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We know we know the Lord because:

6. We have overcome the world and Satan

“I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one.I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.”  1 John 2:12-14 NKJV

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world  – our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18 NKJV

Because we know the Father; because we are born of God; because His word abides in us; because our faith is in Him; because we keep ourselves and choose to not sin – therefore we have overcome the wicked one and he cannot touch us.

7. We hate the world and the things of the world

“Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things] — these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 AMP

The child of God, who knows God, does not love the world or things of the world. The more we come to know the Father; the more time we spend with Him; the less we desire worldly carnal things.

8. We are one with the Body of Christ

“They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19 AMP

Those who know the Father have fellowship with Him and with each other. They are not exclusive, neither do they separate themselves. They do not fight against each other, but they do everything to walk in peace with each other.

9. We are anointed by the Spirit

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:20-27 NKJV

You cannot fake the anointing – you are either anointed or you are not. Those who know the Father also know and recognize the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

10. We know the truth that sets us free

“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21 NKJV

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ ” John 8:32-36 NKJV

We know the Truth because we know the Father. The Truth sets us free from sin and from the bondage of sin. We are free indeed.

11. Because we acknowledge God and His Son Jesus Christ

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the
beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us —
eternal life.” 1 John 2:22-25 NKJV

We know the Father, and we know Jesus, because we acknowledge that He is Lord, God and Savior. Because we believe, we have eternal life now.

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The mission of the local church is: Preaching and teaching; Making disciples; Fellowship; Worship; Missions and evangelism; Maturity of the believer; Ministry in the home; Ministry to material needs.

Preaching and teaching:

In Mark 16:15, Mark records that Jesus commanded the Church to preach the Gospel and in Matthew’s account, He emphasizes the teaching mission of the church (Matthew 28:19-20).

We can see in the book of Acts that the Church did what Jesus told them to do – to both preach and teach:
• Acts 5:42 NKJV – And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
• Acts 2:42 Kenneth S. Wuest – And they were giving constant attention to the teaching of the apostles and to that which they held in common with them, and to the breaking of the bread and to the gatherings where prayers to God were offered.
• Acts 11:25-26 NKJV – Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
• Acts 15:35 NKJV – Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
• Acts 18:11 NKJV – And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
• Acts 20:20-21 NKJV – How I kept back nothing that was helpful, buts proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Acts 28:30-31 NKJV – Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Preach means to herald; to proclaim; to publish. Preaching serves to both recruit and motivate the hearer. Through preaching, new babes are born into the family of God. Teach means to disciple, to instruct; to impart skill, knowledge or comprehension to. Teaching is the maturing ministry of the Church. Through teaching, the babes grow up and are matured from drinking milk to eating strong meat.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?  1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NKJV

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV

Making disciples:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Matthew 28:19-20 KJV

The Greek word translated “teach” is matheteuo, from mathetes, which means “disciple.” The Church is commanded by Jesus to teach – or disciple – all nations. Discipling involves teaching, but is more than just teaching – it is setting and leading by example. You can tell someone how to do it, but showing them is so much more effective. People learn a little by what you say, more by what you do and the most by who you are! Those who merely teach, have pupils, but those who disciple, make followers.

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.  1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 NKJV

The Church must teach God’s word, live God’s word and demonstrate God’s word. This requires that they personally submit themselves to the Word and the Spirit and allow God to do a work in them and through them. Always point people to God and His word, not to yourself; lift Jesus up; glorify the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Disciple by word and deed:
• 1 Timothy 4:12 AMP – Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.  
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP – Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).  
• Ephesians 5:1 AMP – Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].  
• Philippians 3:17 AMP – Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you.  

The local church will be strong when its members – under a Spirit-filled ministry – learn from one another, grow together and strengthen one another.

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As Minister’s Conference drew near, there was an expectation of something grand that the Lord was going to do in my life. I did not know exactly what it was but I did know that something was going to be done. Throughout the Conference it was as if faith was being injected into me everyday. At the beginning of the week, I was feeling like in a lull but as the days went by I felt that something was happening on the inside.

God definitely was expanding my territory and strengthening and encouraging me to believe beyond where I was at. I opened up my heart to the greater things that God has for my life and I chose not to limit Him in what He wants to do in my life. It is very easy to remain in what I know rather than to venture out into the unknown where it is new and uncomfortable.

My faith rose up as the week went by and it was what I needed to confront the challenges that would come my way by the end of the week. I was able to take on the obstacle by faith and in victory by trusting in all that I heard throughout the week being reminded of how God would supply and meet my every need. In the end, God did come through in a way that was unexpected but it was an example of trusting God and believing Him with no limits and no boundaries. I thank God for what He is doing in me and it was a blessing to be at the Minister’s Conference this year.

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Went to nursing home with my sons, 12 and 14.  My 12 yr old went into a room by himself and began script.  When he asked the old woman the heaven question she answered “no, I can’t go to heaven because I have done such bad things.  The answer surprised my son so much that I stepped in and continued the script.  She prayed the prayer of salvation, but was still unsure and we were able to explain to her that Christ’s sacrifice covered all her sins.  She told us that she had left all her children and that’s why she couldn’t be forgiven.  But after we prayed she believed that her sins were forgiven.

This lady lost her keys so me and my sister approached her.  We asked her if she needed help finding them.  She said yes.  So we went out to find them and when we found them we brought them back to her.  We got back to her I asked her if I could ask her a couple questions.  And she asked Jesus to be her Lord and saviour!  I prayed for 13 people in 2 days.

4 adults 2 kids from church prayed with 10 people.  I was amazed at how easily everyone responded.  Our team led 14 people to the Lord.  # kids prayed and accepted Jesus.  One lady was waiting for us said she was thinking of finding a church because she was lonely.

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I have been so stressed with things and work; I almost didn’t want to come to any services I didn’t have to go to. But I buckled down and came any ways. I have just been so worn out and tired. I sat thru every service and pressed in for something, anything to help me deal with all the pressure that is on me. I was feeling kind of depressed from all the pressure that has been on me. I wanted the fire of God and I wanted to get a new touch. I began to press in and I got my touch.

This was only night one. I began to shake under his present something that has ever happen to me. I kept pressing in and the next night it happens again, every night I was under the present of God. Depression dropped off of me and God gave me peace. This was something that I needed and longed for. God renewed me every time I need it. He gave me strength when I needed it. He changed me and made me happy to be me again even with everything going on.

He made me relies that I can sit around and have a pity party with everything going on or I could press in to him and receive his rest. I could press in to him or the things of the Lord but I had to make the choice and do it for myself. I had that authority to do so. I woke up from this dream world I was living in where I didn’t have to do anything. I released that there was something so much more then what I had and all I had to do was press in for it. It was an amazing meeting for me and changed my life bring me to the next level.

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Has participating in Soul Winning actually changed my life: if so, in what way? What would I not do before participating in Soul Winning on the streets and in nursing homes and hospitals that I will do now? I also need to address the question: are my actions an on-going fruitful, or a transient condition? Am I following my heart and the Great Commission, or just an exciting assignment in venues that heretofore would not have appealed to me, nor been available to me?

Although I have gone Soul Winning on a very limited basis in a former church, it was extremely difficult, as I then felt it necessary to force myself into situations and lives that left me feeling I was imposing. My career experience addressing and controlling large crowds in normally stressful situations was of no help in dealing on a one-to-one personal level as is the case in salvations.

The prepared Soul Winning script provides a guide and framework, a bridge or doorway permitting an opening into a person’s life in an unthreatening manner.

Knocking on project doors is something I would not have done nine months ago. Now it is something I enjoy. Visiting individuals in nursing homes and hospitals has been more fruitful and personally rewarding. Many memorable encounters have occurred and lives have been saved. I have availed myself of the joy of praying for and witnessing healings that have changed the quality of lives. Healed shoulders, chest pain relief, immobility cured, clouded minds made clear by our Savior, all bringing comfort and peace to folks who were more than shut-ins. Most of these people had been shut out of the joys of life.

Soul winning has become an area in my life that is no longer difficult. I know I can approach people that the Lord leads me to and show them the way to eternal life.

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Since making the River at Tampa Bay our home church in November of 2004, my wife and I have been trained to use the Gospel Soul Inning Script to win souls for the Kingdom. I know there are many people out there just like me, crying out for an answer many years ago. “God are you out there? Can you hear me? I need help and I need it now!” My answer came in February of 1997. Every person I approach to share the Gospel Soul WInning Script is another “Regis” receiving an answer to his asking.

Soul Winning has become engrafted into my very nature. It’s as easy as slipping on a comfortable pair of shoes. I have the script, my feet are shod, and I ready to reach people. Anywhere and everywhere from prison workers working on the roadside o Bus Stops, Gas Stations to the back stretch workers at the race track. I read the script and they follow along. If they speak Spanish, I just pull out my Spanish Script and have them read it out loud.

Recently, my wife and I stopped to eat at a Mexican Ranchito in Ocala, Florida. Suddenly, after we were seated, there was a flood of people who came in at one time. I asked the waitress, “Where did all these people come from?” She answered this is a rest stop for buses traveling from Miami to Houston on to Mexico. Our eyes lit up like kids on Christmas Day. We located the driver and asked permission to pray for safety, protection, and provision for the passengers (who were migrant farm workers) going back home.

The bus driver said, “Yes, please do!”
We prayed, he translated, the Gospel was preached, and 53 people were saved on our first international crusade at the Ranchito Restaurant, in Ocala, Florida!

Since then, we have had over 150 decisions for Christ just by showing up on Saturdays and praying for people as they board the bus for the next stretch of their trip. The people are so thankful! The Bus Drivers look forward to us. Everyone receives a Gospel Soul Winning Script to take home and pray with their families. Hallelujah! Only heaven knows the eternal impact we are making on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Amen.

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Before moving to Tampa Florida in Jan 2008 I had been saved for 20 years and I am embarrassed to say that I had only won 5 people to the Lord. I always had a desire to win people to the Lord but I did not know how and I was intimidated. Since coming to The River at Tampa Bay church and most recently the River Bible Institute Bible College I have become a radical soul winner.

I personally have won over 2000 people to the Lord. I do my best to win people to the Lord every day. Soul winning is part of my every day life and I intend to continue living that way. I use the Gospel Soul Winning script all the time and I am amazed how easy it is to win people to the Lord. I find that most people are thankful that someone took the time to tell them about Jesus.

Recently my husband and I had to take a trip back home to California. We were in a fast food restaurant and I felt impressed of the Lord to go talk to two guys that were eating lunch. I just walked up and introduced myself and then went straight into the script. The two of them were looking up at me almost mesmerized. I knew the Holy Spirit was working on their hearts. When it came time to pray they both bowed their heads and repeated the prayer of salvation. I could see an instant change in their faces.

Afterward I spoke to them for a few minutes about following God’s plan for their life and encouraged them to find a good bible believing church. Both of them reached out to shake my hand and thanked me for taking the time to share with them. The harvest is indeed plentiful and the laborers are few.

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Soul winning was not something I was used to doing; in fact before I came here I had never ever led someone to the Lord before. When I came to the river soul winning was one of the most terrifying things I have ever had to do. But over time it got easier, it is like riding a bike, it gets easier as you learn until you are a pro and then you never forget how to do it. That is what soul winning is like for me I feel like a pro, I love going out on the streets and talking to people, and seeing their eyes light up and their whole demeanor change right in front of your eyes.

Last week while I was out on the streets the Lord allowed me and another soul winner to pray for a man and his leg was healed, The Lord has never used me in that way it was so excited to be used of the Lord like that, I can only pray I will be that privileged again. I really do enjoy going out now the Lord has opened me up so much. I love I feel so bold when I go out, although I must admit I still get a little nervous sometimes but I pray for boldness and the power of God just flows over me and I am filled with boldness.

The Lord has been so good to me this past year in regards to soul winning, if I ever had a bad day He always seems to make it up to me. Boldness and a more open personality is what I feel soul winning has given to me, and I have been growing more and more on the things of God all because of Soul winning.

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When I first started soul winning I was a little timid and scared of what people might think of me, but that attitude has changed over the last few months. God has given me a holy boldness to share the gospel and I continue to defeat fears each time I go out. The soul winning script is a great tool and makes it very easy to speak to someone, but it really has not been too hard. All I have had to do is open my mouth and the Holy Spirit speaks through me.

Almost everyone I speak to is hungry for the truth. To my surprise, there are still so many who don’t know about Jesus. They may have heard his name, but they don’t know what He did for us. They don’t know that he was resurrected and is alive. They don’t know that the Holy Spirit can live inside them. They don’t know about the power they can receive from Him. As I started realizing this, it made me want to be even bolder in telling people about Jesus. So far I have seen and heard of people getting saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, delivered, healed, and having breakthroughs in their finances, marriages, and other areas of their lives all because someone took a minute to ask them, “Has anyone ever told you God loves you?”

Each testimony I hear helps me to realize why soul winning is a passion, not a program. As a soul winner I am recruiting souls for heaven! I am helping people find peace in this life through Jesus. The greatest joy is to see someone’s face light up after you have prayed for them, when you see the weight lifted off their shoulders, when they get filled with the joy, when you greet them at church on Sunday! People’s entire families are getting saved and their lives are completely changing. It is a privilege and an honor to be a vessel for God. I’ll never stop soul winning as long as I live!