Musing – What does it take to become a “Soul Winning” Church?

 Hebraic Musing – What does it take to become a “Soul Winning” Church?

This question assumes that your church wants to reach the world.  And if not, then why not?  Jesus reminds us that “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”  Matthew 5:13 NKJV   How to become Salt and Light?  Notice that one needs to be Salt before one can become a Light!  If a church is not Pro-Life and Pro-Family, are they really Salt?  What is Salt?   Seasoning; Antiseptic, Lasting, Taste.

How did the Apostles reach the whole known world so fast after Jesus’ death?  What started in Acts 2 and is to be continuing today?  When the day of Pentecost came “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:3-4 NKJV  And the crowd “were all amazed and marveled.” v.7    Where have we seen Fire falling before?  God has been known to make His presence known by fire; here’s a few examples:

·         Moses called. “…Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush.” Ex.3:2

·         To Moses at the mountain. “… and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, …And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire.” Deut.4:11-12

·         God answered Elijah with fire on Mount Carmel. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, … all the people saw it… and they said, “The LORD, He is God!” 1 Kings 18:39

·         At the Dedication of the Temple “When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” 2 Chron 7:1

·         “David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.” 1 Chron.21:26

·         Priestly Ministry Began when “… the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering … people saw it, … fell on their faces.” Leviticus 9:23-24

As a result of the disciples being on fire and filled with the Holy Spirit, what happened?  Peter, a fisherman by trade, preached his first sermon to the diverse crowd.  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  As a result of Peter’s speaking the truth, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” Acts 2:36-37&41

Later, Peter preached and was arrested in Solomon’s Portico after a lame man was healed. “However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” Acts 4:4

Those were examples of mass “soul winning”; but sometimes we work individually as in the classic account of Phillip’s creative encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch.  An opportunity – “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’”  Not only did Philip explain the path to salvation, but the Eunuch’s decision also was followed up with immediate baptism!  BTW, to this day, Ethiopia is renowned as a Christian nation!

The account of Annanias & Saphira confirms that God wants us to use Salt to get Light.  “…And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:10-11

Points to ponder

If you witness and they say “No”, did you plant a seed for them to consider?

How many times did you say “no” before you finally said “yes” to LORD Jesus?

Was Jesus speaking to you or someone else when He said
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”?

How do you feel when someone makes Jesus their Lord after you opened the discussion?

  Where is your mission field?  Are you a saltshaker?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   September 24, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Pastor Tom Hatley’s September 8, 2024 message