What The Bible Says About Soul-Winning

What The Bible Says About Soul-Winning

- To Do Witnessing… or Be a Witness

Series Intro - Part 1

“Those who are [spiritually] wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, [will shine] like the stars forever and ever.” - Daniel 12:3 AMP

I love being in the country, where there are very few city lights to hinder the brightness of the starry heavens at night. Oh, my goodness, it is so beautiful! I love a fully lit Christmas tree also, but the stars… well, nothing quite compares to the vast magnificence in the heavens that God has made for us to gaze at, imagine, and enjoy. Our Lord God even uses the stars to tell us stories. I wonder what it must have been like for Abraham out in the desert so long ago, when God told him to look up into the heavens and try to count the stars. I would have been tempted to respond with...”Are you serious, Lord???” And yet, while Abraham stared up into the amazing night sky, the Lord let Abraham gaze into the future to visualize this incredible promise. Take a look…

“Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.

You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”

Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.”

Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” - Genesis 15:1-6 NLT

God promises Abraham that his descendants were going to be unbelievably difficult to count. God later promises him that he would be the father of a multitude of nations, as well. (Genesis 17:4-5) This must have been confusing and difficult to imagine when observing all of those stars, especially considering he was almost 100 years old and still had no child of his own. “How many stars are there, Lord? Wow...that’s a lot."

We are given a clue as to who are actually Abraham’s descendants in Romans, chapter 4. Now, we know that God fulfilled his promise to Abraham, and he did have a natural born son through his barren wife Sarah, whose name is Isaac. However, God’s promise of Abraham’s descendants being as the stars of the sky, these are not necessarily his blood relatives only, but his descendants would include the people of every nation who “believe God” just as Abraham did, and are “reckoned righteous” by faith.

“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather humanly speaking, has found? [Has he obtained a favored standing?]

For if Abraham was justified [that is, acquitted from the guilt of his sins] by works [those things he did that were good], he has something to boast about, but not before God.

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).”

Now to a laborer, his wages are not credited as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation [something owed to him].

But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

And in this same way David speaks of the blessing on the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed and happy and favored are those whose lawless acts have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered up and completely buried.

“Blessed and happy and favored is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account nor charge against him.” - Romans 4:1-8 AMP

Abraham discovered that when you believe God, you are put in right standing with Him. This is how Abraham was made right or righteous with God. This is important… so stick with me for a moment, because all of God’s promises are inherited by faith. Now it goes on to say that Abraham is the father of everyone who believes.

“Therefore, [inheriting] the promise depends entirely on faith [that is, confident trust in the unseen God], in order that it may be given as an act of grace [His unmerited favor and mercy], so that the promise will be [legally] guaranteed to all the descendants [of Abraham]—not only for those [Jewish believers] who keep the Law, but also for those [Gentile believers] who share the faith of Abraham, who is the [spiritual] father of us all—

(as it is written [in Scripture], “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.” - Romans 4:16-17 AMP

Okay, so who are Abraham’s descendants? Ah yes, they are those who share the same kind of believing faith that Abraham had before God. These are the descendants of Abraham, who is the father of all of those who believe by faith and are credited or “reckoned righteous” before God. Now, pay careful attention to the next passage of Scripture, because it explains how Abraham became righteous, and explains how his descendants through faith are made righteous also.

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God,

being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.

Therefore his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Now not for his sake alone was it written that it was credited to him,

but for our sake also—to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead—

who was betrayed and crucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal—absolving us of all sin before God].” - Romans 4:20-25 AMP

These are the “Stars!” “How many stars are there again, Lord?” Yes, those who are reckoned righteous, because they have believed in God’s Promised Son, the One who God would raise from the dead after being crucified for our sins. These are the “Stars” of Abraham, the true descendants that were promised to Abraham. These are also the ones who, by faith, will shine brightly and will deliver this message of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, all the way to the end of days.

When God showed Abraham the stars, He was showing him the vast and voluminous numbers of people who would join the family of God through faith in the promised son, the promised Son of God, the Son who would take away the sin of the world. Are you one of Abraham’s descendants? Are you one of the “Stars?”

For the past year or so, I have been hearing the Christian world leaders confessing that we are in the third great awakening. I do not claim to fully understand what all of that means, but I suspect it is partially in reference to the Body of Christ finally waking up to the fact that the King is coming very, very soon, and also that we are needing to be ready to bring in this last harvest of souls to the Kingdom of God. Jesus said “... wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35b NLT)

I have been feeling a need to help ready the Body of Christ for the awesome work of evangelizing, but evangelizing the way the early apostles and disciples did, by following the example set forth by the Master, Himself. So for the next number of articles, we will be addressing the topic of “Being a Witness.” We will explore the difference between trying to do witnessing and actually being a witness. We endeavor to be completely Scriptural, as well as practical and helpful. Being a true witness is entirely supernatural, which believe it or not, actually removes the fear and anxiety that is often associated with witnessing. We hope you will find our next series of articles uplifting, encouraging, and motivating.

One of the first and most important things to realize when considering what it means to “Be a Witness,” is to be confident that you are a light, a “Shining Star.” If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, the promised Son of God, then you are a light, a “Shining Star” already.

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” - John 8:12 NASB

If you have become a believer in Jesus, then you have received His light and you have the Light of Life inside of you. Jesus said…

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

If you are one of the “Shining Stars” and you contain the Light of Life within you, then Jesus said you’re like a well lit city on a hill. You can’t miss it, as everyone in darkness can see the light, just like when you’re out in the countryside at night and all you can see are shining stars. Knowing that you already shine with the Light of Jesus Christ makes the concept of soul-winning seem less difficult. Just be what you are… a “Shining Star.”

We do need to be aware that the Scripture is very clear about the ultimate plan of God and the condition of our current hour. This passage in 2 Peter alerts us to the reality of the last days that we are living in and the patience that the Lord has exercised over time towards unsaved people…

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.

They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.

Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood.

And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live,

looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.

But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” - 2 Peter 3:3-15 NLT

The Lord has been patient for over 2000 years, since Jesus died on that cross for our sins. He’s waited patiently, giving people time to make a decision and be saved. The promise of a new heaven and a new earth is as certain as God’s Word has always been. More and more prophetical signs are pointing to the fact that we are on the cusp of Christ’s second return. So, dear Friend, if you are reading this and have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I want to encourage you to not wait a minute longer. Listen to this loving statement from Jesus…

“Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.

Put your trust in the Light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” - John 12:35-36 NLT

As we learned about the faith of Abraham in this article, it is clear that the only way to be made righteous or have a right standing with God, and be saved from the wrath to come, is to believe by faith in His Promised Son…

"who was betrayed and crucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal—absolving us of all sin before God].” - Romans 4:25 AMP

Friend, God loved you so much that He was willing to give His only begotten Son up to death, bearing the penalty for all of your sin, so that you would be able to receive His eternal life (John 3:16-17). If you will believe this Good News (otherwise known as the Gospel), you will be saved. Just follow the instructions in this passage of Scripture...

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:9-13 NLT

My Friend, if you made that declaration and decision, then you have been filled with the life and light of Jesus. You have been completely forgiven of a lifetime of sins and have had your sin nature removed, plus you have been filled with the nature and love of God. The Bible calls this the new birth. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), and are on your way to a new and fulfilling life that will never end. Congratulations, you are now a child of God, and you have become one of His “Shining Stars.”

God is so loving and kind and patient. He is patient with unbelievers, but also has been patient with his Stars, while they learn to partner with Him in His great plan of salvation for the world. It is an awesome privilege to be a partaker of this great work and participate in leading more people into the heavenly kingdom.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:30 KJV

As the time for Jesus’ return gets closer and closer, let us be wise in winning souls. This means that we learn how to follow and flow with the Holy Spirit, as he prepares souls to hear the great and glorious Gospel message, and He prepares us, the “Shining Stars of Abraham,” to deliver it.

“Those who are [spiritually] wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, [will shine] like the stars forever and ever.” - Daniel 12:3 AMP

God gave Abraham the most amazing family picture of his descendants. They would look like the stars in the heavens. I do love stars! They are awesome to stare at and they leave you with a sense of wonder at their brilliance and glory. I am excited that the days ahead will be brighter and brighter, as more stars are added to the heavens, and as the current stars grow brighter in brilliance by using the wisdom of heaven to lead many to righteousness, the righteousness that comes as a gift by faith in Jesus Christ.

Now that, dear Friends, is grace!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

written by

Eileen R. Jacobs (October, 2022)

Copyright © 2022 Eileen Jacobs Ministries. All rights reserved.

Artwork © 2022 Kaylee R. Jacobs. All rights reserved.

To the New Believer:

Congratulations &

Welcome to the Family of God

If today you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, this is an exciting day! All of Heaven is rejoicing over you, and your name has been officially written in the Lambs Book of Life.(Luke 10:20)

“I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” - Luke 15:10

We would like to encourage you to write this date down somewhere important to you. Many people like to write the date of their salvation on the inside cover of their Bible. I can’t stress enough how important this is to do. Not only does it help you remember the day you became a Child of God, but it is a marker of your New Birth, like a birth certificate, which is a legal proof of your existence.

This date or marker is important because, whether you know it or not, there actually is a devil. Since he is a spirit, he has an ability to speak to our minds by way of deceptive thoughts. I can almost guarantee that there will come a time when a suggestive thought will come to your mind that will cause you to question whether you are really saved or not. This is where that date recorded or marker or New Birth certificate becomes important. You can simply go back to your Bible or wherever you wrote it down, and remind yourself, or say to the devil...”Nope, you’re wrong! This date is the day I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, the day of my New Birth, the day I became a Child of God, the day I was forgiven and saved, the day my name was written in the Lamb’s book of life...end of discussion!”

Finally, we would love to know that you have joined the family of God. We are so excited for you and we want to keep you in our prayers. Email us at info@EileenJacobs.org to let us know!