International Institute of Christian Discipleship CR 02 Principles

International Institute of Christian Discipleship CR 02 Principles of Personal Christian Witnessing General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®

Purpose of study Learn why witnessing is necessary. Learn when and how to share personal spiritual insight. Learn how to lead others to decide for Jesus.

Contents Motivating Personal Witnessing Jesus’ Method of Witnessing Knowing the Law of the Mind in Witnessing Sharing Faith Giving Personal Bible Study Bringing People to Decision

Why is lay involvement needed?

Learn from the Apostles

Church growth in the New Testament Acts 1: 15 Acts 2: 41, 42 Acts 4: 4 Acts 5: 14 Acts 6: 1, 7 Acts 9: 31 Acts 16: 5 Acts 21: 20 120 disciples 3000 new converts 5000 men More and more Increasing Grew in numbers Church planting Many thousands

Why did the work progress in the time of the New Testament?

We read in Acts 21: 20 that there were many thousands of Jews (the Greek word means myriads, multiples of ten thousand). Why was the church growing so fast? It was because everyone was involved in witnessing. Through the promises of God, the Lord will bring a harvest of souls as lay members become involved.

What percent of our members are involved in witnessing activities? 80% 60% 50% 1%

Why are people not involved? Lack of confidence Problem of unknown potential Have never been asked Have no training Limited understanding of role No motivation

Lack of confidence I’m afraid I’m not good enough I don’t have power to do that I’m too old

Problem of unknown potential The history of Yates Pool

Have never been asked It is possible that some pastors like to do everything themselves and are very poor at delegating responsibility to other people.

No training “Many would be willing to work if they were taught how to begin. ” –Christian Service, p. 59

Limited understanding of roles “The dissemination of the truth of God is not confined to a few ordained ministers. . The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens and do all the work is a great mistake. ” —Christian Service, p. 68

Ask JK for pictures of soul winners

Limited understanding of roles Belief that: • Evangelism is the role of pastors • Membership’s role is to support the pastor financially

Mistaken division Clergy Laity Spiritually Strong Spiritually Weak Spiritual Calling Secular Calling Special Rewards Ordinary Rewards

“Two kinds of Christians. ” —Gratian (d. 1160) “Two kinds of people: one lower and one higher. ” —Stephen of Tournai (d. 1203)

Martin Luther’s position: • God wants to accomplish His work through the laity • Christ does not have two bodies or two different kinds of bodies

Biblical meaning of laity “Laos” means - “A special people” or God’s own people Old Testament: Israel, God’s remnant New Testament: Those who believe in Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Savior

Understanding the roles of laity “The idea that the minister must carry all the burdens and do all the work is a great mistake. ” —Christian Service, p. 68

The Gospel Commission “ ye therefore, and all nations, them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. ” —Matthew 28: 19, 20

William Carey from London: I coble shoes to pay expenses, but soul winning is my business.

The priesthood of believers “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. ” — 1 Peter 2: 9

The Body of Christ “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ” — 1 Corinthians 12: 12

Spiritual Gifts “There are diversities of gifts, gifts but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, ministries but the same Lord. ” — 1 Corinthians 12: 4, 5

The first task of the pastor Within the church To equip, teach and strengthen the laity to carry on its ministry in the world

“The minister should not feel that it is his duty to do all the talking and all the laboring and all the praying; he should educate helpers in every church. ” —Christian Service, p. 69

Greatest help “Let the minister devote more of his time to educating than to preaching. Let him teach the people how to give to others the knowledge they have received. ” —Testimonies for the Church Vol. 7, 20 “The greatest help that can be given our people is to teach them to work for God, and to depend on Him, not on the ministers. ” —Testimonies for the Church Vol. 7, 19

Too many sermons “The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? ” —Testimonies for the Church Vol. 6, 431

The role of the laity Primarily ministry to the world Proclamation Service Fellowship

Working together “Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields. ” —Christian Service, p. 67

“ Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to work in His name for the saving of the lost. . To everyone work has been allotted, and no one can be a substitute for another. ” —Christian Service, p. 10

“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. ” —Christian Service, p. 9

“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers…” —Gospel Workers, p. 352

Church growth ratio In Europe, Japan, North America, with one pastor to 169 members, the growth rate is only 1. 25%. 1 to 169 1. 25% Church growth 1988 statistical report

Church growth ratio In South America, the pastor-member ratio is 1 to 628 and the growth rate is 8. 92%. 1 to 628 8. 92% Church growth 1988 statistical report

Church growth ratio In East Africa, South Mexican, and the South Philippine Unions, with one pastor to 1, 000 members, the growth rate is 12%. 1 to 1, 000 12% Church growth 1988 statistical report

No motivation What will motivate our members to witness?

Witnessing is a biblical command Matthew 28: 19, 20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, 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. ”

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. ” —Isaiah 60: 1 “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. ’” —Acts 13: 47

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ” —Acts 1: 8 “Return to your house and describe what great things the Lord has done for you. ” —Mark 5: 19

“Return to your house and describe what great things the Lord has done for you. —Mark 5: 19

The Lord calls each of His followers to be: Witnesses Acts 1: 8 Ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5: 20 Participants in the ministry of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5: 17 -19 Co-laborers with God 1 Corinthians 3: 9 The light and the salt of the earth Matthew 5: 13, 14

Witnessing is the heart’s response to love “The Love of Christ constrains us. ” — 2 Corinthians 5: 14

Witnessing is the heart’s response to love “No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. ” —The Desire of Ages, p. 141

Witnessing gives joy to God’s heart Parables in Luke 15: The lost sheep and the lost coin. Any time the lost is found, there is joy in heaven.

Luke 15: 7 “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninetynine righteous persons who do not need to repent. ” Luke 15: 10 “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. ”

In the parable of the lost son, Luke 15: 32 says: “But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found. ”

Witnessing contributes to spiritual life There is a relationship between witnessing and character development. “God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ’s, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy, the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice, we must participate in His labors for their redemption. ” —The Desire of Ages, p. 142

“Strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service. ” —The Acts of the Apostles, p. 105

1 Peter 4: 10 “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ”

We are all part of the Body of Christ. Each part of the body is important.

“Little in the hands of Jesus is much. ” For that reason we must “use whatever we have in our hand. ” However simple, the Lord can use it. Knowing that one can achieve something for God’s glory will motivate people to work for Him.

Witnessing is related to the coming of Jesus Matthew 24: 14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony of all nations, and then the end will come. ”

“Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work. ” —Testimonies, Volume 9, p. 27

“We are now living in the closing scenes of this world’s history. Let men tremble with the sense of the responsibility of knowing the truth. The ends of the world are come. Proper consideration of these things will lead all to make an entire consecration of all that they have and are to their God. ” —Review and Herald, July 23, 1895

There is a relationship between witnessing and the latter rain. The essential latter rain cannot come until the “largest portion of the church are. . . laborers together with God. ” —Review and Herald, July 21, 1896

Other motivating factors “We are to encourage souls, to attract them, and thus win them to the Savior. If this is not our interest, if we withhold from God the service of heart and life, we are robbing Him of influence, of time, of money and effort. In failing to benefit our fellow men, we rob God of the glory that should flow to Him through the conversion of souls. ” —Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 427

Jesus’ method of witnessing It is important to learn from the methods of Jesus how He was successful in His witnessing activities. “Christ’s method alone will give success in reaching the people. ” —Ministry of Healing, p. 143

Five steps that Jesus followed in His witnessing activities He mingled with men as One who desired their good He showed sympathy He ministered to their needs He earned their confidence He bade them, “Follow me”

Mingling – means doing things together. This may be visiting, working, playing, or just talking and sitting together. By mingling we will discover others’ needs.

Sympathy – an attitude of personal concern. Sympathy does not wait until the person asks for help, but it is always expressed by some kind of action that communicates an honest, unselfish concern for someone who has a need.

Minister to their needs – means meeting the needs of people, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. This is done by serving, waiting on, or attending to another. Real needs are not always easily recognized.

Win their confidence – this will be the result of meeting people’s needs.

“Follow me” – was the appeal to follow Christ in His future. The appeal came after He met their needs and won their confidence.

Jesus used different methods “From Christ’s method of labor we may learn valuable lessons. He did not follow only one method; in various ways He sought to gain the attention of the multitude, that He might proclaim to them the truths of the gospel. ” —Welfare Ministry, p. 59

Jesus discovered a felt need and met it Wedding feast Nicodemus Woman at the well Man at the pool Hungry multitude Social embarrassment Genuine spirituality Emotional security Divine healing Physical food

“What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. ” —Steps to Christ, p. 47

The law of the human mind includes three important things The law of human compassion The law of receptivity The law of divine providence

The Law of Human Compassion Lessons from the life of Jesus: To the scribe He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God. ” To the Canaanite woman, “Great is thy faith. ” To the Roman centurion, “I have never found such great faith, not even in Israel. ”

Effective communication Con B o T dy L o ne: ten ang t: 7 38% uag % e: 5 5%

Why Adventist ministries of compassion? Adventists’ work is to “first meet the temporal needs, ” and “then find an open avenue to the heart” where they can “plant good seeds of virtue and religion. ” —Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 227

Community service work Because many people are touched through the ministry of compassion, it is important to be involved in various activities. Community service work is a great umbrella under which all our acts of helping others are included.

§ Feed the hungry Matthew 14: 16 § Clothe naked Luke 3: 11 § Welcome the stranger - Matthew 25: 35 § Visit the sick - Matthew 25: 36 § Visit the prisoner Matthew 25: 35 § Visit the widows James 1: 27 § Visit the orphan (fatherless) § James 1: 27 § Refresh the thirsty Matthew 25: 35 § Comfort those in trouble, the bereaved and dying - 2 Corinthians 1: 4 § Health education § Disaster relief § Nutrition classes § Friendship camps

“The term medical missionary work as often employed by Mrs. White stretched far beyond the bounds of professional medical service to embody all acts of mercy and disinterested kindness. ” —Welfare Ministry, p. 36

“Any human being who needs our sympathy and our kind offers is our neighbor. The suffering and destitute of all classes are our neighbors; and when their wants are brought to our knowledge, it is our duty to relieve them as far as possible. ” —Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 266

The Law of Receptivity People have different levels of receptivity. Some are very receptive and some are not at all interested.

Receptivity differences 1 2 No Spiritual Interest 3 4 God May Exist, Not Personal 5 6 7 Regular Attendance As Religious Duty Occasional Church Goers 8 9 10 Truth Seekers Committed Christians; Spiritual Openness Adventist Church Attender; Unbaptized

The keys to discovering receptivity Personal crisis World trauma A personal crisis occurs when someone has a family dilemma, emotional crisis, financial crisis, or health problems. People are more receptive at these times.

The need of a bridge People Who Care Physical, Mental, and Social Concerns Spiritual Concerns

The receptivity rating scale The highest receptivity rate is at: Death of a spouse - 100% Divorce - 73% Marital separation - 65% Jail term - 63% Death of close family member - 63% Personal injury or illness - 53% Marriage - 50% Fired from work - 47%

The urgency of meeting various needs Emotional Physical Social Spiritual

The urgency of meeting various needs Emotional: If the individual is experiencing grief or divorce, there are grief recovery and divorce recovery programs. Physical: Some people are heavy smokers. They need Breathe Free classes.

The urgency of meeting various needs Some of these programs can be introduced through the church members who have particular talents or spiritual gifts can help according to the needs of the people.

The Law of Divine Providence The Lord will help us to meet people who need the Savior. Jesus said to the Jewish leaders, “My father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working. ” —John 5: 17

Consider the divine providence in the biblical examples of the conversion of Paul, Cornelius, and an Ethiopian eunuch.

God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are working with us, and because everyone is working, the Lord will bring us to meet people who need the Savior so that we can share the goodness of salvation with them.

Sharing faith Tell to all: “Christ died for all. ”

We are not righteous None of us deserve salvation. God gives the gift to all who come to Him. The sick The rich The dirty The church The drunken member The homeless The poor The abused The degraded child The dejected

The FORT principle A simple way of witnessing is to use the FORT principle. Family Occupation Religion Testimony

We speak of family first because people are usually interested in talking about their family. Then we can ask about their occupation or work, followed by what church theyshare may a And finally, attend. personal testimony.

Three essential elements of a testimony My life before accepting Christ How I became a Christian My life since I became a Christian

The need of a forceful testimony The Christian can be an effective witness for Christ if he has a forceful testimony. A consistent life as a Christian is a tremendous witness.

Make your testimony brief If you should be invited to witness by your testimony, and you feel frightened and inadequate, write out your testimony. Use three points suggested above as your main points to discuss. Make your testimony brief (from three to five minutes) and to the point.

Simplicity of salvation

It consists of

God What is the most important word in the first place? God is the beginning of everything—the beginning of creation (Genesis 1: 1) and the beginning of salvation (Psalm 3: 8; 68: 20).

God loves you. This is a positive, effective way to begin your presentation. God has a special plan for your life. This is a message the people need to hear.

Man This brings us to the sin problem. Sin brings separation and death (Isaiah 59: 2; Romans 6: 23). And since all have sinned (Romans 3: 23) all are separated from God.

Jesus is God’s answer to man’s problem of sin and separation. Christ came to be the solution to the problem.

Christ came for us, lived for us, died for us, ascended for us, pleads for us. – Hebrews 7: 25

Jesus says, “I am the way. ”

To know about God’s and man’s problem of separation because of sin, and that Christ is the answer to the problem, will not be enough unless we receive Christ as our salvation.

The simplicity of salvation according to the Spirit of Prophecy

“Present the gospel in its simplicity. Follow Christ’s example, and you will have the reward of seeing your students won to Him. ” —Counsels to Teachers, p. 255 “Even the great men are more easily drawn by the simplicity of the gospel than by any effort made in human power. ” —Evangelism, p. 443

“What you need is a living experience in the things of God and simplicity in presenting the love of Christ to the lost. ” —Sons and Daughters of God, p. 266

Giving personal Bible study

Finding interests The OIKOS Principle: The Greek word “oikos” means house, but in the Bible it is often used in the broader sense of the household, or extended family.

Biblical examples of the Oikos Principle From the life of Abraham, Joseph in Egypt, until the time of the New Testament—how people come to the Lord from every family.

Oikos “This was the way the Christian church was established. Christ first selected a few persons and bade them follow Him. They then went in search of their relatives and acquaintances, and brought them to Christ. This is the way we are to labor. A few souls brought out and fully established on the truth will, like the first disciples, be laborers for others. ” —Welfare Ministry, p. 60

How do people join the Christian church? According to some studies, the results show that the majority of people who have joined the church because of friends or relatives is between 75 -90%. This indicates that the oikos system is still valid at the present time.

Oikos identification worksheet Put your name in the center circle, and then put the Oikos members (from 1 -5), friends and relatives with whom you have some influence. you

Circle of influence Another way we can find our Oikos system is by using a circle of influence:

Interested individuals who visit the church now and then Visitors who attend Sabbath School and any other programs Individuals who have completed any of our Bible correspondence programs Parents of children who attend Vacation Bible School Friends from the Ingathering Program

Interested individuals who visit the church now and then Non-SDA students studying in our Adventist schools and their parents Regular customers of our literature evangelists Those who have attended our evangelistic meetings but have not made decisions for Jesus

Network Bible Study A simple method is needed. It has proven very successful around the world. Anyone can master it very quickly. The student learns better and faster. The student is soon trained and equipped with completed study guides to study the Bible.

God’s instruction “Our work has been marked out for us by our heavenly Father. We are to take our Bibles and go forth to warn the world. ” — 9 Testimonies, p. 150

Ellen G. White’s prophecy “Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. ” — 9 Testimonies, p. 126

Preparation needed

Heart preparation: The example of Jesus Before every major event in His ministry, Jesus prayed for guidance and help. - Mark 1: 35; Luke 9: 18, 29 Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. - John 16: 13 God wants us to pray for wisdom. - James 1: 5; Hebrews 4: 16

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. ” —Proverbs 23: 26 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me. . . unto the uttermost part of the earth. ” —Acts 1: 8

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. ” —James 4: 7, 8

“The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. ” —The Desire of Ages, p. 324

Preparation of materials: The basic tools Bible - preferably one with a concordance Bible Study Guide Pictorial aid for Bible study or other devices

Mental preparation “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ” — 2 Timothy 2: 15

Building interest for Bible studies

Home visitation “How can the great work of the third angel’s message be accomplished? It must largely be accomplished by persevering, individual effort, by visiting the people in their homes. ” —Welfare Ministry, p. 97

Home visitation “There are families who will never be reached by the truth of God’s word unless His servants enter their home. ” —Evangelism, pp. 435, 436

New Testament method of creating and building interest “The more closely the New Testament plan is followed in missionary labor, the more successful will be the efforts put forth. ” —Testimonies for the Church Vol. 3, p. 210

Christ’s method Our Savior went from house to house: healing the sick, comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the disconsolate, blessing children, speaking words of hope and comfort to the weary mothers. —Christian Service, p. 114

The method of the Early Christian Church “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. ” - Acts 5: 42 They grew - Acts 2: 47 The whole city was evangelized - Acts 17: 6 More baptisms - Acts 2: 41, 4: 4; 5: 14 Penetrating unentered areas - Acts 8: 4 Paul: “taught publicly and from house to house. ” - Acts 20: 20

Jesus’ example: Making friends with people Jesus loved people and never failed to help them - Mark 1: 41; 6: 34; Matthew 4: 14 Jesus was able to be friendly to all kinds of people - Matthew 9: 10; Mark 2: 15 Jesus showed interest in every one he met and tried to give them spiritual help - John 3: 1, 2; 4: 7

Giving personal Bible study

Be friendly to all people If we want to win people to Jesus, we must be friendly to them (Proverbs 18: 24) When we meet someone on the road, in a bus, at the market, in the village or at a store, always be friendly: smile, talk to people, inquire about family, give help if needed.

Make use of every opportunity to help others There are many opportunities for us to offer help and friendship: Sickness Family death New neighbors People in prison Widows Elderly people Building/farming

Prospects for Bible study Children of church members Close relatives of church members Graduates of the Bible Correspondence School Interests of Colporteurs Interests of hospital or medical outreach Branch Sabbath School Interests Sabbath School members who are not yet church members

Tips on finding Bible studies Distribute a series of tracts or a single tract Place enrollment cards in the doors Mass mail enrollment cards to postal areas Encourage all church members to carry enrollment cards at all times Give, or better, lend books Share a video or audio-cassette Use a Religious Interest Survey Use a Community Service survey

Bible study outline

Introduction To awaken the interest of the hearers, let your introduction statement make a lasting impression. It can be: A short story Important world events An arresting text that introduces the topic An appetizer that will make people crave the main dish

The body is the main dish. The body should satisfy the craving which is created by the introduction. It must be solid and in logical sequence from beginning to end. Present the subject with conviction and leave room for the Holy Spirit.

The body is the main dish (continued) Pick up verses that are simpler and have a direct connection to your next verse. Be brief and direct to the point. End your study before interest fades. Ten to 15 texts in each will be sufficient.

Appeal or conclusion Summarizing Clinching Appealing Forecasting the next topic

What to do at the study Be Punctual Be enthusiastic, cheerful, relaxed and friendly Sit at the right place (with a group, it is best to sit in a circle) Short introduction (make sure everyone is introduced and comfortable) Be understanding Speak wisely

How to present the Bible study 1. Begin with prayer. An opening prayer is brief but sincere. Establish a friendly spirit before beginning the Bible study. 2. Give the introduction or review its high points; Speak slowly clearly and with conviction.

How to present the Bible study 3. The best method: question and answer. You will want to ask each question: How, When, Where, Which, What, Who, Why Bible Study is not a sermon, don’t preach Ask them to read Bible texts

How to present the Bible study 4. Compliment good answers. 5. After participants read their answers, you might say, “Does anyone have a different answer? ” 6. Always listen and ask questions. Encourage each one to participate in the study Encourage discussion

How to present the Bible study 7. Make brief and relevant comments as you go along; stick to the subject. 8. Never introduce ideas for which the Bible student does not have sufficient background. 9. Read each Bible text clearly; you have God’s Word in your hands.

How to present the Bible study 10. If a question deals with a controversial lesson do not hurry through a Bible study; make each point clear before you move to the next topic.

The use of illustrations An illustration drives home the point. It creates a deeper and more lasting impression in the heart and mind. It’s like the window that brings in fresh air. It must be short. Avoid comical illustrations. Refrain from using cheap jokes.

Tips for success Be understanding Listen Get a firm decision for Christ before you introduce testing truths Know how to meet opposition Be tactful and refined Don’t argue Be sincerely interested in the person Offer compliments Agree on every point possible Don’t be embarrassed about questions you can’t answer

Dangers to avoid in giving a Bible study Do not give too much information in one Bible study Keep to the topic you are presenting

Length of Bible Study: 30 -40 minutes After the Bible study, don’t stay too long. Number of Questions: 10 -15 texts Do not preach, lecture, shout at your listener. Never - argue with your listener - become angry - criticize or speak disrespectfully about other people

Arranging topics Choose the topic to meet the needs of the hearers. Make the topic Christ-centered. Learning about Jesus and His will for our lives is the object of all Bible study. Follow a correct order of topics.

The wrong way Baptism Foods Tithe Sabbath Second Coming

The right way Jesus first Then the doctrines

Suggested order of topics The Bible as God’s Word How to Be Saved God’s Holy Law The Second Coming of Jesus The Plan of Redemption God’s Holy Sabbath The Signs of Jesus’ Second Coming Heaven and the New Earth etc. . .

Secret Bible concordance: The key to successful Bible studies

Bringing people to a decision

The purpose of Bible study – to help the student make a decision for Christ The Lesson: Christ centered When does the decision take place? At the first Bible study - begin with a smaller decision; this prepares for bigger decisions.

The need for the right words “The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learner, that I should know how (method) to speak a word (what is said) in season (when it is to be said) to him that is weary; he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back (the kind of person Jesus was). ” —Isaiah 50: 4, 5

ABCs of obtaining decisions Acceptance Belief Confidence

Steps in making decisions Action Desire Conviction Information

How the mind works Information: Accumulate facts about the decision to be made. Adequate information is necessary, but there are two problems: 1. Information overload 2. Programmed non-response

“What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. ” —Steps to Christ, p. 47

Overcoming information overload Present testing truths gradually. If possible, do not present three or four new truths back to back in the same week. Visit people in their homes immediately after presenting testing truths to answer any major questions.

Two ways to avoid programmed non-response Make regular systematic appeals including handraising, kneeling, standing, and altar calls. Use response cards often.

Implanting conviction Clear information – “Is this clear to you? ”

Important points for obtaining decisions Ask, “Is it clear that. . . ? ” Help student to make a decision in every lesson Show the benefits of the right action Always stress the blessing over the requirements of God Show the consequences of wrong action Show the expectation of the God who loves us Lead students into a relationship with God

Important points for obtaining decisions Ask, “Is it clear that. . . ? ” Help student to make a decision in every lesson Show the benefits of the right action Always stress the blessing over the requirements of God

Important points for obtaining decisions Show the consequences of wrong action Show the expectation of the God who loves us Lead students into a relationship with God

Reasons for asking for prompt decisions Truth is most clear when it is fresh in the memory. Satan is working to lead the thoughts away. Conviction may completely disappear if one is not brought to decision at the earliest period possible.

Reasons for asking for prompt decisions A decision may be turned in another direction or toward another church. Relatives or members of other churches may confuse the issues or the truth in the mind. Circumstances may place the student beyond your reach in a very short time.

Fanning the flame of desire Inner peace as opposed to inner turmoil - John 14: 27; Psalms 119: 165 Receiving the Holy Spirit - Acts 5: 32 True happiness - John 13: 17 Heavenly home - Hebrews 11: 24 Forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt - Acts 2: 37 -39

Importance of prayer in bringing people to a decision for Christ

“Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. ” —Ministry of Healing, p. 509 “It is a part of God’s plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would bestow did we not thus ask. ” —The Great Controversy, p. 525

Prayer does four things: 1. Prayer puts us in touch with divine wisdom (James 1: 5). 2. Prayer enables God to work more powerfully than if we did not pray (Daniel 10). 3. Prayer enables God to speak to us about sins in our lives which hinder successful soul winning 4. Prayer deepens our desire concerning the thing for which we are praying

The need for prayer “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. ” — 1 Samuel 12: 23 Prayer in groups “Why do not two or three meet together and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and then still another. ” — 7 Testimonies, p. 21

Meeting objections with Bible verses

“I can’t leave my church. ” Rev. 18: 4; John 10: 26, 27; 12: 42, 43; Matt. 7: 22, 23 “I can’t make a living if I keep the Sabbath. ” Matt. 6: 33; Ps. 37: 3; Isa. 65: 13, 14 “You require too much of people in your church. ” 2 Cor. 8: 9; Matt. 13: 45, 46; Luke 14: 33 “I will lose my job if I keep the Sabbath. ” Matt. 16: 25, 26; I Tim. 4: 8

Know how to respond to objections Use the FFF Technique: I understand exactly how you feel. Many others in your present situation have felt the same way. But they have found. . .

“I can’t find a job with Sabbath off. ” Matt. 6: 30 -33; Ps. 37: 3, 25; Isa. 65: 13, 14; 58: 13, 14; 1: 19, 20 “It is inconvenient to keep the seventh day and follow this doctrine. ” Matt. 16: 24; 10: 38 “I am too great a sinner. ” 1 Tim. 1: 15; Heb. 7: 25; Isa. 1: 18 “I am afraid I can’t hold out. ” Jude 24 “I can’t live up to the truth. ” 1 Cor. 10: 13; 2 Cor. 12: 8, 9; John 1: 12

“I am not good enough. ” 2 Cor. 8: 12 “People would talk about me. ” John 17: 14; Luke 6: 22, 23, 26; Prov. 29: 25 “I agree with all you teach except for one thing. ” Matt. 19: 16 -22 “I am in business and Saturday is my best day. I will ruin my business if I close on Saturdays. ” Matt. 16: 26; Ps. 37: 16; Prov. 16: 8; Mark 8: 35; John 6: 27; Isa. 56: 2 -5; Luke 12: 19, 20

“My friends would ridicule me. ” John 15: 19; Mark 8: 34; James 4: 4 “My husband, wife, father, mother, brothers, and sisters will oppose me. ” Matt. 10: 36, 37; Luke 14: 26, 27; Ps. 27: 10; Isa. 41: 10; Mark 10: 29, 30 “There are so few who keep Saturday. This way is so different from what the majority believe and do. ” Deut. 7: 7; Ex. 23: 2; Matt. 7: 13, 14

“My parents were good____. What was good enough for them is good enough for me and besides, I have been greatly blessed in my present church. ” Rev. 18: 4; John 10: 26, 27; 12: 42, 43; Acts 4: 19; John 1: 35 -40 “Keeping the seventh day was only for the Jews. ” Mark 2: 27; Gen. 2: 3 “I am afraid of new doctrines. ” Gen. 2: 1 -3

“We are living under the New Testament. Keeping the seventh day passed away with the old covenant at the cross. ” Heb. 8: 20; 4: 4 -9; Acts 13: 14, 25 “The law of the land has settled that Sunday is the day to keep. Acts 4: 18 -20; 5: 28, 29

“We can’t be sure that the seventh day which God has commanded is identical with the day now called Saturday. ” Luke 23: 56; The testimony of history, astronomy, the calendar, and the witness of the Jews “Sunday seems right to me. ” Prov. 16: 25 “My minister and my friends advise me against this. ” 1 Kings 13: 1 -26; Acts 4: 19; 5: 29

“It doesn’t make any difference what day I keep; just so I keep a day. ” Exodus 20: 8 -11; Rom. 6: 16; Leviticus 10: 1, 2; Deut. 4: 2 “It will cause trouble and division in my home if I take my stand for this teaching. ” Luke 12: 49 -53; 1 Kings 18: 17, 18 “No, not now. ” Prov. 27: 1; 2 Cor. 6: 2; Heb. 3: 13; Isa. 55: 6; Gen. 6: 3

“I am waiting for my husband (or wife, or friend) so we can accept it together. ” Eze. 14: 20; 18: 20; Rom. 14: 12 “There is one thing (movies, jewelry, tobacco, pork, caffeine, etc. ) that I cannot give up. ” Matt. 19: 16 -22; 6: 24; Luke 14: 33; Matt. 13: 45, 46; 1 John 5: 4; 2 Cor. 5: 17; Phil. 4: 13 “Too late, I have waited too long. ” Eze. 33: 19; John 6: 37; Rom. 10: 13

“I will wait until I have the right kind of feeling. ” Isa. 48: 18; 1 John 2: 3 “I tried once, I’m afraid to try again. ” Dan. 3: 17; Rom. 4: 21; 2 Tim. 1: 12; Jude 24 “How can I know that my sins are forgiven? ” 1 John 1: 9; Prov. 28: 13 “Some things are not yet clear. ” John 13: 7; Acts 1: 7 “I’m not so bad. ” John 3: 18; Rom. 3: 23

“The world couldn’t manage its affairs if everybody kept Saturday. ” John 2: 22 “Why don’t the other great ministers or learned and influential people accept and keep the seventh day Sabbath if it is right? ” 1 Cor. 11: 1; 1: 26 -29; Matt. 11: 25

“God is love, He will save me anyway. ” Luke 13: 3; 2 Peter 2: 4 “I will lose many of my friends, my social standing and people will class me as a fanatic. ” Ps. 119: 165; 111: 10; Gal. 1: 10; John 15: 14; Luke 6: 22, 23, 26; James 4: 4; Prov. 29: 25; Phil. 3: 8; Matt. 10: 37; John 15: 19 “There are too many hypocrites in the church. ” Matt. 7: 1; Rom. 14: 12 “The step will cost me too much. ” Luke 18: 29, 30; 1 Peter 2: 24

“My job may be at stake. ” Isa. 51: 7; Job 13: 14, 15; Ps. 119: 72, 127 “God will not condemn me if I live a good life in every way except to keep the seventh day. ” James 2: 10; 1 Chron. 15: 13; Matt. 7: 21 -23; Luke 6: 46 “I can’t leave my friends and relatives. ” Ex. 23: 3; Prov. 13: 20 “I’m too old to change my way of life. ” Gen. 6: 3

“If I take Saturday for the Sabbath, I won’t be able to support my family. ” Matt. 6: 30 -33; Ps. 37: 3, 25; Isa. 65: 13, 14; 58: 13, 14; 1: 19, 20; (Also the narration of actual experiences of how God has helped others who stepped out in faith to keep the Sabbath. ) “I believe it is not necessary to unite with a church. ” Acts 2: 47 “I will wait until the Spirit of God convinces me. ” Matt. 25: 1 -13

“I can’t afford to lose one day’s pay each week. This will interfere with my plans for getting ahead in the world. ” Matt. 16: 26; Ps. 37: 16; Prov. 16: 8; Mark 8: 35; John 6: 27; Isa. 56: 2 -5; Luke 12: 19, 20 “I have a railroad job. That work has to go on every day. ” Ex. 34: 21 “God will not condemn me if I live a good life in every way except to keep the seventh day. ” James 2: 10; 1 Chron. 15: 13; Matt. 7: 21 -23; Luke 6: 46

“I will be in better shape to do it a little later; I need more time to arrange my affairs. ” Prov. 27: 1; 2 Cor. 6: 2; Heb. 4: 7; 3: 13; Isa. 55: 6; Gen. 6: 3; Ps. 18: 44; 119: 60; Matt. 25: 1 -13

Behold, I come quickly.