Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

Lesson 46

HOME BIBLE STUDIES

Jehovah is the Sender of good news to the homes of the people. His Word contains that good news; his ambassadors must carry it to men of good-will. Those ambassadors are dispatched directly to the people in their homes. To those people hungering for the bread of life the chief ambassador, Christ Jesus, says: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup [dine, Goodspeed] with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3: 20) Let the "stranger" be so blessed by having a Bible study.

Jesus emphasized the duty of His followers in this respect when he said three times to Peter, 'Feed my sheep.' (John 21:15-17) That commission falling upon Jehovah's ministers today is not fulfilled by merely placing the literature. In order that the "strangers" may assimilate that food and take their place in the "cities of refuge", studies in their homes must be arranged for their benefit. It is their right. Theocratic ministers must maintain that right of the "stranger".

In daily ministry in the house-to-house witness work take time to give a thorough, kindly witness. Do not be a blitz publisher, rushing through the territory to see how many books or booklets can be placed. Rather each house should be approached as a prospective sheep-location where probable back-calls can be made and eventually a home book-study started. In one's witness it should be made clear that as an ordained minister he is participating in a Bible educational campaign to aid honest persons to come to a

fuller knowledge of God's Word. Explain that this service is being rendered without charge or any obligation. If the response is that of friendliness a little more time should be taken to discuss Scriptural points in the literature just placed or in questions of a Biblical nature which may arise in the course of conversation. Ask them if they have any questions on the Bible. Many quickly respond by advancing some queries, and one of these can be chosen for impromptu answering with the Bible.

By this time much friendliness and interest will have been developed. The gospel-preacher should inform the householder that he will be pleased to call again next week when he expects to be in the neighborhood. Also encourage the person to read the literature just received, and to note further questions it might bring to mind. Every opening for a back-call must be explored and opportunity created for an additional meeting with these "other sheep". Where indifference or caution is manifested by the householder, see to it that a friendly impression is left with that person. It may be that, when you cover the territory again, as that territory is served four times in six months, the indifference and caution will have developed into the friendly stage where a back-call can be informally arranged.

Many have found it wise not to mention the holding of regular Bible studies in their homes upon the first call. Some persons feel that they do not have sufficient education to warrant holding a study and thus, through an inferiority complex, reject the offer. Others feel it requires youth and mental alertness to qualify for a study. Still others feel that they would later find themselves under some obligation.

In making the first back-call the person who made the original visit should (as far as possible) make the return call. After a few general chatty remarks furthering warmth and friendliness suggest that they get out their Bible as you would like to answer more of their questions and show them actually in their own Bible where to find the answers.

As the interest grows and the Bible discussion continues introduce the question booklet, which explains the holding of Bible studies in private homes. It might be found possible to actually start considering the first paragraph of the book left with them under the book-study arrangement, thus starting a study without the formal proposal for one, which latter act often causes the individual 1o shy away from the offer. All this will create appetite for further back-calls and perhaps for a regular book study from then forward. However, it may require two or three back-calls of a general character before the book-study arrangement can be introduced and put into operation.

In all these preliminaries one will find the Devil and the demons causing all manner of opposition and interruptions. (Matt. 13:4,19) But here is where the gospel-preacher must demonstrate his patience. At times, between one's second and third calls it will be found that pressure has been applied to these humble souls to the extent that they will endeavor to discontinue the visits. But here is where the tact and display of the genuine interest of the publisher in the eternal welfare of the "sheep" comes into play. Many a back-call hits the rocks at this stage because of lack of tact and loving consideration. The zealous publisher will tactfully wield the "sword of the spirit" to slash away obstacles put forward by the adversary, and not quickly abandon the battlefield to the enemy.

Good-will persons have a right to learn the truth, and your diligent effort to feed these "sheep" through home Bible studies will bring much joy and will bear fruit to the honor of Jehovah's name. Be a good publisher, conducting one or more book studies each week.