THE SOUL WINNER AND HIS CHURCH
PASTOR MIKE SCHMALTZ
APPLETON, WI

The church began in the heart of God! It is not the invention of man or the fabrication of some religious group. With excitement the church began….”And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues… ..” Acts 2:1-4. And friend, God’s church is alive and magnificent today!

Even though the church has been battered by the world, accused by the devil, and tempted by the flesh today the church presses on! The burning desire of God has always been to “seek and to save the lost”,
Luke 19:10. He determined that the best way to reach this world was through the church!

We all understand that we, as individuals, make up the church. And, each one of us has a part to play in God’s church to see the plan of God accomplished.

KEY PRINCIPLE

We are to reach for the lost EVERYWHERE and in EVERY WAY possible But God’s church is the focal point of activity

I. THE CHURCH IS THE CENTRAL PART OF GOD’S PLAN MAKING THE “GOOD NEWS” KNOWN TO THE WORLD.

A. Jesus stated, I will build my church.” Matt. 16:18

B. The church began on the Day of Pentecost.

Every member must have the conviction that the church has the mandate, the opportunity, and the responsibility to communicate the Gospel to the world.

Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:45-49, Acts 1:8

C. The Apostle Paul informed the Ephesian believers….

1. When the sinner finds God, he is no more a stranger, but a fellow Christian of the household of God. Eph. 2:19

2. The church is built on a foundation of Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. Eph. 2:20

3. The church is “fitly framed together” and “groweth” unto a holy temple. Eph. 2:21

4. The church is “built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit” Eph. 2:22

II. DISCIPLE-MAKING MUST BE CENTERED AROUND THE CHURCH

A. We must help people come into a relationship with the church. The church has been ordained by God to reach and nuture the lost in their new Christian walk. Heb. 10:25

B. The entire life of the church should be focused on “disciple-making”. Disciple-making must become the goal of Sunday school, Youth Ministry, Outreach, Ladies Ministry, etc.

C. The saints must be equipped to do the work of their ministry.

“It was he who gave some…pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. ” (NIV) Eph. 4:11-12

D. Use the church’s programs to bring non-Christians in contact with the ministry and love of the church.

III. SEVEN CHARACT ERISTICS OF THE SOUL WINNING CHURCH:

First – A church of prayer. Is. 56:7, Luke 19:45-46

The early church was a church of prayer. Acts 1:14, 2:42, 3:1, 9:11, 10:2, 12:12, 13:3, 16:16

Prayer is the key for us being sensitive to God’s voice and the needs of others.

Second – Church of worship.

A soul winning church must have the touch of God’s Holy Spirit Zech. 4:6, Ps. 22:3, 67:1-7 “In spirit and truth”. John 4:23-24 Never be ashamed to worship God.

Third  The church that is friendly.

The church that is involved in reaching the lost must be a warm and friendly place. Acts. 2:42-47, 4:33-37

“The church not only must have a willingness to accept new people, they must show a delight in it. The hospitality of such a church is evident in the greeting visitors receive, in the warm climate of the church, and in the provisions made for them to fully participate in the service or events for which they came.” Dr. Win Arn

The gracious welcome and friendly atmosphere does not just happen, it is the result of the saints recognition of the importance and duty of hospitality.

Fourth – The church &at understands God’s plan and purpose.

“Ye Are my witnesses” Acts 1:8
“Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine” Acts 5:28-32, 5;42, 8:1-4, 20:24-27,28:30-31

God works through people – if God’s plan and purpose is going to be accomplished, it will be because saints accept their responsibility and allow God to work through them. Rom. 6:13-22

“…My hearts desire…that they might be saved.” Rom, 10:1

Fifth – The church is willing to sacrifice for the lost.

The Good Samaritan Luke 10:29-37, Acts 2:45, 4:34-37

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” ll Cor. 9:7

“The people had a mind to work.” Neh. 4:6

Sixth – the church with unity.

People can sense harmony in the church, unity was part of the tremendous revival in the early church.

The mature saint understands:

1. Division in the church stops revival. I Cor. 3:3, II Cor. 12:20
2. Satan has always tried to divide God’s people. Acts 6:1-3
3. Offenses will come. Matt. 18:7
4. Must withdraw from someone who causes division. Rom. 16:17-20
5. We only have one life to live – we will not allow our life to be filled with bitterness and division. Eph. 4:1-30

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3

Seventh – The church with the attitude of expecting a miracle.

God is still a miracle-working God! Mark 16:20

Faith opens the door for God to work. Heb. 11:6

Allow God to use you in the gifts of the spirit I Cor. 12:1-12

Our God is able – trust him! Jude 24-25

Allow your excitement for God and what he is going to do – touch the new people in church.

The church has been ordained by God to reach the lost! Now is the time to submit to God’s plan and purpose for you, and invest yourself 100% into his church.

THOU ART COME TO THE KINGDOM FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS” ESTHER 4:14

THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY PASTOR MIKE SCHMALTZ.

THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.