Chapter 47—Illustrations and Visual Aids
Chaste and Dignified—The truth should be clothed in chaste,
dignified language; and the illustrations used should be of a like
character.—
Gospel Workers, 166
.
Self-evident Illustrations—It would be well if ministers who la-
bor in word or doctrine could enter the fields and spend some portion
of the day in physical exercise with the students. They could do as
Christ did in giving lessons from nature to illustrate Bible truth.—
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 325
.
Teaching by Illustration—In Christ’s parable teaching the same
principle is seen as in His own mission to the world. That we might
become acquainted with His divine character and life, Christ took our
nature and dwelt among us. Divinity was revealed in humanity; the
invisible glory in the visible human form. Men could learn of the
unknown through the known; heavenly things were revealed through
the earthly; God was made manifest in the likeness of men. So it was
in Christ’s teaching: the unknown was illustrated by the known; divine
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truths by earthly things with which the people were most familiar.
The Scripture says, “All these things spake Jesus unto the mul-
titude in parables; ... that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter
things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
Matthew 13:34, 35
. Natural things were the medium for the spiritual;
the things of nature and the life experience of His hearers were con-
nected with the truths of the written Word. Leading thus from the
natural to the spiritual kingdom, Christ’s parables are links in the chain
of truth that unites man with God, and earth with heaven.—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 17, 18
.
Application of the Scriptures—The Lord wishes you to learn
how to use the gospel net. Many need to learn this art. In order
for you to be successful in your work, the meshes of your net—the
application of the Scriptures—must be close, and the meaning easily
discerned. Then make the most of drawing in the net. Come right
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