Soul Winning and Sins
There are two major struggles within the ranks of those who have taken the name of Jesus. One has to do with the subject of sin and the other has to do with the subject of soul winning. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins. We are promised if we repent of our sin and confess it to God that we will be forgiven and cleansed. It is interesting to study how preachers are able to keep their flock disturbed by defining sins according to current circumstances or lack. I have always believed that a smooth talking preacher can make his people believe that eating Post Toasties for breakfast is sin. I know that the heart is deceitful and wicked. I have witnessed wicked hearts in those who are lost and I have experienced wicked hearts in professing believers. Sin can blindside anyone. But a blood bought believer must become aware of what God's word calls sin and to make a difference in what is perceived as sin. The Bible does say that, "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin." The Bible also says, " as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
O.K. I need to wrap this up, because I have a second part. A believer needs to study the Bible to show himself to be approved of God. That way he doesn't have to spend his days under a cloud of guilt and doubt about what is sin and what is not sin.
Now lets look at the second question.... soul winning.
First it is not a fruit of the spirit; read Galatians 5 for the list of fruit of flesh and fruit of spirit. It is commanded in each of the Gospels and in the book of Acts Chapter 1 and verse 8. I have in the last sentence given you both ends of a spectrum within the duties of a believer. Paul was able to say that he was pure of the blood of all men in Acts 20. I have never met any person, including myself that can honestly match that claim. I have met people who are uncanny in their ability to buttonhole a person on the street and within minutes have them bowing their head to pray, "God save me in Jesus' name!" I have met others who can turn any conversational subject into the subject of spiritual things before the lost person realizes what happened, but wakes up to his spiritual need and asks Jesus into his heart. I know of others who over a period (short or long) who can lead a person to Christ out of some cultic or
godless quagmire. The one thing we must remember is that it is God who must give the increase.
Ours sometimes are only tares.
sm