Gospel

Where To Fish For The Souls Of Men

by Brother Carlton 
10/08/15
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When it comes to personal evangelism or street preaching (open air evangelism) one may infer that prospects are just about everywhere.  

In the Bible these prospects are called by various names including fish, sheep, sinners, those who are afar off etc.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."  Matthew 4:18-20

Notice that Jesus called regular fisherman to follow him and then put a spiritual twist on their future calling by telling Peter and Andrew that they would now learn the art of fishing for men.

All Christians should be fishers of men but are we?  How is it that so few today have a burden for the lost and dying sinner?

Charles Spurgeon once said that if you don't have a desire to see other men saved then you are not saved yourself.

That statement should cause everyone of us to examine ourselves to see if we are truly converted for many are deceived and haven't yet the love of God shed abroad in their hearts.

When it comes to evangelism the Bible compares men to certain fish which must be caught.  How are men caught?  By the net of the gospel.  

In America and around the world the  majority of people we meet with on a daily basis are lost (Matthew 7:13-14) and need to hear the gospel.  We need to reach people, as the Lord leads us and by prayer and suplication let our burdens for lost sinners be known by praying for specific individuals and then reaching out to these persons in love.  We must always speak the truth in love and letting out light shine so that others may see our good works.  

We are the salt of the earth that makes men thirsty for the water of life.  

The following are several places to fish for the souls of men either by personal one on one evangelism or by street preaching to those passing by or those gathered in crowds. 

Once a person has expressed some conviction of sin we need to teach them what the Lord requires of them namely repentance and faith toward God.

You can set up home Bible studies by inviting people into your home or another person's home. Usually it is a good idea to have some refreshments or snacks to enjoy afterwards.

1)  Children of Members.  Whether they are minor or adult children they have usually attended the church of Christ with their parents. We need to have the parents permission for those who are not 18 years of age.

2)  Spouses of Members.  Usually have attended with their believing spouse.

3)  Friends Who Attend Youth Functions With Our Youth.  These provide a contact that is many times overlooked.

4)  Non-members Who Attend Ladies Bible Class.  Those members who are their friends can be instrumental in helping you to set up a personal Bible study with the non-member.

5)  Benevolent Contacts.  When we show care and concern for others they are more likely to be open to a personal Bible study.

6)  Bible School and Vacation Bible School Contacts.  By their attendance they have indicated an interest in Bible study.

7)  Visitors to Worship Services.  By their attendance they have displayed an interest in the church.

8)  Hospital Contacts.  Those undergoing serious illness can see that their life could end at any time. NOTE: I recall many years ago visiting a young woman named Vicki at St Joseph's Hospital in Stockton, Ca with a close brother in Christ named Bernard.  We spoke words of comfort and explained the gospel even though this woman had made a profession of faith and was recently baptized.

9)  Backsliders and infrequent gatherers- We should always try to restore those who are walking contrary to the gospel. 
Here is a verse that is speaks to this situation.

"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;  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 5:19-20).

10)  Neighbors.  We should want those who live near us in this world to also be with us in Heaven. 

11)  Fellow Employees.  We work with these 5 days a week.  During lunch and breaks we should bring up spiritual subjects and talk with them about their souls.

12)  Door knocking.  A good way to find prospects in a neighborhood. 

13)  Friends and Relatives of Members.  It is good when other members can help you in contacting their friends and relatives in setting up a Bible study with them. 

14)  Newcomers to Town.  They are seeking to establish new friends and are putting down new roots.  

15)  Visitors to Your Home.  We need to ask them to have a personal Bible study with us.    

16)  Those Who Take Bible Correspondence Courses.  These have already indicated an interest in Bible study.

17)  Funerals.  Those attending funerals, at that time, tend to realize the brevity of this life.

18)  Fair Booths.  Here you can come into contact with many people, who stop at the booth, who are interested in spiritual matters.

19)  Jails & Prisons.  Many incarcerated people realize they need to make some positive changes in their lives.  In jails and prisons you can always find people who are wanting someone to teach them the Bible.

20)  Rest Homes.  People in rest homes like visitors and may want a personal Bible study.  

21)  Newspaper & Radio Contacts.  These show an interest by responding to newspaper, TV, and radio contacts.

22)  Hecklers, Questioners, Objectors, One who questions or objects is often open to a discussion or further study of the claims of the gospel.

23)  Friends of New Converts.  Many times a new convert has friends and he would also like for them to be taught the gospel.

24)  People Seeking Counseling
Those who need and want to make changes in their lives.

 25)  Those Getting Married.  Particularly if the spouse of a member is not a member.

 26)  People Undergoing Trauma.  People undergoing serious problems are usually looking to God for help and are usually very good prospects.

27)  Children's Homes- One of the first places I went when I was first a convert to the Christian faith was Mary Graham Hall, a children's shelter located in French Camp, CA.  The man who first told me about salvation was a man named James Holcomb.  I was quite young at the time but he and I visited the place I stayed for 9 months when I first left my uncle and aunts waiting placement in a foster home.

28) Rescue Missions- Usually local churches are who support the mission
come once a month to preach the word and join in singing for the men who stay at the mission.  Find one in your city and start evangelizing.