Teaching the Unbeliever

Introduction:

We never can know the good that can result from our efforts to teach others the gospel.  Read:  “The Power of One” by Flavil Nichols.

The Power of One

Flavil Nichols, Jasper, Alabama

During the War Between the States, a young woman learned the truth and obeyed the gospel.  Her sweetheart, J.H. Halbrook, was a confederate soldier.  He was captured by the union army and kept a prisoner in Michigan until the war was over.  He was given a ticket to Nashville, Tennessee, and $2.50.  From there, he returned to Centerville and found what was left of his home and family.  He found his girlfriend and they were married.  His wife studied the Bible with him, and he soon became a Christian.  He thought the truth was so good and so simple that he began to teach and baptize many of his friends and neighbors.  He began to preach, but he recognized his need for more training, so he came to the original Mars Hill Bible School, taught by T.B. Larimore.  Upon completing his studies there, instead of going back to Tennessee, they moved farther south, coming into Walker, Marion, Fayette, and Lamar counties in Alabama.  One of his many converts was Charley Alexander Wheeler.  His wife taught him to read from the Bible.  Along with his wife, C.A. Wheeler obeyed the gospel and soon began preaching to others.  He started more than 100 congregations and baptized more than 6,000 people.

But wait, the story is not ended!  One of those 6,000 was my father, the late Gus Nichols!  Twelve thousand were baptized under his preaching.

Among those baptized by Gus Nichols, no one knows nor can know how many began to preach “the glorious gospel of Christ” (II Corinthians 4:3-4); but I personally know several.  I, Flavil Nichols, am ONE whom he baptized and whom he encouraged to preach the truth.  And under my preaching, about 3,000 have been baptized.  A few among them preach the gospel, also!

Only eternity can reveal the total results of the conversion of that one girl nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.  The results are not yet all in!  But this shows that 21,000 people have become Christians through this single thread of the fabric of her influence.

“Go, and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:37)  YOU are important, too!  Dear reader, if you go to heaven, others probably will be saved by you!  “For what knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?” (I Corinthians 7:16).  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  (Matthew 6:16)  Each ONE is very important.

The Words of Truth, Vol. 36 No. 19, “The Power of One”, Flavil Nichols, Nov. 1999

Since our efforts can result in great good being done for the Kingdom, where should I begin in teaching the lost?  One writer, Berry Kercheville, suggests three principles that need to be understood by the unbeliever at the beginning.

Body:

I. The Old Testament Covenant Has Come To An End

· Give a brief history of the Old Testament like Stephen did in Acts 7.

· Discuss Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-12, 10:9-10.

· Also, discuss how Jesus took away the Old Law at the cross.  (Ephesians 2:14-16)

· Possibly include Galatians 3:23-25. 

II. We Cannot Add To, Take Away From, or In Any Way Change What God Has Said Without Being Condemned

· Show the strictness of God’s authority using Nadab and Abihu.  (Leviticus 10:1-2, 10:11)

· Sincerity is not enough with Jehovah.  (Mark 7:6-9)  We must obey His commandments.

· Also read Colossians 2:20-23 and Revelation 22:18-19. 

III. The Plan of Salvation Includes Baptism

· Stress its necessity.  (I Peter 3:21)  It is based upon the death and resurrection of Christ.

· Baptism is the only means of entering the body of Christ.  (Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3-4)

· Salvation is found “in Christ.”   (Ephesians 1:7, II Timothy 2:10)

 Conclusion:

 New Testament Christianity is very different from denominationalism.  Our prayer when we are teaching others is that accepting these three principles will lead them to become a Christian.

 Bobby Stafford

January 27, 2013