Proverbs 11:30, AMP
In this third part of our series, we will learn yet another vital trait that you must have in order to be an effective soulwinner- courage/unashamedness. The latter looks like a weird word, but really that's what describes the quality I'll be throwing light on in this part. If you want to be an effective soulwinner, you need to learn to stand up for the Gospel when all others are in fear and ashamed. The Apostles were never ashamed of the Gospel; they were not ashamed of our Lord; they were not ashamed to proclaim the Message they were sent with. Do you know why? Because they understood WHO was with them and the value of the Message they had been sent with. Until you understand the relevance of Jesus Christ in the world we live in today, you would be ashamed to even talk about Him to even your younger siblings (if you have any). Today, I want you to recognize that the Gospel is as relevant today to all of humanity as it was in the days of the Early Church. Once you become conscious of that, you will understand why you must not be ashamed of the Gospel.
Paul the Apostle said, 'I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.' (Romans 1:16-17, AMP). Paul had a reason for not being ashamed of the Gospel and he clearly stated it; he said: because it is the power of God which brings salvation. Salvation is embedded within the Gospel ONLY. It cannot be found in any textbook or curriculum in school. We must preach it in order to see the results in the lives of the hearers.
Again, Paul charged Timothy to '...never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord...With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.' (2 Timothy 1:8, NLT). Now, prior to that, Paul had encouraged Timothy already that we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind. This should be your confession when you're alone in your room. It should be your confession when you're getting ready to go out. Praise God! You don't have a spirit of fear. The Spirit in you is the All-Conquering Spirit! No wonder John said the ONE living in you is GREATER than the one in the world (1 John 4:4). The Holy Spirit makes you a Champion in this life. Your classroom or office or community should be seen as a fertile place for the Seed of the Gospel to be sown. It does not matter what they say about you, make sure you share it with them. As many as will hear and receive it will be saved.
So, how do you get rid of shyness and fear? Through the Spirit and the Word of God in your mouth. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul told Timothy to stir up the Gift of God in Him- the Holy Ghost. To stir up that gift means to edify yourself spiritually by speaking in tongues. When you speak in tongues, your fears dissipate- the Holy Spirit within you rises and takes charge of every situation in your life. Your soulwinning now becomes supernatural, because you have relied completely on Him. Keeping the Word in your mouth means before you go out to preach the Gospel make confessions of Scriptures like 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27 and 1 John 4:4. As you do so, faith wells up in your spirit. Then you go on to interject your confessions with speaking in tongues. When you step out there to preach, nothing can intimidate you, because the anointing will be so strong on you! Glory to God!
If you have had challenges in the area of being bold about Jesus, please turn to this passage and pray it for yourself every day:
And now, Lord, ...grant to Your bond servants (put your name here) [full freedom] to declare Your message fearlessly, While You stretch out Your hand to cure and to perform signs and wonders through the authority and by the power of the name of Your holy Child and Servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.
(Acts 4:29-31, AMP)
Praise God! Did you see the result of their prayer? That is your testimony today- you will speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage!
So that's the third quality of an effective soulwinner- he is not ashamed of the Gospel. Be BOLD about Jesus!
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