SHOTGUN OR RIFLE?
Two desperate pioneer hunters were attempting to kill as much game as possible to feed their hungry families. One cold morning, as they approached a clearing, they spotted several deer. Each man carried a gun - one had a Winchester repeating rifle; the other a Browning 12-gauge shotgun. Knowing from experience that they would have only one shot before the deer would bolt, the question arose - "Which gun should we use?"
The man carrying the shotgun whispered, "I’ll use my shotgun. That way we can easily hit three or four deer!"
The other men replied, "Yes, we might hit several, but we probably won't bring any down, and they will likely escape in the woods. We’d better use my rifle to get one!"
"We may drop one if we use your rifle” replied the first man, “but think of all the food that will get away!"
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Which gun should they use? Experienced hunters know - THE RIFLE. After all, what good is it to hit several deer if you cannot bring down a single one to eat? One is infinitely better than none. And hopefully there will be another day to hunt the remaining deer.
This story helps us to understand the most effective way to win souls to Christ. Far too many use the “shotgun” approach - vague remarks about the Bible, non-specific invitations and an occasional, “God bless you.” While their intentions are noble, they rarely bring other to Jesus.
Conversely, those that are the most successful in leading others to Christ focus on one soul at a time. They select a relative, friend or associate, begin praying for them, and regularly invite them to Bible School, worship services or fellowships. And that’s just the beginning. They also look for openings to talk to them about salvation.
So put down your shotgun, and pick up your rifle. Select one person and devote time, energy, and prayers for him or her. Don't stop until they submit to Jesus or move “out of range”. God may use your determined, persistent efforts to win more souls to Christ than you imagine!
"…there will be more joy in heaven over ONE sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Two desperate pioneer hunters were attempting to kill as much game as possible to feed their hungry families. One cold morning, as they approached a clearing, they spotted several deer. Each man carried a gun - one had a Winchester repeating rifle; the other a Browning 12-gauge shotgun. Knowing from experience that they would have only one shot before the deer would bolt, the question arose - "Which gun should we use?"
The man carrying the shotgun whispered, "I’ll use my shotgun. That way we can easily hit three or four deer!"
The other men replied, "Yes, we might hit several, but we probably won't bring any down, and they will likely escape in the woods. We’d better use my rifle to get one!"
"We may drop one if we use your rifle” replied the first man, “but think of all the food that will get away!"
***************************************************************************************
Which gun should they use? Experienced hunters know - THE RIFLE. After all, what good is it to hit several deer if you cannot bring down a single one to eat? One is infinitely better than none. And hopefully there will be another day to hunt the remaining deer.
This story helps us to understand the most effective way to win souls to Christ. Far too many use the “shotgun” approach - vague remarks about the Bible, non-specific invitations and an occasional, “God bless you.” While their intentions are noble, they rarely bring other to Jesus.
Conversely, those that are the most successful in leading others to Christ focus on one soul at a time. They select a relative, friend or associate, begin praying for them, and regularly invite them to Bible School, worship services or fellowships. And that’s just the beginning. They also look for openings to talk to them about salvation.
So put down your shotgun, and pick up your rifle. Select one person and devote time, energy, and prayers for him or her. Don't stop until they submit to Jesus or move “out of range”. God may use your determined, persistent efforts to win more souls to Christ than you imagine!
"…there will be more joy in heaven over ONE sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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