Personal Work

In Matthew 7:13,14 Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." We must know where we are going before we choose which road we will travel. The choices one makes will be his own. we are influenced by others, and many are being led down the road to eternal destruction by false teachers. It is sad that false teachers will be lost, but it is even more so because every one that follows them will also be lost.

These people think that they are traveling the strait and narrow that leads to eternal life. They have been deceived by false teachers and it is up to us to try to teach them the truth. The Lord loves their soul just as He does ours. I certainly realize that not all can be taught the truth. But, we must reach all that we can with the gospel.

I believe the example of the Apostles is a good example for us to follow today in trying to reach the lost. The Apostles would go into the synagogue of the Jews to teach. These believed in God and they gave visitors a chance to speak. I don't mean that we should go into the synagogue today. I mean that people in the denominations are people who believe in God. So, we should try to set up a study with them. If they really want to go to heaven and believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, then we can teach them the truth.

The best way to start with a Bible study with people who are members of a denomination is with some questions. Such as, do you believe in God? Do you believe the Bible is the word of God? Do you believe we must obey God in order to be saved? Then, teach lesson on authority. Show them that we must do all that God says in order for us to be saved. The Lord is the one that does the saving and He has told us what we must do to be saved. Just because one obeys most of the commands will not do. One must obey all that He says. Many people do not obey the gospel because they just do not believe it. Many people know that the Bible teaches that one must be baptized. But, they will say, "I know that is what it says, but I don't believe you have to be baptized to be saved." Now when one says that, he really does not believe the Bible. Many times this is because some false teacher has convinced them that they do not have to be baptized to be saved. It is up to us to convince them that they cannot disobey the Lord and be saved. Jesus said, "He that beleiveth and is baptized shall be saved....." (Mark 16:16).

To be a success we must have a wholesome self-respect and a positive mental attitude. We must show the people that we are really interested in their soul. Unless we gain their confidence we will not be able to teach them. We need to be positive, aggressive, optimistic and above all, converted members who are willing to go out and bring the lost to Christ. This why the Christians in the first century were able to teach people the gospel.