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Barry's Bureau Blog

When Visitors Come By

4/16/2022

4 Comments

 
Best Practices
There are simple guidelines in Bible Study to benefit a discourse on religious or faith issues. Over 25 years in ministry from the Pulpit and Lectern have taught me some simple rules to follow when visitors come by. These practices are best because scripture bears them out.
As Christians who want to share our faith, we must realize that we are in the communication business. Communication is necessary to share the Gospel. Three practices, when applied, provide a blessed opportunity for visitors coming by. These practices are general and not exhaustive.
Picture
Practice #1: Understand People Have Sincere Beliefs
Everyone has reasons for believing what they have adopted as faith. The reasons may not be yours, but that does not make them any less real. Confusion and separation result from topics like parental upbringing, your political party affiliation, skin color, age, finances, education, and gender. Beliefs need to be Bible-grown and matured if one is to have peace and salvation. We must remember that we have not cornered sincerity and zeal of faith
Practice #2: Bible only, not Philosophy and Opinion
Problems and emotional turmoil begin when we stop discussing what the Bible says or doesn't say about a matter, judging opinions, habits, traditions, and feelings. Those who grew up with certain practices are insulted and feel attacked when scripture is not the confronting method. Non-Biblical discussions in Bible study are unproductive and leave the power of the Gospel behind. 
We are to teach Jesus' words (Matthew 28:20) and not our personally supposed antidotes for correcting misguided thinking. Sticking with the Bible in any study keeps you on Biblical ground and keeps perspective. Bible discussions are not about you against them; scripture confronts us both.
Practice #3: Apply Long-Suffering
Patience is in short supply in our world that including the Saints. Why it takes so long for someone to be converted is our question. We would do well to remember God works outside time, nor is he constrained to our timetable. The Lord works in mysterious ways, which demands we pursue conversions in faith. Believe that God will give the increase in His time. We have to sow a seed that is Bible and not a mix of anything else. If we do that, then a righteous harvest will result
Join me in taking a deeper look at these three practices in the coming weeks. In summary, remember 1. Give people some credit where their sincerity is concerned; 2. Study God's Word, not your opinion, and have no other agendas; 3. Be patient because teaching the perfect way requires it. See you in the next blog, and check out the links below.
What do you think the one best practice is for when visitors come to Bible study?
Inspired by Mike Mazzalongo and BibleTalkTV, "How To Share Your Faith."
​https://youtu.be/E90uU5tYLJI
https://vimeo.com/598284190
https://bibletalk.tv/the-basics
4 Comments
Keith L Palmore
4/17/2022 12:03:12 pm

Spot on Bro. Johnson! As Christians we "are" in the communication business and we "are" to be prepared, in practice, and willing participants. I'm in belief that these are three key areas we can all improve in to make our daily living more productive. First of all, study as a part of preparation, builds a solid foundation of and in the word that we need to share. Preaching is helpful for sure in edification and conviction. However, the amount of time spent in study outside of worship may be indicative of his much we're communicating the Gospel in our daily lives. Secondly, we need to actively seek and recognize the evangelistic opportunities we have around us AND execute the Lord's instruction. It's critical to focus on the practice of sharing the Gospel as God is responsible for the increase in the results. Thirdly, the Lord's work should be a pleasure and not a chore. Without interfering with doctrine we can build excitement and enthusiasm by learning of new permissible ways to innovate and diversify our approach to evangelism. If it's the Lord's will, next Sunday I will attempt to share effective renewal in faith by way of testimony. I pray that it also helps drive a communication focus for Christians. Please view our attend in person, "Progressing Towards Your Treasured Testimony", during our a.m. service. God Bless.

Reply
Barry G. Johnson, Sr. link
4/18/2022 01:45:20 pm

Thank you, Brother Palmore, for responding to this blog. I pray and make myself available for the success of your ministry. We both desire for the righteousness of God's Word to illuminate the path of the masses. Grace and Blessings to you and yours.

Reply
Herbert Sherrod
4/18/2022 11:23:10 am

Ì believe #2 ìs most important because people ñot only don't read the Bible but don't even have a copy.

Reply
Barry G. Johnson, Sr. link
4/18/2022 01:51:12 pm

Thank you, Brother Sherrod, for taking the time to read and respond to this blog. There certainly is nothing like the Word of God. It will always be necessary for the souls of men. We have to increase ways to present it, and the discipline not attaching antidotes of personal opinion to it. That is the lesson for us to learn. Grace and Blessings to you and the family.

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    Barry G. Johnson, Sr.

    An Evangelist at the Church of Christ which meets in Brookfield, IL.

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