SUBJECT: “ROUND THEM UP WITH COMPASSION FROM THE STREETS TO THE SAVIOR.” PART 3

Sep 20

3 min read

" When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

~Matthew 9:36-38 NLT

Answering the call. “ROUND THEM UP.” The organized church building where the Body of Christ goes each Sunday is not called to sit comfortably while people around us are hurting, searching, and living without hope. JESUS looked at the multitudes and was moved with compassion. He saw people as sheep without a shepherd. Today, GOD is calling us to go and be the Shepherd. Not with judgment, not with force, but with unconditional love,

fervent Prayer, outreach service, and the life-changing message of JESUS CHRIST. If the true members of the Body of Christ all stopped and looked around we would all see that there is still room in the FATHER’S house, for who need a “this is the way invitation.” How can this be done?

Five short ways:

1. See people through the eyes of JESUS.

He did not see a crowd as a number to increase.

He saw people who were tired, hurting, confused, and spiritually scattered.

Ask God to give the church a burden for souls.
Look beyond appearances, backgrounds, and past mistakes.

2. Go where the people are. OUTSIDE THE CHURCH BUILDING.

JESUS said the harvest is plentiful. The Body of Christ cannot wait only for people to walk through the doors; as believers, we must go into neighborhoods, workplaces, parks, families, shelters, schools, and community spaces.

We are not called merely to open the church doors; we are called to open our mouths, open our hearts, and go into the highways and hedges with the love of JESUS CHRIST.

3. ROUND THEM UP…Gather people through love and relationship

People love to go to an event because of food, fellowship, music, prayer, practical help, or a personal invitation. Let that be one of your ultimate purposes to introduce them to JESUS.

Invite them personally.
Listen to their story.
Pray with them.
Meet practical needs when possible.
Share what JESUS has done in your life.
Follow up after the invitation or event.

4. Present JESUS clearly

Do not stop at gathering a crowd. The goal is not attendance; it is discipleship. Tell people plainly:

GOD loves them.
Sin separates humanity from GOD.
JESUS died and rose again to save the sin-sick world.
Salvation is received through faith and repentance.
They can begin a new life in JESUS, now.

5. Bring them into discipleship

After people respond, they need community, teaching, Prayer, and encouragement. JESUS commanded His disciples and followers not only to just go, but to make disciples and teach them to obey Him. We are JESUS disciples and followers today.

Remember:

Let us not merely invite people to a building; let us invite them into a relationship with JESUS. Let us go into the highways and hedges, see the harvest with compassion, speak with grace, and bring hope to those who feel forgotten. The house of GOD still has room and GOD wants to use us to help fill it with souls who are saved, restored, and prepared to meet His Son any day, now.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly FATHER ,

Thank you in JESUS name for an open door to round up your people. Thank you for every person you will allow us to cross paths with. Please guide our words, our fellowship and all that takes place at every round-up we have. Let your Holy Spirit lead us and may everything we do bring honor and glory to your Holy name. In JESUS’ name amen.

- In Jesus Holy name Amen.

O. M. Nugget:

“TODAY IS NOT TOO SOON TO ROUND UP THE LOST SHEEP.”

Expository Study:

Romans 5 Step Road To Evangelize!

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

Romans 5:8

Romans 10:9

Romans 10:13

Food For Thought:

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

~JESUS @ Matthew 9:35-38 ESV