Visual Evangelism and Visual Aids

Christ was the Master Preacher. He un­derstood the philosophies and ideologies of men. Knowing the end from the beginning, He knew how to adapt His presentation of any given theme to His listeners. Each mind He had to deal with was entirely different, even as it is in this day. However, if we would study the perfect Pattern, we can know how best to present the truth as it is Jesus. In the study of the ministry of Christ it is fascinating to notice how extensive was His use of "visual evange­lism and visual aids."

"The Redeemer of the world sought to make His lessons of instruction plain and simple, that all might comprehend them, He generally chose the open air for His discourses. No walls could inclose the multitude which followed Him ; but He had special reasons for resorting to the groves and the seaside to give His les­sons of instruction. He could there have a command­ing view of the landscape, and make use of objects and scenes with which those in humble life were familiar, to illustrate the important truths He made known to them. With His lessons of instruction, He associated the works of God in nature. The birds which were car­oling forth their songs without a care, the flowers of the valley glowing in their beauty, the lily that reposed in its purity upon the bosom of the lake, the lofty trees, the cultivated land, the waving grain, the barren soil, the tree that bore no fruit, the everlasting hills, the bubbling stream, the setting sun, tinting and gild­ing the heavens,—all these He employed to impress His hearers with divine truth."—Testimonies, vol. 2, PP. 579, 580.

Let us observe some of the most striking ex­amples of visual aids and dramatic demon­strations set forth in the Scriptures. As the Pharisees sought to have Christ condemn an adulterous woman that they might accuse Him, He stooped down and began to write out in the sand the secret sins of each one. When these evil men saw their carnal natures exposed be­fore others, one by one they silently left the scene. This is perhaps one of the most daring of the visual aids that Christ ever used.

In Matthew 18:s-6 we have the story of Christ setting a little child in the midst of the disciples, showing them that all men must be­come as a little child to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Dramatic and soul stirring were some of the methods He used to awaken men out of their lethargy. He called the little chil­dren to Him and blessed them. This experience was far reaching; for the mothers beamed with joy and later told and retold how Christ had blessed their children.

These are but a few of the classic examples of the Master Preacher in making truth live by demonstrations that made lasting impressions on the minds of men. These factors in visual evangelism in the life of Christ are dominant. We must emulate Him if we ever expect to reach the height in successful soul winning that is expected of us by Christ Himself. The ex­amples we have just enumerated challenge us to seek to follow the Master Evangelist in more successful visual evangelism.

Here are several pertinent statements^- from the Spirit of prophecy that are well worthy of consideration.

"Let the workers . . . originate devices by which to communicate light to those who are near and to those who are afar off. . . . Time has been lost, golden op­portunities have been unimproved, because men . . . have not been wise to plan and devise means."—Evan­gelism, p. 206.

"He [Elder S.] has large lifelike representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks."—/bid., p. 205.

"Such methods will be used more and more in this closing work."—Ibid.

With the examples of Christ's ministry and the counsels of the Spirit of prophecy inspiring us, let us list some of the types of visual aids that are being used to preach the gospel along with the spoken word. The three-plywood cut­out symbols of the beasts and characters of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are, to my mind, a "must" in helping to fully explain the prophecies, especially to those who are not fa­miliar with the prophetic books, and there are many who are not. The Visual Aids depart­ments of evangelism of Washington Mission­ary College and of Southern Missionary Col­lege are offering a fine service in this line. They are also offering miniature cut-outs of prophetic symbols of Daniel and the Revelation which are adaptable for use in giving Bible studies in the homes of interested people. (In the February 7, 1947, issue of the Southern Tidings an article tells of the work that is be­ing done in this line at Southern Missionary College.)

Many of our evangelists have used slide pic­tures with great success. These are very fine, but I wish some way could be devised to see the audience. Talking to them in the dark, throughout the whole service does not give the eye contact that is most necessary in inspiring confidence in newly interested people. Many have used effectively the method of interspers­ing picture's during the address of the evening. Pictured Truth is an excellent adjunct to the evangelistic program. It can serve to review subjects already presented from the desk, and to present supplemental subjects.

Unique devices can be used to clarify great truths. Progressive devices grip the attention of the audience. Devices such as the Temple of Sunday Sacredness, the millennium, the 2300 days, and many others could be mentioned.

Some are using feltograph or flannelgraph in their work—flannel pictures, or letters and numbers, adhering to a flannel background. (See center opening of February, 1947, MIN­ISTRY for description of this type of evange­lism.)

There are various miscellaneous items that could be suggested. There is really no end to them. In illustrating the theme of the Ten Com­mandments a chain of ten links can be used. At the proper time drop the chain, and it is very effective. It will at least serve to arouse those whom you may have put to sleep. A mirror, made like two tables of stone, with the numbers of the Ten Commandments inscribed, serves well to illustrate the law of liberty.

In presenting the subject of "Evolution and the Bible," a photostat picture of the leg bone found in Java, from which the Java ape man was fabricated, lends interest. It can be glued to plywood and cut out from the shape of 'the picture.

When dealing with the subject of "Archae­ology and the Bible," it is helpful to be able to show a facsimile of the Rosetta Stone, which is in the London museum. The interest of our hearers is strengthened, and they have more 'confidence in us. They believe that we believe what we are preaching when we present visual evidence.

The field is not exhausted. There are many fine, dignified, proper ways of illustrating truth that have not even been mentioned. It is hoped that these few words have created within the heart of everyone a greater desire to be more like the Master Preacher. He employed effec­tive aids in His day, only in a different way. We have His example and leadership in this field. The Spirit of prophecy has given much excellent counsel in the use of visual aids. Let us become greater preachers, using visual aids not as a crutch but as a glorious God-given op­portunity to enforce and hasten the giving of the gospel to lost men, so that Jesus might soon come and take us home to live with Him, to­gether with the precious jewels we have gath­ered in.