"The End Of Your Search For A Friendly Church."
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The Fields Are White for Harvest - Lakeside Church of Christ Web Site

The Fields Are White for Harvest
--Matthew 9:39


by Clyde O. Goff
minister

Contents

Preface

There is an urgent need today for Christians who can and will talk to people about their soul's need and about the Christ who can satisfy this need.

Our immediate goal is to win individuals to our Lord and the true ideas of Christianity and together, with us, attain unto that eternal home with God.

The purpose of these studies is to help each Christian become more effective in working with others and in assisting others in saving their souls.

The principles discussed in these lessons are not new. Ideas and thoughts have been gathered from various sources and it is impossible to give proper credit to each. Should you see something in these studies that originated with you, please accept my thanks.

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Dedication

I would like to dedicate this little booklet to my faithful wife who was always ready to assist me in the work for Christ, and who so unselfishly shared me with others who required my service. --Clyde O. Goff

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Lesson 1 -- The Personal Worker

  1. INTRODUCTION

    1. The Whole of Being a Christian. All of a Christian's responsibilities may be summarized and gathered together into one WHOLE by reading and applying John 15:8, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples."

    2. Going to Heaven. There is absolutely no way you and I can go to heaven if we live a life wherein we do not "try" to save others.

    3. A Personal Responsibility. Our own salvation and sense of personal responsibility should MOVE us with a DEEP desire to bring others to Christ. "BRETHREN, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be SAVED." ( Rom. 10: 1 )

    4. God's Good Pleasure. The only way your neighbor, the people in this community will EVER know about the TRUTH is through His children.. ."For it is God which worketh in you both to will and DO HIS GOOD PLEASURE." (Phil. 2:13)

    5. The Purpose of These Studies. I am convinced that every Christian has the ability to do what God wants him to do; that is, HELP SAVE OTHERS. The purpose of these studies is to MOTIVATE you to be personally INVOLVED for Christ.

  2. THE PERSONAL WORKER DEFINED

    1. Who is a Personal Worker? Any Christian who will take the time to talk to others about their soul's need for Christ is a "personal worker." Philip of Bethsaida is a good example. (John 1: 43-45)

    2. Ability to Influence. Those who do not feel capable at this time to actually lead a Bible discussion but who are effective in influencing others to study are personal workers.

    3. Many Things to be Done. There are many, many things to be done in order to have an effective personal work program:

      1. Go with the teacher for support and assistance in anything that is needed.

      2. Perform baby sitting service while others teach.

      3. Provide transportation for others.

      4. Provide your home for neighborhood Bible studies.

      5. Just simply offer your service in any way you can.

  3. AN URGENT NEED FOR PERSONAL WORKERS

    1. Many Lost. Millions are eternally lost and without hope; homes are being destroyed and children corrupted; society is degenerating.

    2. A Golden Age. We live in a golden age of opportunity. People are looking for something; they are daily sensing the futility of trusting in MATERIAL things. Jesus said (Matt. 9: 36) they are" AS SHEEP HAVING NO SHEPHERD."

    3. People are Searching for Truth. Thousands are leaving denominationalism with all of its pompous formalities and searching for truth with open minds. Many are sick of Jesus said, religion being turned into "big business." "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. (Matt. 9:37) . . . "

  4. WHY SHOULD I BE A PERSONAL WORKER?

    1. Its Importance. It is the greatest work that can be done in this life. A doctor works with one's physical body; a lawyer works with estates; but the personal worker works with one's ETERNAL DESTINY.

    2. Time can never efface this work; it will endure for eternity.

    3. Personal involvement builds the worker. (Eph. 4:14-16)

    4. PERSONAL teaching is the most effective of all forms.

    5. My eternal welfare depends upon my doing this. (Ezek. 3:17-21)

  5. SOME EXCUSES FOR NOT DOING PERSONAL WORK

    1. "I'm too busy." This means that we are too selfish and stingy with our time to assist others in going to heaven. (Luke 14:10-20)

    2. "I'm helping pay the preacher." No person can do your work for you any more than any person can worship for you.

    3. "No one is interested." You are not the judge. In the first place, that is not the case. In the second, it is not your responsibility. We are to plant and water and God will give the "increase".

    4. "I've tried and failed." I'm glad that the Lord didn't have that attitude, for then we would all be lost.

    5. "I don't know enough about the Bible; can't remember Scripture." That reflects upon YOU, not upon the personal work process. Do you devote yourself to daily-Bible study?

    6. "I'm lust 'no good' talking to people about religion." No one is good at talking with people about something in which they have no interest. Can you tell people what you did to be saved? Can you read that to people?

  6. THE "EVILS" OF THE PERSONAL WORKER

    1. Apathy and Complacency. Do you know that thousands upon thousands will miss heaven because of good intentions that never produced action? (Matt. 25:26)

    2. FEAR of Being Rejected by Others. The one-talent man was lost because of his "fear." (Matt. 25: 25)

    3. Negative Attitude. The ten spies lost the promise of Canaan because of their NEGATIVE attitude. (Num. 13:30-33)

  7. CONCLUSION

    1. There is a way to overcome these evils. Study again the points in this lesson, meditate on them prayerfully, and determine now to become more involved in the work for Christ.

    2. Begin now to make a list of all the people you know and would like to see go to heaven. You will be surprised at how many prospects you already have.

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Lesson 2 -- Personal Preparation

  1. INTRODUCTION

    1. Fear and Negativism. We have pointed out that FEAR and NEGATIVISM are the REAL reasons why many Christians are not involved in personal work for Christ.

    2. Our Goal. In these lessons we are trying to emphasize the importance of a proper attitude and the necessary qualities one must have to influence others to live for eternity. The Christian should be the happiest and the most enthusiastic person in the whole world. (Phil.4:4)

    3. Winning Souls. The process of winning souls to Christ is not a PHYSICAL but a MENTAL and MORAL process. It is a process in which one MIND persuades another MIND; thus, it is important that the worker have the proper attitude. (Study II Cor. 10:4-5; 5:10-11)

  2. DEVELOPING PROPER QUALITIES

    1. Preparation. Being an effective soul winner is not the result of chance; but it is the result of a careful and adequate mental preparation. Brother Homer Hailey expresses in a fine way the necessity of these qualities in order to influence others:

      1. An appreciation of one's personal responsibility. (I Tim. 4:16)

      2. Love for people. (Gal. 5:14)

      3. Study:

        1. The Bible. (I Tim. 4:13)

        2. People.

        3. Books.

        4. Self-crucifixion. (Gal. 2: 20)

        5. Patience. (Jas.1: 2-4)

    2. The Case of Philip. Philip presents a splendid example of these proper qualities. (Acts 6:3) He possessed that ability to preach before large crowds; but he also was competent to teach the riches of Jesus Christ to one lone soul in quietness of the desert. The qualities of Philip as expressed in Acts 6:3 are noteworthy...

      1. "Of good report." This refers to a good report among men. Consistency in profession of faith and conduct is absolutely necessary if we expect to inspire the proper confidence in us on the part of those we teach. (I Pet. 2: 12)

      2. "Full of the Spirit." This applies to the condition of the heart; being attuned to Christ and possessing His attitude. (Phil. 2:5; Rom. 12:3)

      3. "Wisdom." This points to the ability to make proper application of what we know to the needs of a particular person or situation. "Walk in WISDOM toward them that are without, redeeming the time." (Col. 4:5)

  3. HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR

    1. Chief Rulers. The chief rulers wanted to follow Christ but let the desire to seek favor of men stop them from doing what they knew they should. (John 12:42-43) Oh! so many times today Christians are governed simply by what they think others think of them.

    2. Overcoming Fear. Removing this FEAR of rejection is not so difficult when we learn to transfer our desire for approval from earth to heaven. Paul gives this advice: "If ye then be risen with Christ, SEEK those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Col. 3:1-2) Set your affections on THINGS above, not on THINGS on the earth."

    3. Seeking God's Favor. When we learn to seek the approval of God in our lives and believe that He will be with us in the things we do, then we will not be AFRAID of what men will do to us. (Heb. 13:5-6) Again, "For am I seeking the favor of man, or God? Or do I seek to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ." (Gal. 1:10) (Study II Cor. 4 and Matt. 6:24)

    4. Self-Confidence. Since man acts in harmony with his thoughts, how careful we must be in having our thoughts correct. If we feel confident in our minds that God is with us, then we will have confidence in our abilities to be effective soul winners for Christ. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same IMAGE from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Cor. 3:18)

  4. DEVELOPING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

    1. Negativism and Soundness. Many church members confuse the NEGATIVE attitude with being sound. They associate optimism with softness or liberalism. We are to fight evil wherever we find it without compromise; but that doesn't mean we are to be ugly. "But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel." (Phil. 1: 16)

    2. Attitudes and Thoughts. Attitudes are simply habits of thought. If our thoughts are right, our attitudes and actions will be right. It is said that our MINDS function like a COMPUTER. ..it produces what is "programmed" into it. Solomon rightly said, "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Prov.23:7) "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) (Study Josh. 1:5-9; Rom. 8:35-39; Phil. 4:11-13; I Tim. 4:13-16)

  5. CONCLUSION

    6. Begin immediately to accept the fact that God will be with you and that you CAN be successful. VIVIDLY begin to see people obeying the gospel of Christ through your efforts, and inevitably this will be the result.

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Lesson 3 -- Prospecting

  1. INTRODUCTION

    1. One might have an excellent Bible knowledge and an ability to persuade men to accept truths, but without a prospect to teach--all preparation is in vain.

    2. Many are Looking. We are convinced that there are multiplied numbers who are looking for truth and are in need of some personal interest being expressed in them; especially one who will assist them in finding the truth.

    3. Be Optimistic. We must put away our pessimistic attitudes and from this day forward believe... "The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few." (Matt. 9:37) We must resolve to supply that deficiency in workers. Just recognizing the problem and talking about it is not enough. We must motivate ourselves and others to ACTION.

  2. RECOGNIZING THE PROSPECT

    1. Missing Opportunities. It is possible that many times we overlook opportunities to teach others the gospel of Christ simply because we fail to recognize prospects. Unless we develop an ability to recognize these, we will not be effective in our work for Christ. (Study carefully Matt. 4:19)

    2. Judging by Appearance. Many Christians today evidence the unspoken belief that a good prospect is one who wears nice clothes, has a good job, lives in a nice house and is respected by the community. No doubt we will encounter some of these people in our efforts to teach, but that type of appraisal is so carnal--so materialistic---so false. Jesus said, "Judge not according to the APPEARANCE, but judge righteous judgment." (Jn. 7:24)

    3. Some Examples. Would you have thought Saul to be a good prospect? What about the Philippian jailer? And the adulterous woman?

    4. Your Assignment. Make a list of all you know and those who love and appreciate you the most. Don't try to "project" what their reaction will be or the probable results. You don't know. Follow this suggestion and you will be simply amazed at the number of people with whom you can study.

    5. What About These?

      1. Your mail delivery person

      2. Any other delivery person

      3. The family doctor

      4. Your neighbors

      5. Visitors at worship

      6. Yes, even your fellow employees and associates in civic activities

    6. Persuasion. It would be nice if fish would jump into the boat as we hit them in the head with an oar--but they just won't do it! There will NEVER be anyone who will not require some degree of persuasion to attend a Bible study.

  3. ANALYZING THE PROSPECT

    1. Analyzing the Prospect's Thinking. Before the worker is able to know HOW and WHERE to start with the prospect, he must have some information regarding the individual's , needs and how he/she thinks. This can be obtained by allowing the prospect to talk and express himself freely. Jesus' discussion with the Samaritan woman is an excellent example. (In. 4:7-29)

    2. Learning to Listen. One reason many people have difficulty doing personal work is that they try to do all the talking. "You just sit still while I tell you what's the matter with you," and "I'll show you the truth," is the unspoken and unadmitted attitude of many. James said, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be SWIFT to hear, SLOW to speak, slow to wrath." ( James 1: 19 )

    3. Information Provided. Most of what we should say and how to say it will be provided for us by our listening to the prospect and showing love and concern for his personal needs. Paul said, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Rom. 12:15) Don't appear to be a "know-it-all." Just be a good listener.

  4. CLASSIFYING THE PROSPECT

    1. Where is he? We want to keep in mind that in order to teach a person anything, we must start teaching him WHERE HE IS, and not where we would like for him to be. Let us emphasize that each prospect is a unique individual and must be treated as such. There are no set rules, therefore, that will fit in every case.

    2. General Principle. It has generally been found that prospects fall into two major classifications: The religious. (Acts 8:27, 28) The nonreligious. (Acts 16:23, 24) These are separated into two groups: The honest in heart. ( Luke 8: 15 ) The dishonest. (Luke 8:12-14)

    3. Word of Warning. We should try to avoid the danger of assuming that because we classify a person some way he must respond in terms of the label we attach to him. This indeed is the easiest and most blinding thing we can do.

  5. PREPARING THE PROSPECT'S ATTITUDE FOR STUDY

    1. Straightforwardness. For the worker to be effective in bringing souls to Christ, he must always be firm in conviction, sincere and STRAIGHT-FORWARD in making application of the truth--always admitting a mistake and ready to change. The prospect will have no CONFIDENCE in a wishy-washy, spineless, jelly-fish and compromising individual.

    2. Show Interest. Everyone responds to the feeling that someone is interested in them. The worker's genuine concern and interest in his needs will do a lot toward preparing the prospect's disposition for Bible study. (Study I Thessalonians 2:7-11; 3:1-5; II Cor. 2:4)

  6. CONCLUSION Remember the words of Daniel: "They that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and forever." (Dan. 12: 3)

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Lesson 4 -- Your First Study

  1. INTRODUCTION

    1. Our Past Lessons. In the past three lessons we have strongly emphasized the importance of proper PRINCIPLES lived, attitude and confidence in self, self-motivation, and finally proper attitude and concern for the person to be taught.

    2. All Things to all Men. If by now you have developed a STRONG, DEEP DESIRE to be an effective SOUL winner for Christ, then you are ready to start WORKING, as Paul--"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.. . To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak; I AM MADE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN, that I might by ALL MEANS SAVE some." (I Cor. 9:19, 22)

  2. SETTING UP CLASSES

    1. Most Effective. By experience we have learned that the most effective method to succeed in getting studies which will be more apt to lead to conversion are:

      1. Bible studies in the home of members or friends. This provides a relaxed atmosphere in which the prospect will feel free to attend without feeling obligated. If the method is followed with consistency you will likely have more studies than you have time to teach. This is the method that Paul used. (Acts 20:20)

      2. Visitors who attend worship will be considered the next best prospects. The fact that they visited is an indication that they are LOOKING. This is an open door. Just walk in by asking permission to visit in their home or they in yours.

      3. Relatives and friends. These are excellent prospects because they have been impressed with the GOOD lives of Christians. Start a study in your home and invite them in for just ONE trial, and you will see!

      4. Let me impress by saying everyone is a prospect; you are not to "project." Just go on and ask: Do you want to go to heaven? Can we improve in our lives? Would you like to know more about the Bible? Do you believe that through study of the Bible we will become better husbands, wives and parents? Ask them over to join in a neighborhood Bible study.

    2. Make it Definite. In setting up the study, it is very important that specific plans are followed. The time of the first class, the day, the place, and if possible, the subject. Those who arranged for the study should remind the prospect of the appointment, see that transportation and baby sitting are provided when necessary.

    3. Where to Start. This is the most frequently asked question when actually, it is of the least importance. We say this because the prospect takes care of that for you--if he/she has been permitted to express himself/herself freely.

  3. TEACHING AND PERSUADING THE PROSPECT

    1. Show What Problem is Present in the Lives of Men. The first step in teaching the prospect is to point out forcefully the condition of sin in the lives of people; show its result after death and its harm on society. (Rom. 3:23; 7:24; 6:23)

    2. Show What Will Happen Without the Cure (Christ and the Gospel).

      1. It is the worker's duty to show the tragedy of being eternally lost and separated from God. (II Thessalonians 1:7-9)

      2. Show that every person will be judged according to his own personal deeds and attitude toward God's work. (Rom. 2:4-10; 14:12)

      3. We must keep before the prospect the brevity of life and the importance of living for eternity. (Jas. 4:13-15)

    3. Show the Advantage of Living the Christian Life. Point out the effect the Christian can have upon the community. (Matt. 5:13-14; Phil. 2:12-16) Show the effect it can have upon the home. (Eph. 5 and 6)

    4. Personally Apply the Gospel. We must not be timid about making application of the principles of Christ to the one we are attempting to lead to Him. To "beat around the bush" only hinders and complicates matters. On the other hand, "firmness" is not to be interpreted as license to be crude, harsh and ill-bred in our behavior. Remember, we PERSUADE men. (Study II Sam. 12: 1-7 and I Thessalonians 2:7-11.)

    5. Demonstrate Your Own Conviction in the Gospel.

      1. Paul emphasized to the Romans the importance of a personal demonstration of one's faith in Christ. ( Rom. 2: 1 7 - 2 3 )

      2. Enthusiasm is an infectious element and sincerity is a most persuasive power of influence.

      3. We will demonstrate the influence of the gospel in our lives by:

        1. The way we present the truth

        2. The way we conduct ourselves

        3. The way we treat the person we talk with

        4. The way we talk about others

        5. The calm, confident manner in which we react to life

  4. CONCLUSION Remember, if we are to properly influence others, we must give liberal time to study, meditation, self-preparation and prayer. Let us begin now to be productive in leading others to Christ.

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Lesson 5 -- Saving the Saved

  1. INTRODUCTION

    1. The larger portion of the New Testament was written to newly converted Christians for the purpose of helping them to grow unto perfection and maturity in Christ. (I Peter 2:1-2)

    2. The apostle John wrote about people whom he had taught to become children of God. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (III John 4)

    3. It is estimated that an average of 40 percent or more of those converted to Christ lose their interest, their zeal and their steadfastness within five years after conversion. For every five persons baptized into Christ, two of them soon fall away from the faith. What a tragedy!

  2. WHAT IS THE CAUSE?

    1. Discouragement We are convinced that many new Christians become unfaithful because of being discouraged, and this is brought on by numerous things:

      1. Many young converts are not properly prepared to meet the disillusionments which can arise after conversion. The worker should take time and courage to carefully instruct and warn of the pitfalls to be encountered on their journey. (Study Luke 14:28-35; 9: 56-62)

      2. Others become discouraged and fall away because the more mature members do not show a genuine interest or concern for them. The new Christian finds it impossible to penetrate the little "cliques" so often found in various local churches.

      3. A large number lose interest because they do not feel involved. They have never been used or included in the work program of the church. (I Tim. 4:8)

      4. Again, many become discouraged and unfaithful since they are dissatisfied with themselves. They thought when starting the Christian life that "all" of their problems would be over. In reality they now find that their burdens are greater than before. They make the sad mistake of thinking that they are not good enough to be a follower of Christ. (Study I Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 2: 1 - 3 )

    2. We Must Help. Whatever the reason for the new Christian being discouraged and eventually falling back into the world, we must remember that his soul is just as precious to God as it was before. Christ died for him, and he needs our help as much now as before--in starting this journey. (Romans 15:1-3)

    3. God's Plan. Just as God has a plan to "draw" all men unto Him, He also has a plan to hold men--if we will learn to use it. I am convinced that the local church is God's arrangement to nurture and build up each member in Christ. (Study Eph. 4:15-16; I Cor. 12:12-27)

  3. WORKING TOGETHER

    1. The Individual. We wish to impress upon the minds of each member the important responsibility we have to the new Christian, remembering that his birth into Christ is. the most important day of his life. His relationship is different and he finds himself in a brand new world. .. "Behold, all things are become new." (II Cor. 5:17) We simply make a few suggestions that we have learned through our experiences:

      1. Give the new brother/sister your attention, love, concern and hospitality.

      2. Be friendly at worship; make him/her feel that he/she is wanted and is a part of the family. (I Pet. 4:10)

      3. Ask him/her into your home; associate with him in your social activities.

      4. Encourage other members to be friendly and warm toward all. If you are a competent teacher, volunteer your service to study in the home.

    2. Do What You Can. We will not be rewarded for how much we would like to do, but what we can do. (Study Mark 14:8)

    3. The Church. There are many ways the church can lead an effective personal work program in reaching the lost and saving the saved. The Lord established the local church as a spiritual school, training the individual to be involved in saving others. Some suggestions:

      1. Keep records of all visitors, prospects, home studies and new converts.

      2. Provide a personal work class (along with all other classes).

      3. A visitation program is very helpful in strengthening members, involving new members and getting leads to prospects for home studies.

      4. Fundamentals (new convert class) .

      5. Assign mature members to be responsible for new Christians, their needs, attendance at worship, etc.

      6. Elders and teachers make home calls to new members; explain the work of the church and the part in which the new member can play.

      7. Assign duties to the new member according to his or her ability. This will involve them and consequently develop growth.

  4. CONCLUSION

    1. Thousands are lost to Christianity every year, mainly because we fail in making the necessary efforts to encourage and help these young ones in the first few months of their journey to heaven.

    2. Do not put off until tomorrow; but start immediately, and you will be thrilled and even amazed with their growth and development--along with yours--in becoming more involved with the grounding in the faith by all.

    3. It is our desire and sincere prayer that you have been motivated to become more involved in saving souls for Christ and that you have become stronger as a Christian. May all glory be given to Him who "loved" us and gave so much that we might live.

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