By Teaching, Make Disciples of Christ

WHAT many fine examples of how our brothers, by teaching, are making disciples of Christ are found in our 1967 Yearbook! Are you enjoying them? All this teaching, of course, is being done in obedience to the command Jesus gave his followers just before returning to his heavenly Father: “Make disciples of people . . . teaching them.”​—Matt. 28:19, 20.a

A disciple, we are told, is “one who receives instruction from another. One who accepts the doctrines of another and assists in spreading and implementing them.” The disciples of Jesus Christ, according to the Bible, are those who accept Jesus’ teachings, who understand them and who follow him closely in spreading them.​—John 8:31.

What is involved in making disciples? Jesus Christ set the example for us. He took the initiative, going to the people, preaching and teaching wherever he found those willing to listen.

In carrying on this work of making disciples by teaching, the emphasis is on a certain feature of our Christian ministry. We may do a little teaching when we offer Bible magazines on the streets; we may do a little more as we speak at the doorstep while preaching from house to house. But we do much more teaching when we call back on persons who have evinced a measure of interest in God’s Word and, most of all, of course, do we teach when we establish a regular home Bible study.

And not only must we carry on this teaching on a personal basis, we must help these prospective disciples to see the need of attending our five weekly congregational meetings. They need the help of these also if they would become Jesus’ disciples.

What a privilege to share in this work, to be “God’s fellow workers,” preaching and teaching the everlasting good news under the direction of Jesus Christ and his holy angels! What a blessing to be permitted to share in this work of making disciples by teaching! Appreciating it, may we serve to the full limit of our strength, time and ability!​—1 Cor. 3:9; Rev. 14:6.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Before his ascension to heaven, the Lord Jesus instructed his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of people . . . teaching them.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) It is in obedience to that command that Jehovah’s witnesses call at your door. Yes, they are teachers of the things that are recorded in the Bible, and they offer their personal services free of charge. As a further aid to interested persons, during April they will be offering a year’s subscription for this fine Bible-study aid, The Watchtower, with three booklets for just $1. Avail yourself of the opportunity to obtain it.

MAKE THE BIBLE AN OPEN BOOK TO YOU

The Bible is universally acknowledged as the best seller of all times; over two billion copies being distributed in 1,200 languages. Yet it is still a closed book to many. Do you find it so? Many are discouraged from Bible reading by archaic, outdated language and stiff, obscure translation. Now the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures brings you a new modern version in our everyday speech, opening up the Bible to you. To add to your pleasure and understanding, read also the valuable Bible-study aid Life Everlasting​—in Freedom of the Sons of God. Both, only $1.50. Send today.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

April 30: The Pattern of Judgment. Page 205. Songs to Be Used: 95, 69.

May 7: God’s Judgment Makes Manifest the Truly Rich. Page 212. Songs to Be Used: 100, 104.