This article is being written for the purpose of waking some of us out of sleep and reminding us of God's purpose for us in the world. The most valuable possessions in the world are souls. Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26) Once we recognize the value of our souls and the value of the souls of others, we will want to do all we can to save souls.

Winning souls is thrilling, adds true meaning to life, and starts a fire burning Satan can't extinguish. The reason many churches are dying is many Christians forgot how to win souls to Christ. Many have not experienced the joy found in winning souls. If you are interested in the most effective method of soul-winning in the world please read carefully and apply the things you read from God's word.

Leading souls to Jesus Christ is simple. It takes love for God, love for the souls of others, and love for our own soul. This love will cause us to examine the Scriptures and find the secrets of soul-winning. Notice how Andrew led a soul to Christ. "Again the next day after John stood and two of his disciples,- and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. . . One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Shnon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus" (John 1:35-42). Andrew led his brother to Christ by his enthusiasm in finding Christ, his joy in discipleship, his determination to find his brother, and his urgency in bringing him to Jesus.

Enthusiastic converts to Christ are the best soul-winners in all of the world. This enthusiasm can't be taught in "how to" seminars. This enthusiasm comes from putting on Christ, being born again, or in other words from being saved. The convert truly being born again and knowing Christ is his Savior can't help but be excited.

This enthusiasm causes one to be a joyful disciple. It's refreshing to see new converts joyfully give up a life of sin and ask, "What else does Christ want me to do?" A disciple is a follower or one learning. Disciples want to work and the best time to begin working for Christ is immediately upon one's conversion. There are plenty of people to teach the contacts and friends of new converts so send them out and let them do all they can and, if needed, let others help in the teaching. If you are not a new convert just think about your own conversion to Christ as you work to tell others about salvation in Jesus Christ. Remember we are not "selling" the local church, we are "selling" Christ. People coming to Christ will of course see the need to be faithful, active members of his body, the church. They will want to work and worship with others of like precious faith. When folks are converted to Christ, churches in local communities will flourish.

Andrew didn't wait for his brother to ask about Christ; he went out to find him. Too many are waiting in their offices for sinners to come and find them. Too many churches put an ad in the paper and look for the building to be full. We aren't selling cars; people generally will not come to us, we must go to them. The personal touch works. You can't see another's joy and enthusiasm in mass media advertising. "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom. 10:15) Too many Christians expect the preacher to find the lost and too many preachers have limited their teaching to the walls of a building. The Gospel message is a message to be taken to the world (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16). A lot of men would do well to put down the denominational commentaries and take up the sword of the spirit which is the word of God, and seek some sinners.

As Andrew found his brother, he compelled him to come to Jesus. Notice he "brought him to Jesus." Peter saw the urgency in Andrew's face and heard the urgency in his voice. We know this because the text shows us that Peter did come to Christ. As we seek that which is lost we need to remember the words of Paul, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16). Notice also the admonition of Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:2. "For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time,- behold now is the day of salvation. " All need to get busy now teaching others about Jesus Christ.

Like Andrew we will rejoice and those coming to Christ will rejoice as we lead others to Jesus Christ. Are you presently doing your best in leading others to Christ? Have you joyfully told your friends, family members, and fellow workers, what Christ means to you? Have you studied God's word with them? Remember the power is in the gospel and the daily lives of Christians is often what causes lost souls to look at the Bible which can save their souls (Rom. 1:16; Matt. 5:13-16). Start today to lead a soul to Christ!

Doug Seaton

Truth Magazine XXXII: 1, pp. 3-4
January 7, 1988