Touching Lives at Christmas (TLC) 2015 Practical Discussion for Brethren Forum 

An ordinary Church member who pursue and possess passion for souls will soon find his seat among the earnest men of God.

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him (Luke 10:30-34 NKJV).

The early Church lacked the privileges of technological advancements we have today- but possessed passion for souls. The motivation of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry was not power but LOVE and COMPASSION. Jesus prayed and gave prayer assignment by compassion (Matthew 9:36ff). He fed the hungry because HE was moved by compassion (Matthew 15:32). HE worked miracles and raised the dead (Widow of Nain’s son) by the impetus of compassion (Luke 7:13). Touching lives for Jesus Christ on a daily basis will become possible only when you possess passion for souls! O that our lives will be ablaze with an unwavering passion for souls.

PASSION is a great and compelling enthusiasm for something that keeps you preoccupied and consumed until that thing is obtained. John 4:34.

This passion for souls is indispensable if we would:

• Pray effectually and fervently (James 5:17).
• Preach earnestly and persuasively (2 Timothy 4:2).
• Endure hardship for the salvation of men (2 Tim 2:3, 10).
• Embark on long journeys singly for the cause of the gospel (Acts 1:8).
• Invest our money and resources into MISSIONARY WORK (2 Corin 8:1-5).

When Passion for Souls is at Work:

• Every disadvantage is turned into advantage. Acts 8:4.
• Gadget or no gadget, the Church will keep growing and expanding.
• Educational background will no longer matter (Acts 4:13).
• Every word spoken becomes a barbed wire that Holy Spirit then uses to bring about conviction.
• Whatever strategy the LORD gives you to use becomes effective and fruitful. Without passion, the best of strategies becomes impotent.

Ardent soul winners differed in background, emphasis and approaches – but were all consumed with passion for souls. When Passion for Souls is at work, emphasis no longer matters:

• George Whitefield emphasized “You must be born again”.
• Jonathan Edwards emphasized the justice of God, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God”.
• L Moody emphasized “God is love”.
• Late Arch-Bishop Idahosa emphasized “The Power of God”.
• Pastor Kumuyi emphasizes the “holiness of God”.

SECURING THE PASSION FOR SOULS. Acts 4:23-31.

• Prayer- Personal and Corporate. Acts 4:24, Romans 9:1ff, 10:1ff, 11:1ff.
• Digging deep into the scriptures: John 1:1ff, 2 Corinthians 3:18.
• Intimacy with God.
• Retreating to wait and watch at the gate of the Holy Ghost: Isaiah 40:28-31.

William Booth (founder of Salvation Army) at their Commissioning Program said: “If I had the power, I would take you all to hell to be there for two minutes and bring you back and then send you to the mission field.

Is hell still real to you?

Concluding Question

In the assignment of soul-winning and raising disciples for Christ Jesus, how will God rate you?

Sleeping? Crawling? Walking suggishly? Or RunningWith Vision?

It’s time to seek the face of God until HE soaks you with PASSION FOR SOULS.