I remember ministering to a young man who was in prison. He was new to the Lord but served Christ mightily in that church behind the walls. One day he asked me how he could lead someone to Christ. His girlfriend was visiting him that coming Saturday, and he felt like she was ready.
I gave him a small tract that guided him in how to present the greatest gift there ever was, the salvation of a soul for all of eternity. This tract spoke of how sin has separated us from God, how Jesus came and died for our sins that we could be reconciled to God. And how Jesus rose from the dead, and we too shall be raised and live forever with Him in heaven.
Friends, never think it is by your power or your position that a soul can be led to Christ. We do not have to do the work, but only introduce them to the One who can. Jesus does not save souls by your qualifications, but by His. Always consider that God has placed someone in your life specifically that you might be the instrument through which they would come to know the Lord.
The following week when I was back in that prison yard, this man was so excited to come and tell me how his girlfriend had accepted Christ! Oh friends, do you yet remember the day you were saved? It is the day the angels sang in heaven.
Dear Christian, never fear the rejection of man when you try to lead them to the Lord but fear the disappointment of the Lord because you haven’t tried. Who is it in your life that you need to introduce to the Lord? Don’t wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may never come. Sometimes the only reason they have not accepted is they have not been invited.
I never thought myself capable or worthy to do God’s work. I still don’t, not apart from Christ in me. God is looking for more of the same that He might use them. Won’t you be that person God can use? “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Be that fool for God.
Your ministry is wherever you are to whomever God has placed in front of you. “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Your life is bigger than yourself, because it touches everyone around you. “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more” (1 Corinthians 9:19).
The most powerful message you can preach is your testimony. After Jesus delivered a man from demons, He told him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (Mark 5:19).
We win souls by showing Christ accepts all just as they are. The change will come later.
Effective Christianity serves the purposes of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
To preach the gospel, live the gospel.
You can love a soul to Christ better than you can argue them there. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Never underestimate what an extraordinary God can do through an ordinary person. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
I would rather win a soul than an argument. “Give no offense… just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:32-33).
You may be the only Bible people will read. – unknown author “clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:3).
The world’s idea of a successful ministry is one that fills a stadium with people. God’s idea of a successful ministry is one that fills a man with the fullness of God. “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17,19).
There is no place more difficult to evangelize, than to the ones who sit in our churches. It is hard to convince a man he must be saved when he is convinced in his mind that he already is.
I love to preach to prisoners. You don’t have to convince them they are sinners. You can just jump to the part where there is a Savior. “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Stop thinking anyone comes to Jesus by your efforts, but by the Father’s. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me…” (John 6:37).
Preach what you will, but make sure they hear the Name of Jesus. “Nor is there salvation in any other [besides Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Blessings to you,
Paul
All Scripture is quoted from the New King James Version. Please use the version you prefer to review the verses shown here. The best version is the one you read.
Love this!
Thank you! Oh how much I wish more would minister to those around them!