Soul winner by C.H. Spurgeon (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
From the first half of the text, we see that the life of believer is full of soul-blessing. Spurgeon teaches us that:
(i) the believer's outward life comes as a matter of fruit from him;
(ii) the fruit is worthy of the Christian's character;
(iii) the fruit is the always the result of grace and the gift of God;
(iv) the fruit becomes a blessing to others;
(v) the completeness and development of the holy life will be seen above.
Then from the second half of the text, we see that the pursuit of the believer should be soul-winning. Spurgeon concludes that:
(i) there are souls which need winning;
(ii) soul-winning is like winning a bride;
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi) we must be taught of God before attempting soul-winning;
(vii) you are wise if you select soul-winning;
(viii) you will be very wise if you succeed in
(ix) you will become wiser as you proceed in
(x) you are wise if you win souls by any means.
In the introduction, Spurgeon relates how he views a gathered people of God: 'We ought to regard the Christian Church, not as a luxurious hostelry where Christian gentlemen may each one dwell at his ease in his own inn, but as a barracks in which soldiers are gathered together to be drilled and trained for war. We should regard the Christian Church, not as an association for mutual admiration and comfort, but as an army with banners, marching to the fray, to achieve victories for Christ, to storm the strongholds of the foe, and to add province after province to the Redeemer's kingdom. We may view converted persons gathered into church-membership as so much wheat in the granary. God be thanked that it is there, and that so far the harvest has rewarded the sower; but far more soul-inspiring is the view when we regard those believers as each one likely to be made a living centre for the extension of the kingdom of Jesus, for then we see them sowing the fertile valleys of our land, and promising ere long to bring forth some thirty, some forty, some fifty, and some a hundredfold.'
We are at war and so in church on Sundays we should be rallying the troops, not reclining at ease.
Next week's reading
Now it's your turn
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