The Conference functions will be long remembered not only for the opportunities of united worship and fraternizaion, but also for the interchange of ideas and opinions such as those on “Preaching the Truth”. One could wish that the opinions expressed could have been heard by every Brother and Sister in Christ.
Bro. J. Ratcliffe stressed that the effectiveness of lecture and gospel extension work was being hampered by our environment, with all its glittering attractions and interests designed to appeal to the minds of every age group. It was therefore necessary that a speaker should be able to develop a right approach and convey warmth and sincerity. He should prepare his lecture well in advance and have more in the mind than is required to fulfil the allotted speaking time. The problem apparently is not so much what to say as to what to leave out. Lecture titles needed to be short and clear and what is said should relate clearly to the title.
There is a tendency to presume that the audience is well acquainted with the Bible, but this assumption is generally incorrect and the speaker should allow adequate time for Scriptural quotations to be found.
There is an evident need for greater simplicity in our lecturing approach and for keeping to one subject at a time rather than take my yoke upon you he will refresh us. Our obligation to Him is that we must be joined to Him (His yoke) and that we must learn of Him (His meekness, humility, troubles and strength). If we do this the freedom we will receive is exemption from the troubles of this life; work will be easy and our burdens will be carried by Him.
When we are burdened down, troubled or fatigued it is because we are not in Christ’s yoke, but are attempting to use our own. Young people, let us determine right now to “lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us” and come to Jesus; take his yoke upon us and he will give us rest. trying to expound the whole Truth in one address. Bro. Ratcliffe suggested that with a title such as “Jesus, the Son of God”, the purpose would be to show how and when and why, and that it would not necessarily be essential to introduce the trinitarian aspect in such a lecture.
The aspect of visual aids was discussed at length and it was of interest to note that whereas in past years films did have some beneficial effect on audiences, the subsequent advent of television has largely offset this attraction.
In an attempt to keep this report brief the following are some interesting comments from brethren who were present:
- Lectures should command simplicity and clarity, but this does not mean simple subjects only.
- What is the use of inviting the public if we do not attend ourselves.
- We require more speakers. More speakers are made than born.
- Too many speakers become complicated.
- It is necessary for the brethren and sisters present to pray for the speaker.
- Interested folk should go home convinced of one question at a time so they will return for further discussion.
- Better to say a few words clearly than a thousand not understood.
- Special lecturing efforts followed by discussion groups were found profitable, and experience gained showed the need for all of us to be able to answer questions on first principles. Some brethren and sisters found these groups even more helpful than Bible Class.
- Speakers should use care when opposing some fixed idea held by strangers . . . tact is required in replying rather than a “bulldozing or flattening approach”.
- When interested folk do come into our midst we see them, but generally do little or nothing about making an effort to create the impression we would like to help them.
Bro. Murray Lund’s address on “Personal witnessing” was most inspiring. His remarks gave cause for a reappraisal of our motives in the Truth and of the need to translate our faith into works and make it a vital and living reality in our lives.
It is easy to sit and listen to our brethren lecture but personal witnessing for the Truth is an entirely different matter. Today the world is increasingly difficult to penetrate and it appears that even in the ecclesias sometimes there is apathy and reluctance towards this very essential work.
The example given by the apostle in Romans 10. 1 is apt: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved”. Our concern should likewise be towards the spiritual welfare of our fellows and the command to love our neighbour should involve the desire and will to teach God’s truth wherever and whenever possible. There is an urgent need today for every brother and sister in Christ both young and old to respond to the challenge . . . how can God be made manifest to the people unless we do it?
“How shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent” . . . the apostle’s words apply to everyone in Christ Jesus. We know that God is taking out from the nations a people for His name, but how does He do this? “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things.” The implication here is that God’s servants do not necessarily sit at home or listen to others lecturing.
As ambassadors for Christ, we must each be convinced that it is absolutely essential for us to engage in personal contact work and particularly in co-ordination with ecclesial lecturing efforts.
God has graciously given us a knowledge of the Truth; therefore we are sent to call people to the same understanding. Our prime objective should be to draw out from the world an individual and place him within the glorious scope of God’s love.
What is the system to accomplish this? There are many ways brethren and sisters, but no set pattern. We must apply the wisdom God has given us as individuals and with a prayerful approach to the throne of grace a way will open up for us to sow the seed on good ground, if it is in the will of God.
Whatever phase we consider of preaching God’s Truth, there is no easy answer to our problems and no simple rule to apply. But if we have the will, let us believe that God will find a way.
May our Heavenly Father be pleased to prosper the work of our hands in whatever sphere we labour in His service.
Lord, What wilt thou have me to do?