1. When a crowd asked what they should do, what response did they receive?
A large crowd of men and women had traveled to Jerusalem. They came from many countries and spoke different languages. That day something extraordinary happened: suddenly, some Jews began to speak in the languages of those people. But the most remarkable thing was not that they spoke those languages, but what those Jews said and what the apostle Peter said to everyone next. Among other things, he explained that they could be saved if they put their faith in Jesus Christ. Those words struck them so deeply that they asked: "What should we do?" And Peter replied, "Let each of you be baptized" (Acts 2:37, 38).
ILLUSTRATION:
A brother accompanied by his wife gives Bible classes to a young man who has a printed copy of the book Enjoy Life. (See paragraph 2).
2. What will we analyze in this article? (See cover photo).
What happened next was impressive: that day, some 3,000 people were baptized and thus became disciples of Christ. This marked the beginning of the immense disciple-making work that Jesus entrusted to his followers. And that work has reached the twenty-first century. In our day, a few hours are not enough to help someone get ready for baptism. For a student to achieve that goal, it may take months or even a year or more. Disciple-making takes a lot of effort, as those who are teaching someone the Bible well know. In this article, we will discuss what we can do to help students get baptized.
LET'S HELP THE STUDENT APPLY WHAT THEY ARE LEARNING
3. According to Matthew 28:19, 20, what must the student do to get to baptism?
Before being baptized, the student should put into practice what the Bible teaches (read Matthew 28:19, 20). When he does, he is like the “wise man” in Jesus' example who dug deep to build his house on solid rock (Matt. 7:24, 25; Luke 6:47, 48). Let's now look at three things we can do to help the student put what they learn into practice.
4. How can we help the student continue to progress toward baptism? (See also the box “Help Your Student Set and Achieve Goals”).
Let's help the student set goals. Why is this so important? Let's think about this example: if we are going to take a long road trip, we may decide to make small stops at certain places of interest. This way it will not seem to us that the destination is too far away. Similarly, when a student sets short-term goals and reaches them, he is likely to find that the goal of baptism is within reach. We can use the “Go for This” box from the Enjoy Life book to help the student progress. At the end of each lesson, let's explain what that goal has to do with what you just learned. If we want to propose a different goal, we can write it where it says “More goals”. Let us always take advantage of this moment of the course to review with the student their short-term and long-term goals.
ILLUSTRATION:
A brother and his Bible student walk up a slope, and meanwhile they are reaching and leaving behind several little flags that represent goals. Series of images: 1. The student writes down in his book 'Enjoy life' a goal that he would like to achieve. 2. The student attends a congregation meeting.
Help the student set goals and achieve them
1.Talk to him about the goals he could set.
2. Help him think about how to achieve them.
3. Congratulate him regularly on his progress.
5. According to the account in Mark 10: 17-22, what did Jesus say to a rich man, and why?
Let's help the student make changes in his life (read Mark 10: 17-22). Jesus told a rich man to sell everything he had, even though he knew it would not be easy for him (Mark 10:23). Why did you say that? Because I cared for him. Sometimes we may not dare to tell the student that he should put into practice what he is learning because we think that he is not ready. Sure, dressing in the new personality and making certain changes usually takes time (Col. 3: 9, 10). But the earlier we talk about it, the sooner you can get down to business. These types of conversations will show you our affection (Ps. 141: 5; Prov. 27:17).
6. Why is it important to ask opinion questions?
It is important that we ask the student opinion questions. These types of questions will help us to know what you understand and what you believe. If we are in the habit of doing this, it will be easier for us to discuss sensitive topics with him later. The Enjoy Life book has many opinion questions. For example, lesson 4 asks: "How do you think Jehovah feels when you use his name?" And in lesson 9 we find this other question: "What would you like to pray about?" At first, the student may need time to figure out how to answer these kinds of questions. We can help you by teaching you to think about the biblical texts and pictures that appear in the lesson.
7. How can we use real life experiences to help the student?
Once the student understands what to do, let's encourage him to act using real life experiences. For example, if you have a hard time going to meetings, we can show you the video Jehovah Cares About Me, which appears in the “Find Out More” section of Lesson 14. Many lessons in the Enjoy Life book contain experiences in the “Learn More” sections. Let's delve into the subject ”or“ Discover something else ”. * Do not compare the student with another person saying: "If she can, you can too." Let him come to that conclusion himself. Let's mention things that helped the person in the video apply the teachings of the Bible, such as an important text or something they did specifically. Whenever possible, let us highlight how Jehovah helped that person.
8. How can we help the student to love Jehovah?
Let's help the student to love Jehovah. Let's find times to talk about Jehovah's qualities. Help the student to see that Jehovah is a happy God who is always there for those who love him (1 Tim. 1:11; Heb. 11: 6). Let us show him how he will benefit from putting what he learns into practice and explain that this is proof of Jehovah's love for him. --Is. 48:17, 18. The more love you feel for Jehovah, the greater your desire to make the necessary changes. --1 John 5: 3.
INTRODUCING OTHER WITNESSES TO THE STUDENT
9. According to Mark 10:29, 30, what will help a person make sacrifices to get to baptism?
To get to baptism, the student will have to make sacrifices. Like the rich man mentioned in paragraph 5, some students may have to give up material things. They may even have to quit their job if it goes against biblical principles. Many may have to cut off friendships with people who do not love Jehovah. Others may be rejected by family members who are against Jehovah's Witnesses. Jesus said that some people would find it difficult to make these sacrifices. But he promised that Jehovah would bless his disciples with a loving spiritual family. --Read Mark 10:29, 30. How can we help the student to benefit from this precious gift?
10. What do we learn from what Manuel says?
Let's be friends with the student. We need to show him that we care about him. Why? Let's see what a brother from Mexico named Manuel says about the time when he was studying the Bible: “Before class started, my teacher always asked me how I was doing. This helped me relax and tell him whatever it was. I felt that he really cared about me. "
11. Why is it good for us to spend time with the student?
Just as Jesus spent time with his disciples, let's spend time with the student (John 3:22). If he is taking steps and we see it appropriate, we can invite him to our house for a coffee or a meal or to watch the monthly JW Broadcasting program together. You will be especially grateful if we invite you during the holiday season, when you may feel lonely. Kazibwe, who lives in Uganda, says: “The time I spent with my teacher taught me as much about Jehovah as the Bible classes. I saw how much Jehovah cares about his servants and how happy they are. That's what I wanted for myself ”.
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: A brother takes different publishers to the Bible course. 1. To his wife. 2. To another brother, who is commenting something to the student. 3. To an older brother, who is showing a video to the student.
If we take different publishers to a Bible course, it will be easier for the student to go to the meetings. (See paragraph 12).
12. Why is it good that we bring different publishers to the Bible course?
Let's invite different publishers to the Bible course. It may sometimes seem easier for us to go alone or with the same publisher. Although this can be practical at times, the student will benefit from going with different siblings. Dimitri, who lives in Moldova, says: “Each publisher who accompanied my teacher had his own way of explaining things. This helped me see what I was learning from different points of view. And I was also less ashamed to go to my first meeting because I already knew so many brothers and sisters. "
13. Why should we help the student attend the meetings?
Let's help the student attend the meetings. Why? Because coming together is a command from Jehovah and is part of our worship. --Heb. 10:24, 25. In addition, the brothers of the congregation are our family in a spiritual sense. When we are with them in meetings, it is as if we are all enjoying a feast together. By helping the student attend meetings, we are helping them take one of the most important steps toward baptism. But there may be some obstacle preventing you from taking that step. How can we use the Enjoy Life book to help you?
14. How can we motivate the student to attend the meetings?
We can use Lesson 10 of the Enjoy Life book to motivate the student to attend meetings. Before this book was released, some experienced publishers were asked to discuss this lesson with their students, and they had very good results. Sure, we don't have to wait for Lesson 10 to invite the student to the meetings. Let us invite him as soon as possible and do it frequently. Each student is different and has their own challenges. So let's focus on each other's needs and think about how we can help you. Don't be discouraged if you don't attend meetings right away. Let's be patient but constant.
LET'S HELP THE STUDENT TO OVERCOME THEIR FEARS
15. What fears may the student have?
If we remember when we were studying the Bible, were we a little afraid to become Jehovah's Witnesses? Perhaps we thought we could never preach from house to house. Or maybe we were scared that our family or friends would turn against us. In that case, we can understand what the student feels. Jesus said that some people would have these fears. But he encouraged his disciples not to let fear prevent them from serving Jehovah. --Matt. 10:16, 17, 27, 28. How did you help them overcome their fears? And how can we do the same?
16. How can we teach the student to talk about what he is learning?
Let's gradually teach the student to talk about what he is learning. Jesus' disciples must have been nervous when he sent them out to preach. But he helped them by telling them to whom they could preach and what to say (Matt. 10: 5-7). How can we imitate their example? Helping the student see who he can preach to. For example, let's ask him if he knows of someone who would benefit from knowing a particular biblical teaching. Then let's help him prepare what he can say by showing him a simple way to explain that truth. When appropriate, we can practice with him using the “What Some Say” and “What Some Ask” sections of the Enjoy Life book. In these practice sessions, let's focus on teaching her to use the Bible to respond simply and tactfully.
17. How can we use Matthew 10:19, 20, 29-31 to help the student trust in Jehovah?
Help the student to trust in Jehovah. Jesus told his disciples that Jehovah loved them and that is why he would help them (read Matthew 10:19, 20, 29-31). Remind the student that Jehovah will also be by his side. We can teach you to lean on Jehovah by praying with him about your goals. Franciszek, who lives in Poland, says: “In his prayers, my teacher spoke many times about my goals. Seeing how Jehovah responded, I immediately began to pray too. I felt that Jehovah helped me when I had to take time off from my new job to go to meetings and assembly.
18. How does Jehovah feel about everything that Bible teachers do?
Now, what if we don't currently run a Bible course? Can we still help students progress toward baptism? Yes like? Accompanying other publishers to their courses. It is clear that Jehovah cares a great deal about our students of the Bible. He also values everything we do to help them draw closer to him and loves us for it (Isa. 52: 7).
HOW CAN WE HELP THE STUDENT DO THESE THINGS?
Apply what you are learning.
Set goals. Section of the book Enjoy life. Make changes in their lives, talk about these issues as soon as possible. Use real life experiences. Highlight the beautiful qualities of Jehovah.
Meet other Witnesses.
Extend our friendship when it is convenient to invite other publishers to the Bible course to help the student attend the meetings.
Overcome your fears.
Teach to speak little by little to others using the Bible and speaking with tact and simplicity. May you perceive that Jehovah is by your side supporting your efforts.
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