Jehovah will bless his people with peace.”—Isa. 40:29; Ps. 29:11, AS.

19. Reviewing this lesson, what must true Christians do?

¹⁹ Indeed, far more is required of a Christian than just living a good life and conforming to a few rules. You must gain right knowledge. You must develop the maturity, firmness of faith and accuracy of understanding that mark true Christianity, and that will enable you to save others and to make your own salvation sure, receiving “the accomplished end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Pet. 1:9, NW) Men of faith brought the word of truth to you. You heard their message, accepted it, and already have begun telling it to others. Continue to improve in knowledge and efficiency. Really strive for the required maturity, and your ‘adequate qualification for teaching others’ will continue to grow. From a small handful a mighty Christian congregation has arisen as each new one in this organization commits the truths he has learned to even more faithful men who also will become adequately qualified to teach still others. All true Christians should develop skill in using God’s Word and should mature as Christian ministers, keeping in mind that Jesus said: “My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples.” What sources really will help you to gain this maturity and produce this fruit? The following article answers.—John 15:8, NW.

Appreciating Basic Christian Publications

“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer.—Prov. 15:28.

1, 2. How do Kingdom publishers become competent in their ministry, and why is this necessary?

TWO of Jehovah’s witnesses were going from door to door with the message of God’s kingdom. At one door a householder raised an objection that the newer publisher could not answer. The more mature one stepped forward, answered the question from the Scriptures to the householder’s satisfaction, and made a good presentation of the truth as well as a sound impression for the Christian message they were carrying. Later, the newer one said: “I would never have been able to answer that question!” But the more mature publisher assured the newer one that with continued study and service he would indeed be able to do so.

² All Kingdom publishers have had similar experiences. If they have become really competent in their ministry, able to answer such questions and refute major objections, it is because their study of the Bible and Bible publications has provided knowledge, and their service has helped them to become efficient in its use. As we saw in our previous lesson, neither study nor service can be omitted by one who wishes to be