HOW MUCH IS A SOUL WORTH TO YOU?
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Mar. 14, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
HOW MUCH IS A SOUL WORTH TO YOU?
By Michael D. O’Neal……Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church……Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:26; Psalms 142:1-7
Text: Psalms 142:4
Psalms 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
Introduction: What will a man give in exchange for his soul?
What will you give in order to win the souls of others to Christ? What is it worth to you?
To our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it was worth:
1. His birth being slandered
2. His beard being snatched from His face
3. His back being scourged
4. His blood being shed
5. His body being scarred (to this day)
I. HOW MUCH OF YOUR TEARS IS A SOUL WORTH TO YOU?
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 with him.
A. Tears are indications of sympathy
B. Tears are instruments of salvation
C. Tears are insurance of success
Perhaps more lost people would be weeping at the altar if more saints of God wept over their lost souls!
II. HOW MUCH OF YOUR TREASURE IS A SOUL WORTH TO YOU?
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
A. How much will you spend in personal efforts?
* Buying tracts, bumper stickers, sermon tapes, books
* A man just bought $100.00 worth of my book, “The Sinner’s Prayer,” to use in his soul-winning efforts.
B. How much will you support your evangelistic church?
* In tithes and offerings
* In designated gifts – Years ago one person paid for a bus for our church. Many people came to Christ through that ministry.
C. How much will you send to foreign fields?
* Faith Promise Missions — Are you giving?
III. HOW MUCH OF YOUR TROUBLE IS A SOUL WORTH?
Acts 8:26-30 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
A. Will you get up?
* Leave your comfort zone (the recliner, the TV, etc.)
* Leave your confidence arena. I know it’s hard to feel equipped to do the work of God, but you can (Phil. 4:13), for the Lord is with you (Mt. 28:19-20).
B. Will you go? – Acts 8:26,29
* With the Spirit’s leading
* With the speed required – Phillip RAN to catch up with the man in the chariot
C. Will you give the gospel?
* Sometimes it takes time to present the gospel. It certainly takes longer to give a thorough presentation of the gospel than it does to invite someone to church next Sunday.
IV. HOW MUCH OF YOUR TIME IS A SOUL WORTH TO YOU?
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
A. Time is precious
* Time is money.
* Time is something that cannot be replaced.
* Your time in reaching sinners is actually more important than your money.
B. Time is possessed by all
* You have just as much time as anyone else.
* We all have 24 hours in the day, and seven days in the week.
* You DO have the time to be a soul-winner.
C. Time is to be purchased
* Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
* By priorities being right. You may have more time than you realize.
* By prayer being offered. See the examples of Joshua and Hezekiah, who asked for more time.