Use An Introduction to God’s Word—To Start a Conversation
1. What new tool have we received for the ministry?
1 The revised edition of the New World Translation has a section in the beginning called “An Introduction to God’s Word.” For sign languages, the videos will be available on the jw.org Web site and in the JW Library Sign Language app. How can we use this new tool when preparing presentations for the ministry? Since this section groups scriptures under various Bible topics, similar to the way the Reasoning book does, it can be very useful in starting conversations.
2. How may we use An Introduction to God’s Word in the ministry?
2 You might use question 8 and say:
Witness: We are trying to meet and talk with deaf people in the area because many people wonder, ‘Is God to blame for human suffering?’ What is your opinion?
Non-Witness: I know many people are suffering, but whether or not God is to blame, I don’t know.
Witness: The Bible gives a satisfying answer to that question.
Show and discuss one or more of the scriptures that follow the question. If the householder expresses interest, you could mention a few of the other questions that he may be interested in and ask him to choose one to discuss on the next visit. Or you could offer one of our study publications that has more information on the subject you just considered.
3. How may we use An Introduction to God’s Word to start conversations in territories where people belong to a non-Christian religion?
3 Questions 4 and 13 through 17 may be especially helpful when preaching in territories where people belong to a non-Christian religion. For example, if you are speaking to a woman you might use the information from question 17 and say:
Witness: We are trying to meet and talk with deaf people in the area to provide a public service to families. I’d like to ask your opinion, do you think that families today are under a lot of stress or do you think that it is easy for families to remain happily united?
Non-Witness: I won’t speak about other families; but I do know that stress upon my family does sometimes lead to frustration, aggravation, or an argument.
Witness: That’s very understandable and you are not alone. Many couples have found the wise words of Ephesians 5:28, 29, and 33, to be helpful: “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cherishes it . . . Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself.” Do you think that applying that advice would be beneficial in a marriage?
4. What might you do at the end of your conversation with someone who belongs to a non-Christian religion?
4 At the end of your conversation, make arrangements to continue the discussion on another occasion. Perhaps you can plan to talk about one of the other scriptures from the question you used. At an appropriate time, let the householder know that the wise sayings you have been sharing with him are from the Bible. Based on your previous discussions and the person’s view of the Bible, offer a publication that you think would appeal to him.