God spoken from your mouth to the lost person and brings Truth to their heart.

If your heart is sincere as you witness to someone with the Word of God, can you do it wrong?___________

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6. How Important is Your Personal Testimony?

What day in your life do you remember more than any other? The day you were saved.

Your personal testimony is forever locked vividly in your heart and mind; nothing is more significant to you. When you share your testimony to someone you are witnessing they have to acknowledge the sincerity of your words (John 4: 39-40)

So, how important to you think your testimony of salvation is? _____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

How many times in a week do you think about when you were saved? Probably lots: The day Jesus came into our hearts is forever in our memory and this testimony is so powerful when shared with someone. As we share our salvation testimony it pricks the recipients heart to open and receive the Word of God, which saves (John 4: 41,42)

If you present your testimony with the Word of God, would this be saving powerful?_____________________

Do you think it would be beneficial to write down you salvation experience on paper and discuss it with other Christians? _____________________________________________________________________________

As we reflect on our salvation experience we realize how truly wonderful our Savior is; how He died for us, shed His Blood for our sins: Oh, how we love Him (Luke 7:44-48). It is this great love for our Savior that makes our testimony so good, because each time we tell it, we just can’t believe how much God loves us. We know what sinners we were…we know what sinners we are…yet He died for us because He loves us more than we could ever imagine…He died for us.

How much do you love your Savior? Is it apparent when you tell your testimony? ______________________

Every testimony will be different, but all will be powerful when given in love. Souls will be stirred to salvation. God, in His infinite wisdom, shows us this particularly in Acts 22 and 26 where Paul delivers his testimony. Even King Agrippa was stirred by Paul’s personal testimony, yet he rejected the Truth. Our part, as Paul’s was, is to present Truth, Jesus Saves from our hearts. We, as Paul, are not responsible for results, each person has the choice to accept Christ or reject Christ; all we do is give Truth.

Do you think your Salvation Testimony is Soul Stirring?__________________________________________

If you present your salvation testimony with Truth and Love, can you do it wrong? No, if you give your testimony sincerely, you cannot do it wrong. God honors your efforts and even if you feel you made a mistake in your presentation, God will take it and bring His Truth of salvation (John 6:44).

Are you concerned that you may ‘mess-up’ your presentation of your Salvation Testimony? _____________

God is in charge, He brings salvation; our part is to simply trust Him. We are commanded as part of the Royal Priesthood to go and tell and our Salvation Testimony is a powerful tool God has given us. Each of us should be

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able to present our testimonies any time the situation would present itself. We all are to be Soul-Winners for Jesus and God will equip each of us to do this if we answer His call of witnessing (Mark 16:15).

Do you feel God is equipping you to be a Soul-Winner?__________________________________________

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7. How Do You Lead Someone to the Lord?

The question, ‘How do you lead someone to the Lord?’ could be discussed forever. However, the best way to learn is to actually go Soul-Winning. This section is by no means comprehensive; its goal is to present a Soul-Winner with several ‘methods’ of witnessing. God will direct each Soul-Winner through prayer, which ‘method’ to utilize when you witness for Him.

How do you lead someone to the Lord?________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

A. Visitation Soul-Winning

Visitation Soul-Winning will comprise most of the witnessing of the local church. Most of the Visitation Members will be sent to visit people who have visited their church or whose names have been submitted for a visit. The purpose of the visit is to minister to them. You are to show God’s Love to them and this is done through your friendliness and concern for them. You have not come to preach ‘Turn or Burn’ to them, in fact, many you visit will already be saved. Your position is to: 1. Make friends with them. 2. See if they have any prayer concerns. 3. Ask them if they have any questions about your church. 4. Ascertain if they are saved. 5. If not saved; present the Gospel and lead them to the Lord. 6. Pray with and for them. 7. Invite them to Sunday School, Church Services and any up coming fellowships.

The focus of this booklet is on step 4 and 5: Ascertain if they are saved. If not saved; present the Gospel and lead them to the Lord. In order to do this effectively, you will have to do the other steps effectively; however, you should already feel quite comfortable with these other steps.

B. How do you Ascertain if Someone is Saved?

Many times when you meet someone immediately you feel as though they are saved; however, you can’t go on your feelings even though often your feeling will be correct. Therefore, it is necessary to ask questions about their salvation.

Asking a person if they were saved is a direct approach; do you think it is a good approach?______________________________________________________________________________

Many people will respond positively to the question are you saved. Yet, they may not be saved; the response may be one from ignorance of what true salvation is. If this question is asked first, there must be other follow-up questions to fully ascertain if they are truly saved. Below is a list of possible questions they may be asked to determine if someone is saved. Keep it mind no question on its own will completely answer the salvation question. Many people have been raised in churches and know how to answer the questions. Therefore, most times the situation will require you to ask more than one question.

1. Ask them when they got saved. They should be able to give you a precise day. Sometimes the response

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would be they were baptized on--- or that may say, all my life. Then from here you would ask, but when did Christ come in your heart, when did you get ‘Born Again’. Many claim salvation on Baptism or that just attending church and knowing who Jesus is makes them saved; it would be your part here to explain what salvation really is.

2. You could ask them: In your opinion, what does it take for a person to go to heaven? If they were to reply doing good deeds then you would know to present to them that salvation is by Faith in the shed Blood of Jesus Christ not good works. If someone replies, I ask Jesus to forgive me every night, then more questions should be asked. Salvation is by the Blood of Jesus once for all sins; once saved always saved. Confession after receiving salvation is to restore fellowship, not secure admittance to heaven.

3. A common question asked has been: If you were to die today would you wake up in heaven? If they answer no then you present the Gospel. If they answer yes, then you would ask them how they know they would be in heaven. If they answer through Faith in the shed Blood of Jesus Christ and can back it up with scripture, they are probably saved.

4. Another approach may be: Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If they simply answer yes, you will need to ask then another question such as: How did you get this personal relationship?

5. Many Soul-Winners ask: Are you ‘Born Again’ and if they reply yes, then they ask them what it means to be ‘Born Again’. Depending on their answer, more questions may be needed to be asked.

There is no single question you can ask every one and expect to receive an answer completely answering the question of salvation. This is why it is important for the Soul-Winner to understand thoroughly the terminology: saved, born again… and eternal salvation (Rom. 10:13; Eph 2:8,9; 1st Pet 1:23; John 14:6; 1st John 5:12,13.

Have you ever asked anyone about their salvation? _____________________________________________

What question did you first ask them? ________________________________________________________

What question do you think will be easier for you to ask? _________________________________________

What question do you think will be the most effective question to ask? You are not limited to the questions above. _________________________________________________________________________________

As previously mentioned many people have been raised in a church and understand what the Bible requires for salvation. Understanding what is required for salvation does not mean someone is saved (James 2:19). It has been said that you could miss salvation by a foot; the distance from the head to the heart. Head knowledge of Jesus Christ will send you to hell. Heart knowledge of Jesus Christ sends you to heaven. Salvation is not just believing…God knows your heart (John 2:23-25). In order for someone to become ‘Born Again’ there must be repentance…they must turn from their sin to Jesus. The sin that sends them to hell is the sin of denying the

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Truth…denying Jesus’ Lordship over their lives…rejecting the shed Blood of Jesus Christ for their sins (Matt. 12:31). In order for salvation to come there must be surrender present (Matt 16:24-27). With salvation comes a new creature in Christ (2nd Cor. 5:17; Gal 2:20; Rom. 6:1-7).

What is head knowledge of Jesus Christ? _____________________________________________________

What is heart knowledge of Jesus Christ? _____________________________________________________

What does it mean to be a ‘new creature in Christ’? _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Obviously, in many cases, even after asking several questions, you will not know if someone is truly saved or not. You are not the Holy Spirit and are not to judge someone of their salvation. You are to share the Gospel and leave the saving to Jesus Christ (John 16:13). Any good visit should include at least one testimony of salvation; theirs or yours. Always endeavor to have the Gospel presented in every visit. If someone is saved, they love to hear the Gospel; if someone is lost it is your responsibility to present it. Therefore it is paramount that the Gospel be presented in each visit, if possible.

Can you present your salvation testimony comfortably?__________________________________________

Methods of Presenting the Gospel

There are many programs and books depicting methods of presenting the Gospel; however, they all present the Word of God. THE WORD OF GOD IS THE GOSPEL. Our part is to present the Word of God to them with clarity (Acts 8:30-35).

1. Your Testimony

Your testimony is full of the Word of God: you realized you were a sinner, doomed to hell, and then you believing Jesus would save you, cried out to God for salvation (Rom. 3:23;6:23; Eph. 2:8,9; Rom 10:9,10,13). These verses will be in everyone’s testimony if they are saved.

2. The Bible

The Bible is the Sword of the Lord, there is no more valuable tool to the Soul-Winner (Heb 4:12). Every visit made should be made with a Bible; personal or pocket Bibles are nice. When the Holy Spirit has brought the visit to the topic of salvation it is beneficial for the Soul-Winner to ask the person they are witnessing to if they have a Bible; if they do, have them read aloud verses which will guide them to salvation. If they don’t have a Bible, have them read from yours. This personal contact with God’s Word brings light to their hearts (Psalm 119:105).

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3. Church Soul-Winning Tracts

Most Churches have tracts inviting people to their church and the tracts also, present the salvation message. If you are not comfortable leading someone to the Lord without assistance, Soul-Winning tracts will help you immeasurably. Tracts are designed to be user friendly, guiding the reader to salvation. The Soul-Winner may elect to give a tract to the person being witness to, and then go over the tract with them. During this process, it is important to ask them if they understand what is being presented from this tract. The Soul-Winner, using a tract to lead someone to the Lord, should be very familiar with the Bible verses presented in the tract (2 Tim 2:15,16; Tit. 3:9-11) and be prepared to answer questions if asked.

4. Memory Verses

Remember, it’s only the Word of God which saves; nothing else has power. The paraphrased Word of God saves; any form of God’s Word saves; however, God’s Word…word for word has power above all (Rom 10:17). Many Soul-Winners memorize scripture and have it always ready during a visit. When the Holy Spirit brings a scripture to the Soul-Winners mind, often this will open the door to present the Gospel message. The more verses presented the more Faith that is presented; the more Faith presented the more souls saved. As you present God’s Word from memory, you should also have a plan outlined in your mind to guide them to salvation. However, always be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit; if the Spirit leads to a different presentation of the Gospel follow Him.

Which method will you use? Why? ___________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Illustrations of Visits

After making several visits you will become very relaxed with Soul-Winning visitation. To help you do this we have created some examples of visits. During these visits you will see: introductions, casual conversation, general non-invasive, personal history questions, Church background, salvation questions, and presentation of the Gospel.

1. John & Mary Smith being visited by Bill & Sally Paul:

The Pauls have parked their car in the driveway and are walking toward the door, as they walk they notice the pretty manicured yard; they ring the door bell.

John comes to the door and opens the door, Bill says, “Hi, we are Bill and Sally Paul from 1st Baptist Church. We have come to tell you how much we appreciated you visiting 1st Baptist Church.”John replies, “Well hello, good to see you, come on in.” As they walk in John calls out to his wife, “Mary, Bill and Sally Paul are here from 1st Baptist Church.”

Mary rushes to the foyer and says, “So good of you to come visit, but please excuse the mess, we are still trying to get unpacked.”

Sally focuses on Mary and asks, “Oh, are you just moving into the area?”

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“Yes, we have just been here 10 ten days; we are from California. John’s company transferred him here. Matter of fact, he was made regional sales manager of the Southeast.”

“Isn’t that wonderful.”

The next few minutes are spent on casual conversation about work, families, hobbies and interests. There is a very friendly atmosphere and Bill steers the conversation to the Church.

“What did you think about our Church?”

John replies, “We both liked it a lot, we especially liked the music.”

“Our choir is really good, they practice a lot. Did you attend a Baptist Church in California?” Bill asks.

“Um, I not sure, Honey, what kind of Church was that we went to in California?”

Mary shook her head, “I’m not sure, we didn’t go there very much. John was usually away on work and I don’t like going without him.”

Sally smiles, “Yes. I know what you mean, I feel awkward going to Church without Bill. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen very often.”

At this junction Bill and Sally realize that by the Smith’s testimony of not regularly attending Church, they may not be saved. To this point John will now direct the conversation; that is, to salvation.

Bill directs his gaze to John and says, “What kind of Church were you raised in?”

“I was raised Lutheran and Mary was raised Catholic.”

Bill, in a very tender manner asks, “When were you saved?”

“Curious you ask that”, John replies, “Mary and I were just talking about that last night. The preacher at Church Sunday asked if anyone wanted to be saved and I’m not… were not sure we understand what that means. We believe in Jesus and we know He forgives sin and that we are supposed to live good lives if we want to go to heaven. But, how can you be saved, knowing you are going to heaven?”

Mary from her chair was nodding in agreement.

Bill grinning said, “Well, since you asked…”

Now Bill is to deliver the Gospel, he may elect to tell his testimony, and then present: “The Roman’s Road” method of leading someone to salvation. As Bill delivers his testimony the Smiths will captivated by the sincerity of his testimony. It is real, this actually happened to Bill, and the Smiths, by the Holy Spirit will know it can happen to them. In his testimony he will describe how the Word of God brought Saving Faith to him revealing to him he was a retched sinner doomed to hell for he had denied God’s Lordship over his life, that he lived for himself not God. If you were making this visit you could present your testimony then share “Romans Road”. This would be an excellent time to have the Smiths read the scripture from the Bible.

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“The Romans Road.”

TO BE SAVED

1. Admit you are a sinner. (For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23)

2. Acknowledge without Christ you are doomed. (For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23)

3. From your heart ask Jesus to save you.(That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9,10)

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

Pray this prayer from your heart; ask Jesus to save you.

Lord Jesus I am a sinner. I believe in my heart that you died for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins. Lord Jesus I know without you I will perish and by faith I ask you to please save me. And now by faith I hank you for saving me.

2. Carol Tine, an elderly lady of 76 visited by Sue Hill and Michelle Leer, both ladies are in their 50’s:

Sue and Michelle have been asked to visit Carol Tine by the Visitation Pastor; she visited their Church last Sunday. She lives in an apartment building on the 4th floor; it is a modest apartment building where elderly couples on fixed income live.

Sue and Michelle step off the elevator, find her apartment, and ring the door bell.

“Yes, who is it”, Carol Tine cautiously calls from behind the closed door.

“Mrs. Tine we are from 1st Baptist Church, we have come to visit you.” Sue replies sweetly.

Mrs. Tine opens the door; however she leaves the latch affixed and speaks abruptly through the open crack in the door. “Well, what do you want?”

“We just wanted to stop by and tell you how much we appreciated your visit to our Church and to see if we could help you in any way.” Again Sue answers very sweetly and adds compassion to her words.

Mrs. Tine is noticeably a little apprehensive about inviting then into her apartment; nevertheless, because of the obvious friendliness of Sue and Michelle she invites them into her apartment. “If you want to you can come

inside. The apartment is a mess. I don’t clean up much anymore since my husband died.”

Michelle, as she walks inside tenderly asks, “When did you lose your husband?”

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Mrs. Tine’s eyes moisten with slight tears and she replies, “Last month”.

“It’s so hard losing your husband, I lost mine last year.” Michelle too had tears in her eyes.

“You are so young, how did you ever stand it?”

“Jesus, my Jesus carried me through and He is still carrying me.”

“Humph, I went to Church Sunday just to ask God why He was so mean to me. My husband was sick for three months before he died. I begged God to let him live. Did God care? No, he let him die.”

“Did you ask God in Church Sunday?” Michelle asked.

“Yes I did”

“What did He say?”

“He said He loved me and that He died for me.”

“How do you know it was God that spoke to you?”

“Because the preacher was talking about how Jesus died for our sins and how He did it because He loved us and someone…God spoke in my ear and said He loved me and he died for us. But if He loves me why did He let my husband die?”

As Michelle answers, she is reflecting on her thoughts after her husband died. “Mrs. Tine, God loves you, your husband, me, and my husband. He never wanted anyone to die, but sin came into the world from satan who tempted Eve and she sinned and told her husband Adam who sinned and then through this we all die. But God, not wanting any to perish, sent His son Jesus to die for us so that none of us would have die eternally.”

“Yes, I know we go to heaven when we die if we live good lives my husband lived a good life and I do to. That’s why I’m mad at God. My husband was a good man, why did God take him?”

“Mrs. Tine I don’t know. I really don’t. But this I know, you can trust God. When you are His child, He gives you Grace to withstand anything that happens to you. When you trust Him He puts His arms around you and tells you He loves you: Just like He did Sunday.”

Mrs. Tine is softly sobbing now, “He really did tell me He loved me Sunday. I wanted to be mad…but I couldn’t. Even now, I want to be mad but I can’t.”

Sue has been praying intently while Michelle and Mrs. Tine spoke and now the Holy Spirit guides her to ask,

“Mrs. Tine, do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?”

“What do you mean?”

“Does Jesus talk to you on a regular basis like he did Sunday?”

“No, several years ago my husband and I went to church for a few weeks and I think God spoke to me… but not since then.”

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“Mrs. Tine in order to have personal relationship with Jesus you have to become His child.”

“Aren’t we all God’s children?”

“No ma’am, you have to invite Jesus into your heart to be His child. Have you ever invited Jesus into your heart?”

“No, no I haven’t. How do you do that?”

Michelle is praying while Sue begins to deliver the Gospel. “Mrs. Tine…”

*

When God has prepared hearts for salvation He sends the Word to them by a preacher (Rom. 10:14,15). In this illustration He has used Sue and Michelle as preachers. It is not of their doing that Mrs. Tine is ready for the Gospel; it is because of the work of the Holy Spirit. When Soul-Winners pray mightily before visiting, God sends them to people hungry for the Word. Our part is to simply say: Here am I lord, send me.

At this junction Sue may elect to use a Gospel tract to deliver God’s Word. She can share one with Mrs. Tine or give one to her and let her read along with her. She will read it slowly and answer any questions Mrs. Tine may have as they traverse through the Gospel tract. Below is a sample tract that may be used.

First Baptist Church has a Burden from the Lord!

The burden is to serve you...Serve you by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ The saving Power of the Blood of Jesus.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:14

Our hearts desire… God’s heart’s desire is that all come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

God has burdened First Baptist Church to show the love of Christ to all we encounter.

While Christ lived on the earth He demonstrated His love to us by His death at Calvary; and also, by His servanthood. We, First Baptist Church, want to show you Christ’s love by being your servant.

What can we do for you?

Do you need prayer?Do you need spiritual guidance?Do you need salvation?Do you need someone to show you God’s love?

Please visit or contact us.

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Have You a Personal Relationship With Jesus? Are You Saved?

Why do you need to be saved?

Because man is born a sinner:

“ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” Psalm 51:5

And doomed to hell!

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

What is sin?Sin that condemns you to hell is; denying God’s Lordship over you by rejecting the Blood Sacrifice of His son Jesus.

This is the sin of eternal death… Denying Jesus, putting yourself before God. All other sin transcends or stems from this.

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” Matthew 12:31 Don’t all people believe in Jesus?Most people do in fact believe in Jesus…even satan believes….Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19

We see an example of those who believe in Jesus, but don’t have a saving belief in the Gospel of John

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” John 2:23-25

In order to have Saving Belief…Saving Faith… It must come from a surrendered heart; a surrendered life offering repentance; a turning from rejection of Christ.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9,10

How do I get this Saving Faith?

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

God’s Word, as you invite it into your heart, does its work.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

When I believe, really believe, when I have Saving Faith; what must I do?

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Simply ask Jesus to save you.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Don’t I have to do something like – clean myself up before I get saved?

No, salvation is not by your works, you can’t clean yourself that’s God’s job. Your part is to surrender to His Lordship.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9

Jesus did the work at Calvary. He died for you. Through Him and only through Him can you have salvation.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Are you ready to ask Jesus to save you?

Are you ready to surrender all you are and ever will be to Christ?

If you are pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus I am a sinner and I know that without you I will perish forever in a sinner’s hell. With all my heart, I ask you to save me and take me to heaven when I die. I ask this by the Faith you give me, and now by Faith, I thank you for saving me.

Now that you are saved you should:

Unite with a Bible Believing, Christ-centered church, and be baptized. Read the Bible and pray everyday. Tell someone you invited Jesus into your heart. Please write or call us of your decision.

God Bless You

Each visit you make will be different. What prepares you for the visit is advance prayer. It cannot be emphasized enough; prayer prepares the way. Prayer brings God’s Power and direction to the Soul-Winner. Clean hands… a clean vessel is needed to be used of God and prayer brings you to God’s throne where He reveals sin in your life. Then the Soul-Winner confesses the sin to God and is filled with the Fruit of the Spirit. This is how you visit; with a clean heart brought to you from prayer. Without prayer your visits will not have God’s Power.

Spontaneous Soul-Winning

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What is ‘Spontaneous Soul-Winning’? Basically, just what it says; being ready anytime, anyplace to preach the Gospel (2 Tim. 4:2): It may take the form of ‘Door to Door Evangelism’ or more simply, wherever you happen to meet folk; at the store, gas station, restaurant, or anyplace. Do you feel comfortable with ‘Spontaneous Soul-Winning’?____________________________________

If you give someone a tract and invite them to Church; is that Soul-Winning?______________________

Do you give out tracts now?_____________________________________________________________

As you pray and give out tracts, do you think God will bring people to you so that you can present the Gospel? ____________________________________________________________________________

Being a ‘Spontaneous Soul-Winner’ requires much prayer. It also requires friendliness. When you meet people, they need to see Jesus in you. They need to sense your warmth, sincerity, and your love for them. This only comes from a close relationship with Jesus. This is your power as a ‘Soul-Winner’.

Usually, the most difficult part of ‘Spontaneous Soul-Winning’ is your first contact with them. What do you say? To help towards this point, we have compiled some typical openings:

1. When visiting ‘Door to Door’ you may use the same opening for every house. You may simply ring the doorbell and when someone answers say, “Hi we are from First Baptist Church. I’m John and this is Ralph. We are visiting your neighborhood inviting people to Church. {Here you might pause a second…if they respond, follow their lead…if they don’t say anything ask :} Do you have a Church that you attend? Always have a tract in your hand and present it to them when you invite them to Church. The tract needs to tell about your Church and present the Gospel. It is important to put the tract in their hand quickly, because many people will dismiss you quickly! If this happens, pray as you leave the house that they will read the tract.

If you are able to engage them into conversation, as soon as possible, ask them: Are you saved and then ask, how long have you been saved, or Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus, or How long have you been ‘Born Again’. Remember, as we discussed in ‘Visitation Soul-Winning’, follow up questions will be needed to be asked. Questions are good, they lead to more questions and once someone is involved in a conversation the ‘Soul-Winner’ can endeavor to ascertain if the person is saved and if not present the Gospel.

Will people invite strangers into their house to hear the Gospel?________________________________

2. Meeting people at gas stations is something that all of us can do. When you are pumping gas and someone drives in next to you strike up a conversation: Nice weather today or terrible weather today. There any numerous openings: nice car, gas is down, gas is up, or simply, hi, how you doing today. Remember, God is working through you, even if you are uncomfortable talking with strangers; God will give you words to speak and the ability. Before speaking with someone pray: Psalm 19:14. Pumping gas only takes three minutes; you won’t have a lot of time to talk with someone. Before you or they leave though, give them a Church tract and tell them, “This is for you. I’d like to invite you to Church and just want you to know I’m going to pray for you.” From here either the person will take the tract, thank you and leave or they will continue the conversation. Once again as quickly as possible ascertain if they are

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saved. Remember, if someone is saved they love to talk about it, the only people who don’t are some of those who are on their way to hell. Ask them! It’s heaven or hell to them! Can people get saved at gas stations? They can get saved anywhere.

Do you know anyone who was saved at a gas station? ________________________________________

3. At a restaurant, grocery store, or anywhere you pay a cashier strike up a conversation; friendly conversation is part of what cashiers are trained to participate in. Say, “Hi, how are you doing. Are you working hard today.” As you engage them into conversation, give them a Church tract, invite them to Church and tell them you will pray for them. If they are busy that’s all you will be able to do. Never interrupt business! If they are not busy and participate in your conversation continue on, however be mindful not to mistreat the business. If the person is not saved, you can always make an appointment to see them after work or on their break.

Do people get saved at work? ___________________________________________________________

*

What is the motive of a ‘Soul-Winner’? A ‘Soul-Winner’ is to glorify God. When someone is saved, God is glorified. When the ‘Soul-Winner’, filled with God’s Love, gives the Gospel portraying God’s Love; God is glorified. This is why we win souls…all for the Glory of God. What is so wonderful about glorifying God is: We all share in His Glory. As part of the Bride of Jesus, Jesus is in us and we are in Him. We share in God’s Glory. Salvation is not for man’s glory, it is for God’s Glory. Man has nothing to do with salvation…he doesn’t even seek God…God does that and everything (Rom. 3:11). He creates salvation (Isaiah 45: 7,8), He draws to salvation, and He paid the price for salvation. It is all for His Glory and it’s all because of His love for us. When we as Soul-Winners present the Gospel we glorify God. If someone is saved…God is glorified. If someone is lost…God is still glorified…because God died for all and all have the Gospel presented to them (2 Cor. 2:14-17). None can say God did not give them a chance and whether they are saved or lost, God is still Victorious. All will bow to Him and confess Him as Lord (Phil. 2:10,11).

Do most lost people think they seek God?___________________________________________________

Do most lost people think they need to clean-up their lives before they get saved?___________________

When you tell the lost they don’t seek God and they can’t clean-up their lives (Jer. 17:9) how will most react?______________________________________________________________________________

The Word of God is the Sword of the Lord. When witnessing always have the Word of God handy. It is wonderful to memorize scriptures, but until you do memorize scripture, have them marked in your Bible and have a tract ready to present the Word of God. Listed below are several typical questions and statements that are asked or presented in ‘Soul-Winning’ situations. Scriptural verses and comments have been noted to help prepare you when you witness.

1. Why can’t I go to heaven if I treat my fellow man as I want to be treated…do good deeds, love God? Man is born lost…he is born a sinner and is doomed. Good works do not save a person; salvation is only

through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ. Man cannot work his way into heaven, it’s only through Jesus: (John 14:6; John 3:3; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:8.9; Jer. 17:9; Isa. 64:6; Rom. 3:10,11,23).

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2. I want to get saved but not now. I’ll get saved later.

This person is hanging on to some sin in their life. They must be willing to give all sin to Jesus and they need to get saved now not later, they are not promised tomorrow. James 4:14; 2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 9:27

3. I can’t get saved. You don’t know what I have done. I have done wicked things.

Just sinning one sin condemns you to hell (James 2:10). The Blood of Jesus covers all sin: Col.1:14; Is 1:18; Heb. 9:26; Rom. 5:8. There is only one sin that condemns a lost person to death (Matthew 12:31,32). The unpardonable sin is denying the shed Blood of Jesus Christ…Denying God’s Lordship… not surrendering to Jesus Christ.

4. I want to be ‘Born Again’ and I will once I get my life in order. I have some situations in my life I need to fix first.

They will never get their life in order, that is a lie from satan (John 8:44; John 10:10) satan wants to kill all… he wants all to go to hell. They need a Savior…They need Jesus. Rom. 3:10-18. The only way to have power over sin is by Christ in us….Rom. 7:23-24.

5. Why should I ask God to save me? This world of His is full of evil…evil which He allows.

Evil only exists where God is not (Isaiah 45:7). All evil will be destroyed after the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:13-15). The evil of the world is the result of sin…everyone’s sin. Sin is disobeying God and the total of God’s commandment is Matthew 22:37-40; to do less than this is sin. If God was to do away with sin…He would have to do away with you…the lost… for if you deny God’s Lordship over you…you are sinning. In order to rid this world of evil God would have to destroy everyone who denies Him. This is what happens in Rev. 20…all evil is destroyed. But until then all have a chance to be saved.

6. I was baptized when I was 10, doesn’t that mean I’m saved?

Baptism does not save, accepting the shed Blood of Jesus Christ by faith to cover sins saves. (John 3:3; Eph. 2:8,9; Col. 1:14) Baptism is not a requirement of salvation (the thief on the cross was not baptized and he is in heaven). It is however, the first step of obedience for a ‘Born Again’ Christian. Water baptism does not save; it identifies the believer with Jesus. The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5) brings the lost into the Body of Christ…into the Church of Christ.

7. I believe in God. I believe that God is love and that all will go to heaven. How could a loving God send people to hell? People come to God with different believes, don’t all roads lead to God?

Many people follow this line of thought and therefore see no need in accepting Christ as their Savior (John 14:6). Encourage this person to open his heart (Rev. 3:20) and let the Word of God in (Heb. 4:12). Explain to them God will bring Faith to them and they will understand that all are doomed without Jesus. God wants all to be saved and draws all to salvation through life’s experiences (1 Tim. 2:4; John 6:44; Pro. 1:7). Lost people acknowledge helplessness in their lives; they may express a belief in heaven, but deep inside they know they are perishing. Bring this out in your witnessing. Most lost identify with this illustration, ask them: (At night when you try to sleep do you sometimes feel overpowered with a feeling of helplessness…a feeling that you are perishing…like you are on a ship at sea in a terrible storm and at any moment the ship is going to capsize? Then tell them…. And this is probably when you looked up to God and asked…God what’s going on?…And then in answer to your question… God sends the Word to you: Which is why I am here witnessing to you right now.)

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Spontaneous Soul-Winning is not easy, it requires much prayer. Rejection is not received well by anyone, even Christians. However, we are to remember we are not being rejected, Jesus Christ is being rejected. Do not take the rejection personal…it is not your rejection… it is our Savior who is being rejected. When this rejection is perceived the correct way the Soul-Winners will be moved to compassion for our Savior and for the doomed lost person…not for themselves.

Soul-Winners need to daily examine their lives for sin…especially for the sin of self glory. All glory is for God not for the Soul-Winner, we bask in God’s Glory for we are one with Him (John 15:1-8). The evil one hates Soul-Winners and his attacks are hard and frequent. This is why it is paramount for a Soul-Winner to pray and study the Bible incessantly. This keeps the armor of God strong, the shield of Faith all encompassing…blocking the attacks of satan.

SUMMARY

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And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

God commands His Church to be Soul-Winners, all of us. There are many way to tell folk about Jesus, but the most important way is by our testimony of our everyday living. What people see in you should reveal the love of Christ. If this is not clear from your life you will not experience much fruit to your witnessing.

What is in your heart greatly affects your ability to win souls for Jesus. Do you love God with your heart, soul and mind? Do you love your neighbor as your self? This love will only come from God and the way we grow in God is through: prayer, Bible study, and walking in obedience to God’s commands.

Why did Jesus die for sinners? Because He loves them: (John 3:16). Think about it. Remember when you were lost and doomed to hell. Was there anything in you worthy of God dying for you? Of course not; none of us can claim any righteousness except through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ.

God created man for fellowship; He wanted to walk in the cool of the day in the garden with Adam, but Adam hid himself from God because he had sinned. God died to restore this fellowship with His created children. God died for us because He loves us. Soul-Winner, never forget for a moment salvation is about love the love of God. Let every word you present be filled with the love of Christ.

This is what brings salvation, the love of Christ. Even when you preach hellfire preach with the love of Christ. He died that none would have to go to hell. He endured hell itself on the cross that mankind would not have to die. He died because He loves us. Never forget that!

God is Holy and God is Love. One cannot exist without the other. As much as God is Love, He is Holy (Psalm 22; 1st John 4). Holiness demands Love and Love demands Holiness. That’s why there is a heaven and a hell. One cannot exist without the other. Heaven is God’s Love and Holiness while hell is no love and no holiness (Luke 16:19-31).

Mankind had to be washed; he had to be changed to fellowship with God (2 Cor. 5:17). Mankind loved himself and wanted sin over God. God takes sin…the evil of the world and draws man to salvation. God presents the truth (John 8:32) to save man allowing him to choose or reject Jesus Christ. When he accepts Jesus Christ he becomes a child of God (Rom. 8:16; John 3:3).

A Soul-Winner serves for God’s Glory because he loves God and His creation. Soul-Winners love the lost and the lost are very often unlovable. The only way Soul-Winners can love the lost is trough the eyes of Christ. Soul-Winner let Christ work through you, be a vessel unto honor all for the Glory of God.

D L Moody quoted a man saying: “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man who is completely surrendered to Jesus Christ” Soul-Winner, are you completely surrendered to Jesus Christ?

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