Since it is the mission of the church to execute the Great Commission, we should be vitally concerned about how we can become and remain a soul-winning congregation. How can we restore evangelism to the church?
We can become soul-winners when we get our priorities right. We must learn to put first things first. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, taught, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) This clearly shows that Christ and His church must be first in our lives. We will never become the evangelistic church Christ died for as long as we allow other things of less importance to deter us from the greatest business in the world. We must be about our Father’s business.
We can become soul winners when we have our hearts right with God. David is described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart, but David sinned. He committed murder and adultery. He was, however, penitent for his sins.
In his penitential Psalm in chapter fifty-one he said, “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” David realized he had sinned and wanted God’s forgiveness. He continued, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” (Psalms 51:10-12) David is asking God to cleanse his heart and to restore the “joy of thy salvation.” David had lost the joy of his salvation.
You cannot lose the joy of your salvation without losing your salvation. David then made a promise to God. “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psalms 51:13) Until men get their hearts right with God, they are not spiritually fit to teach and convert others.
Then again, we can have soul-winning churches when leaders lead the way. It has been said that every institution is but the lengthened shadow of its leadership. This being true, no church will ever be any more concerned about the lost than is its leadership. Preachers, elders, and deacons should lead the way. The good example of a faithful leadership can inspire other to enter the harvest field. May God help us to win the world to Christ in our generation.
On one occasion, an artist was employed to paint a picture of a dead church. Some thought he would paint a picture of a run-down building, much in need of repair, with broken windows and an unkept yard. However, when the picture was finished and unveiled, to the astonishment of all, he had painted the picture of a stately building with a large steeple looming high overhead. It was a magnificent building. Upon closer examination of the picture, you can see that the front door of the building is open. In the foyer of the building is a small table. Across the front of the box are the words Mission Work. Across the slot on top of the box where you drop the money in is a cobweb. Any church that has lost sight of its mission is a dead church. May each one of us pledge himself to do his part in carrying out the great work God has placed in our hands.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
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