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 Proverbs 11:30 The mark of a healthy church is souls being won to Jesus. Growth, Fruit, Reproduction (nothing in nature is mature until it can reproduce after its kind). Our reason for being is to preach the gospel and win souls. Winning souls is Job 1 because God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. There is a sense of urgency to the commission because darkness is coming when no man can work. 'The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). God's burning desire is for souls. For this reason evangelism should become an art, where God's timing, the anointing and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit are combined to reach the lost. Since souls are eternal we need to ask God to make us experts in the art of winning souls. Winning is a process through which we proclaim the gospel to every person in a way that leads to true repentance. It is a privilege that God has entrusted us with as those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The prophet Daniel said, "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3). It is an act of humility. Jesus had to leave His throne of glory. He became man, and thus granted us eternal redemption. See Philippians 2:5-8. It is a demonstration of love: "...he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins" James 5:20). It is a need: "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, 1 have been entrusted with a stewardship" (1 Corinthians 9:16-17). The WIN aspect of the vision is accomplished in the vision through 3 primary ways: A. The Life Cells - using the "Prayer of 3". Each cell member is eventually challenged to pray for 3 lost souls in their relationship circle. B. The Weekend Celebrations - preaching gospel messages with an altar call - and then very carefully and strategically consolidating new converts and newcomer families into the church (building relationships through Life Cells!) A reasonable proof that God is moving by His Spirit in our services will be evidenced by two observations we should be able to make as new people come into the church: (1) the lost man responds by saying - "what must I do to be saved?" (2) the saved man responds by saying - "what must I do to be a part?" C. Networks - Homogeneous gatherings held once a month for men and women and weekly for youth and children that draws men, women, youth, and children for the purpose of winning them to Jesus and making disciples out of them. |
