IN DEFENSE OF THE BIBLE…THE UNSHAKABLE
FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH

Mankind's need for the soul saving unchanging gospel will never end, but the interests of today's society have dramatically changed the last fifty years. TV, the internet, sports and the pursuit of materialism have left little time or interest in most people for their personal spiritual welfare. Doubt of the Bible's divine inspiration leads them into Satan's deadly trap of self determination of their morals and spiritual matters. The encouraging news is that there are those still concerned about the growing lack of morality, honesty and justice. These are looking for an answer to their spiritual needs. They want hope for better things, but for them the resolution must have a factual and truthful foundation. This is the very reason the book "Has God Spoken?" exists.

The necessity of a speaker to provide credibility for his message before a skeptical audience can be seen clearly in many examples written in the first five books of the New Testament. There, the Apostles and prophets used three ways to support their claim to be speaking by inspiration from God: (1) the fulfillment of prophecy, (2) using miracles as a sign and (3) claiming to be eye witnesses. An excellent example of this is found in the book of Acts, chapter 2, where Peter used all three to witness the divine source of his gospel message and he successfully converted 3000 men that day.

It is just our skeptical human nature to look for warranties, certification, credentials and proof. The scriptures reveal that fulfilling this need was a part of most sermons and public teaching directed toward unbelievers. In the book of Acts every message spoken to convert sinners the speaker accompanied his presentation of the gospel with evidence of its divine origin. This is also our obligation. Peter instructed Christians to, "Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you." 1 Peter 3:15

IS THE NEED ANY LESS TODAY?

God has supplied us with the means to make a defense to those souls searching for the answers to the questions:
    1. "Is there a God?"
    2. "Has He spoken to us?"
    3. "Does He have a purpose for me?"
This lecture series is designed to answer these questions from the scriptures. God has revealed the answers by divine revelation through the writings of His prophets and apostles, which He has shown to be inspired. Today, this proof of inspiration is accomplished when certain information recorded in the Bible is matched to the facts of nature, science and history, showing beyond any doubt that there is a God and He is the author of both the Bible and the creation.

YES…AND WE CAN SHOW THEM HOW GOD ANSWERS THAT NEED!

People have a hunger and quest for the truth concerning their purpose in life, and many wonder if the Bible has the answer. For the past 45 years, in hundreds of churches and numerous organizations, I have been teaching those seeking God and my brethren the need to begin by first establishing the divine inspiration of God's word. Then, search it in confidence or the answers. People prioritize their time according to their interests. So, what has been encouraging to me is the large number who have attended my meetings with an interest or curiosity as to how can the Bible's claim of inspiration be defended. These friends and neighbors typically account for about a third of the audience. They want assurance that the Bible can be trusted to give them the ultimate answers to their search for truth. Since Jesus called us "fishers of men", and experience has demonstrated this is the fishing hole where the fish are biting.

LET ME DISCRIBE HOW A CHURCH CAN PROVIDE THEIR COMMUNITY WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DIVINE ORIGINS OF THE BIBLE AND CREATION.

A Power Point presentation of the material in my book, "Has God Spoken?" is packaged into a series of seven lessons. The congregation usually selects seven convenient times from Friday night through Sunday night. The format is designed to maximize the appeal and benefit for non-Christian and our young people. The series is designed primarily to build a solid foundation of trust in the Bible as God's inerrant word and to build a common ground for religious discussions that hopefully will be generated in the weeks that follow. Who better to focus our efforts on, than the truth seeking non-Christian and our publicly educated, or should we say indoctrinated children? While many attempt to draw interest in their churches by using the "social gospel", social activities, politics, entertainment, magnificent structures for worship, etc. those hungry to satisfy their spiritual needs rather than their physical wellbeing will be attracted by a presentation of the credibility, divine power and hope of the simple first century gospel

HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS?

Over the years we have developed a very effective and successful meeting protocol. It makes a few changes to our customary meeting format, but only for the effectiveness and comfort of our guests. The fact is, our customary gospel meeting format works well for Christians, but observation shows that they are failing to create sufficient interest in drawing many outsiders. Would it not be wise to capture their attention by the same means that Jesus, his apostles and the early disciples used; the God provided and designed proofs that the biblical writings are His inspired words? Then you have their attention for successfully teaching them the gospel. What follows is the meeting format, which is designed to do just that. This format has proved to be very successful. It is divided into three phases. Each phase is crucial to success and will be discussed briefly.

ADVERTISE
It's obvious that since the goal is to interest the community, they need to be informed. Here is what we found works.

1. Local News Papers.... Provide them with pre-written free "news announcements" (reporters don't like to write them). Place two ads, one ten days or so ahead that people will have time to plan to attend, and one several days before to remind the community. I can provide examples that have been used.
2. Radio.... If economically feasible, this has the broadest reach. Sample copies for both 15 and 30 second commercials can be provided.
3. Flyer.... By far the best cost effective method of advertising is a specially designed flyer that has proven effective each time it is used. The interest everyone shows in reading these has been phenomenal. They automatically create such curiosity that strangers will pick them up, look them over, and pass them on. It's true! Understandably, some churches are skeptical and began by printing 500, then add a 1,000, and likely found they still need 2 or 3 thousand more. With permission, these flyers can be left in offices, restaurants, book stores, even as door-hangers, etc. Yes, people pick them up, read them and pass them around. On two occasions the brethren decided to use their standard 8 ½ x 11 meeting flyer format, and disappointingly, notably less visitors attended than was typical.
4. The Personal Invite.... Nothing....Absolutely nothing beats the personal invitation. And, it is free.

THE LESSONS PRESENTATION
This format is designed to make an environment where the visitors feel welcome and comfortable, while having the opportunity to hear our defense of the gospel. They come out of interest in the subject to be presented and it helps to let them know what to expect in its presentation. The following format is suggested with the exception of the Sunday morning service.

1. The visitors' level of interest and apprehension is dealt with in a positive way by previously advertisement that promises (1) no collections, (2) a Q & A after each lesson, and (3) a free book to each family attending (these are discounted to below wholesale, at 50%, to the church). As our quests we ask nothing from them. We show our appreciation for their willingness to hear a publicly defense of our faith. Believe me; they see a difference in us and our purpose. Many express a pleasant surprise as they see who we really are.
2. The actual service is 90 minutes using the following format:
   • Upon their arrival each family is welcomed and directed to a table where they are given an attendance card to fill out (names, phone and address) in exchange or one book. This has worked 100% of the time. These cards are to be used for the follow-up and can be used for notification of any future event. If you haven't started a visitors list, this gives you a good beginning.
   • A selected spokesman presents a welcome and introduction to the order of the service.
   • An opening prayer and one topic related song. Examples: "Our God He Is Alive" or "How Great Thou Art". These can really set the right atmosphere for the lesson.
   • Lessons are presented with Power Point and take about 45 minutes. The audience has been encouraged to write questions pertaining to the lesson for submission in the Q&A. My invitation at the end consists of a genuine offer for them to arrange an in-home Bible study that they might learn what the gospel can do for their family. My effort is to lay the foundation and desire for that study opportunity.
   • After the lesson the spokesman takes several moments to call for the collection of written questions and encourages everyone's attendance for the remaining topics.
   • The remaining time is used for responding to both written and oral questions.
   • The last five minutes are used for the spokesman to thank everyone for attending, again promote attendance for the next lesson, encourage the visitors to begin a personal Bible study with a member of the church and finally provide closing with a prayer.

THE FOLLOW-UP

1. The follow-up is an absolutely essential part of the total effort and is where the congregation's work really begins. This is where all the previous labor will bear its fruit. The visitors' attendance cards provide information for the follow-up. Mail a "Thank you for attending and making our meeting a success" personalized letter (not a post card). A follow-up phone call, if it is appropriate, could be made. These cards should be saved to be used for future meetings mailings of a courteous invitation letter.
2. THE FOLLOW-UP NEVER STOPS. Let's remember our God given work is to reach out with the gospel to the lost, as well as strengthen our faith and most importantly…that of our children. It has been most gratifying to me on occasion to have young adults recognize me and personally thank me for the information I presented when they were 8 or 9 years old, or in their teens. They comment that they speak of the strong encouragement and confidence that it gave them in their faith as they continued their education in an environment hostel to Christianity.

Should you want more information, I will be glad to honor your request by sending an information package. You can find information about my book in another section of this web site as well as my biography. You can personally contact me on my cell phone at 813-269-9916 or by e-mail at . May our Lord's grace and peace be with you…Arnold O. Schnabel.