It's as Oswald Chambers said, if you come at people with the idea of converting them they can smell the gunpowder. Chambers took a dim view of the idea of a "passion of souls." As I remember what he said, Brother Chambers felt the notion was suspect. It certainly isn't scriptural.

"Ah, but he that winneth souls is wise." Yes, that's what Solomon said but he was talking about the righteous being a tree of life. Sol was too busy with his wives to do much soulwinning.

If we will just let go and let God have His way He will make us fishers of men. And beyond all doubt all fish do not take the same bait.

I notice in the Gospels that when people were brought to Christ they were not impaled on the "four steps of salvation." When the woman touched the hem of His garment Jesus did not say, "We must have closure here. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. You are a sinner. You cannot save yourself. You must confess Me with your mouth. You must make a decision for Christ. Now that you are saved go out and tell others how to get saved. And boys, be sure she is listed on the monthly report as a decision for Christ."

Isn't this a bit stilted?

Honestly, I think our four steps of salvation sometimes prevent people from coming to the living Jesus. It's too unnatural, too contrived, not reflecting the breadth of God or the infinitely varied way He gets Himself into the bosoms and businesses of people.

No, He didn't assure Himself of their theological position. He reached out and touched them. The blood stopped. "Your sins are forgiven. Take up your bed and walk. You're out of here, Dude."

That's our Jesus. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hey, the Man is alive. You don't have to be catechized to be saved. You have a need? Ask the Man to touch you.

I make a practice of inviting unsaved people to take Communion. Horrors! I tell them to get saved while eating His flesh and drinking His blood. "Receive the Life of the Man! You can figure it out later. He's alive!"

We don't tell everyone they have to have a ministry of working miracles, why do we tell everyone they have to have a ministry of evangelism?"

"Ah, but evangelism's different!"

Chapter and verse, man. I was told to go by the Book. Show me in the Book where every saint is to be an evangelist.

There is no emphasis in the New Testament writings that each saint is to get people saved. The emphasis clearly is on the bringing to maturity of the Body of Christ, on personal righteousness and holiness.

Satan's purpose in pressing the concept we are saved to save others is to put the stress on external activity rather than growth in internal and external righteousness. By the doctrine of grace Satan has removed the emphasis on righteous behavior. At the same time he is pressing for constant evangelistic activity. His purpose is to prevent the growth of Christians to maturity. Satan is not threatened by spiritual babies.

It is time the pastors of America put the work of evangelism in perspective. There are numerous other ministries needed if the believers are to be able to stand during the age of moral horrors on the horizon.

Every member without exception of the Body of Christ has been given a ministry. We can find that ministry only by presenting our body a living sacrifice to God.

When we find our ministry we are to wait on it, faithfully serving God and man by what we have been given.

It is certain we are not all evangelists nor are we supposed to be. But we do have a place, and when we find it and exercise it we will be as valuable to the church as was Dorcas of the Book of Acts. If you want to get raised from the dead start knitting sweaters.

There are times when someone asks us of our incomparable hope in Christ. With meekness and fear we are to offer our bread to the hungry. We are to always have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

When we all do our part the job will get done.

I have found my place and I am happy in it. The Lord is guiding me and I have peace.

I hope my contribution will be a blessing to you, and I know you will have something with which to bless those around you.