To rescue souls the rescuer must know the Scriptures and how to handle them. Paul's customary way needs to be adopted (Acts 17:2-3 ).

	He reasoned with those he would rescue
	He based all his reasoning on the Scriptures
	He explained the Scriptures to them
	He proved or demonstrated from other confirming Scriptures
	His message was the Person, death, and resurrection of Christ.

To carry out the rescue it is a 'must' to be "endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49 KJV), because there will be spiritual conflict (Ephesians 2:2 ). Satan is reluctant to release those he holds captive (2 Timothy 2:26 ). Through Him who loved us and endued us with Holy Spirit power, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4 ).

When we pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20 ) He will direct us as to whom we should speak and when. We can know specific guidance of the Holy Spirit just as Philip did in Acts 8:26-29. This example shows that the Holy Spirit prepares souls to be led to the Saviour, and will bring those who tune in by prayer, into contact with the needy, ready ones. Leaders are charged with this readiness (2 Timothy 4:2 ). There is no off-season time. Prayerful readiness will make us zealous to seize on the opportunity of our day (John 9:4 ).

Serious soul-winners will form prayer partners. In Matthew 18:19 a special promise is made when two get together and pray. Of course it is not limited to two; note Matthew 18:20. Praying in partnership there can be agreement in the Holy Spirit together, and encouragement of each other's hearing and faith. Discernment will be in operation, bringing check and balance. There will also be an urging of each other to obedience. Faced with unusual and difficult cases, remember the encouragement of,

James 5:16 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

James 5:20 "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."

There is joy and satisfaction in turning one back to God, and brings one to forgiveness and acceptance with God and God's family. It is the joy of finding and bringing back to the fold the sheep that was lost (Luke 15:6 ).

C.H. Spurgeon pointed out how special this kind of reward can be "Talk of 10 000 pounds reward! It is nothing at all! One might easily spend that amount, but one cannot exhaust the unutterable delights which come from the gratitude of souls converted from the error of their ways."

The sinner is brought to the cleansing of the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9 ), and the fellowship of walking in the light (1 John 1:7 ). The wandering sinner is restored to the path of righteousness, no longer in the "path of sinners" (Psalm 1:1 ). He can now move on the right path to spiritual maturity because in the fellowship of the saints there is a veil of love thrown over the sins of the one forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

1 Peter 4:8 "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"

The rescuer is rewarded in seeing the rescued restored to loving service.

Paul was sure of a" crown of rejoicing" in the presence of the Lord when He returns (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 ), and this reward is sure for all soul-winners. There will be souls that we know we have won, but we will be surprised by those in our crown that we did not know we had won to the Lord. It will be a great day of rejoicing when we hear our Lord's "Well done."

Remember:

Daniel 12:3 "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."

There is no more glorious work than turning sinners to righteousness through the covering of their sins. Soul-winning work will never be in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Have you a deep concern for one who has wondered from the truth? (James 5:19 ). Are you involved in a determined rescue attempt? What is your special function?
2. What are the present and the future rewards of those who are involved in soul winning? (James 5:20 ).