Jesus set the example for ALL ministers to follow, and that is preaching the Gospel for FREE. The gift of salvation was NEVER meant to be earned of purchased. Salvation is the most important message we can preach, yet it has been replaced with prosperity and happy syrupy sermonettes that won't get anyone SAVED. If the last words Jesus said centered on winning souls then THAT must be the most important thing Jesus had to say. Paul further emphasized it by saying, "Woe unto ME if I preach NOT the Gospel". Paul knew his calling to win the lost was the prime directive of Jesus to His ministers. Preachers today are more concerned about receiving honor and honorariums than seeing souls saved. Oh how it must break God's heart to see his representatives MISREPRESENT HIM! Jesus was a humble servant that came and ministered to the poor, the sick, and the lost. We MUST follow Jesus example and be soul-winners in a lost and dying world. Pastors have to teach soul-winning to the congregations, NOT just to increase numbers, but to also stir up gifts in the Assembly of God. Spiritual gifts are activated when we do ministry, in particular soul-winning. The Gifts of the Spirit are not for show, they are for WORK. Every one of the Gifts are primarily given so we can win the lost and help them get filled with the Holy Ghost and make them disciples of Christ. (Acts 1:8) It grieves the Lord when he sees ministers become hirelings with no concern for lost souls. Too many churches are showcases or museums built to display the egos of the leaders. Churches named after men and women with their pictures plastered everywhere. Jesus was so low-key and humble when He did His fathers business. Jesus favorite title was "Son of Man". Jesus was God in the Flesh yet He carried himself as a lowly servant. It amazes me when I meet ministers for the first time and they introduce themselves as "Apostle" or "Evangelist", Jesus didn't even do that, in fact he called his disciples friends. Some ministers today are so high minded they won't even talk to you, you have to go through their "administrative assistant" or "armor bearer". And we think God is pleased with our foolishness? Freely you received...freely you give.
1Co 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
1Co 9:17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Prov. 11)
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