Finding the Lost

Dean's Notes
Dr. Howard Bixby, Th.M., Ed.D.

At the end of a long trip, it is extremely satisfying to walk through the door of your destination. When a lost pet returns, there is an overwhelming sense of happiness and relief. The Scriptures equate these kinds of feelings to those experienced by people who see spiritually lost people come to Christ.

In Luke 15, Christ provides three parables that describe both the excitement of seeing spiritually lost people found and the importance of this process to God. Luke 15:10 says: “Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” Finding the lost is important to God.

Luke 15:7 further develops the importance of evangelism with a possible reference to the preoccupation of the church with its own interests and conveniences: “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Finding the lost and bringing them to faith should be a priority for the church.

Baptist Bible Seminary is deeply committed to training men to lead churches into “Great Commission ministries” and developing a personal passion for evangelism. The curricula, adjunct instructors, chapels, and hallway fellowship all intentionally celebrate the excitement of finding and winning the spiritually lost. Rejoicing is rampant at BBS these days!

return to the Fall 2006 Paraklesis