Personal Work

Maintain a positive mental attitude. Be cheerful, considerate, optimistic, firm and urgent. Master the plan of salvation and needed passages on the subject. Also, study the New Testament church. It's marks of identity and passages. You must study passages on sin and those showing the gospel as the remedy.

If you don't know what the prospect believes, then ask some questions and get him to talking. If you don't know how to meet and answer some of the error he holds, then use that to advantage and ask for an opportunity to meet again and discuss it when you have had time to study the question more. Always insist that you want to study with him what the Bible says, not what you believe.

To get an appointment, necessary groundwork must be laid. Sometimes religious discussions on the job, or in the family circle may open the door . Sometimes other sources ( such as a social visit) may introduce the subject of the Bible. In case of visitors to services, a letter telling them their visit was appreciated, then a short call at the home, with an effort made before leaving to set up a definite appointment for a Bible study there at a specified time. Be definite, have a time ready to suggest. Above all, ask for the appointment.

After a few minutes of polite conversation on general things, you might ask, "Can we talk about the scriptures now" or "Have you given much thought to where your soul will spend an eternity?"

In a personal Bible study, have each person being taught with a Bible in his or her hand and let them read the passages themselves which you are going to use in study. Untaught people may have trouble finding passages quickly. You or someone may aid in this by quickly finding the passages and trading Bibles back and forth with the party.

The dining or kitchen table is a good place to study, so you can write on a scratch pad as you go along. This cast you in a familiar role where you are less likely t o be considered a stranger. After all, you are sitting at their table. Don't be afraid to ask, when you are ready to begin the study, "Would it be all right if we sit at the table to talk about this. It will be easier to see and I might need a place to jot down a few things or illustrate as we study.

Begin the study with a prayer. You need God's help, and the people need to know that you do not take this opportunity lightly. Remember the prospect's name and call it several times as you go along. Always express thanks for the hospitality extended you and for this opportunity to study with honest-hearted people the Words of Life.

Don't be afraid to point out error. The idea of "never condemn another religion" is contrary to the teaching of Christ and His apostles. Error must be answered. Always stress, "Let's see what the Bible says about that."