We finished our dinner and Dick got his fishing gear, threw out his hook with a “lure” and got a fish about 14 inches long, just that quick. He threw out his line again and caught another fish and then another. Some of the men around the lake noticed his success and came to him to see what he was doing to catch those fish. Dick told them that you have to “lure” them up here! Dick asked me if I would like to try it and said, “If you pull the line in too quickly, you will scare the fish away; but if you do it too slow, they won't bite.” I threw out the hook and line just as he had told me to and “bang,” I got a fish; but I was in just a little too much of a hurry to pull the line in, and I lost hook, line and sinker! That is the way we do sometimes when we are fishing for men. When we get an individual on the hook, we have to wear him Out first, then pull him in at the right time, keeping the line tight, or we can loose him just as I lost that fish. Jesus says, “I will make you fishers of men.” There is something else to think of. If you keep the line too loose, he will get off the hook. Keep it at the right tension and when the fish is tired, pull him in.

The Conference President asked me to go to another place in Colorado and pitch our Air Dome for a series of evangelistic meetings where only about four members remained in the church. The Conference had to pay the utilities for the church as the membership could not afford to. Something just had to be done for that church. We were having a good meeting with a good interest. One of the young ladies in the church had been bringing her boy fiend who was a Catholic. The night came for our first call. Remember now, when you have evangelistic meetings, you are using a “net” and not a “hook.” I suggested to my song leader that when we got to the appeal song he step up to this young man and ask him to take his stand for the Lord. Everyone was standing to make it more convenient for anyone to come forward. When Darrell Leach stepped up to this young man to encourage him to take his stand, his girl friend sat down and pouted. If looks could kill, Darrell and I would not be here today. She tried to get him to sit down. This young man, in spite of opposition from his Adventist girl friend, took his stand along with twenty- five others. In fact, he triggered the call. I had asked that the two men in the church assist in handing out the Bibles to those who came forward in the call as soon as the meeting was over, but they never showed up. I asked this young Catholic man to help, and he did it enthusiastically. After all of our interests left, two of the ladies of the church stood around talking. One, the mother of the young lady, said to the other, “Wasn't that terrible?” I wondered what they were talking about, and they said, “You shouldn't have had Brother Leach go up to the Catholic boy tonight and ask him to take his stand. He will never come back again!” They were all related to one another in some way, except for the Catholic boy. I could not believe what I was hearing. I turned to those folk and said, “If that is the way you feel, what are we here for? We are here for evangelistic meetings! The Lord is not going to bless in these meetings if this is the way you folk feel.”

If there is a hole in a “net” and one fish gets through that hole, the rest of the fish are going to follow that one fish out of the “net”! That night this young lady suggested that she and her boy friend stop and get a bite to eat at a local café before going home so they could talk. She said to him, “I could have shot that preacher for asking you to go forward tonight!” Would he live up to her expectations? How would he react to this? He said, “I'll never go back to those meetings again.” If she had said, “My, I was proud of you tonight! That was wonderful that you took your stand,” he would have been in the church with all of the others who took their stand. He lived up to her expectations, and we lost him and all of the others that took their stand that night.

Jesus said, “I will make you fishers of men.” Let us read some quotations from the Spirit of Prophecy.

“Invent new plans and methods.” Ev. 105: 3. We are to invent new methods, aren't we? Sometimes we are afraid to use new methods and put them into practice. The work will never be finished with a status quo.

“Do not limit by saying it is the only way. Ev. 105: 4. Some people say their way is the right way— the only way. I will not say that for my methods, but these methods have worked for me. We are to use methods that other individuals use with success. Of course; they may work for us or they may not.

“Unity in diversity.” Ev. 98- 103.

“When in our work for God right methods are energetically followed, a harvest of souls will be gathered.” Ev. 330: 1.

Youth and adults—” The most intellectual, those who are looked upon and praised as the world's great and\ gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the most humble, simple words spoken by one who loves God, who can speak of that love as naturally as worldlings can speak of those things which their minds contemplate and feed upon. Words, even if well prepared and studied, have little influence; but the true, honest work of a son or a daughter of God in words, or in a service of little things, done in natural simplicity, will unbolt the door, which has been locked, to many souls.” Ev. 443: 3.

“The most weak and hesitating in the church will be as David— willing to do and dare. The deeper the night for God's people, the more brilliant the stars.” ST 81.

“The Lord will work through humble instruments... . the laborers will be qualified by the unction of His Spirit.” GC 606.

“There should always be two and two of our brethren to go out together.” Ev. 437: 2. Take someone with you when you are visiting interests. If you do not take your wife, you should take another worker or layman. By taking a layman you can teach him how to visit interests and watch him grow into a Bible worker for Christ. The Bible says that one individual will put a thousand to flight and two will put ten thousand to flight. It will surely keep you on your toes. You should ask the individual you take with you to pray while you are talking with the interest.

Now we will study: “How to Secure Decisions.” (1) Be Spirit- filled, (2) No toning down of the message, (3) The Presentation, (4) The Approach, (5) The art of getting decisions, (6) Counsel— danger in delay, (7) The Challenge.

1. One must be filled with the Spirit.

“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11: 11- 13. He will give us the Holy Spirit if we ask for it.

“We must have the heavenly ‘oil, ' or that which we present is rejected as error.” Spirit of Prophecy.

‘Then speak with a persuasiveness that cannot be repulsed.” Spirit of Prophecy.

Listen to this statement: ‘if we would humble ourselves before God and be kind and courteous and tender- hearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one.” 9T 189.

It does not say here “one hundred baptisms”! It says “one hundred conversions”! If an individual is converted you will have the baptism. Sometimes we misquote this statement. Remember it says “conversions.” That is what we need, isn't it? We also need to be humble, kind, courteous, tender- hearted and pitiful.

“God wants you to have the gracious spiritual endowments. Then you will work with a power that you were never conscious of before.” Ev. 299: 1.

When we have that gracious spiritual endowment, we will work with a power that we were never conscious of before.

2. There must be no toning down of the message.

“Do not make prominent those features of the message which are a condemnation of the customs and practices of the people, until they have opportunity to know that we are believers of Christ , that we believe in His divinity and His pre- existence.” Ev. 231: 1.

“There must be no toning down of the truth, no muffling of the message for this time. The third angel‘ s message must be strengthened and confirmed. The eighteenth chapter of Revelation reveals the importance of presenting the truth in no measured terms but with boldness and power. . . . There has been too much beating about the bush in the proclamation of the third angel

‘5 message. The message has not been given as clearly and distinctly as it should have been.” Ev. 230: 2.

I suppose every one is scared when he delivers a message on the “Mark of the Beast.” I used to be. When we present the “Mark of the Beast” we must do it with love and kindness. Always remember these five things when you are delivering this message to the people: be humble, kind, courteous, tenderhearted and pitiful. We must pray for the Holy Spirit as we present this message from the pulpit or in Bible studies, that we will have the unction of the Holy Spirit. In the beginning of my ministry after I had presented this subject, some people would say, “I still don't know what the mark of the beast is!” That is terrible, isn’t it? Now remember, people have not yet received the mark of the beast. What is the mark of the beast? Sunday is the mark of the beast. Revelation 18 reveals the importance of presenting the truth in no measured terms, therefore, we must not beat around the bush when we are delivering this message.

What does Revelation say about Babylon? “Babylon... is become the habitation of devils.” Devils! That is strong, isn’t it? You should not go up to someone and say, “The devil is in your church.” Notice how we get people to say it, for they will not come out of their church until they know the devil is there. That is rather strong, isn’t it?

“Present the plain ‘thus saith the Lord' with authority, and exalt the wisdom of God in the written Word. Bring the people to a decision

Be short and right to the point, and then at the proper time call for a decision.” Ev. 296: 2. Remember to be short and right to the point and then at the proper time calif or decisions.

In my evangelistic meetings I am dividing the subject of the “Mark of the Beast” in four presentations: We present “The Mark of the Beast Number 1” (Daniel 7); “The Mark of the Beast Number 2” (Little Horn of Daniel 7 and Revelation 12 and 13); and “The Mark of the Beast Number 3 (Revelation 17 and 18). After presenting these first three sermons, I present “The Mark of the Beast Number 4” (Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast).

What would you do if people came to this meeting for the first time? You would probably become frustrated as I have when that very thing happened to me. Sister White says to go ahead and give the sermon anyway! The devil is naturally going to try to keep you from presenting it! Be sure to call the very next day or as soon as you can on every one who came to this meeting, including those who came for the first time. Sister White says that visitation cannot be done by proxy. “The work cannot be done by proxy.” Ev. 440: 5. The one who presented the subject must visit these people. “Do not miss the mark; time is too short.” Ev. 296: 3. “Our warfare is aggressive— let us work in harmony with our prayers.... The third angel's message must do its work of separating from the churches a people who will take their stand on the platform of eternal truth.” 6T 61.

How in the world are they going to take their stand unless they know what the mark of the beast is? This is a life and death message because if we receive the “mark,” either in our forehead or in our hand, we will receive the wrath of God which is the seven last plagues; and, in addition to that, be tormented with fire and brimstone. Then the other angel coming down from heaven in Revelation 18 will unite its voice with this, and it says that this message will separate the people from the churches.

“When you have a congregation before you for only two weeks, do not defer the presentation of the Sabbath question until everything else is presented, supposing that you thus pave the way for it. Lift up the standard, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Make this the important theme. Then, by your strong arguments, make it of still greater force. Dwell more on the Revelation. Read, explain, and enforce its teaching.” Ev. 229: 3.

3. The Presentation

They must surrender heart, mind and will to God. We should accomplish this the first two or three presentations we give. In my evangelistic meetings, I try to get their commitment the very first night. You should do the same in giving Bible studies!

What kind of a heart can I give God? All I can give is a wicked heart, a wicked mind and a weak will. In giving a Bible study I always try to get the people around the table with their Bibles, and I like to have a special seating arrangement [page 2] with the head of the family (the husband, if he is there) sitting next to me and his wife next to him. If there are daughters in the family they should sit next to the mother, and if there are sons in the family they should sit next to the daughters. In this way we are grouping all the ladies together and all the men together. Of course, if you have a layman or a worker with you, you should have him sitting next to you.

At the close of each Bible study we should always try to get a decision of some kind from the family, shouldn’t we? The decision you ask for depends on what your study subject was. In one of my Bible studies in Duluth, Minnesota, I presented the subject, “Prophecy.” In calling for the decision that night, I said, “Jesus' coming is near. We can see how things are shaping up in the world today, and I want to be ready for Jesus' coming, don't you?” In getting decisions in the home, should you start with the head of the house? No! It is better to start with the problem- age group— the teenager. Parents are always eager for their children to give their hearts to God, and If you can get them to commit themselves, it will make the parents happy. In this particular Bible study in Duluth, I directed my remarks to the teenage son and asked, “Do you know what Jesus wants?” Then I continued talking as I did not want to embarrass him by putting him on the spot. You should then ask this same question to each one around the table, leaving the parents until last. (Make yourself the villain and not the people.) Then I told this young man, “All! can give to God is a wicked heart, a wicked mind and a weak will.” Then suggest that you have a word of prayer and ask if they would like to have you ask God to give them a heart like Jesus, a mind like Jesus and a will to obey Him. You can imagine how the parents felt to have their children respond favorably to this decision. At the close of the Bible study, Mr. White reached into his pocket and gave me an envelope with money in it. Should I accept this money? I refused to take the money for myself. I told them that I would turn it in to the church as “tithe.” When I got home that evening, I looked in the envelope and found a twenty dollar bill. A receipt was sent to them by our church treasurer. Every week after that, the family gave me an envelope with a twenty dollar bill in it and I turned it in to our church treasurer.

When you get to the subject of the Sabbath in your series of Bible studies, you should ask fora definite decision. If you do not, you will be doing an injustice to the people you are studying with. As soon as we finished this study with the family, I asked Mr. White if he believed the Sabbath. I suggested that it was a matter of just doing it and expressed how wonderful it would be to have them in church the next Sabbath. They agreed that the Sabbath was right, and they wanted to keep it. I asked if we could pray to the Lord to help them to keep the Sabbath. As a result, these folk were in church the very next Sabbath. So we ought to get decisions at the close of every Bible study, shouldn’t we? These people are not prepared to study the Sabbath until they have given their hearts to God. They must surrender heart, mind and will to God.

“When they surrender heart and mind and will to God, they are then prepared candidly to weigh evidence in regard to these solemn, testing truths.” Ev. 228: 3.

Not until they surrender heart and mind and will to God are they candidly prepared to weigh these truths.

Then present the evidence. Each Bible study or sermon consists of sales points: (1) a problem, (2) with a solution— the solution is the evidence (Bible answer). What is a sales point? It is a problem with a solution. The solution is the evidence. Have you ever heard this statement made: “He preached a sermon, but I never got the point of his message! I did not know what he was talking about”? In every sermon you preach, you should mention the problem and give the solution. You might wonder what I am getting at. Take for instance the subject of “The State of the Dead.” What is the problem? When a person dies, does he go to heaven, hell, earth, sea or purgatory? What does the Bible say? Now you must give the evidence from the Scriptures, not your opinion. Go to the Scriptures for your evidence.

How do you get the points over to the individual? (1) By motive appeals: love, gain, pride, fear, hate, etc., (2) motive appeals help them to— desire, (3) the greatest motive appeal is LOVE.

You probably remember this from your Homiletics class, don't you? When I finished school at Keene, Texas, I was called to be Publishing Secretary for the Texico Conference. I went to help one of my colporteurs, who is a minister today. This particular week we took $500.00 worth of orders. The next week I went to work with another colporteur and that week the sales of the first colporteur dropped to $250.00. The next week his sales dropped to $100.00 and the next to $50.00. I recognized that I needed to go back to him and see what his trouble was and give him some more help. The first morning back in his territory, we went out and he gave five canvasses and took no orders. Some of the ladies responded to his canvass in this way: “When you get to be a preacher, I sure would like to hear you.” When we left each house, I asked him if he knew where he had lost the sale. What was wrong with his canvass? He did not realize he was giving the solution so they did not need to buy the book to find the answer.

You might wonder just what I am leading up to. There is a difference between a preacher, a person giving a Bible study, a teacher in a Sabbath school class and a colporteur. The colporteur gives the problem but the people must buy the book to find the answer. If you are going to bait the hook for a Bible study, you must not give the solution until you get there or until you preach the sermon or give the Bible study. The colporteur gives the .problems, but one must buy the book to find the answer.

Here is a canvass from the Southern Publishing Association on Daniel 7. “The four beasts of Daniel 7 outline the history of the world from the days of Babylon to the end of time: Babylon, Medo- Persia, Greece and Rome.” The customer did not need to buy the book as he had the answer. I asked him if he had a copy of the canvass he was using. When he handed it to me, I took it and tore it in little pieces! I told him he had that canvass down perfect, but he needed to know what “sales points” were. A “sales point” is a problem with a solution. How do you get it over to a customer? Through “motive appeals.” I told him I wanted him to give me a demonstration and give me the sales points and motive appeals on each page he turned to. I told him about a canvass I gave to an individual in Louisiana for Bible Readings. When I turned to the page on Daniel 7 the lady said, “My pastor preached on that subject last Sunday.”

“Oh, he did! What did your pastor say?” “He said those four beasts represent the motion picture show, the dance hall, the skating rink and the Honky- tonk.”

I could have laughed at her and said, “Your pastor is crazy and he is going to the lake of fire because Galatians 1: 8 and 9 says: ‘If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received let him be accursed.” ' This was her pastor's private interpretation. If I had said that, she would have thrown me out of the house. I said to her, “That is really interesting. I have never heard anything like that before.” She thought— you poor thing! My pastor is so intelligent and you are so insignificant. I had to puncture that balloon without her ever knowing it. So I said, “Say, would you like to know the literal application to this prophecy? Notice under this picture the Bible says the fourth beast is the fourth kingdom. Who in the world do these beasts represent? Do they represent Mussolini, Hitler, or Stalin? We can find it here in just a minute,” and I turned the page. She had to buy the book to find the answer! What were the motive appeals— gain and pride. Now she would know more than her preacher! She immediately wanted to know what the price of the book was. I made the sale and she had the solution in the book.

After I told the colporteur this story, I had him go through the canvass with me so he would know what the “sales points” and the “motive appeals” were. The solution to the problem was to get the book into his customer's hands for them to find the solution. That afternoon he gave five canvasses and got seven orders.

The motive appeal is to create the desire. The greatest motive appeal is LOVE. “No sooner is the name of Jesus mentioned [page 3] in love and tenderness than angels of God draw near, to soften and subdue the heart.” CM 112: 0.

After you give a Bible study, you should say, “I love Jesus. Jesus is here and we have felt His presence. He would give you the invitation to do it, wouldn't He? It's just taking that step, isn’t it? We are going to have a word of prayer and if you would like to, we will ask Jesus to help you to do it!”

“No sooner is the name of Jesus mentioned in love and tenderness than angels of God draw near, to soften and subdue the heart.”

“When the heart is all melted and subdued by the love of Jesus, the inquiry will be, ‘Lord, what must I do to be saved.” ' Ev. 248: 1.

“Jesus— a name above every name. If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto Me.”

4. The Approach

People are like three kinds of dogs:

(I) barking dogs— handshake— talk— knock,
(2) cowing dogs— handshake— talk— knock,
(3) friendly dogs— handshake— talk— knock.

First we will talk about the “barking dog.” I knew a man who gripped a person's hand so hard it would ache for a long time after! His great big hand would grab yours and just about break it. He used to go around doing that to everyone, including the ladies who complained about their aching hands. This handshake is like the “barking dog.” The same thing can be said about the way you knock. When you knock in such a way, the individual living there wonders if the house is on fire. This is like the “barking dog.” Would this individual receive you in the kindest manner? We can use this to illustrate the way we give the message to others. Would we approach a person by telling him he is wrong in observing Sunday? If you back a dog into a corner, he will bite you, won't he? Rest assured, If you approach a person in this manner, you will not get in that home again. This is the “barking dog” approach.

Now we will talk about the “cowing dog.” He goes around with his tail between his legs excusing himself for living. When you approach an individual in this manner, he wonders if you are a mouse or a man. Another illustration is the “lame fish” handshake. A person can hardly stand that. Remember, we must have dignity in every phase of our approach.

Now we will review the “friendly dog.” A “friendly dog” wags his tail, and you can almost see him smile. You cannot help but pet a friendly dog. We can illustrate this in the way we greet people in the foyer of the church. We must make them feel, in sincerity, that they are the only person around. When we knock at a door, we should give a firm, deliberate knock, loud enough so they can hear!

“Approach the people in a persuasive, kindly manner, full of cheerfulness and love for Christ.” Ev. 444: 1.

“Much depends upon the manner in which you meet those whom you visit. You can take hold of a person's hand in greeting in such a way as to gain his confidence at once, or in so cold a manner that he will think you have no interest in him.” GW 189.

There are three kinds of proposals: (1) factual, (2) emotional and (3) correct (evidence). We shall use this illustration. If a young man walked up to a young lady and said, “I need someone to wash my socks and do my cooking; would you marry me?” and she accepted that proposal, it would probably be because she was a member of the “Lonely Hearts Club.” If you think about this, you will realize we do the same thing in our Bible studies. Some may say, “I'm going to prove to you that the Sabbath is right,” or “You have the mark of the beast,” or “You know you shouldn’t eat pork,” and then ask them to become Seventh- day Adventists. In just giving them the facts, how many people are you going to get to take their stand! Another young man walks up to a lady whom he has never met before and proposes to her in a sentimental, emotional manner. After he leaves she will say, “Wasn't he ooey, gooey and ickey!” If he would go back the next day to see her, she would probably not even come to the door. A minister can give a call in an evangelistic meeting in the same manner— playing on a person's emotions, and maybe the individual would be baptized, but perhaps would never come back to church again.

Another young man, when he meets a young lady, does not rush her, but lets her know that he is a millionaire and that he has a city mansion for the lady who will become his bride. He also tells her that she can build a home in the country just as she likes. After telling her all of this, he tells her that he has traveled the world over but has never met anyone quite as lovely as she. Then he asks if she will marry him. After he leaves, she cannot believe that he actually proposed to her. The next day when he returns, she rushes into his arms. Her decision has been made on the evidence plus emotion. We have the most beautiful message in the world! Let us ask God to help us present it in the most dignified and alluring way!

Continuing the APPROACH: (1) be observant— illustrate, (2) draw out by questions— Ev. 154: 1, (3) find the way to the heart— Ev. 436: 3. We should be observant, shouldn’t we? It is like a doctor who draws a person out by asking questions in order to diagnose the case. When we are working with people of other denominations we are to draw them out by asking questions. You should ask different types of questions to different types of people such as Baptist, Pentecostal or any other denomination. In other words, you would approach each individual in a different way.

When I visit a home I try to be observant. I might call attention to a picture of some person and ask who it is. In this way you will find a way to their hearts. They may say the picture is of their daughter who lives in Florida and is dying with cancer and express their desire for you to pray for her. Perhaps you see another picture and you question who the young man is. They perhaps will tell you that he is their son who was killed in Vietnam. Never respond by telling them that he is not in heaven and proceed to give them a Bible study to prove it. The Spirit of Prophecy says that we are to draw them out by questions and find the way to their heart. We are told that if we would “find the way to their heart,” we could do more for them than any other thing we could do. Ev. 436: 3.

If a picture were taken and my tie were turned around and my hair messed up, would you care? If you were in that picture, you would be most concerned about how you looked. You would not care how I looked so long as your hair and tie were all right. You would buy the picture. The same holds true in your visitation. You should put the person in the picture and not yourself. If you are having an evangelistic meeting you do not ask the Lord to bless the meetings; you ask the Lord to bless the individuals that you are talking to. Here is a suggested prayer beginning: “Lord, we have felt your presence here. These people love you,” etc. When you give a person a reputation he will usually try to live up to it, won't he? Do the same thing in your Bible studies. After the suggested beginning, in your prayer continue by praying for the daughter who is dying with cancer in Florida and ask the Lord to sustain the people in the loss of their son, etc. When the people get up from their knees, they will have tears in their eyes. You have found a way to their hearts by being observant.

My father told the story of a doctor who took a young intern with him on a home visit. They went into the home by the back entrance. The doctor examined the man by poking him in the stomach and looking in his throat and then said, “You have been eating too many oranges. When they left this home, the intern queried, “How did you know what was wrong with that man?”

The doctor said, “You must be observant. I looked around and saw a pail full of orange peels. He had been eating too many oranges for his cold; consequently he had a stomach problem. Too much citric acid had burned his stomach so I gave him a prescription to ease his stomach discomfort.”

The next day this doctor intern decided he was going to be more observant. He went to see a patient, poked him in the stomach, looked in his mouth and said, “You have been eating too much horse meat.” The man denied that he had been eating horse meat. Then the doctor intern said, “Look under your bed. There is a saddle. You must have eaten the whole horse.” The intern, though observant, did not come to the right conclusion!

“Approach the people in a persuasive, [page 4] kindly manner, full of cheerfulness and love for Christ.” Ev. 444: 1.

“All around us the purchase of the blood of Christ. . . . words, deportment, manner of labor. . . . souls. . . . saved or not.” Ev. 140: 2.

In all of our contacts with people, they must know we love them if we expect them to respond. I have gone into some homes where the smell was so bad I wished I had a clothespin on my nose, but when these people accepted Christ and Jesus came into their hearts, their whole house was cleaned up and there was a real change.

5. Decisions

(1) After finding the way to the heart, (2) draw out by questions and (3) give them a Bible study— present the evidence.

A minister once told me that the former pastor of his district went to a young lady saying to her, “You know our message; we are going to have a baptism next Sabbath and would like for you to be baptized.” Even though she had taken every Bible course offered she would say, “Oh, I need to study more!” Over and over again he gave her this invitation.

“The decision is to be made from the weight of the evidence presented.” Ev. 283: 1. We had a series of meetings in that town and this young lady made her decision as we will now notice.

I want to interject this thought here. Never sit across the room and argue with a person. Remember the saying, “A customer is always right.” When you do come to a home to secure a decision, have the people get their Bible so they can see for themselves what is right and what is wrong. Remember— the decision must be made from the weight of the evidence— the Bible answer, not your argument.

Brother Westerburg and I visited this young lady who had been coming to our meetings regularly and told her how happy we were that she had been attending. We knew she had never been baptized so we asked her to get her Bible and turn with us to Acts 2: 38: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” I turned to the Catholic Bible (you can use another translation if you wish) which reads “forgiveness” instead of” remission”; “and” is a conjunction. So what is baptism for? Two things: (1) forgiveness of sins and (2) to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. What does the Holy Ghost do? It changes our hearts through the Holy Spirit. After discussing these texts, we told the lady that we were going to have a baptism and asked if she would like to have us pray that the Lord would give her a double portion of the Holy Spirit when she would be baptized. You can readily see how we got her decision. Why? From “the weight of the evidence.” Not emotion, but from the Scriptures.

If you are going to lead a person to a decision, always start with something he believes in. If you are studying with a Baptist, start with baptism, not with the subject of the Sabbath or the true church because he must come out of Babylon. Then let him see that his church is Babylon, that he should be part of the true church and that we accept individuals into the true church on their former baptism. “Would you like for us to pray that the Lord will help you come out of

Babylon and be apart of the true church?” They will answer “Yes.” We accept individuals into the church on their former baptism. If they have not been baptized, ask, “Would you like for us to pray that the Lord will give you a double portion of the Holy Spirit when you are baptized?” The decision must be made from the weight of the evidence!

Notice these statements: “One sentence of Scripture is of more value than 10,000 of men's ideas or arguments.” 7T 71.

Let us repeat that again: “One sentence of Scripture is of more value than 10,000 of men's ideas or arguments.” Never argue; never give your opinion. If you say, “My opinion isn’t as good as yours,” they will say, “Well!” You can say, “Let's see what the Bible says.” Have them get their Bibles because that is what Sister White tells us to do.

“That WORD is to make the decisions.” Ev. 300: 1. “The decision is to be made from the weight of the evidence presented.” Ev. 283: 1. Isn’t that thrilling? The decision is to be made from the weight of the evidence, not from us. The following is one of the most beautiful quotations for getting decisions: “Talk to souls in peril and get them to behold Jesus upon the cross, dying to make it possible for Him to pardon. Talk to the sinner with your own heart overflowing with the tender, pitying love of Christ. Let there be deep earnestness, but not a harsh, loud note should be heard in the voice of one who is trying to win the soul to look and live. First have your own soul consecrated to GOD. As you look upon our Intercessor in heaven, let your heart be broken. Then softened and subdued, you can address repenting sinners as one who realizes the power of redeeming love. Pray with these souls, by faith laying them at the foot of the cross; carry their minds up with your mind, and fix the eye of faith where you look, upon Jesus, the Sin Bearer. Get them to look away from their poor sinful selves to the Saviour, and the victory is won.” (decision) Ev. 298, 299.

So you see, there is the decision. Get them to look away from their poor sinful selves to the Saviour and the victory is won! Then Sister White says:

“Then you will work with a power that you were never conscious of before.” Ev. 299. Isn’t that thrilling! You talk to them and mention the name of Jesus in love and tenderness, she says; then angels of God draw near to soften and subdue the heart! And she says this is how to do it. To pray! “Now I'm going to have a word of prayer,” and get them to look away from their poor sinful selves. “I don't think I can do it,” they may say. Suggest, “You can do anything through Jesus, can't you? Would you like us to pray that the Lord will help you in making this decision and by His grace that you will never break the Sabbath again?” Then stop- you can over- sell. Stop right there and let them make the decision. “Let's thank the Lord.”

Now for the decision itself. There are four steps to getting a decision. I am going to mention them so we can think of them. (1) Evidence, (2) Conviction, (3) Desire and (4) Decision. First we must present the evidence which brings the conviction. How do you get the desire? By motive appeals: love of family, gain, pride and fear. All of these are motive appeals. This is how you can get the individual to desire it. The next step is decision! You have failed them if you secure the decision only on motive appeal. That is emotionalism, and they are not ready for the “decision” because they have not seen the evidence. When you leave there, they will never do it. But if they do it from the evidence and if we present the evidence in such a way as Paul did (it says Felix trembled because Paul brought motive appeals— fear of judgment, etc. Acts 24: 25), they will stay by their decision. My, they ought to tremble! I have had people say they just could not sleep last night. “Come out of her, My people! Come out of her, My people! Come out of her, My people!” That was all they could hear all night. “I've got to do something!” Then say to them, “Praise the Lord! I know you are going to do it!” (Get them to look away from their poor sinful selves.) Look away to whom? “To the Saviour, and the victory is won.” “No sooner is the name of Jesus mentioned in love and tenderness than angels of God draw near, to soften and subdue the heart.” “We have felt His presence here, haven't we?” When you walked in the door the angels walked in with you. Believe it! Soften your voice as you talk to them. Look them in the eye. There is a time to look them in the eye and a time not to. I look them in the eye, both of them. If you have two or three there, do not look away because one could keep the other from making his decision. As soon as you get their decision, suggest that you thank the Lord for this decision.

Let us repeat the four steps to decision: (I) evidence, (2) conviction, (3) desire, (4) decision. If you put these principles in mind you will have twice as many decisions because you are not thinking of the four steps, as they will have become a part of you. I have made these four steps a part of me while canvassing. When I became an evangelist, I adapted this in evangelism and it has helped me a great deal. If you [page 5] want to be of help to your laymen, get them to apply these principles (four steps) and look for results. I did not get this out of books, but from my experience in canvassing.

Again, you draw out by questions. Solve by giving a Bible study and leading to a decision from the weight of the evidence. “I know you have enjoyed the meetings. Have you ever heard anything like this before? Have you ever been acquainted with Adventists before?” These are some of the questions you can use to draw them out by questioning.

Do not confirm a person in error, in apostasy or in unbelief. You do not say, “You don't believe the Sabbath, do you?” That is confirming him in unbelief. Nor would you say, “You believe in the Wednesday crucifixion.” That also is confirming him in his error! If you come in contact with a person and he has questions of this nature, you should ask him if he would like to see the way you present it. If he is interested in this subject, he will be interested in hearing the way you present it. First, you must agree with him, but never confirm an individual in error or in apostasy. In order to draw him out by questions you may ask, “Do you have any questions?” He will usually say “NO.” Then you suggest that some of his friends have asked, (1) Where is the direct command for keeping the Sabbath in the New Testament? (2) Can we tell which day is the Sabbath? (3) Are the commandments binding today? I shall give a few illustrations here.

The subjects could be on the “State of the Dead,” “Baptism” or any subject. Remember to draw them out by asking them questions. They will usually say they do not have any questions! You see, a fish avoids being caught. You can lead out in saying, “Some of our friends have asked these questions. Where is the direct command for keeping the Sabbath in the New Testament?” I am going to substantiate it with the scripture, Hebrews 4. The Sabbath is the seal of sanctification, Sister White says, and we are going to present it more fully. Now where is the direct command in the New Testament for keeping the Sabbath? Can we tell which day is the Sabbath in the New Testament? Are the commandments binding today? Do you know what they will say? They will say, “That is what we were wondering.” Then suggest that they get their Bibles and see in their Bibles what it says on these subjects. They will feel that you cannot show it to them from their Bible. Be sure to get them around the table with their Bibles, as I have suggested before. Every time you come, do the same thing. Do not hedge; do not go and sit in the front room when you study with them.

“It is the privilege and the duty of all to closely investigate the doctrine presented to them before they embrace it. And the most effectual way to find access to those whom we wish to educate in the truth is to have them bring their Bibles, and point them to the chapter and verse, that they may see for themselves that these things are so. The people are so utterly deceived in regard to what the Bible does teach that when you tell them these things they will say, “It does not read so in my Bible!” But you ask them to bring their Bibles and show them in the very chapter and verse you wish to impress upon their minds, and they will be surprised at the plain statements of revealed truths which they read out of their Bibles.” E. G. White, Review & Herald, 3/ 3/ 1887, page 273,.

Isn’t that wonderful!— right from the Spirit of Prophecy! This is where we have failed. We sit across the room and argue with the people. (Remember, their argument is better than yours. The customer is always right.) If you argue with them, you may win the argument, but you have lost them. You have made them mad. If you draw them out and show them where the command is in the New Testament, they will have no argument and will say, “Well, that is just what I wanted to know.” Draw them out by question!

What about the state of the dead? Are we in heaven, hell or purgatory? Ask, “Shall we see what the Bible says?” Do not say, “Well now, what do you believe? Are you in heaven? Do you think you go to heaven when you die?” If you prove from the Bible that you do not go to heaven when you die, they have lost face, haven't they? The only way you can find the way to the heart is to draw them out by questions. Always suggest that they see what the Bible says. After presenting the evidence, draw out by positive statements. Ev. 154: 1. “I know you believe. . . Thus you can see if there is any conviction and desire.

On the subject of Baptism: “Here we have seen what it says about Baptism. It does not say sprinkle, does it?” You see? “The Lord has promised that He will give the Holy Spirit in baptism. Would you like for us to pray that the Lord will give that blessing? I know you believe.” Thus you can see if there is any conviction and desire.

Regarding the Sabbath: “We have studied the Sabbath. I know you believe the Sabbath.” Here you will get a reaction from them. It may be, “I don't see that!” At that point you should say, “Well, let us pray that it will become clearer to you.” Never drive an individual into a corner or bring him face to face with a decision he is not ready to make. Keep him on the “hook.” If they draw back, say, “Would you like us to pray for Jesus to make this subject clearer to you?” (1) 1 will make you fishers of men. (2) Keep them on the “hook.” (3) If there is no conviction, they need a study on the “Mark of the Beast” and “The Seven Last Plagues.” What if there is not conviction on the Sabbath? They may say, “I know you Adventists are right about the Sabbath.” What do they need now? They need a study on the “Mark of the Beast” and “The Seven Last Plagues.”

The steps in getting the decision are again: (1) Evidence, (2) Conviction, (3) Question to see if they desire, and (4) the decision. Bring them to a decision by saying “I know if Jesus were here, He would tell you to do it. (They will nod their heads yes.) Would you like us to pray that Jesus will help you to keep the Sabbath?” If they nod their head “yes,” suggest, “Shall we thank the Lord that by His help you will . . Then pray, “We thank Thee that Brother/ Sister ... love Thee and by Thy power and grace he! she wants to keep the Sabbath holy. We have felt Thy sweet Spirit here. When the devil tries to get them to falter, may they know that You will give them the victory. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.”

Now, they may say, “Can't I stay in my own church and keep the Sabbath?” I have had this happen. I have had laymen in this Conference come to me and say that they have had persons come to them and ask that very question. Dale Carnegie says, “Agree before you disagree.” Sister White says:

“Agree with the people on every point where you can consistently do so.” Ev. 141. Could they stay in their own church and keep the Sabbath? “Sure, you can do that.” They will feel relieved; then you can put ten times the pressure on them. Let the Lord do it. Suggest, “What would Jesus say?” Do not argue with them. Have them get their Bible and read it out of the Bible. Just try to imagine how this would be if you were in their place. They have kept Sunday all these years, but must keep the Sabbath now. They must see that they cannot get around it. You have shown it to them in their Bible. They must feel that they cannot stay in their own church and keep the Sabbath! Sister White says, “Let the Bible do the cutting; don't you do it.” Read Revelation 18: 1- 4: “Babylon has become the habitation of devils.” Verse 4:

“Come Out of her my people.” We think Adventists are the only ones who read those texts. Baptists, Lutherans and all the other denominations say the other churches are Babylon. These individuals must be convicted that Babylon is their church. One text of scripture is worth how much? “It is of more value than 10,000 of men’s ideas or arguments.” Then turn to 1 John 3: 3,8. “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” Get the people to repeat these texts so the words will be fixed in their subconscious mind where they can never forget them. Then also, “What would you do in this situation? If I go out and steal, who is in me? The devil! If I go out and commit adultery, who is in me? The devil.” Always make yourself the culprit, not those you are studying with. This is very strong, isn’t it? How can a church become the habitation of devils? If you told the individual that the devil is in his church, he would be angry with you. You can say, “Now, if I am in a church that tells me that I must bow down to idols, who is there? ' They will answer,” The devil!” What does Jesus say in verse 4? “Come out of her my people. ’ [page 6] Who? “My people.” There are born again Christians in that church and they have idols there. That makes your people feel better, doesn't it? Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me.” John 10: 27. Now if I am in a church that tells me to commit adultery, who is there? The devil! What does Jesus say? “Come out of her.” Who? “My people.” If I am in a church that tells me to steal, who is there? The devil! What does Jesus say? “Come out of her.” Who? “My people.” Now if I am in a church that tells me to break the Sabbath, and I ask the people, Who is there? In their heart they do not want to say, the devil. At this point do not look at them. This is one time when you do not look them in the eye as you will not want to embarrass them. Suggest that you have a word of prayer asking the Lord to help them come out of Babylon and be a part of the remnant church.

Revelation 12: 17 says: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman.” The woman is the remnant church or the last church, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. Jesus is there because they are keeping the commandments. The devil is over here because they are breaking them. Suggest that you want to be where Jesus is. Ask again if they would like to pray that God will help them be a part of the remnant church. We have not been beating around the bush. Sometimes the individuals want to think about it a little longer. Remember to keep them on the “hook.” You might ask if they would like to pray that the Lord would make it plainer to them. After that they may have a few tears in their eyes.

There was a lady who belonged to the Christian church who had attended meetings for two months. She asked, “How do I do it?” I told her that I was giving a call in the afternoon meeting and she could take her stand at that time. I also told her that the devil was going to try to keep her from taking that step and asked her if she would like for us to ask the Lord to help her take that step. Of course, her answer was in the affirmative. That lady came forward in the call I made that afternoon and was baptized along with many others. There were 50 decisions in that series of meetings. We baptized 49 and two weeks later had a second campaign and baptized 22 more. As a result we raised up a church of over 80 members with the members that were there! This shows that we should not beat around the bush, doesn't it?

6. Danger in Delay!

“When persons who are under conviction are not brought to make a decision at the earliest period possible, there is danger that the conviction will gradually wear away. Ev. 229: 1.

“0 that you would realize this, and that you would urge the truth upon the conscience with the power of God.” Ev. 298: 0.

“When conviction is disregarded, when evidence is rejected, men are forced to take a position of active opposition and stubborn resistance.” Ev. 282: 2.

Haven't you seen this in evangelistic meetings? This happens because we did not get to them. If we did not get to them, we are at fault, as they are going to make a decision one way or the other. Remember, when conviction is disregarded (Where does conviction come from? From the evidence.) and the evidence rejected, men are forced to take a position of active opposition and stubborn resistance. That means women as well as men!

“If they were impressed and convicted and did not yield to that conviction, it is harder to make an impression. upon their minds, than it was before, and you cannot reach them again.” Ev. 293: 3. I tremble when I rea4 that! You cannot reach them! Is there a right time? There is the golden opportunity.

“If words are not spoken at the right moment, calling for decision from the weight of the evidence already presented, the convicted ones pass on without identifying themselves with Christ, the golden opportunity passes , and they go farther and farther away from the truth, and farther away from Jesus and never take their stand on the Lord's side.” Ev. 283: 1.

Isn’t that something to think about? When is the golden opportunity? Maybe they heard God's voice speaking to them in the meeting and raised their hand. You should be there!

Remember this, brother, I just cannot say it too strongly because I have seen it too many times! I know a brother who never calls on the interest after he has presented the “Mark of the Beast” or the “Sabbath” if that is the first time they came in the series of meetings. You must call on the individuals, even if this has been their first time out to the meetings. Call on them the very next day after you have presented the subject. If you are presenting the “2300 Days” or the “Second Coming of Christ,” it is not so necessary that you visit them the very next day! If they come out to hear these testing truths and we do not make a home call on them, you are at fault. Hundreds of people have been baptized after visits were made the very next day after hearing “The Mark of the Beast” because they are under conviction and perhaps they could not sleep that night.

Four years ago I baptized a young couple from Lehr, North Dakota. When they first heard the Sabbath message, the lady was so angry that she could have scalped me. I could see it in her eyes! When they were leaving the meeting that night, I stepped up to them and said, “My, we were so happy to have you folk tonight; if you don't mind I'll stop by tomorrow to see you.” It was Friday and I knew I must get their decision, even though they had been attending meetings for only one week! When I arrived, I had them get their Bibles and said, “Some wonder where the text is in the New Testament that tells us to keep the Sabbath, and can we tell what day it is?” We let them read it from their own Bible, and we got their decision at that time. They told me later that the wife was extremely angry with me because she knew this was not in her Bible. Sister White says they will be surprised to see it in their own Bible.

God never tells us to sin again. He never would. You hear our people say, “Don't push them.” That is what the devil tries to make us think! Remember, the devil is going to push them to keep on sinning. When they hear the testing truths and they decide to wait for a more favorable opportunity, it never comes. The devil tells the people to wait for a more convenient time.

“They decide to WAIT for a more favorable opportunity; but it never comes.” Ev. 280.

7. The Challenge:

Put this counsel into practice: God will show you how to (a) launch into the deep. You have to launch out into the waters over your head and you have to swim. He has (b) promised to make you a fisher of men. Let us all repeat this last quotation together.

“Call for decisions. Let all see that you are in earnest because you have a wonderful message from heaven. Tell them that the Lord is coming in judgment, and that neither kings nor rulers, wealth nor influence, will avail to ward off the judgments soon to fall. At the close of every meeting, decisions should be called for.” 6T 64, 65.

This would mean Bible studies also. “At the close of every meeting, or Bible study, decisions should be called for.” That is a challenge, isn’t it? We must call for decisions at the 11: 00 o'clock hour. We should condition our people for the calls or we will condition them away from them!

When we went to Waukegan, Illinois, that church was as cold as a mackerel. During our 16- month stay there, 53 were added to the church. We did not have an evangelistic meeting there as they were completing their new church. We just went out and gave Bible studies. We made a call every Sabbath morning, even on communion Sabbath. When we preached on spiritualism, we made a call.

Probably you feel uneasy and afraid when you make a call. Remember this, it always helps to get the decision in the home, then when the call is made it is easier for the individuals to take their stand in public! Making a public commitment puts a little “gristle” in their back bone. Tell them you are making a call this Sabbath. Do not hold back. This call is an invitation for those who have already made their decision to follow the Lord all the way, for those who want to reconsecrate their lives to the Lord and for those who have never made their decision to follow the Lord completely. Express your desire for them to take their stand at that time. Make your call in such a way as not to embarrass the individuals taking their stand. [page 7]

In Elder Crowson's meetings in Edgley, he had the individuals raise their hand, while every head was bowed and eyes were closed, in making their commitment. This method may be a good one here in North Dakota. There are many ways you can make a call. Remember this statement:

“No sooner is the name of Jesus mentioned in love and tenderness than angels of God draw near, to soften and subdue the heart.” CM 111: 0.

When you are working where you have only 10, 15, or 20 non- Adventist interests, it is harder to get them to respond to a public call. As I have said before, try to get the decision in the home first as that will make it easier for them to respond to the call. Tell them ahead of time that you are going to make a call next Sabbath or on the week- end at an evangelistic meeting, whichever the case, and you do not want them to hold back from making a public commitment. If you have only one person that should take his stand, he may feel embarrassed to come to the front by himself. In that case, you may need to adjust your method of the call for that one person. Perhaps you may ask for him to raise his hand in making his commitment.

In making calls in a public meeting or in a Sabbath service, you will want to use music. Perhaps you could have the congregation sing some song about Jesus. During the singing, angels are speaking to their hearts. As the hymns are sung softly, you may say, “Would those who love Jesus like to stand with me tonight as we sing the next stanza?” In this way they are making their commitment that they love Jesus. It is always good to get them to stand when you are making an altar call for people to come to the front. If they are already standing, it will be easier for them to come forward in the church or auditorium. You may use the hymn “Jesus Is The Sweetest Name I know” and/ or “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling.” At first, make your call general. “I'm Coming Home” and “All To Jesus I surrender” are other hymns that are good to use while making a call.

There are times when I have the song leader or some other individual sing the appeal song. When I use this method, I usually hand a note with the “que” to my organist and the individual singing the appeal song, telling them at what point the organ is to start playing and at what point the appeal song is to be sung. They are not to wait for me to stop talking, but are to go immediately to their places and start the music. Here is an illustration. “When I mention Joel 3: 16, take your place at the organ and start playing the introduction for the appeal song. I will continue talking until the appeal number is ready to be sung.” Let me emphasize the importance of having our organist and song leader in their places and ready to start the appeal song as soon as you have given the “que.”

You may wonder why I use “Softly and Tenderly” and “Jesus is Tenderly Calling” for my first appeal songs. Jesus is calling them tonight. “Jesus is calling you tonight. I love Jesus. Will those of you who love Jesus tonight stand with me?” Now you can follow with “My Jesus I Love Thee,” “I Surrender All” and “Lord, I'm Coming Home.” The first songs are Jesus' call to them and these last three songs are their response to His call.

When I deliver the sermon “He Touched Me,” I usually have a quartet or someone else sing the song “He Touched Me” for the appeal song. After I get the audience on their feet, I use this type of a call. “How many of you love Him tonight? Will you stand with me? Let Him touch you tonight. You will be different— a different individual if you let Jesus touch you tonight. As the quartet sings ‘He Touched Me, ' will you come down and let Jesus touch you tonight?” Maybe this is your last call, so you will want all to come forward. You may say, “I don't want anyone to hold back. You want Him to touch you. Maybe this is the first time you have taken that stand to be baptized (or whatever the call is for).” This type of a call really speaks to their heart.

Remember, in making calls it takes team work. Groom one of your men or ladies or teenagers to work with you in a call! If your interest is a man, have a man sit with him. If your interest is a lady, have your lady worker sit with her during the call. If he/ she is a teenager, then have your teenage worker sit with him/ her. You should teach your helpers what to say to the interest.

There are also some other principles we should bear in mind. We must draw people to Christ. They do not like to be pushed! Never go behind them in the pew and touch them on the shoulder and urge them to go up in a call! This is pushing them.

Elder Ray Turner made the remark that he has never seen a person go forward who has been approached in this manner. I have not either! This is pushing them! They resent it! This will freeze them up in the call! If the one that is helping you is not sitting with them at the time of the call, he should wait till the speaker has the congregation stand, then evacuate the people who are standing next to the interest saying, “Would you mind standing by the people in the next row?” Your helper can then step up to the one to whom he is going to give the invitation. Remember this, if the helper says, “I will go up with you” that is pushing! If we have our hand in Christ's hand, we can reach out and draw others to Christ. He is the great Magnet!

Your helpers should put the people at ease first. As they start their conversation with the interested one, they might say something like this: “My, we have felt the presence of Jesus here tonight (today). I know you believe it! If Jesus were here, He would give you the invitation to follow Him. It is just doing it, isn’t it? (They will nod their head.) I'm going up and I would be happy to have you go up with me Let's go.” Step toward the aisle and they will usually follow. If your interest is a husband and wife address the man first. “My, we have sensed the presence of Jesus here tonight (today). I know you believe it! If Jesus were speaking to you, He would give you the invitation to follow Him. It’s just doing it, isn't it? You would go up with your wife (then turn to the wife). I know you believe it! If Jesus were here, He would give you this blessed invitation. You would go up with your husband! I am going up. It would be wonderful to have you come up with me. Shall we go? ' (Step toward the aisle and they will usuall3 follow.) “Shall we go with Jesus?”

If your interest is a man, the worker sitting next to him can put his arm around him and say “My, we have felt Jesus' presence, haven’t we? If Jesus were here, He would give you the invitation to follow Him! I know you believe it. It is just doing it, isn’t it? Jesus will help you! I am going up and would be happy to have you go up with me. Shall we go?” Step toward the aisle, etc.

If your interest is a lady, your lady helper can take her hand and squeeze it. “We have felt Jesus' presence, haven't we? If Jesus were it my place, He would give you the invitation to follow Him! It's just doing it, isn’t it? (She will nod her head yes.) I'm going up and would be so happy to have you come with me. Shall we go? ' Step toward the aisle holding her hand and she will usually follow.

If your interest is a teenage boy, your helper should be a boy; if a girl, your helper should be a girl.

If they do not respond, say, “Let's go on the next stanza of the song.” If they still hold back ask if they have a question and try to answer their question. Also tell them that all questions will be answered in the Bible class. “This is not joining the church tonight (today), but showing your desire to follow Christ all the way in the new light that has come to you.” If they still hold back you should say, “You won't hold it against me because I gave you this invitation, will you? You know we love you?”

I have given you this instruction hoping you can get something practical to help you in your ministry. Many times we get a lot of theory and nothing practical that we can really put our “teeth” into.

The late Elder Harold M. Williams was an outstanding Evangelist and Pastor whom John Grosboll trained under and worked with in North Dakota. [page 8]

‘‘ Key Sentences”
Appendix to Steps to Life Special Report Number 3 – “How to Secure Decisions”

1. It is not safe to depend on your feelings. Depend on the Word of God.
2. Our only true security is in following truth. Error always leads to disappointment. Truth will finally triumph. You want to be on the winning side.
3. As long as the devil sees that you will let circumstances hold you back he will surround you will unfavorable circumstances. (e. g. In debt, opposition from wife, have to work on Sabbath.) We must come on God's terms. Not if, when, etc.
4. More and more thinking people are changing.
5. Indecision upsets the whole family. The sooner you decide the sooner the family will adjust and get back to normal.
6. You cannot run away from the truth.
7. We never win our loved ones by compromising.
8. When you do what is right, God makes Himself responsible for the circumstances.
9. The longer we delay after seeing the truth, the more chance the devil has to confuse us.
10. You can go to any church in town, but as soon as you become seriously interested in the church that keeps all of God's commandments, things begin to happen. People who never before showed any concern about your spiritual life begin bringing you books, pamphlets and lists of texts to read, all designed to discourage you from keeping all the commandments of God. You will see what the Bible means when it says, “The dragon was wroth with the woman... went to make war with the remnant . . . . commandments of God.”
11. The majority never have been right. It is never safe to follow the crowd. Quote Matthew 7: 13, 14.
12. The religious leaders of Christ's day were the very ones who fought Him.
13. No one wants to be rushed, but it is interesting how men will let the devil rush them away from eternal life.
14. Satan's most successful approach is, Wait awhile. He keeps whispering, Don't rush into anything. It is too late for some of you to rush into this message. You have known it for years. To decide this very moment would not be rushing, would it? God says, Now. Today.
15. People appreciate help in making right decisions. The devil will bring influences to bear in an attempt to hold you back. Unless you have help to encourage you to move forward, Satan may succeed.
16. So many have said, “Thank you for not giving us up.”
17. The little things that people hold on to are often the very things that rob them of the joy of full surrender.
18. As soon as you learn a new truth, begin to live it.
19. Settle each issue as you meet it.
20. Do not let duties accumulate. This is one of the rules of efficiency in life.
21. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by following truth.
22. The greatest thing you can do for your family is to lead them in the way of truth.
23. God has a message that will teach you how to live above circumstances.
24. There is something about this message we preach that has a special appeal to man.
25. Folks often remark about the high percentage of men who attend.
26. Men look for tangible things. A man must have proof. This message makes sense.
27. A man does not mind being challenged or ridiculed even, if he has an answer.
28. Thinking people around the world are becoming dissatisfied with following tradition; they are demanding proof. This message gives them the proof they want.
29. What a pity to make such a sacred event as the resurrection an excuse for breaking one of the holy commands of God's law.
30. I believe you understand now that God does have a message for us today. Do not let anything keep you from hearing it through.
31. Before 24 hours pass, someone is going to tell you, “It doesn't make any difference.”
32. Before investigating, some folks have thought that calendar changes have caused time to be lost so that we do not know for sure which is the original seventh day.
33. Paul talked about these other sabbaths that were done away with. Some of your friends have not known about these different sabbaths, and until they get this straight in their thinking, they will not understand.
    
34. Some people say, “It is not important.” But God will help you to see that it is important.
35. Your friends who have not heard what you have heard may not understand. Be patient with them.
36. Pick out strong Bible texts and use them over and over again in your messages: John 14: 15; Mart. 7: 21; Luke 6: 46; 1 John 3: 4; Romans 6: 16; Phil. 4: 13; Romans l0: 17; Rev. 14: 12; Rev. 22: 14; Matt. 15: 9, etc.
37. Indecision can make you physically sick. Avoiding decision is not the solution. Get the facts. Face the facts. Make a decision for right.
38. It is so easy to slip back into indecision, even after making a decision, if we do not do something about sealing our decision. Baptism seals our decision.
39. There is really only one question to settle, Is it right? If this is the truth, then you want to do it.
40. If your mother asked you to promise that you would never change, she meant change from being a Christian. To be a Christian is to follow Christ in everything.
41. No man can come face to face with truth without making a decision.
42. We can help to supply the facts that you need to make a right decision, but only you can make your decision.
43. God planned for you to attend these meetings. God saw that you were ready to hear this message. You did not come by accident. God was leading. [page 9]

[Bracketed italicized page numbers refer to original printed document]