Lead Me to Some Soul Today

Matthew 28:16-20

Introduction:

A. What is the mission of the church?

1. What is the church? Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:18

2. That was His mission? Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:14,15; Philippians 2:14-16

B. In this world-wide mission, the emphasis is on the individual. Mark 16:15; Matthew 16:26

C. How can we be more effective?

1. By placing more emphasis on individual souls.

2. Often we are concerned with the world in general but no one in particular.

3. How many have prayed for at least one specific individual in the last week?

4. Three things wrong with the statement, “I’m gonna convert somebody, someday.”

a. “Gonna” is not in the dictionary.

b. “Somebody” is not in the phone book.

c. Someday is not on the calendar. Proverbs 27:1; Acts 24:25

D. All principles must be applied to individuals.

1. Pass out pocket reminders.

2. Serve as a reminder.

3. We need to be reminded of what we already know. 2 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:14

4. Suggestions:

a. Write names.

b. Carry book.

c. Refer to it often.

I. SOULS TO TEACH. Mark 16:15

A. It is a Christian’s responsibility.

1. That others might be saved. Romans 10:13,14; Acts 8:29-31

2. That we might be saved. Matthew 28:19,20; 1 Timothy 4:16; Hebrews 5:12

B. How can we do this?

1. Pray for others, individually. Romans 10:1-3

2. Teach others the truth. John 6:44,45

3. Give tracts that will teach.

4. Invite prospects to assemblies of the church where the truth is taught.

5. Enroll yourself and others in a Bible Correspondence Course.

C. NOW – write individuals you would like to see become Christians – the ones you most likely could influence.

1. There are over 6 ½ billion people in the world.

a. All who are not faithful followers of Christ are lost.

b. Write at least 3 or 4.

2. If you are not a Christian, write your name at the top of the list – if you never lead but one soul to Christ, be sure that it is yours.

3. Come – Obey – Become a Christian NOW! Acts 22:16

II. SOULS TO RESTORE. Galatians 6:1

A. A great work that needs to be done.

1. Who does it? – The spiritual. Galatians 6:1

2. Every member of the church has one of two needs.

a. To be restored (setting aright; putting in an upright position).

b. To be a restorer of others who need restoring.

B. How can we do this?

1. Pray.

a. How many have referred to Prospect Book during the past week?

b. How many have prayed for I specific individual during the past week?

c. Pray today.

2. Invite and bring to worship. Hebrews 10:32; Revelation 2:5

3. Have association with them during the week and teach them. James 5:19,20; Revelation 3:19,20

C. Write names for restoration.

1. Many in our town who have never identified and had fellowship with us.

2. Names are on the roll here are visibly unfaithful.

a. Am I judging?

b. No, fruit inspecting. Matthew 7:16-20

3. Others attend who lead worldly lives.

4. Others are no more concerned about the Lord’s body and the salvation of others than about other pursuits in their life. Revelation 3:15-17

5. Which of these many that need restoring are you most concerned about, are you willing to pray for, are willing to try to lead back to the fold?

6. If you are unfaithful, put your name at the top of the list-if you never lead but one soul, to Christ, be sure that it’s yours.

7. You need to get right TODAY! Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:23,24

III. SOULS TO ENCOURAGE. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

A. The fainthearted weak need encouraging.

B. God’s strong men, leaders need encouraging.

1. Jonah. Jonah 3:1; 4:3

2. Elijah. 1 Kings 19:4,14

3. Joshua. Deuteronomy 1:38; Deuteronomy 3:28; Deuteronomy 31:7,23; Joshua 1:6,7,9; Joshua 10:25

C. Many need encouraging from time to time.

1. Elders.

2. Deacons.

3. Teachers.

4. Preacher.

5. Personal workers.

6. Parents.

7. Those living a pure, faithful life in difficult circumstances.

a. Non-Christian mate.

b. Ridicule.

c. Family discourages.

8. Those faced with difficult decisions.

a. Young people.

b. Those with a crisis in their life.

D. How can we encourage others?

1. Pray for individuals and let them know we are praying for them.

a. All brothers and sisters in Christ. Colossians 1:9

b. Those who could be working for the Lord, but are presently unemployed. Matthew 9:37,38

c. Individuals. 2 Timothy 1:3

d. How many have prayed for at least 1 individual during the past week?

2. Set the proper example. 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Corinthians 8:13

3. Visit. Acts 15:36

4. Warn. Acts 14:22

5. Extend Hospitality. 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Peter 4:9; Acts 2:46

6. Write a letter – this is what Paul did.

7. Express confidence, believe the best. Hebrews 6:9; Philemon 21

E. Write those you plan to encourage in the next few days.

F. Frances, Morton’s gap, expecting child, planned suicide, received encouraging phone call.

IV. SOULS TO HELP. Galatians 6:10

A. Great emphasis on this in the Bible. Luke 10:25-37; Galatians 2:10; Matthew 25:31-46

B. We should help.

1. Brethren. 1 John 3:17,18

2. Others. Luke 14:12-14

C. Write names of those people you plan to help.

1. Must be specific.

2. Cannot fix a dinner or supper for everyone at once; we must work with individuals.

Conclusion:

A. We can teach the world anytime we are ready.

B. We will have to do it one at a time.

C. Let us do what we know to do NOW! John 4:35