Suitable Subjects for Homes
by Lillian Handysides
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What subjects should Bible workers take up in the homes of the people? Should Bible workers anticipate campaign subjects? These questions need to be considered from two angles—that of the Bible worker who is working alone, and that of the Bible worker who is working in conjunction with a minister.
First, let us consider the method to be employed when a minister and a Bible worker are associated in labor. No Bible worker who truly understands her position in a campaign will anticipate campaign subjects. The evangelist is the general in the campaign, and he has planned his program. It is the work of his associates to confirm and establish the truth that he has presented publicly. No minister exhausts any subject in one presentation, but simply creates an interest. The home visitor has great avenues opened before her to go into detailed, deeper study on the truth already given, strengthening the seed and bringing to full fruition. Even simple repetition of what has been given confirms and strengthens.
Next, consider the Bible worker who stands alone. Her work is then very different, and she must plan her own program. To take subjects haphazardly, as they come to mind, is not the avenue to successful results. Have a plan. Before you begin, mentally travel the road over which you intend to take the soul in your care, and forgetting all else, press forward with your plan until the goal is gained.
First, last, and always, teach this gospel of the kingdom. This means, in our day, putting emphasis upon the great theme of the imminent second advent. Seek to explore every phase of it, establishing it firmly, by the prophecies culminating therein, and by every sign in every phase of life.
Teach also preparation for the second advent. Emphasize first, man's nature and condition, including the fall, which involves man's undoing and unpreparedness; the nature of man in life and death; the nature of sin, its origin and destiny ; the plan of salvation as demonstrated in the types of the earthly sanctuary and fulfilled in the heavenly ; the law of God—the great standard which is the pivot of the entire service—pointing out the issue for these last days; the breach and the Sabbath.
Deal with the imperatives presented by Jesus on the new birth, justification, and sanctification. Teach the inspiration of the Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit—first the fruits, then the gifts. See this work demonstrated in the individual—physically in Christian temperance, mentally in acceptance of light, spiritually in obedience, including baptism.
Present Revelation 14 as precedent to the advent, stressing the judgment hour, Babylon's fall, and the Sabbath test. Make clear the events at the advent: second coming, first resurrection, translation, binding of Satan, millennium, judgment in heaven, second resurrection, destruction of wicked, the Holy City, and the home of the saved. Explain that the Lord's supper is a memorial of the first advent which also points to the second. Regarding the ordinance of humility, teach that the attitude of those who partake was demonstrated by Jesus and His people. The tithing system can be shown to be God's great "right of way" in our lives, a privilege which brings both temporal and eternal blessing to those who accept and follow it.