PERSONAL EVANGELISM (5)

 

The Methods (2)

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.    There are several Bible study methods that can be used in a Bible study.

 

B.      One of them is called “The Open Bible Study.”

1.      It originally consisted of three lessons and a worksheet.

2.      It involves having the student read a verse, then answer some “Yes” and “No” questions.

 

C.     I found a revision of the OBS online. 

1.      It is a little longer than the original.

2.      It does not have the worksheet.  This is better because the worksheet was a little difficult to use.

3.      I have divided the questions into four lessons.

a.      Introduction:  Our Religious Backgrounds (combine with Lesson #1)

b.      Lesson #1:  Bible Authority

c.       Lesson #2:  The Plan of Salvation

d.      Lesson #3:  Denominationalism & Worship

e.       Lesson #4:  Christian Living, Review, and An Appeal

 

I.                   INTRODUCTION:  Our Religious Backgrounds (See Handout)

 

A.    Tell the individual that it might be good for each of you to share with each other something about your religious backgrounds. 

1.      This will create interest.

2.      It will also highlight some differences.

 

B.      The main purpose in having the individual complete this sheet of paper is to help minimize problems that could develop later.

1.      As people study the Bible, they want to believe that they have already done what the Bible requires of them.

2.      This is especially true when it comes to baptism.

a.      They learn that baptism is for the remission of sins and they want to believe their previous baptism was for the remission of sins.

b.      They learn that baptism comes before salvation and they believe that their previous baptism came before salvation.

3.      At the outset of the study, they know exactly why they did what they did in the past.

a.      They are honest about the purpose of their baptism in the past.

b.      Later in the study, if they try to affirm that their previous baptism was in harmony with the Scriptures, you can show them their answers that they recorded on this sheet.

 

II.                LESSON #1:  Religious Authority

 

A.    Question #1 deals with additional revelation other than the Word of God.

1.      It is a little awkward with regard to a place to begin.

2.      This question could produce some conversation immediately because many religious groups believe in continuous, additional revelation from God to man.

 

B.      Questions 2-9 establish the New Testament as our standard of authority.

1.      The questions deal with passages that distinguish between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

2.      Take your time in this part of the study.  Make certain the person understands that we are under the authority of the New Testament.

 

C.     Questions 10-13 deal with the need to adhere to the New Testament only.

 

D.    Questions 13-19 deal with sin.

 

E.      Questions 20-21 have to do with Christ as the means of salvation.

 

F.      Questions 22-23 confront Original Sin and Total Hereditary Depravity.

 

G.     Questions 24-29 involve the need to obey God in order to be saved.

 

 

III.             LESSON #2:  The Plan of Salvation

 

A.    Questions 30-32 address faith and faith only.

 

B.      Questions 33-35 deal with repentance.

 

C.     Question 36 deals with confession.  (NOTE:  I would use Acts 8:36-39 as an example of confession.  It not the confession of sins; it is the confession of the name of Christ.  It is the public proclamation of what is believed in the heart, that is, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God).

 

D.    Questions 37-46 focus upon baptism.

 

IV.             LESSON #3:  Denominationalism & Worship

 

A.    Questions 47-54 have to do with denominationalism.  (NOTE:  This could be a tough section for some.  There may be a lot of discussion.  Stick with the Bible verses and what the Bible verses say, if possible).

 

B.      Questions 55-56:  The Lord’s Supper

 

C.     Question 57:  Giving

 

D.    Question 58:  Church attendance

 

E.      Question 59:  Bible study

 

F.      Question 60:  Prayer

 

G.     Questions 61-62:  Singing  (NOTE:  This section might be hard for some.  Go back to Lesson #1, Question #13, and discuss Noah’s example again).

 

V.                LESSON #4:  Christian Living, Review, and An Appeal

 

A.    Questions 63-67:  Christian living

B.      Review

 

C.     Questions 68-72:  An Appeal 

1.      Some people will be ready to be baptized.

2.      Some will want to be baptized, but will want to wait until the Sunday worship service.

3.      Some will not be ready?  (Question:  What part of our study is hindering you from obeying the gospel?”

4.      Some will think that they have already been baptized properly.  (NOTE:  This is when you go back to the sheet entitled:  “Religious Background”).

5.      Some will not want to obey the gospel.  Try to continue the study the next week.  Start another study with the person.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.    This is not a difficult method.  It does take a little time to make it “your own.”  After four or five times using this method, it is fairly simple.

 

B.      This study can create a lot of questions rather quickly.  The teacher must be ready for such questions.

 

C.     I wish there was a section that really taught about being added to the church at the point of baptism. I believe this is neglected in many studies.  Acts 8:12 shows the importance of this information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Bible Study

Our Religious Backgrounds

 

 

Name:  ___________________________________________________                 Date:  ____________________

 

 

 

1.    Yes – No   Are you a member of a church?

 

If yes, which one?

 

 

2.    Yes – No   Have you ever made a commitment to Christ? 

 

If yes, how old were you?

 

 

3.    Yes – No   Have you ever been baptized?

 

 

4.    Were you ( sprinkled     poured     immersed ) when you were baptized?

 

 

5.    For what purpose were you baptized?

 

 

6.    Were you saved ( before     after ) you were baptized?

 

 

 

 

 

Open Bible Study

Our Religious Backgrounds

 

 

Name:  ___________________________________________________                 Date:  ____________________

 

 

 

7.    Yes – No   Are you a member of a church?

 

If yes, which one?

 

 

8.    Yes – No   Have you ever made a commitment to Christ? 

 

If yes, how old were you?

 

 

9.    Yes – No   Have you ever been baptized?

 

 

10.                       Were you ( sprinkled     poured     immersed ) when you were baptized?

 

 

11.                       For what purpose were you baptized?

 

 

12.                       Were you saved ( before     after ) you were baptized?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Bible Study

Lesson #1

 

1. 2^nd Peter 1:3 

           

Yes—No         Has God given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness?

 

Yes—No         If all has been provided, do we need additional revelations or directions from God?

 

2. Ephesians 2:15 

 

Yes—No         Has God abolished the law of the commandments?

 

3. Romans 7:4-6 

 

Yes—No         Are we dead to the law and discharged from the law?

 

4. Romans 7:7 

 

Yes—No         Did the law that we are dead to and delivered from say, “Thou shalt not covet?”

 

5. Exodus 20:17 

 

Yes—No         Did the Ten Commandment law say, “Thou shalt not covet?”

 

Yes—No         Are we dead to and delivered from the Ten Commandment law?

 

6. 2^nd Corinthians 3:13-14 

 

Yes—No         Has the Old Testament (including the Ten Commandment law) been done away in Christ?

 

7. Colossians 2:14 

 

Yes—No         Was the law of the commandments taken out of the way at the time Jesus died on the cross?

 

Yes—No         Should we continue to serve that law?

 

8. Hebrews 9:15-17 

 

Yes—No         Was the New Testament in effect before Jesus died on the cross?

 

Yes—No         Could individuals be saved under the New Testament before Jesus died on the cross?

 

 

 

 

9. John 12:48

 

Yes—No         Will the words of Jesus (New Testament) RATHER THAN THE WORDS of the Prophets (Old Testament) judge you in the last day?

 

10. Revelation 22:18-19 

 

Yes—No         Would you be punished if you added anything to God’s word?

 

Yes—No         Would you be punished if you took away from God’s word?

 

11. Galatians 1:6-9 

 

Yes—No         If an Apostle, Angel or any man (Rabbi, Preacher or Priest) taught anything other than what can be found in the New Testament, would he be accursed?

 

Yes—No         Is it your understanding that the New Testament is the complete Law now spiritually binding?

 

12. 2^nd John 9-11

 

Yes—No         Can we scripturally claim to have God if we do not abide in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ?

 

Yes—No         Can we scripturally be spiritually affiliated with those who teach other than the doctrine of Christ?

 

13. Genesis 6:14 

 

Yes—No         Did God command Noah to build an ark out of gopher wood?

 

Yes—No         Would Noah have sinned had he built the ark of oak, cherry, pine?

 

Yes—No         If God had told Noah to build an ark of wood, could Noah have selected the type of wood to be used?

 

Yes—No         Did God exclude all other woods when he specifically commanded gopher wood?

 

Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s word today?

 

Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s way of salvation as provided in the New Testament?

 

Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s commands which govern our worship to Him?

                       

14. 1^st John 3:4 

 

Yes—No         Is a sinner one who transgresses the Law (New Testament)?

 

 

 

15. James 4:17

 

Yes—No         Is one who knows to do good, and does not do it, a sinner?

 

16. Romans 3:23 

 

Yes—No         Does the Bible teach that all have sinned?

 

17. Romans 6:23 

 

Yes—No         Does the Bible teach that the wages (results) of sin is death?

 

18. Ephesians 2:1 

 

Yes—No         When a person is in trespasses and sins, is he spiritually dead?

 

19. Isaiah 59:1-2 

 

Yes—No         When a person is dead in trespasses and sins (iniquities), is he separated from God?

 

20. 2^nd Corinthians 5:20-21 

 

Yes—No         Must you be reconciled (come back) to God in order to be made the righteousness of God in Christ?

 

21. Acts 4:12 

 

Yes—No         Can you go to any other than Jesus to be saved?

 

22. Ezekiel 28:15 

 

Yes—No         Is a person born in iniquity (sin)?

 

23. Ezekiel 18:20 

 

Yes—No         Does the son inherit the sin of the father?

 

Yes—No         Are infants sinful and separated from God?

 

24. Matthew 7:13-14 

 

Yes—No         Will the majority of people be saved and enter heaven?

 

Yes—No         Would it be safe to follow the majority as a guide in our spiritual lives?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25. Matthew 7:21-23 

 

Yes—No         Can you enter heaven without doing the will of the Father?

 

Yes—No         Even if you are sincere in your religious practices and do “many wonderful works,” could Jesus on judgment day still say, “Depart from me.”?

 

Yes—No         Is it enough then to just be sincere in your religious practices?

 

26. Matthew 7:24-27 

 

Yes—No         Must your religious practices, in addition to your sincerity, be based totally upon God’s word?

 

27. Matthew 28:20 

 

Yes—No         Must you observe all of God’s will to be pleasing to Him?

 

28. James 2:10 

 

Yes—No         If we keep the whole law except for one part, are we guilty of all?

 

29. John 14:21-24

 

Yes—No         Do you truly love God if you do not keep His commandments?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson #2

 

 

30. John 3:16

 

Yes—No         Is it God’s will that you believe in Jesus?

 

31. John 8:24 

 

Yes—No         Is it possible to enter heaven if you fail to believe in Jesus Christ?

 

32. James 2:14,17,20,24,26 

 

Yes—No         Can you be saved by believing (having faith) only?

 

33. Luke 13:3

 

Yes—No         In addition to believing, it is God’s will that you repent?

 

34. 2^nd Corinthians 7:10 

 

Yes—No         Is repenting merely being sorry or just saying, “I repent.” ?

 

35. Matthew 21:28-31 

 

Yes—No         Does repentance involve doing something on your part?

 

36. Romans 10:9-10 

 

Yes—No         In addition to belief AND repentance, is it God’s will that you confess with the mouth that Jesus is Lord?

 

37. Mark 16:15-16 

 

Yes—No         Is salvation promised to those who believe AND are baptized?

 

Yes—No         In addition to believing, repenting, confessing—is it God’s will that you be baptized?

 

38. Acts 2:37-47 

 

Yes—No         Did these sinners gladly receive the word and obey the command of baptism?

 

Yes—No         Were these saved persons added to the church that Christ built?

 

Yes—No         Is baptism for the remission of sins?

 

 

 

 

 

39. Matthew 26:28 

 

Yes—No         Was Christ’s blood shed for the remission of sins?

 

40. Acts 22:16 

 

Yes—No         Are your sins washed away in baptism?

 

41. Revelation 1:5 

 

Yes—No         Does Christ’s blood wash away your sins?

 

42. Romans 6:3 

 

Yes—No         When we are baptized into Christ, are we baptized into His death?

 

43. John 3:23 

 

Yes—No         Does baptism require much water?

 

44. Matthew 3:16 

 

Yes—No         Did Jesus go up out of the water?

 

Yes—No         Had He been down in the water?

 

45. Acts 8:35-39 

 

Yes—No         Did both Philip and the eunuch go down into the water and come up out of the water?

 

46. Romans 6:3-5 

 

Yes—No         Does baptism put you into Christ?

 

Yes—No         Is baptism a burial in water?

 

Yes—No         Would one be obedient to God if he was sprinkled or poured?

 

Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s way of salvation as provided by the New Testament?

 

Yes—No         Is it your understanding that you must believe, repent, confess and be baptized (immersed) in order to have your sins washed away?

 

Yes—No         Is it your understanding that Christ’s blood will wash away your sins when you are obedient in baptism?

 

 

 

 

Lesson #3

 

47. John 17:21 

 

Yes—No         Does Jesus want His followers (baptized believers) to be one?

 

48. 1^st Corinthians 1:10-13 

 

Yes—No         Does the Lord approve of denominationalism and wearing different names religiously?

 

Yes—No         Does the Lord approve of “Apollosite Christians” or “Cephas Christians” or “Paulite Christians”?

 

Yes—No         Does the Lord approve of “________ Christians” or “_________ Christians” or “__________ Christians”?

 

49. 1^st Corinthians 3:4-5 

 

Yes—No         Would it be a sin for you to say, “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Cephas.”?

 

50. Acts 11:26 

 

            Yes—No         Were Christ’s followers called Christians only in the Bible?

           

            Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s word today?

 

Yes—No         Should His followers today be called anything other than just Christians?

 

51. Ephesians 4:4-6 

 

            Yes—No         Does the Bible reveal there is only one body?

 

52. Ephesians 1:22-23 

 

            Yes—No         Is the body the church?

 

Yes—No         If there is only one body, and if the body is the church, is there more than one church?

 

53. Matthew 16:18

 

            Yes—No         Did Jesus promise to build many churches?

 

            Yes—No         Did Jesus promise to build His church?

 

 

 

 

 

54. Romans 16:16 

 

            Yes—No         Do you read of any approved denominations in the Bible?

 

            Yes—No         Do you read of the church of Christ in the Bible?

 

            Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s word today?

 

Yes—No         Since the church was built by Christ and since it belongs to Him, should it wear only His name today, as in the Bible?

 

55. Acts 2:41-42 

 

Yes—No         Did those who were baptized in the first century continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers?

 

Yes—No         Should those who are baptized into Christ in this century continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers?

 

56. Acts 20:7 

 

Yes—No         Did the first century Christians partake of the Lord’s supper on Sunday, the first day of the week?

 

Yes—No         Should Christians in this century partake of the Lord’s supper on any other day?

 

Yes—No         Should Christians, who are continuing steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine, partake of the Lord’s supper on the first day of each week?

 

57. 1^st Corinthians 16:1-2 

 

Yes—No         Were Christians in this passage admonished to make a contribution on the same day as Christians in the preceding passage (Acts 20:7) partook of the Lord’s supper?

 

Yes—No         Should Christians in this century contribute as they have prospered on any other day?

 

Yes—No         Should Christians who are continuing steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine contribute as they have been prospered on the first day of each week?

 

58. Hebrews 10:25 

 

Yes—No         Is it the Lord’s will for you to be absent from the assembly of the saints?

 

Yes—No         If God wills that we not forsake the assembly, would it be a sin to do so?

 

59. 2^nd Timothy 2:15 

 

            Yes—No         Does God want you to continue to study diligently?

 

 

60. 1^st Thessalonians 5:17 

 

            Yes—No         Is it God’s will that you pray to Him without ceasing?

 

61. Psalms 150 

 

Yes—No         Were mechanical instruments used to make music in worship in the Old Testament?

 

Yes—No         Has the Old Testament (including the Ten Commandments) been done away in Christ?

 

62. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 

 

Yes—No         Were mechanical instruments used to make music in worship in the New Testament?

 

Yes—No         Does the New Testament teach that as we “sing” and make melody in the heart, that we are to “teach,” “admonish” and “speak?”

 

Yes—No         Can a mechanical instrument accomplish any of the above?

 

Yes—No         Can we add to, subtract from or substitute for God’s word today?

 

Yes—No         Did God exclude mechanical music when He specifically commanded vocal music?

 

Yes—No         Did God exclude milk and cake from the Lord’s supper when He specifically commanded unleavened bread and fruit of the vine?

 

Yes—No         Would it be a sin to add milk and cake to the Lord’s supper in our worship service to Him?

 

Yes—No         Would it be a sin to add the mechanical instrument to our singing in our worship service to Him?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson #4

 

63. Romans 12:1-2 

 

Yes—No         Should Christians present their bodies as a living sacrifice to the service of God?

 

64. Titus 2:12-14 

 

Yes—No         Are you, as a follower of the Lord, permitted to live unrighteously or as you please?

 

Yes—No         Are Christians described in the New Testament as peculiar and zealous?

 

65. Galatians 5:19-24 

 

Yes—No         Must we, as Christians, abstain from the works of the flesh in order to inherit the kingdom of God?

 

66. 2^nd Peter 1:5-11 

 

Yes—No         Must we, are Christians, add to our faith in order to make our calling and election sure and to enter into the kingdom of God?

 

67. Revelation 2:10 

 

            Yes—No         Must you be faithful unto death in order to be saved eternally?

 

REVIEW

 

Yes—No         Will the words of Christ (New Testament) judge you in the last day?

 

Yes—No         Do you want to love God with all your mind, heart and soul?

 

Yes—No         Are you sorry for past sins and ready to turn from them?

 

Yes—No         Have you been buried in water (baptized) for the remission of your sins?

 

Yes—No         Will the Lord add you to a denomination when you are baptized?

 

Yes—No         Do you now wear the name of Christ only?

 

Yes—No         Do you partake of the Lord’s supper, using unleavened bread and fruit of the vine on the first day of every week?

Yes—No         Do you now worship with the church you can read about in the New Testament?

 

Yes—No         Do you now have a close, happy and peaceful relationship with Christ?

 

Yes—No         Do you have the faith, determination and love which will cause you to depend upon God and His word for help and strength to be faithful unto death?

 

 

68. James 4:17 

 

Yes—No         Would it do you any good to know to do God’s will and then not do it?

 

Yes—No         Should you obey all of God’s will?

 

69. John 14:15 

 

            Yes—No         Will you keep the commandments of Christ if you love Him?

 

70. Acts 22:16 

 

            Yes—No         Was Paul commanded to obey the Lord immediately?

 

71. Acts 2:40-41 

 

Yes—No         Were the people who heard Peter preach baptized the same day they received the word?

 

72. 2^nd Corinthians 6:2 

 

            Yes—No         Should you obey the will of God and be saved today?

 

“WILL YOU BE SAVED TODAY?”