LRT

Never begin without prayer and heart preparation “ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].” Ephesians 6:12 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Don’t condemn a person’s past life. Give him hope for the future. Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Do not argue, loose your temper, or patience “ It is wise to seek humility and meekness, and carefully to avoid raising a combative spirit, which will close hearts and ears to the truth.” Gospel Workers, p. 467 When opposed, you will be in danger of retaliating in a sharp debating manner, if you are not constantly softened and subdued by the contemplation of Christ, and have a heart to pray, "Be Thou my pattern.” Evangelism, p. 304

“There is labor to be done for the wandering ones. But it will not do to argue with them. When I try to labor with such, and they seek for a controversy, I do not answer them back. I tell them I have not come to argue, but to talk of the love of God to us, and to find out how they are standing in this, the hour of his judgment. I seek to speak words of faith and hope; to take away the unbelief that is leading them away from Jesus.” Review and Herald, August 28, 1888.

“The servants of God who bear the message must be prepared to remove these objections, with calmness and meekness, by the light of truth. Frequently opposers talk to ministers of God in a provoking manner, to call out something from them of the same nature, that they can make as much of it as possible and declare to others that the teachers of the commandments have a bitter spirit and are harsh, as has been reported.” Early Writings, p.103

“Many weave so much of their own spirit into the presentation of truth, that the truth has the appearance of bearing the impress of man. In dealing with those who are in error, they argue, argue, and contend, and thus obscure the beauty and sacredness of truth, because their own hearts are not sanctified by it. The spirit of debate, of controversy, is a device of Satan to stir up combativeness, and thus eclipse the truth as it is in Jesus. Many have thus been repulsed instead of being won to Christ.” {RH, February 9, 1892 par. 12}

“Truth is truth, and we are to stand on the affirmative side, presenting the truth and refusing to be drawn into controversy. When Christ was tempted, His weapon was, "It is written." He refused to argue with Satan.” MR., P. 760

Don’t interrupt the person who is raising an honest objection. His opinion is important to him. Treat every objection as if though it is genuine. “I saw that we must be prepared for objections, and with patience, judgment, and meekness, let them have the weight they deserve, not throw them away or dispose of them by positive assertions, and then bear down upon the objector, and manifest a hard spirit toward him; but give the objections their weight, then bring forth the light and the power of the truth, and let it outweigh and remove the errors.” Early Writings, p. 103.

Don’t adapt the “that’s nothing compared with” attitude toward the person’s problems. Remember! It is the one carrying the burden who determines how much he can carry.

Do not ask the person for a decision in the presence of others who have not the same strength of conviction 1.Not enough spiritual maturity to bear up to the pressure 2.Saying grace--Tying shoe lace

Don’t shut the door of mercy because he is slow to accept. Wealthy or important people have more to weigh. They feel responsible for all the people who be affected by their decisions My brother Hector took 25 years

When seeking a decision, don’t give the impression that you are in a hurry, even if you are. Candidates need to feel unhurried!

Do not fail to ask for the decision Remember! The decision not asked for, is the decision not gained!

Seal the decision with prayer Always lead the candidate through prayer to the reality that the decision made is between them and God!

Avoid socializing after the decision is gained Leave them alone with God to reflect on the moment’s decision