100 Baptisms a Year?

Is it possible? Can it really happen? YES! For three consecutive years, the Snellville Church of Christ in Snellville, GA had 90 - 115 baptisms per year. How did they do it?

Simply put, they took the Great Commission seriously and did what they could to spread the gospel to their community. They understood that all have a part in the Great Commission, and that some may water, some may plant, but it is God that gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). We know beyond any shadow of a doubt that God’s word will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:8-11) and that God will do His part — the question is, are we doing ours?

When we consider the value of a soul (Matthew 16:26) and see that Jesus loved each of us so much that He freely died for us, we are grateful. But He did this for the whole world — not just our group, our class or social caste. Have we forgotten what Jesus did for us? Do we not want others to share in the same blessings?

If a church only has a few soul winners, the harvest of souls will not be great. If, on the other hand, there are many who teach and do what they can to help others see Jesus, then many souls will be baptized. Truly, in this case, it is a question of numbers.

The preacher, elders, deacons and teachers cannot do it all themselves. We all have to seize the opportunities before us to teach the gospel. Thomas Edison once wrote, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Could it be that it preaching and teaching God’s word looks to much like work that we don’t do it enough?

It is easy, so easy, to get caught up in a rut and not do what the Lord wants and needs for us to do. As a result of our laziness and indifference, multiplied millions of souls will go into a Christ - less eternity. Hell is too real to allow this to happen — we must make the efforts necessary to help others see Jesus.

I close with this idea — somewhere, someone looked at you and saw an eternal soul that needed Jesus Christ. It may have been your parents, your grandparents, your neighbor, your friend, or another relative. Someone saw your need for a Savior, and taught you the truth. You rejoice in that truth now as we speak. Should we not feel the same amount of concern for our friends, neighbors and relatives today? Should we not speak of their Savior to them? Yes, we can have 100 baptisms a years as well. Will we? It is up to us!