"PERSONAL SOUL-WINNING" (Doctrinal Study Twenty) First Baptist Church of Central Florida Dr. Gene Pritchard, Teacher "Soul-winning" defined: Soul-winning is effectively sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to another person in such a way that the person will repent of sins and trust Christ to save him. It means leading that person to a definite commitment to salvation and discipleship (Proverbs 11:30). I. DESIRE (The spirit of the witness will largely determine the success) A. Doctrinal Motivation (Bible beliefs causing one to witness) 1. The Bible is the literal Word of God (II Tim.3:15-17). 2. Men are all sinners and are all lost and are all going to an eternal Hell regardless of age, goodness, background, etc. until born again. 3. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin and the only way to Heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). 4. God wants all people to be saved (II Peter 3:9). 5. No man can be saved without a message and messenger. It is necessary to verbalize the good news (Rom. 10:11-15). 6. God has called every Christian to be a witness (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matt. 4:19). 7. Only God can convict and save a person (John 6:44). 8. Any soul-winner can win souls if we sow the Word (Psalm 126:5-6; John 15:5). 9. We must make all converts into disciples (Matt. 28:19-20 says to teach them all things and make them into disciples or other soul-winners who reproduce other soul-winners also). 10. We must trust the Bible to do its own work (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:8-11). B. Personal Motivation - Soul-winning is: 1. Natural desire of a spirit-filled Christian (Acts 1:8). 2. Natural desire of a changed and blessed Christian (Rom. 1:14-15). 3. Natural desire of a compassionate, caring person (Matt. 9:35-38). II. DEFINITENESS OF SOUL-WINNING A. Have a definite list of persons for whom you are seeking. B. Have a definite time to go soul-winning (THIS IS KEY) (Ps. 126:6). C. Have a definite goal (Mark 11:24 & John 14:13-14). D. Have a definite objective to win and disciple. III . DIAGNOSIS (There are only three spiritual states. All are in one of the three. It is imperative that the soul-winner help the individual establish which of the three they are in!) A. The Three Spiritual States of Men: (1) Unsaved; (2) Saved, but carnal (back-slidden). Now, many claiming to be saved, are not really saved (Matt. 7:21-23). (3) Saved and Spirit-led. B. Ask two questions: (1) "If you should die right now are you 100% certain that you would go to Heaven?" (2) "If you should die right now and stand before God and He asked you, "Why should I let you into my Heaven?" what would you say?" (A SAVED PERSON WILL KNOW IT!) A lost man may not know he is lost; but these questions will show you if they are saved and upon what they base their hope of Heaven. C. Help that person to see and understand for himself his own spiritual state on the basis of God's Word. D. Show him I John 5:13 that says "we can know". Then share with him a simple plan of how one can be saved and know it. IV. DIRECTION (Have a definite plan to use that will direct a person to Jesus simply and concisely and clearly!!!) The plainer and simpler you can make it, the better! I prefer to use the "Roman Road". A. Soul-Winning tracts are tremendous aids for soul-winning. I recommend "Four Spiritual Laws"! Listen to Me: (1) The Bible is the Word of God whether in a book called the Bible or in a tract. It does not lose its power or promises. (2) Good tracts will illustrate and systematize your Bible material in such a way that it is much more effective than the Roman Road or Bible verses. (3) ANYONE WHO CAN READ CAN WIN SOULS!! You do not have to be a Bible scholar, mature Christian, have seminary training or great ability. (4) Just establish the person's spiritual condition and use "The Four Spiritual Laws". (5) For carnal Christians use "Spirit-Filled Life" (blue book). B. I prefer the Roman Road for witnessing (See page 4 of this hand-out.) C. ALWAYS GIVE PERSONAL TESTIMONY: Your life before saved; how you were saved; and your life since saved. V. DISCUSSION & DIALOGUE (Keep this to a minimum; do not allow the person or the devil to side-track you into lesser issues; however, there may be questions related to salvation and becoming a Christian that you need to answer; always bring them back to that central issue though - being saved and Spirit-led!!!) VI. DECISION (This is the key to soul-winning) A. Always give an invitation to be saved or repent! Do not just share facts without giving opportunity to respond. B. Give the invitation with both on knees after prayer. This gives the Holy Spirit greater opportunity. It makes the person say "yes" or "no" to God and not to us. C. Help the person with his prayer. (There is an excellent prayer written in the booklets. Use it!! Break it up and let the person repeat it to God in prayer. Many have not prayed much!!) VII. DETERMINATION OF THE SOUL-WINNER (I Corinthians 9:22b) A. Determine to so soul-winning NOW! B. Determine to share Good News of Christ, not just church or general subjects. C. Determine to please Christ by obeying Him in soul-winning! D. Determine to snatch souls and lives from Satan and HELL TODAY! (Jude 22-23). E. Determine to stay with soul-winning, remembering the reasons for soul-winning given in Part I of this study as well as the promises for soul-winning! (Gal. 6:9; Ps. 126:6). F. DETERMINE TO GET INDEPTH TRAINING IN SOUL-WINNING! We have several opportunities to learn soul-winning at FBC-PH. Our Phoster Club for women is directed by Eleanor Wooten. Ladies Visitation on Wednesday's is directed by Barbara Aragunde. Our staff will take you with them. Teenage soul-winning is every Wednesday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. There are trainers every Thursday night who will take you with them. THE BEST way to learn soul-winning is to go with an experienced soul-winner. VIII. THE DISCOURAGEMENTS OF SOUL-WINNING A. The soul-winner does not present Christ and Salvation (Romans 1:16; John 12:32; Acts 8:35). B. Many soul-winners do not properly lead to a decision (II Cor. 5:11; Luke 14:23). C. Many Christians never win souls due to a feeling of inadequacy (Phil. 4:13). Soul-winning is a matter of faith and obedience. D. Many Christians do not win souls due to inconsistency. 1. There is a season for harvest (II Tim. 4:2; Gal. 6:9). 2. The soul-winner should wait on God to give the increase (I Corinthians 3:6-7). E. Many soul-winners get discouraged when their converts do not grow in Christ (Luke 8:4-15). F. Many never try to win souls because of fear (II Timothy 1:7 & Acts 4:29-32). IX. THE DEFINITE BLESSINGS OF GOD UPON THE ROMAN ROAD PRESENTATION: Your pastor uses it and prefers it to be used for the following reasons: (1) It is simple; (2) It is in one book of the Bible; (3) There is greater power in using your Bibles to witness, rather than a tract; (4) It has been blessed of God for the conversion of millions of souls (Jeremiah 5:5); (5) MARK YOUR BIBLES at I John 5:13 and then "write" beside it - Romans 3:10; then 3:23 beside 3:10, etc. It will keep you from getting confused. THE ROMAN ROAD TO SALVATION 1. A sinner must realize that salvation is needed. (1) Because all have sinned (Romans 3:10-12; 3:23). (2) Because unforgiven sin brings spiritual death (Romans 6:23; 5:12). 2. A sinner must realize that salvation has been provided (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for our sins. We are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God through the death of Jesus. God wants you to be saved (Romans 2:4). 3. A sinner must accept the salvation God has provided. Salvation is received by faith and prayer (Romans 10:9-13). 4. After the sinner prays to accept Christ, salvation should be expressed by baptism (Romans 6:3-6) and repentance (changed living) (Romans 6:14-16) and by sharing Christ with others (Romans 10:10-11). * Here is a suggested prayer: (write this in the margin of your soul-winner's Bible.) "Dear Jesus, forgive me of my sins; come into my heart today; I trust you to take me to Heaven when I die. Thank you for saving me! Amen." Bible References - King James Version Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous a tree of life; and he that winneth souls wise. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. {16} All scripture given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: {17} That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Romans 10:11-15 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. {12} For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. {13} For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. {14} How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? {15} 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! Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Psalms 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. {6} He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves . John 15:5 I am the vine, ye the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, unto the end of the world. Amen . Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Isaiah 55:8-11 For my thoughts not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. {10} For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: {11} So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper whereto I sent it. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Romans 1:14-15 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. {15} So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. Matthew 9:35-38 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. {36} But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. {37} Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly plenteous, but the labourers few; {38} Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves . Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive , and ye shall have . John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. {14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do . Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. {22} Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? {23} And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 Corinthians 9:22b that I might by all means save some. Judges 1:22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD with them. Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves . Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto me. Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel to come in, that my house may be filled. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. {7} So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Luke 8:4-15 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: {5} A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. {6} And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. {7} And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. {8} And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. {9} And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? {10} And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. {11} Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. {12} Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. {13} They on the rock , which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. {14} And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to perfection. {15} But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep , and bring forth fruit with patience. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Acts 4:29-32 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, {30} By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. {31} And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. {32} And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Jeremiah 5:5 I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, burst the bonds. 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin death; but the gift of God eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. {11} For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. {12} For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. {13} For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 6:3-6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. {5} For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also of resurrection: {6} Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Romans 6:14-16 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. {15} What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. {16} Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 10:10-11 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. {11} For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Should you desire to contact Pastor Pritchard regarding these questions or for more information concerning your own walk you may contact him at our church: Pastor Gene Pritchard First Baptist Church of Central Florida 800 North Pine Hills Road Orlando, FL 32808 407.293.4571