We were privileged to have Brother George Salvador, Filipino Missionary to the Philippines with us tonight. He shared his testimony, sang, and brought the message.
Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
The most valuable thing in the world is the soul of man. Two things will forever remain. The Bible says the Word of God is settled forever in heaven. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will stand forever. Fame, riches, or power do not amount to anything in light of the value of the soul.
Men today don’t understand the value. More emphasis is placed on the body. We see this in the way many spend their time, money, and energy. We must remember we are not a body with a soul but a soul with a body. How do we know a soul is valuable?
We know a soul is valuable because of Satan’s efforts to get the souls of men. He knows the value. He’s not interested in lots of money for himself, but he is willing to give it to someone else in exchange for his soul. The devil uses many devices in his efforts. II Corinthians 2:11 says “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” The Bible says “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” He’s a thief that will rob and steal the soul. He uses temptation and sin. He’s subtle and uses what seems good to get the soul. Some believe religion and good works are all that is needed to get to heaven. The Bible says salvation is a free gift to everyone. The last part of the verse in II Corinthians 2:11 says “for we are not ignorant of his devices.” An unbeliever may not realize what the devil is doing, but the saved are not ignorant. We should realize and know what Satan is capable of because he wants souls.
We know a soul is valuable because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. He offered himself, and it was for the souls of men. He would have died for only one soul. That’s how much value the Lord puts on it. He’s “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
We know a soul is valuable because of the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 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.” Of all the teaching that Jesus did, this is the one he left with us. The sole purpose of the teaching is the souls of men. We can’t afford to just let people go on by. We are commanded to share the gospel. There must be souls to plant a church. In America you are blessed to have so many churches which have gone on for years and years. We want this in the Philippines.
There are two things you’ll take to heaven with you—your soul and the souls of others. Satan puts a lot of effort into winning souls. How much effort are we putting into it? Jesus made the greatest sacrifice. How much do we sacrifice? We have to be as faithful to the commandment of the Great Commission as we are any of the other commandments because a soul is valuable.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 