Negotiating For Lost Souls

We must absolutely do all within our power to win lost souls to Jesus Christ. This is the Lord’s command (Mark 16:15-16), example (Mark 1:1:15,38), work (John 4:34-35), and it is our work too (1 Cor. 3:6,9). Moreover, we are shown how saving ONE lost soul is vitally important to God (Luke 15:4-32; Acts 8:26-39; Jas. 5:20). Helping others is the main priority when we wholeheartedly embrace the concept of truly loving our neighbors (Mark 12:31; Luke 10:29-36). Agape love motivated the soul-saving process (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 3:16). The same earnest love must be our catalyst to be about our Father’s business of saving souls too (Luke 2:49).

Once revived, motivated, and zealous in the endeavor of winning lost souls, we must then remember that winning folks to Christ will take contemplation and wisdom in arranging and conducting bible studies. Jesus said when he sent the disciples out on the limited commission to the Jews only, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Mat. 10:16; v.5). Wisdom must come into play as we negotiate the terms for bible studies. “…he that winneth souls is wise” (Pr. 11:30).

During hostage standoffs police will do all they can to save lives through negotiations. They will exchange food, water, and other supplies in hopes of resolving the situation. However, they will not compromise their values by swapping prisoners, drugs, alcohol, and firearms. We too must be willing to do all we can in winning lost souls but never in ways that are contrary to God’s will. Christians do not negotiate by buying alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or visiting nightclubs to win folks. But we will negotiate a convenient time at an agreed place to sit down and honestly reason together from the word of God (Is.1:18-19; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim.2:24-26).

Richard Stevens III