Seeking Souls

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: John 4:33-42

I. Jesus’ illustrations of soul searching

A. Fishing for men, Mark 1:16-20

B. Spiritual harvest, John 4:30, 35-38

C. Both illustrations describe one who seeks souls to bring to God.

II. Gathering souls for God

A. Souls to gather

B. There are thousands of people in this region of Alabama.

C. Some are confused and want enlightenment.

D. Ethiopian eunuch: Acts 8:30-31 The Samaritan woman: John 4:20-24

E. Some are lost seeking direction.

F. They may not realize God’s power to change their life, give them direction, and save them from eternal destruction. They are like sheep wandering without a shepherd to guide them. John 6:66-69 – To whom shall we go Some are seeking the truth for they know its value, Matthew 13:45-56. Some may not realize that they need the truth but, when they find it and realize its value, will obey, Matthew 13:44. This is but a sampling of those whom we need to gather for God.

III. Must go out to gather souls

A. One must go into the field to harvest

B. It would be convenient if, during harvest time, the crops left the stalks in the field, bound themselves, and moved into the barn. The farmer can work hard to plant, fertilize, and water his crops but if he never enters the field at harvest time, his effort is worthless.

C. Likewise, we will not harvest souls for God if we stay in the house.

D. Jesus “sent out” disciples to teach during His ministry. At the Great Commission, Jesus sent disciples out into the world. If we will teach others, we must go into the fields and harvest souls.

E. The fisherman must launch out to catch fish

F. You cannot catch fish inland no matter how well equipped you are.

G. In my shed, I have several fishing rods and an equipped tackle box. I have never gone to the shed and found fresh fish ready to clean. An angler must go to the fish and put his lure in the water to catch fish. Not only must we go to lost souls, we must present the gospel so that those who are hungry for the truth will be caught for God. Bumper sticker: “You catch them, I’ll clean them”

H. Cannot just build a building and hope people will come

I. There are many church buildings in this city with doors open this morning.

J. In a poll by The Institute for American Church Growth, 10,000 people were asked, “What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?”

K. 1% answered, “I visited there.” And 3% just walked in.79% came because a friend or relative invited them. The occasional fish may jump into the boat, but we will get better results by casting our line into the water.

L. We must go out and teach others

M. Romans 1:16 – The gospel is God’s power for salvation

N. Romans 10:13-17 – The gospel needs teachers

O. We are coworkers with God and other brethren in teaching the gospel

P. 1 Corinthians 3:5-8, 10 John 4:37-38 – We enter into the labors of others in the gospel’s work

Q. Results

R. Those who seek the truth will accept it; those who do not have the right heart will not obey it or will follow false teaching. Our job is to teach; the listener will obey or disobey of his own will.

IV. Need for laborers

A. There is always a need for laborers, Matthew 9:35-38

B. Need for compassionate laborers

C. Jesus’ heart was moved for the lost that needed guidance. If we are apathetic about our responsibility to teach others—if we have no compassion for lost souls as Jesus did—we will not teach others.1 John 3:17 – We can close our hearts and not share spiritual blessings

D. Pray for laborers

E. The harvest is always great and the need for laborers always present. When others obey the gospel, we must teach them to teach others. We must encourage one another to go to the field or out to the fish.

F. God will reward His laborers, John 4:36-38

V. Immediate opportunities with the gospel meeting

A. Invite people to the meeting

B. Though we may not be ready to teach, we can bring others to a teacher. Inviting others shows concern for their souls. Send a personal card or invite them to supper before the service.

C. Distribute invitations in the neighborhoods

D. We will be meeting at the building at 9:30 am on Saturday to go through neighborhoods distributing door-hanger meeting announcements. If you watch your kids so your spouse can be involved in this work, you are working too. Support roles are critical to the success of evangelism. It is a way to reach people who have no other connection to the church here.

E. After the meeting, there are always opportunities to reach others if we will open our eyes to see the harvest in the fields.

VI. Conclusion: The fish are biting. Some crops are ready for harvest. Who will go with God to catch souls with the gospel? Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I, send me!”