In classes and sermons this year, we have begun emphasizing and preparing ourselves to be better teachers of God's word. We all know that, as disciples, our main purpose is to spread the word. But we often don't know how to begin.

Generally, people don't walk up to Christians and say, "Hi, I'd like to study the Bible with you." We usually have to initiate the conversation, and many of us don't know how to do that.

A year or two ago, I attended a study session for men. I received some material that might be useful in helping us get started. Following are some suggestions we received:

• Look for ways to turn a nonspiritual conversation with a friend or acquaintance into a spiritual one.
  
  
• When talking with someone in the world, listen for a key word or phrase that you can use as a starting point. For example, if a person says, "Isn't that tree beautiful?" you could follow up by saying, "Isn't it remarkable how many different trees God created?"
  
  Or, if a person says, "The best thing just happened to me," you could ask, "Do you think God had a part in it?" This lays groundwork for a discussion regarding the source of our blessings.
  
  
• Consider using some of these suggestions about what to say after you begin a conversation:
  
  
  1. Tell how you became interested in Jesus and God's word.
     
     
  2. Tell the most important lessons you have learned from God.
     
     
  3. Comment on Bible authority. Tell how you use the Bible. Perhaps you could use a ruler or yardstick to illustrate a standard of authority. Talk about why people see the Bible differently.
     
     
  4. Ask your new acquaintance if he/she worships anywhere.
     
     
  5. Suggest a Bible study in your home or theirs.
     
     
• Other things you can do:
  
  
  1. Take your Bible to work and read during the lunch period. See if a conversation develops.
     
     
  2. When people talk about being "lucky," tell them they have been "blessed," rather than lucky. This may be the basis for more discussion.
     
     
  3. Don't be embarrassed to offer public prayer before your meals. You don't want to do this merely to be seen of men, but you do want your light to shine. It may open some doors.
     
     
• Show genuine interest in other people.
  
  
  1. Ask about their families.
     
     
  2. Be hospitable. Invite folks to visit you in your home.
     
     
• Don't be a know-it-all. Show humility; be willing to learn from others just as they're willing to learn from you. Ask what they believe and why. Show them what you believe and why.
  
  
• Always be aware of opportunities. View every person and every situation as an opportunity to teach, one way or the other. Weddings, funerals, class reunions, and business meetings are occasions for teaching. Visits to hospitals and nursing homes also provide opportunities.
  
  
• Read your Bible. Someone has said, "A leader is a reader, and a reader is a leader." Five years from now, you will be pretty much the same as you are today, except for two things--the books you read and the people with whom you form close relationships. The Bible obviously is the best book you can read to change your life and move you to help others change theirs.

Getting started is always difficult. We often doubt our abilities. But consider this: You can't walk on water unless you get out of the boat. People often belittle Peter because after he got out of the boat and walked on the water, he lost faith and began to sink. But, despite his weaknesses, Peter was the only disciple who got out of the boat.