Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department General Conference

1
Principles of Personal Christian Witnessing
Lay Training Seminar
Sabbath School/Personal Ministries
DepartmentGeneral Conference
2
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.

3
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

4
Why is Lay Involvement Needed?
5
Learn from the Apostles
6
Church Growth in the New Testament

• 120 disciples
• 3000 new converts
• 5000 men
• More and more
• Increasing
• Grew in numbers
• Church planting
• Many thousands

• Acts 115
• Acts 241,42
• Acts 44
• Acts 514
• Acts 61,7
• Acts 931
• Acts 165
• Acts 2120

7
Why Did the Work Progress in the Time of the New
Testament?
8
We read in Acts 2120 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.
9
What Percent of Our Members Are Involved
inWitnessing Activities?
80
60
50
10
1
10
Why Are PeopleNot Involved?

• Lack of confidence
• Problem of unknown potential
• Have never been asked
• Have no training
• Limited understanding of role
• No motivation

11
Lack of confidence
?
?
?
?
?
?

12
Im afraid.
13
I dont have power to do that.
14
Im too old.
15
Problem of Unknown Potential

• The History of Yates Pool

16
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.
17
No Training
Many would be willing to work if they were
taught how to begin. - Christian Service, p.
59
18
Limited Understanding of Roles
The dissemination of the truth of God is not
confined to a few ordained ministers. -
Christian Service, p. 68
19
The idea that the minister must carry all the
burdens and do all the work is a great mistake.
- Christian Service, p. 68
20
LIMITED UNDERSTANDING OF ROLES

• Evangelism is the role of pastors
• Memberships role is to
• support the pastor financially.

21
MISTAKEN DIVISION
CLERGY
LAITY

• Spiritually Strong
• Spiritual Calling
• Special Rewards

• Spiritually Weak
• Secular Calling
• Ordinary Rewards

22
Gratian (Died 1160)

• Two kinds of Christians.

Stephen of Tournai (Died 1203)
Two kinds of people one lower and one
higher.
23
Martin Luther

• God wants to accomplish His work through the
  laity.
• Christ does not have two bodies or two different
  kinds of bodies.

24
Biblical Meaning of Laity

• Laos means - A special people
• or Gods own
  people.
• Old Testament - Israel
• Gods Remnant
• New Testament - Those who believe in Christ and
  accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

25
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.

26
The Gospel Commission

• Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
  baptizing 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 2819, 20

27
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 29

28
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 1212

29
Spiritual Gifts

• There are diversities of gifts, but the same
  Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but
  the same Lord.
• - 1 Corinthians 124,5.

30
The First Task of the Pastor

• Within the church
• To equip, teach and strengthen the laity to carry
  on its ministry in the world

31
Christian Service, p. 69
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.
32
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. - (7T 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. - (7T 19)

33
Too Many Sermons

• The people have had too much sermonizing but
  have they been taught how to labor for those for
  whom Christ died? - 6T 431

34
The Role of the Laity

• Primarily Ministry To The World
• Proclamation
• Service
• Fellowship

35
Working Together

• Let ministers and lay members go forth into
  the ripening fields. - Christian Service, p. 67

36
Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to
work in His name for the saving of the lost. -
Christian Service, p. 10
37
To everyone work has been allotted, and no one
can be a substitute for another. - Christian
Service, p. 10
38
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.
39
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
40
Church growth ratio 1988 Statistical
Report Europe, Japan, North America, One pastor
to 169 members, the growth rate is only 1.25.
In South America, the pastor-member ratio is 1
to 628, the growth rate is 8.92
1
628
to
Church Growth
41
East Africa, South Mexican, and the South
Philippine Unions One pastor to 1,000 members
The growth rate is 12.
42
No Motivation
What will motivate our membersto witness?
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Witnessing is a Biblical Command
Matthew 2819, 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.
44
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the
glory of the Lord rises upon you.- Isaiah 601
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 1347
45
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes on you and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth. - Acts 18
46
Return to your house and describe what great
things the Lord has done for you. -Mark 519
47

• The Lord calls each of His followers to be
• Witnesses -Acts 18
• Ambassadors -2 Corinthians 520
• Participants in the ministry of
  reconciliation -2 Corinthians 517-19
• Co-laborers with God -1 Corinthians 39
• The light and the salt of the earth
  -Matthew 513, 14

48
Witnessing Is the Hearts Response to Love.
The Love of Christ constrains us. - 2
Corinthians 514
49
Witnessing Is a Biblical Command
Matthew 2819, 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.
50
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
51
Witnessing Gives Joy to Gods Heart
Parables in Luke 15 The lost sheep and the lost
coin. Any time the lost is found, there is joy
in heaven.
52
Luke 157 I tell you that in the same way
there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninety-nine
righteous persons who do not need to
repent. Luke 1510 In the same way, I tell
you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner who repents.
53
In the parable of the lost son, Luke 1532 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.
54
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 Christs, 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
55
Strength to resist evil is best gained by
aggressive service. -The Acts of the
Apostles, p. 105
56
1 Peter 410 As each one has received a
special gift, employ it in serving one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Wisdom
Prophecy
Faith
Healing
57
We are all part of the Body of Christ. Each part
of the body is important.
58
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
Godsglory will motivate people to work for
Him.
59
Witnessing Is Related to the Coming of Jesus
Matthew 2414 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.
60
Time is short, and our forces must be organized
to do a larger work. -Testimonies, Volume 9,
p. 27
61

We are now living in the closing scenes of this
worlds 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
62
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 - Ellen G. White - Review
and Herald, July 21, 1896
63
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
64
Jesus Method of Witnessing
It is important to learn from the methods of
Jesus how He was successful in His witnessing
activities.
Christs method alone will give success in
reaching the people. -Ministry of Healing, p. 143
65
Five Steps That Jesus Followed in His Witnessing
Activities
66
Mingling means doing things together. This may
be visiting, working, playing, or just talking
and sitting together. By mingling we will
discover others needs.
67

• 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.

68
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.
69
Win their confidence.This will be the result of
meeting peoples needs.
Follow me was the appeal to follow Christ in
His future. The appeal came after He met their
needs and won their confidence.
70
Jesus Used Different Methods
From Christs method of labor we may learn
valuable lessons. He did not follow only one
method in various ways He sought to gain the
attentionof the multitude, that He might
proclaim
to them the truths of the gospel. -Welfare
Ministry, p. 59
71
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

72
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
73
The Law of the Human Mind Includes Three
Important Things
74
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.
75
Effective Communication
Content - 7 Tone - 38, Body language - 55
76
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
77
Community Service Work
Because many people are touched through the
ministry of compassion, it is important to be
involved in various activities.
78
Community service work is a great umbrella under
which all our acts of helping other are included.
79
(No Transcript)
80
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
81
Any human being who needs our sympathy and
our kindoffers 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
  themas far as possible. -Testimonies, Vol. 4,
  p. 266

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The Law of Receptivity
People have different levels of receptivity.
Some are very receptive and some are not at all
interested.
83
Receptivity Differences
84
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.
85
The Need of a Bridge
86
THE BRIDGE
87
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
88
The Urgency of Meeting Various Needs - Emotional,
Physical, Social, or Spiritual
89
Emotional If the individual is experiencing
grief or divorce, there are grief recovery and
divorce recovery programs.
90
Physical Some people are heavy smokers. They
need Breathe Free classes.
91
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.
92
The Law of Divine Providence
The Lord will help us to meet people who need the
Savior.
Jesus said to them, My father is always at His
work to this very day, and I, too, am working.-
John 517
93
Consider the divine providence in the biblical
examples of the conversion of Paul, Cornelius,
and an Ethiopian eunuch.
94
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.
95
Sharing Faith
Tell to all Christ died for all.
96
We Are Not Righteous
None of us deserve salvation.
God gives the gift to all who come to Him.
The richThe church memberThe poorThe
degradedThe dejectedThe sickThe dirtyThe
drunkenThe homelessThe abused child
97
The FORT Principle
A simple way of witnessing is to use the FORT
principle.
98

• 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 they may attend.
• And finally, share a personal testimony.

99
Three Essential Elementsof a Testimony
My life before accepting Christ How I became
a Christian My life since I became a Christian
100
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.
101
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 the
three points suggested above as your main points
to discuss. Make your testimony brief (from
three to five minutes) and to the point.
102
Simplicity of Salvation
103
It consists of
104
GOD
. What is the most important word in
the first place? . is
the beginning of everything-- the beginning of
creation (Genesis 11) and the beginning of
salvation (Psalm 38 6820).
GOD
GOD
105
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.
106
Man
This brings us to the sin problem. Sin brings
separation and death. (Isaiah 592 Romans
623). And since all have sinned (Romans 323)
all are separated from God.
107
Jesus is Gods answer to mans problem of sin and
separation. Christ came to be the solution to
the problem.
108
Christ came for us, lived for us, died for us,
ascended for us, pleads for us. Hebrews 725
109
Jesus says, I am the way.
110
To know about Gods and mans problem of
separation because of sin, and that Christ is
Gods answer to mans problem will not be enough
unless we receive Christ as our salvation.
111
The Simplicity of Salvation According to the
Spirit of Prophecy
112
(No Transcript)
113
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
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
114
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
115
Giving Personal Bible Study
116
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.
117
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.
118
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
119
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.
120
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.
121
Circle of Influence
Another way we can find our Oikos system is by
using a circle of influence
122
Interested Individuals Who Visit the Church Now
and Then
123
? 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
124
?Non-SDA students studying in our Adventist
schools and their parents
?Regular customers of our literature evangelists
?Those who have attended our evangelistic
meetings who have not made their decisions for
Jesus
125
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

126
Gods 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.

127
Ellen G. Whites 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.

128
Preparation Needed
129
Heart PreparationThe Example of Jesus

• Before every major event in
• His ministry, Jesus prayed for guidance and
  help. - Mark 135 Luke 918, 28, 29

Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. - John
1613
God wants us to pray for wisdom. - James 15
Hebrews 416
130

• My son, give me thine heart, and let thine
  eyes observe my ways.
• - Proverbs 2326

131

• 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 18.

132

• 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 47, 8

133

• 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

134
Preparation of Materials The Basic Tools

• Bible - preferably one with a concordance
• Bible Study Guide
• Pictorial aid for Bible study or other devices

135
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 215

136
Building Interest for Bible Studies
137
Home Visitation

• How can the great work of the third angels
  message be accomplished? It must largely be
  accomplished by persevering, individual effort,
  by visiting the people in their homes.
• -Welfare Ministry, p. 97

138

• There are families who will never be reached by
  the truth of Gods word unless His servants enter
  their home.- Evangelism, pp. 435,436

139
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.- 3T , p. 210

140
Christs 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

141
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 542
• They grew -Acts 247
• The whole city was evangelized -Acts 176
• More baptisms -Acts 241, 44 514
• Penetrating unentered areas -Acts 84
• Paul taught publicly and from house to house.
  -Acts 2020

142
Making Friends with PeopleJesus Example

• Jesus loved people and never failed to help
  them - Mark 141 634, Matthew 414
• Jesus was able to be friendly to all kinds of
  people -Matthew 910 Mark 215
• Jesus showed interest in every one he met and
  tried to give them spiritual help. -John
  31,2, John 47

143
GIVING PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY

144
Be Friendly to All People

• If we want to win people to Jesus, we must be
  friendly to them. -Proverbs 1824
• 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.

145
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

146
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

147
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.

148
Bible Study Outline
149
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 introduce the topic
• ? An appetizer that will make people crave the
  main dish

150
The Body

• 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 subjection with conviction and
  leave
• room for the Holy Spirit.
• ? 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.

151
Appeal or Conclusion

• Summarizing
• Clinching
• Appealing
• Forecasting the next topic

152
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

153
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.
154
2. Give the introduction or review its high
points Speak slowly clearly and with conviction.
3. The best method question and answer.
155
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.
156
10. If question deals with a future,
controversial lesson
? Do not hurry through a Bible study make each
point clear before you move to a next topic
157
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 Gods
Word in your hands
158
The Use of Illustrations

• An illustration drives home the point.
• It creates a deeper and more lasting
  impression in the heart and mind.
• Its like the window that brings in fresh air.
• It must be short.
• Avoid comical illustrations.
• Refrain from using cheapjokes.

159
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
• ? Dont argue
• ? Be sincerely interested in the person
• ? Offer compliments
• ? Agree on every point possible
• ? Dont be embarrassed about questions you cant
  answer.

160
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
161
Length of Bible Study 30-40 minutes
After the Bible study, dont 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
• 
  

162
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.

163
The Wrong Way

• Baptism
• Foods
• Tithe
• Sabbath
• Second Coming

164
The Right Way

• Jesus first
• Then the doctrines

165
Suggested Order of Topics

• The Bible as Gods Word
• The Second Coming of Jesus
• The Signs of the Second coming of Jesus
• Heaven and the New Earth
• The Plan of Redemption
• How to Be Saved
• Gods Holy Law
• Gods Holy Sabbath
• etc...

166
Secret Bible Concordance The Key to
SuccessfulBible Studies
167
Bringing People to a Decision
168
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

169
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 504, 5.
170
ABCs of Obtaining Decisions

• Acceptance
• Belief
• Confidence

171
Steps in Making Decisions

• Information
• Conviction
• Desire
• Action

172
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

173
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
174
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
  presentation of testing truths to answer any
  major questions.

175
Two Ways to Avoid Programmed Non-Response

• ? Make regular systematic appeals including
  hand-raising, kneeling, standing, and altar
  calls.? Use response cards often.

176
Implanting Conviction

• Clear information - Is this clear to you?

?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
177
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

178
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 bought to decision at the earliest period
  possible.

179
? 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.
180
Fanning the Flame of Desire

• ?Inner peace as opposed to inner turmoil -John
  1427 Psalms 119165
• ?Receiving the Holy Spirit -Acts 532
• ?True happiness -John 1317
• Heavenly home -Hebrews 1124

• ?Forgiveness of sins and freedom from guilt
  -Acts 237-39

181
Importance of Prayerin Bringing Peopleto a
Decision for Christ
182
Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth
can accomplish.- Ministry of Healing, p. 509
It is a part of Gods 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).
183
Prayer does four things
Prayer puts us in touch with divine wisdom. -
James 15
Prayer enables God to work more powerfully
than if we did not pray. - Daniel 10
Prayer enables God to speak to us about sins in
our lives which hinder successful soul winning
Prayer deepens our desire concerning the thing
for which we are praying
184
The Need for Prayer
God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in
ceasing to pray for you. - 1 Samuel 1223
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
185
Meeting Objections With Bible Verses
186
I cant leave my church.Rev. 184 John 1026,
27 1242, 43 Matt. 722, 23
I cant make a living if I keep the Sabbath.
Matt. 633 Ps. 373 Isa. 6513,14.
You require too much of people in your church.
2 Cor. 89 Matt. 1345, 46 Luke 1433.
I will lose my job if I keep the Sabbath.
Matt. 1625, 26 I Tim. 48
187
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 . . .

188
I cant find a job with Sabbath off. Matt.
630-33 Ps. 373, 25 Isa. 6513, 14 5813,
14 119, 20.
It is inconvenient to keep the seventh day and
follow this doctrine. Matt. 1624 1038
I am too great a sinner. 1 Tim. 115 Heb.
725 Isa. 118
I am afraid I cant hold out. Jude 24
I cant live up to the truth. 1 Cor. 1013 2
Cor. 128, 9 John 112
189
I am not good enough. 2 Cor. 812
People would talk about me. John 1714 Luke
622, 23, 26 Prov. 2925
I agree with all you teach except for one
thing. Matt. 1916-22
I am in business and Saturday is my best day. I
will ruin my business if I close on Saturdays.
Matt. 1626 Ps. 3716 Prov. 168 Mark 835
John 627 Isa. 562-5 Luke 1219, 20
190
My friends would ridicule me. John 1519
Mark 834 James 44.
My husband, wife, father, mother, brothers, and
sisters will oppose me. Matt. 1036, 37 Luke
1426, 27 Ps. 2710 Isa. 4110 Mark 1029, 30.
There are so few who keep Saturday. This way
is so different from what the majority believe
and do. Deut. 77 Ex. 232 Matt. 713, 14.
191
My parents were good________. What was good
enough for themis good enough for me and
besides, I have been greatly blessed in my
present church. Rev. 184 John 1026, 27
1242, 43 Acts 419 John 135-40.
Keeping the seventh day was only for the Jews.
Mark 227 Gen. 23.
192
I am afraid of new doctrines. Gen. 21-3.
We are living under the New Testament. Keeping
the seventh day passed away with the old covenant
at the cross. Heb. 820 44-9 Acts 13 14,
25.
The law of the land has settled that Sunday is
the day to keep. Acts 418-20 528, 29.
193
We cant be sure that the seventh day which God
has commanded is identical with the day now
called Saturday. Luke 2356 The testimony of
history, astronomy, the calendar, and the witness
of the Jews.
Sunday seems right to me. Prov. 1625
194
My minister and my friends advise me against
this. 1 Kings 131-26 Acts 419 529.
It doesnt make any difference what day I keep
just so I keep a day. Exodus 208-11 Rom.
616 Leviticus 101, 2 Deut. 42.
It will cause trouble and division in my home if
I take my stand for this teaching. Luke
1249-53 1 Kings 1817, 18.
195
No, not now. Prov. 271 2 Cor. 62 Heb.
313 Isa. 556 Gen. 63.
I am waiting for my husband (or wife, or friend)
so we can accept it together. Eze. 1420
1820 Rom. 1412.
There is one thing (movies, jewelry, tobacco,
pork, caffeine, etc.) that I cannot give up.
Matt. 1916-22 624 Luke 1433 Matt. 1345,
46 1 John 54 2 Cor. 517 Phil. 413.
196
Too late, I have waited too long. Eze. 3319
John 637 Rom. 1013
I will wait until I have the right kind of
feeling. Isa. 4818 1 John 23
I tried once, Im afraid to try again. Dan.
317 Rom. 421 2 Tim. 112 Jude 24
How can I know that my sins are forgiven? 1
John 19 Prov. 2813
Some things are not yet clear. John 137
Acts 17
197
Im not so bad. John 318 Rom. 323
The world couldnt manage its affairs if
everybody kept Saturday. John 222
Why dont the other great ministers or learned
and influential people accept and keep the
seventh day Sabbath if it is right? 1 Cor.
111 126-29 Matt. 1125
198
Sunday seems right to me. Prov. 1625
God is love, He will save me anyway. Luke
133 2 Peter 24.
I will lose many of my friends, my social
standing and people will class me as a fanatic.
Ps. 119165 11110 Gal. 110 John 1514 Luke
622, 23, 26 James 44 Prov. 2925 Phil. 38
Matt. 1037 John 1519.
199
There are too many hypocrites in the church.
Matt. 71 Rom. 1412.
The step will cost me too much. Luke 1829,
30 1 Peter 224
My job may be at stake. Isa. 517 Job
1314, 15 Ps. 11972, 127
God will not condemn me if I live a good life in
every way except to keep the seventh day. James
210 1 Chron. 1513 Matt. 721-23 Luke 646
200
I cant leave my friends and relatives. Ex.
233 Prov. 1320
Im too old to change my way of life. Gen. 63
If I take Saturday for the Sabbath, I wont be
able to support my family. Matt. 630-33 Ps.
373, 25 Isa. 6513, 14 5813, 14 119, 20.
(Also the narration of actual experiences of how
God has helped others who stepped out in faith to
keep the Sabbath.)
201
I believe it is not necessary to unite with a
church. Acts 247
I will wait until the Spirit of God convinces
me. Matt. 251-13
I cant afford to lose one days pay each week.
This will interfere with my plans for getting
ahead in the world. Matt. 1626 Ps. 3716
Prov. 168 Mark 835 John 627 Isa. 562-5
Luke 1219, 20.
202
I have a railroad job. That work has to go on
every day. Ex. 3421.
God will not condemn me if I live a good life in
every way except to keep the seventh day. James
210 1 Chron. 1513 Matt. 721-23 Luke 646.
203
I will be in better shape to do it a little
later I need more time to arrange my affairs.
Prov. 271 2 Cor. 62 Heb. 47 313 Isa.
556 Gen. 63 Ps. 1844 11960 Matt. 251-13
204
Behold, I come quickly.
205
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