THE SCHOOL OF ANDREW
"35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone)." John 1:35-42.
In Greek Andrew means 'manly' or "courageous". He was one of the twelve disciples and apostles of the Lord Jesus; also the brother of Simon Peter. Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist when he encountered and decided to follow Jesus. He was a man of strong conviction; not only did he accepted Jesus as the Messiah, but he introduced Peter as well to Him. Andrew convinced and encouraged Peter to become Christ's disciple.
He was Jesus' first convert and disciple. Yet the writers of the Scriptures wrote very little about him and his evangelistic journey. Despite his seemingly important role as the first follower of our Lord Jesus, Andrew is only mentioned a few times in the New Testament, but on each of those occasions we see him introducing others to Jesus. It was Andrew who sought and brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus before the feeding of the five thousands. John 6:8-9. But Matthew, Mark, and Luke didn’t think that was important enough to get a mention. Only John recorded the role he played. A second instance is when he and the other key disciples (Peter, James and John) questioned Jesus about His statement that the stones of the temple will be pulled down. Mark 13:1-4. In another time, Andrew served as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus. John 12:23-24. According to the account of John, after Jesus entered Jerusalem, just before the Passover, some Greeks who believe in God approach Philip and asked to see Jesus. Philip brought them to Andrew. Once again it was Andrew who brought them to the Lord. It is quite likely he spoke both Aramaic and Greek. Finally, like most of the other apostles, Andrew abandoned Jesus after he was arrested. But he returned, and was with the other disciples in the Upper room after the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven. Acts 1:12-13.
Like the other apostles, Andrew fulfilled his ministry. Though he was not as popular and conspicuous as the others, Andrew laboured quietly and with deep commitment. He was more concerned with serving God than building his reputation. Even, when Luke describes Peter, James, and John as pillars of the church, Andrew goes unrecognised despite being the first apostle. There were times when some of the apostles would argue over who would be the greatest, but he was not involved in these dispute. Andrew never lobbied position, press for a prominent place of honour beside the three major apostles, or engaged in church politics. He laboured quietly, preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus and was not a people pleaser. Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22.
While the Bible doesn’t record much of Andrew’s personal ministry activities, historians, scholars and tradition believes he brought the gospel to various countries. It is believed that he later on travelled to the ancient city of Byzantium where he established a church. Modern Scottish tradition believes that Andrew preached to their ancestors. Though there is no account of his death in the New Testament, it is believes he was first stoned then crucified around 60 AD at Patras in Achaea on an X-shaped cross. Like his brother, Simon Peter, he allegedly didn’t consider himself worthy to die in the same way as the Lord Jesus. Tradition says he continued to preach until his last breath. Today, if you look closely at the flag of Scotland, you will see the X-shaped cross. This is a memory to the man, who though was the first disciple of Jesus, yet served God committedly in obscurity.
SOUL WINNING: THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
Like his brother Simon Peter, Andrew was initially a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. But they later became fishers of men. Do you have loved ones who are not saved? Are you doing something to bring them to the Lord? Andrew was a soul winner! To be in the school of Andrew is to be a soul winner. Its to share the Gospel, even in obscurity. Are you comfortable with the spiritual state of those close to you? What are you doing to bring them to Christ? There are many Peters around us who are waiting to be found and led to the Lord. Will you be their Andrew? Andrew formed a bridge between the Messiah and his brother. He led Peter to the Jesus. Where would Simon Peter have been if it had not been for Andrew’s personal effort and evangelism?
Every time he's mentioned in the New Testament, it is because Andrew is bringing someone to Jesus. Nothing made him happier, fulfilled than bringing people to meet and believe in the Saviour. Although circumstances placed him in a position where it would have been easy for him to be jealous, disappointed, and resentful, for being uncelebrated like the others, but he was not. Andrew's main purpose in life was to bring others to Jesus.
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30. A soul winner’s main assignment, purpose and goal is to win souls and tell the people how to go to Heaven.
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3. Anyone who will shine brightly for Jesus must love soul winning.
“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20. If we do not tell others about the goodness of God, who will?
Jesus declared to His disciples, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" Matthew 4:19. If we are really following Jesus, we will be soul winners. And just before He ascended into Heaven, He commanded them to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. We're called to win souls. Every believer is commissioned to preach the Gospel to the sinners and win them for Christ. Soul winning is our general assignment; its not the prerogative of pastors, prophets, or evangelists alone. Soul winning is the heartbeat of God. It is extending God’s love to unbelievers, so they might be saved and established in the faith. Soul winning is more than evangelism though; it consists of evangelism, visitation and discipleship. Soul winning is connecting sinners with Jesus so that they might receive all that He has done for them. Soul winning is preaching the Gospel. The word Gospel means "good news" and the good news is that Christ died for our sins and rose again to be our Lord and Saviour. Soul winning is an assignment that gives joy in this life and brings reward in the world to come. The salvation of lost souls provoke joy in Heaven. Luke 15:10. So get busy for the Lord; be passionate about the Great Commission. Make soul winning your lifestyle.
THE JOY OF SOUL WINNING:
1. Soul winning turns people from darkness to light.
2. It grants access to divine mercy, forgiveness and grace.
3. Soul winning compels sinners to repent and forsake their sinful ways.
4. It gives the soul winners recognition in Heaven.
5. Soul winning give us entry into divine healing and deliverance.
6. It makes God to look at the soul winners' prayer and answer it speedily.
7. Soul winning gives you peace of mind and unspeakable joy.
8. It empowers you to bear spiritual fruits.
9. Soul winning gives the soul winner access to the presence of God.
10. You have access to supernatural supplies.
11. Soul winning gives you access to the wisdom of God.
HOW, THEN, CAN WE BE EFFECTIVE SOUL WINNERS?
1. You must be fit for the Master's use.
There are seven qualifications required to be a soul winner for Christ. These requirements are: (a) full surrender, (b) holiness, (c) spiritual experience, (d) daily consecration, (e) humility, (f) a growing faith, and (g) anointing of the Holy Spirit. Thus, it is very important for us to examine ourselves daily as soul winners.
2. Divine Empowerment. Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49-50.
The power to win souls is given by the Holy Spirit and this power manifests in the area of courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability and authority. These qualities are basic necessities for effective soul winning.
3. You must have knowledge of God’s Word.
The Word of God is Spirit and Life. We must build our lives on the Word of God. Psalm 119:11. A soul winner who lacks the knowledge of the Word of God has no message to preach. If you must be successful in your soul winning assignment, you must be consistent and diligent in the study of the Word, 2 Timothy 2:15.
Memorize the following verses and practice saying them in a mirror or to another Christian until you're comfortable sharing them with someone needing Christ: Romans 3:23; 5:8; 10:9, 10, 13; 1 John 5:1, 13.
4. You must have love and compassion for souls.
It was love that prompted God to send Jesus to earth for the salvation of mankind. John 3:16. When Jesus saw a crowd of people who were described as sheep without a shepherd, He was moved with compassion for them that He began to teach them, Mark 6:34. Love and compassion for souls are great inspiration for soul winning.
5. Have a plan.
Have a plan of how you will present the Gospel clearly and quickly. It is a good idea to premark the passages you will use, and read it (or have them read it), so they know it is from the Bible and not just your opinion.
6. Make your message clear.
Ask them if they understand the message, and if they're ready to be saved. Encourage them not to put off being saved now if they feel the Lord is speaking to their heart. Putting salvation off for another time may be telling God, “No!” when He is speaking to their hearts. Tell them they can pray now, and trust Christ as their Saviour.
7. Don't give up until the task is done! Acts 21:11-14; 2 Timothy 1:8, 2:3, 4:2.
If we must succeed in our soul winning commission, perseverance is one of the essentials qualities.
7. Be prayerful.
Soul winning without intercession is a waste of effort. Prayer gives power and confidence to speak out the Word of God without fear. 2 Timothy 1:7. Prayer make sure that the unsaved souls are able to give their lives to Christ and make heaven at last. It helps to protect the unsaved souls and win them back to Christ. Prayer is necessary for the successful beginning and ending of every evangelism outreach. A lifestyle of prayer gives you power to heal, deliver and restore the hope of the hopeless. In prayers, we communicate our desires and request to God. If we must be effective in our soul winning effort, we must cultivate the habit of praying like Christ did during His life and earthly ministry. Christ’s experience at garden of Gethsemane is a typical example for us.
Ask God to give you an evangelistic burden. There are many unsaved souls close to us. There are many people whose hopes have been shattered. There are many believers who are backsliding daily, thinking that God is unjust to them. Pray and ask the Lord to put these people in your heart so that you can lead them to Christ. Ask God to help you see the world as He sees it, and to lay upon your heart a handful of people for whom you can earnestly pray. Then pray over those names every day.
8. Live a consistent Christian life.
Our lifestyles and personal character is that which gives value and weight to our speech. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:14-16. Your lifestyle is a sermon! Hence, you must have a growing, maturing, and consistent Christian life that those around you recognize and respect.
9. Build bridges.
When the Lord shows you those in need of Christ, seek to build a growing relationship with them. While we must be careful not to place ourselves in an environment where we will be tempted or pulled down, we must be equally careful to build and cultivate friendships with those needing Christ.
10. Watch for openings to share a word for Christ. 1 Peter 3:15.
Sometimes we wait too long, looking for just the right time to share with others the message of the Gospel. Create an opening if none exist by:
a. Singing. “Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.” Psalm 9:11.
b. Talking. Use your voice to bring others to salvation.
“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” I Chronicles 16:9
“Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Luke 8:38-39
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9
“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:28
c. Be a good example:
“I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” Psalms 26:5-7
“And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” Mark 4:21.
11. Leave the results with God.
We're responsible for sharing the Gospel, but only God save souls. Having done your best, let Him do the rest.
SERVING IN OBSCURITY:
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” Matthew 9:36-37.
Do you ever feel like Andrew—that your work goes unnoticed despite the sacrifices? Yet, he choose to serve, even in obscurity. We may feel that our work in the Kingdom of God is unimportant. To be obscure is to be unknown, inconspicuous, unimportant, or downgraded. You show up faithfully, contributing your part, but no one seems to notice. If no one ever sees us do what we do for the Gospel, will we continue to do it?
It’s easy to serve God or do ministry when people are praising your name. But when you put your hand to the task for which God has called and gifted you, and you do it well, that’s faithfulness. God sees you! Every child of God is well-known in heaven. Even if no one sees your faithfulness, God is watching. He will repay you.
Sinners are waiting to be saved. Rise up to the task! Share the Gospel with them. Help others discover God’s light, and receive His righteousness. You’re His witness! God saved you and made you His partner in saving lost souls. Do not give up on the Great Commission. Take the Gospel to them. And if you have led someone to the Lord, revisit and encourage them. Do not leave them on their own; help them to grow in grace. Encourage them to read their Bible. Invite them, or direct them to a Bible believing church that is near them to hear more of what the Bible teaches. Disciple them, if it is possible. Matthew 28:19-20. God wants you to safeguard every soul you won. If they are not sustained, they may be lost to the world. Until the souls are established, the assignment is not over. A soul winner work is not finished until the converts are established in the church. Oh, what a joy it will be to see your new converts becoming pastors, teachers, evangelist, prophets, and apostles. There's a great rejoicing in heaven each time you win a soul for Christ. You will be eternally rewarded for this! There are special rewards reserved for the soul winners that no one else will receive, when we make it to Heaven. Oh beloved, think of the joy those who have brought souls to Christ will experience when they receive a crown of rejoicing. Even more rewarding is to know that you have had a part in helping others find Christ. Imagine what joy it will be when these souls are eternally united with Jesus at His second coming. Envision what a sense of accomplishment, when we see thousands, if not millions in Heaven as a result of our ministries. And so I encourage you daily trust Him for the grace to fulfil all His purpose for your life until the very moment you stand before His throne and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Matthew 25:23. There's no reward, absolutely nothing on this earth that can be compared to the joy of our Lord Jesus.
Are you ready to enrol in the soul winning school of Andrew? Will you win souls into the Kingdom of God? If you are willing to be a soul winner and start anew with Christ, then pray this prayer: Father, I believe You love me. The Bible says I can love You because You first loved me. I thank you for Your love. I come to You today, fill my heart in a greater way that You ever have before. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and love. Help me to grow in Your love and let me show Your love to people all around me. Thank You, Father, in Jesus name. Amen.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. O Lord, make me a soul winner for Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.
2. Father, give me the needed boldness to witness for You, no matter the situation, in Jesus name.
3. Lord, make Your Church more committed to evangelism and missions, in Jesus name.
4. Father, use me in a time of need for the people around me, so that they will not perish, in Jesus name.
5. I will not rest until you give me souls to harvest for your kingdom, in Jesus name.
6. O Lord, give me open doors for evangelism and mission that I may win souls, in Jesus name.
7. Father, help me to persist in evangelism and soul winning, in Jesus name.
8. O Lord, lay your hands upon me and enable me to raise souls for your kingdom, in Jesus name.
9. After winning souls for Christ, I shall not be a castaway in God's Kingdom, in Jesus name.
10. Thank God for answering your prayers.
