Soul Saving While Under Lock Down

Peter Navarro, a presidential aide, has warned of the “increasing probability of a full-blown COVID-19 pandemic that could infect as many as 100 million Americans, with a loss of life of as many as 1.2 million souls,” according to the Times. Lost souls is a concern. In fact Jesus came and died to save lost “souls.” Often the term “soul” is used in reference to human life. In referring to the sinking of the Titanic, someone will say that “more than 1500 souls were lost.” When the Bible uses the term soul it will often refer to the eternal being housed in the physical body. The eternal soul of man. Jesus made this distinction when He said, “and do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). And when He said, “for whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24,26).

Jesus’ mission from Heaven to earth was all about saving souls. He sent out the apostles to preach the Gospel and save souls. “ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). Today, Christians are to concern themselves with saving the soul’s of sinners. “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

However, there are times when it is difficult to reach out and save the lost souls of the world. For example, right now we are under lock down in our homes and do not have contact with the many lost souls of this world. In times of persecution it was difficult for Paul and Silas. However singing and praying in the inner prison of the jail in Philippi they were able to teach the Gospel to the Jailor and his household (Acts 16:25f). Paul later demonstrated the ability to save lost souls while under house arrest in Rome. “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31).

Just what can you do to help share the Gospel with lost souls while under lock down in your house? Below are a few suggestions for your consideration:

• See the coronavirus as a unique opportunity not a obstacle.
• The phone, internet, etc. are great communication tools than can still be used for sharing the Gospel.
• Look for opportunities to start a conversation about the needs of their soul during this time. When you have a chance to talk or write someone, remind them when the topic of Covid-19 and death that anyone could die from anything at about any moment. No one is promised tomorrow (James 4:13). Focus their attention of their soul and not just their physical health.
• Invite neighbors and friends, former co-workers, and even you enemies to join our Zoom Bible Studies and sermons.
• Refer them to the resources on our website www.forumterrace.org.
• You are not be able to physically hand out tracts, but the mail services are still working (pdf copies of tracts can be found on our website to print and/or send).
• Email a lesson, link, letter of loving concern in the lost.

And if someone wants to meet in person to discuss the possibility of being baptized, well then, it is time to put on you big boy pants and take a chance. In fact, you can call me. I will go anywhere at anytime to share the Gospel. Or send them to me I will put my dog and elderly mother up and gladly baptize them in my pool even if they have a fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.

— Daniel R. Vess