1 BIBLE STUDY Made Easier By Ashton O’Neil

2 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 150).

3 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.” 9Testimonies p. 126.

4 James 1:5-God provides wisdom.Wisdom Needed Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. James 1:5-God provides wisdom.

5 PREPARATIONS NEEDED HEART PREPARATION PREPARATION OF MATERIALSMENTAL PREPARATION Physical Preparation.

6 HEART PREPARATION THE EXAMPLE OF JESUSMark 1:35 Before every major event in His ministry, Jesus prayed for guidance and help (Luke 9:18, 28,29) James 1:5 God wants us to pray for wisdom (Hebrew 4:16) John 16:13 Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit You can’t give what you don’t have.

7 Must Have A SUPREME LOVE FOR GOD.

8 HEART PREPARATION Divine help is available:“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

9 MENTAL PREPARATION 2 Tim. 2:15.“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15.

10 Must be men and women of the wordBible Workers must know it ,believe it and live it. Must Know the teachings and doctrines of the church. Must be able and willing to explain and defend the truth.

11 MATERIALS PREPRATION (The Basic tools)BIBLE (Preferably one with concordance). BIBLE STUDY GUIDE PICTORIAL AID FOR BIBLE STUDY OR OTHER DEVICES (DVD)

12 Must Have A LOVE For PEOPLE

13 John 13:34, 35 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

14 4. KNOW THE VALUE OF A SOUL. Have a Passion

15 St. Luke 15 The Lost Sheep The Lost Coin The Lost Son Bible Workers must have a burden for every soul.

16 A person who seeks to win souls must be business-like-aggressive- not lazy or timid.Proverbs 11:30 - “He that winneth souls is wise” Luke 14:23 - “Compel them to come”

17 BUILDING INTERESTS FOR BIBLE STUDIES Must know how to get names of prospects.

18 BUILDING INTEREST FOR BIBLE STUDIESMaking Friends with People Home Visitation New Testament Method of Creating and Building Interest-be nice to all the people you meet.

19 MAKING FRIENDS WITH THE PEOPLE ( THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS)Matthew 4:14: Jesus loved people and never failed to help them (Mark 1:41, 6: 34) Matthew 9:10 Jesus was able to be friendly to all kinds of people (Mark 2:15) John 3:1,2 Jesus showed interest in every one he met and tried to give them spiritual help (John 4:7)

20 BE FRIENDLY TO ALL PEOPLEProverbs 18:24 If we want to win people to Jesus, we must be friendly with them. Be Friendly Always: When we meet someone: on the road, in a bus, at the market, in the village, at a store always be friendly: smile, talk to people inquire about family, give help if needed.

21 MAKE USE OF OPPORTUNTIES TO HELP OTHERSThere are many opportunities for us to offer help and friendship: sickness family death new neighbors people in prison widows senior people Building/farming

22 Interest from Church Check with your interest coordinator at church,colporteur,elders,Sabbath school supt,A Y leader,other leaders of church for interest.

23 PROSPECTS FOR BIBLE STUDIESChildren 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 but not church members -Baby dedication –children , parents and relatives.

24 Types of contact Visitor to church Relative Work colleague FriendVisitor to church Relative Work colleague Friend Backslider Attender of evangelistic series A person on the verge of making decision for Christ

25 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 home” Welfare Ministry, p. 97

26 HOME VISITATION “There are families who will never be reached by the truth of God’s word unless His servants enter their home.” Evangelism,

27 THE METHOD OF CHRIST “Our Savior went from house to house,healing the sick, comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the disconsolate. blessed children spoke words of hope and comfort to the weary mothers” (CS 114)

28 Organizing Deciding of Territory Divide the Teams Work Two by TwoHave Identity badges if possible.

29 Skills Required For Successful Bible Work. Know how to speak to people. Good listener Reflect back Ask open-ended questions Answer questions quickly and simply Never debate or argue Cheerful countenance

30 Types of contact Visitor to church Relative Work colleague FriendVisitor to church Relative Work colleague Friend Backslider Attender of evangelistic series A person on the verge of making decision for Christ

31 TIPS ON FINDING BIBLE STUDIES1. Distribute a series of tracts or a single tract. 2. Place enrollment cards in the doors. 3. Mass mail enrollment cards to postal areas. 4. Encourage all church members to carry enrollment cards at all time. 5. Give or, better lend books. 6. Share a video or audio-cassette 7. Use a Religious Interest Survey. 8. Use a Community Service survey.

32 Tools Required Pocket sized Bible Tools Required Tools Required

33 Tools Needed. Steps to Christ Appropriate tract Handbill (if required)Map – or Sat Nav! Torch Diary

34 METHODS OF DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITATIONMarks of the Christian Culture Christ in the heart Pleasant countenance Careful grooming No body odors

35 METHODS OF DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITATIONMarks of the Christian Culture Appropriate dress Sweet breath Clean teeth Remove rubbers or umbrella at the door

36 Before the Visit Ensure you know the name Decide who will speakUse the pathway and shut the gate Note type of neighbourhood Note if toys in yard Note if car in driveway If someone is watching smile warmly

37 There Are At Least Four Doors To Open1. The Physical Door-Initial Contact. The Key: Physical appearance,smile,answering the four questions at the door,cordial phrase,etc. 2.The Door To The Heart-Human Friendship. Key: Friendship-F O R T -Mingling,Compassion, Meeting Needs ,Honesty , Being An Example-(Christianity in the flesh),Gaining Confidence.

38 Jesus Wants To Use Us To Open DoorsRev 3:20 “Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock,If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,I will cime in to him and dine with him.” Many doors are shut tight. What are Some of the reasons for closed doors?

39 CHANGE OF PARADIGM 1). COMMON WAY:BELIEVING >>>>>>>> BELONGING >>>>>>>>>>BEHAVING 2). ANOTHER OPTION: BELONGING>>>>>>BEHAVING >>>>>>>>>>BELIEVING

40 “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them ‘Follow Me’.” Ministry of Healing, p. 143

41 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, v 4, p. 227

42 The Decision Process Long before people start thinking about making decisions for Christ ,they start making decisions about us and our church. They are wondering: Would I be accepted by and be comfortable with those people? When I need them would they be there for me?

43 METHODS OF DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITATIONHelpful tips on how to get into the house Use a small Bible Watch your conversation Never peek through doors or windows If there is no doorbell, give five firms knocks on the door. If you go around to the back, do not do it so quietly that someone might be caught by surprise and frightened or embarrassed.

44 METHODS OF DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITATIONHelpful tips on how to get into the house 6. Do not stand too close to the door. 7. Smile. 8. Take a half step back. 9. Introduce yourself. 10. Be relaxed and get acquainted.

45 On the door-step Ring the bell and step backDon’t talk if someone is with you Look in the direction of the door When the door opens smile warmly Step back a little and begin to speak Introduce yourselves and state you are visiting only for 5 minutes

46 If other people present greet themIf other people present greet them Second person take care of distractions e.g. children Control the conversation Know how to handle radio/TV Be attentive Look for unusual ice-breaker

47 At the door: Answer four Questions at the door in seconds.1. Who are you? 2. Why are you here? 3. How long will you take? 4. How will I benefit from your visit?.

48 Practice Session. Think,Pair .Share: Divide into groups of four.Decide who will be the two bible workers and who will be the two prospect. Decide who will speak . Think through the 4 questions and answers you would give. Practice then change around.

49 Opening Door Three. No 3. The Door Of The Mind.-Imparting Biblical Knowledge -Key: When they are convince that we care they are willing to listen to what we have to share.

50 No 4.Opening The Door Of The ChurchBefore opening the door of the church ,we must first ensure that the door is clear and the church is ready to welcome and embrace others. The order: Open the Physical Door Open the Heart door-Friendship-horizontal. Open the Mind Door-knowledge of God’s word Open the Heart Door to Christ-vertical(surrender to Christ) -willing to be a member of God’s church.

51 WHAT TO DO AT THE STUDY Step 1: Be Punctual Step 2: Be enthusiasticStep 3: Seat at the right place Step 4: Short introduction Step 5: Be understanding Step 6: Say something wisely

52 Opening Door Two: Friendship is the key. Akk Questions and make appropriate comments.

53 “F O R T” Principle F Family O Occupation R Religion T Testimony

54 FAMILY Are you originally from here? Where are you from?How is your family doing?

55 OCCUPATION What kind of work do you do?How long have you worked there?

56 RELIGION Do you normally attend here?What is your religious background? Which church do you attend?

57 TESTIMONY My life before I accepted Christ. How I became a Christian.My life since becoming a Christian.

58 Practice Session. Think,Pair .Share: Divide into groups of four.Decide who will be the two bible workers and who will be the two prospect. Decide who will speak . Think through the F.O.R.T concept. Practice then change around.

59 “…helping where it is needed…”.“My brothers and sisters, visit the people who live close to you, and for the sympathy and the kindness, make sure you reach their hearts.” C.S., p. 144 “…helping where it is needed…”. C.S., p. 142

60 Discussion Aid F – Family O – Occupation R – ReligionM – Message Discussion Aid F – Family O – Occupation R – Religion M Or T– Message Or -Testimony

61 HOW TO PRESENT THE BIBLE STUDYStep 1: Begin with prayer. Step 2: Give the introduction or review its high points. Step 3: You will want to ask each question. Step 4: Complement good answers. Step 5: After they read their answers, you might say, “Does anyone have a different answer?

62 HOW TO PRESENT THE BIBLE STUDYStep 6: Always listen and ask questions. Step 7: Make brief and relevant comments as you go along. Step 8: Stick to the subject Step 9: Never introduce ideas for which the Bible student does not have sufficient background. Step 10: If question deal with a future, controversial lesson....

63 PRESENTING THE BIBLE STUDYEstablish a friendly spirit before Bible study start An opening prayer: brief but sincere prayer Ideal number of person for a Bible Study The best method: Question and Answer How, When, Where, Which, What, Who, Why Speak slowly and clearly

64 THE USE OF ILLUSTRATIONThe illustration drives home the point It create a deeper and lasting impression in the heart and mind It’s like the window that brings in fresh air It must be short Avoid comical illustration Refrain from using cheap jokes

65 TIPS FOR SUCCESS Be understanding ListenGet a firm decision for Christ before you introduce testing truths. Know how to meet opposition Be tactful and smooth Don’t argue Be intensely interested in the person Offer compliments Agree on every point possible Don’t be embarrassed about questions you cannot answer.

66 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bible Study1. Do not give to much information in Bible Study 2. Staying Longer than an hour (Length of a Bible Study: minutes) 3. Too much Bible Texts (Number of Questions: texts)

67 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bible Study4. Do not preach, lecture, shout at your listener 5. Never argue with your listener. Do not get angry 6. Keep to the topic you are presenting 7. Do not criticize or disrespect other people 8. After Bible study, don’t stay too long

68 Practice Session. Think,Pair .Share: Divide into groups of four.Decide who will be the two bible workers and who will be the two prospect. Decide who will speak . Think through the entire process . Practice then change around.

69 ARRANGING THE ORDER OF TOPICSChoose the topic to meet the needs of the hearers Make the topic Christ-Centered. Learning about Jesus and His will for our lives s the object of all Bible study Follow a correct order of topics

70 THE WRONG WAY Baptism Foods Tithe Sabbath Second Coming

71 THE RIGHT WAY

72 SUGGESTED ORDER OF TOPICSThe Bible as God’s 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 God’s Holy Law God’s Holy Sabbath etc.

73 Opening up four doors: No 1- The Physical Door--The Keys-physical appearance,smile,etc No 2- The door to the heart. -Key-A pleasant smile,cordial phrase,friendship F.O.R.T.-Jesus Method,MOH,P 143 No The door to the church/Kingdom. Key-Conviction through presentation of biblical facts.-Holy Spirit.

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