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 Even
with the most elaborate preparations and planting the purest of
seed, the farmer who sows most of his seed crop in his own front
yard can expect but a limited harvest. The same is true with
churches. Even when capable teachers are faithfully proclaiming
the pure word of God in our commodious and comfortable
buildings, the “harvest” will necessarily be limited to
those in attendance. While the need for pulpit and classroom
teaching cannot be discounted, it is simply not enough. We need
to get out of our own “front yard” with the incorruptible
seed that can save souls!
We
must go because many will not come. Relatively few
non—Christians are attending worship services and Bible
classes. Those who do attend seldom do so with any regularity
and even then are not likely to hear lessons that are most
appropriate to their needs. Let’s face it, most who need the
gospel are not coming to our front yard to get it. If they are
to be reached it will take more than the pulpit —and it will
take more than the man who stands in the pulpit.
Consequently.
every qualified member of the Lord’s church should seek
for opportunities to sow the seed of the kingdom. As the pillar
and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15), the church bears a
serious and unique obligation to the gospel — not only to love
it and live it, but to proclaim it as well! If the words
of life are to be heard in a lost and dying world, it is the
people of God who must speak them. God does not look to those in
error to teach His truth, nor does He look to just a few gospel
preachers to do all of this work. He looks to all “faithful men. . . to
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teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2).
We
need to take the gospel to the lost because in their homes is
often afforded the most favorable of teaching situations. There,
the student is not lost in the crowd; the lessons have a more
personal flavor. Where else could a student feel more “at home”
and feel free to ask pertinent questions without fear of
embarrassment? There, he relates himself to the subject more
readily; he hears lessons most relevant to his needs. With home
studies the prevalent problem of absenteeism is almost nil. Many
will keep an appointment with a teacher at home who won’t do
so at a church building. What better arrangement for teaching
Bible truth?
For
these, and other reasons, it would seem a wise redemption of
time for us to become more involved in this house-to-house kind
of teaching. We need more kitchen-table lecterns and sofa-pews!
There is still good soil — just waiting to receive this
incorruptible seed and bear fruit. Of course, not all who are
thusly taught will, obey the truth, but at least we can be
assured that they have been taught and are now capable of making
an informed decision in the matter. When we have done our part,
God will give the increase (1 Cor. 3:7). Let’s just get out of
the “front yard” to do the sowing.
But
many will wonder about how to arrange such home Bible studies. A
preacher friend of mine told me the secret: JUST
ASK! Dan S. Shipley
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