Introduction:
Evangelists who have learned how to effectively use OBS personal evangelism study lessons by Ivan Stewart have experienced a very high success rate with those whom they study. The success rate is high because all the necessary doctrinal matters are taught, the scriptures answer all pertinent questions (thus alleviating the possibility of an unfruitful argument), facts regarding the student’s beliefs and his thinking about salvation are documented upfront, there is a section designed to cause godly sorrow and the closing or “invitation” is most effective.
In his book, Go Ye Means Go Me brother Stewart provided a section explaining how to use the lessons and worksheet. Even after having read the OBS section it is difficult to understand and/or remember how to use the worksheets because of certain things that need to be said and done at various points as you progress through the lessons.
My purpose is to provide a step by step procedure for using OBS that can be learned and applied quickly and easily by any Christian with a desire to evangelize.
The figure below is the “worksheet”, which some might call a “cheat sheet” because of the notes I have added: (If it is too small to read easily you can enlarge it with a copy machine, or contact me and I will send you a copy.)
Always begin the study with a prayer. An effectual fervent prayer will be helpful to you and the student and will avail much (Jas 5:16b).
Discussion:
There are four parts to OBS: three lessons and a worksheet – each being a folded sheet with printing on the front and back. Question and answer is the basic method of teaching. At the top of each lesson is the statement: “Circle the correct answer only after reading each Scripture carefully.” The questions are basic and easy to understand, and the scriptures unquestionably answer them. After each study the OBS lesson may be left with the student but the worksheet should be taken by the teacher and given back when it is needed during the next study.
OBS Lesson 1
The teacher should ask the student to read the scripture. After the scripture is read the teacher should read the first question(s) and allow the student to state the answer and circle it on the lesson.
At question 5, the teacher should read the question. This section effectively illustrates how the Law of Moses is a law of the past that was abolished – being replaced by the New Testament of Christ.
At question 11, after the questions are correctly answered, the teacher should introduce the worksheet and explain it fully. If you don’t have a good memory, I suggest that you print out the worksheet to which I have added notes. Simply read the statements and/or questions, only 1-7 to begin with, in the order that they are numbered. Numbers 1-3 concern the foundation for faith. First note the statement above the ladder: “God’s will for me (Begin at OBS 1:11).” Tell the student: “It is God’s will that you go to Heaven, but His word reveals certain steps that man must take to get to heaven. Note the foundation for the ladder to heaven” (at the bottom of the worksheet.).
The numbered sentences below correspond with the numbered comments or questions that I have inserted on the worksheet:
(1) Ask the student(s) to read 1 Cor. 3:11, and then to fill in the blank. Ask the student to read Rm 10:17 and Heb. 11:6.
Then say,
(2) “Christ is the foundation and upon this foundation faith is built.”
(3) “If a ladder has only one side will it work?” (Allow time for an answer.)
(4) (Note the left side of the ladder.) “If man desires to enter heaven without endeavoring to “Do all the will of God (Mt. 7:21-23; 28:20) will he succeed?” (Allow time for an answer.)
(5) (Note the right side of the ladder.) “If man desires to enter heaven without the Grace of God will he succeed?”
(6) May one enter heaven by refusing to walk up the ladder in faith and obedience, or by skipping steps?
(7) Man does his part and God does His part.
At question 13, after the student answers the question, go to the worksheet and continue with (8). “From this passage (Jn 3:16) we learn that one must believe. Therefore, as we continue to study please place on each step of the ladder what God wants you to do…”
(9) Please place your name on the front of your worksheet.
I highly recommend that you highlight, on your lessons, all the places the lesson refers you to the worksheet. At number 14 ask the student to complete the 6 questions under “looking back” without comment.
Continue with question 15. After the student reads the scripture aloud read the questions consecutively, allowing time for an answer. Then, note that the lesson refers us to the ladder and ask what the Scriptures teach is the next step. The student should write the answer in the appropriate place on the worksheet.
After the student answers 16 go to 17 and proceed in the same manner as for 15.
After completing 18, note that the lesson refers us to the worksheet. (This is one of three times you will go to the worksheet “cross”.) At this point all you will need to do is ask the student to read the passages listed down through 1 Jn 2:1-2.
Continue through 20. After completion of OBS lesson 1 you must decide if you wish to ask the student(s) if they would like to continue with the next lesson now or at another time. In some instances it will be possible to do all three lessons in one setting – taking up to 3 hours.
OBS Lesson 2
Proceed in the same manner as with lesson 1. Question 2 refers you to the ladder. Question 4 refers you to the cross. At this point, ask the student(s) to read Gal. 5:19 & Col 3:5; 8, 9, and then to write their sins on the cross. State that “This will help you to place the guilt of your sins on Jesus”. This is the 2nd of three times the lessons refer to the cross.
Continue as before until you get to question 16. You should familiarize yourself beforehand with the chart and decide what scriptures you want the student to read and what you want to say.
Again, when OBS Lesson 2 is completed you must decide if you want to ask the student(s) if they would like to continue with the next lesson. If not, you should ask if, for example, the same time a week from today would be a good time to complete the study.
OBS Lesson 3
After completing questions 1-15, you should ask the student to complete the 3rd part of the section pertaining to the cross. Ask him/her to read aloud the questions and answer yes or no. Allow him/her all the time that is needed here.
Study beforehand the “grace” illustration and decide what you want to say here and what scriptures you will ask the student to read.
The rest of the lesson is self explanatory. In most cases, if there were no serious problems getting the student to correctly fill out the “ladder” section and to truthfully fill out the “looking back” and the “cross” section on the worksheet, he/she will likely be ready to be baptized into Christ immediately following completing OBS Lesson 3.
Conclusion:
If you want to learn more about personal evangelism and how to use the OBS lessons I suggest you read the book, Go Ye Means Go Me. If you are financially unable to purchase the book it is likely that your county library can get it for you.
OBS Worksheets may be ordered from Truth Magazine or maybe Florida College as well.