Lifting Up Christ as
the Head of the Church
The Head of the Church
He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
first born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Col. 1:18. {LHU 288.1}
Since His ascension Christ has carried
forward His work on the earth by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to
the children of men and ministers to their needs. The great Head of the church
superintends His work through the instrumentality of men ordained by God to act
as His representatives. {LHU
288.2}
The position of those who have been
called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the upbuilding
of His church is one of grave responsibility. In Christ's stead they are to beseech
men and women to be reconciled to God, and they can fulfill their mission only
as they receive wisdom and power from above. {LHU 288.3}
Christ's ministers are the spiritual
guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to
that of watchmen. In ancient times sentinels were often stationed on the walls
of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important posts
to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their
faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were
required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake and that no
harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one
to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city. . . . {LHU 288.4}
It is the privilege of the watchmen on
the walls of Zion to live so near to God, and to be so susceptible to the
impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through them to tell men and women
of their peril and point them to the place of safety. Faithfully are they to
warn them of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully are they to
safeguard the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their
vigilance. . . . In trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never are
they to sound one wavering, uncertain note. . . . {LHU 288.5}
He who serves under the bloodstained
banner of Immanuel will have that to do which will call for heroic effort and
patient endurance. But the soldier of the cross stands unshrinkingly
in the forefront of the battle. . . . He realizes his need of strength from
above. The victories that he gains . . . cause him to lean more and more
heavily on the Mighty One. Relying upon that Power, he is enabled to present
the message of salvation so forcibly that it vibrates in other minds. . . . {LHU 288.6}
It is by seeing Him who is invisible
that strength and vigor of soul are gained and the power of earth over mind and
character is broken (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 360-363).
289
{LHU 288.7}
Laborers with Him
Ye are the light of the world. Matt. 5:14. {LHU 289.1}
Our Lord designed that His church should
reflect to the world the fullness and sufficiency that we find in Him. We are
constantly receiving of God's bounty, and by imparting of the same we are to
represent to the world the love and beneficence of Christ. While all heaven is
astir, dispatching messengers to every part of the earth to carry forward the
work of redemption, the church of the living God are also to be colaborers with Christ. We are members of His mystical
body. He is the head, controlling all the members of the body. Jesus Himself, in
His infinite mercy, is working on human hearts, effecting spiritual
transformations so amazing that angels look on with astonishment and joy. The
same unselfish love that characterizes the Master is seen in the character and
life of His true followers. Christ expects that men will become partakers of
His divine nature while in this world, thus not only reflecting His glory to
the praise of God, but illumining the darkness of the world with the radiance
of heaven. Thus will be fulfilled the words of Christ: "Ye are the light
of the world." {LHU
289.2}
"We are labourers together with
God," "stewards of the manifold grace of God." The knowledge of
God's grace, the truths of His Word, and temporal gifts as well--time and
means, talents and influence--are all a trust from God to be employed to His
glory and the salvation of men. Nothing can be more offensive to God, who is
constantly bestowing His gifts upon man, than to see him selfishly grasping
these gifts and making no returns to the Giver. Jesus is today in heaven
preparing mansions for those who love Him; yes, more than mansions, a kingdom
which is to be ours. But all who shall inherit these blessings must be
partakers of the self-denial and self-sacrifice of Christ for the good of
others. {LHU
289.3}
Never was there greater need of
earnest, self-sacrificing labor in the cause of Christ than now, when the hours
of probation are fast closing and the last message of mercy is to be given to
the world. My soul is stirred within me as the Macedonian cry comes from every
direction, from the cities and villages of our own land, from across the
Atlantic and the broad Pacific, and from the islands of the sea: "Come
over . . . , and help us." Brethren and sisters, will you answer the cry?
saying: "We will do our best, both in sending you missionaries and money.
We will deny ourselves in the embellishment of our houses, in the adornment of
our persons, and in the gratification of appetite. We will give the means
entrusted to us into the cause of God, and we will devote ourselves also
unreservedly to His work." . . . Let every dollar that you can spare be
invested in the bank of heaven (Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 731-733).
290
{LHU 289.4}
Christ Glorified in his People
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world. John 16:33. {LHU 290.1}
Christ did not fail, neither was He
discouraged, and His followers are to manifest a faith of the same enduring
nature. They are to live as He lived, and work as He worked, because they
depend on Him as the great Master Worker. Courage, energy, and perseverance they
must possess. Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace
they are to go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties, they are called upon
to surmount them. They are to despair of nothing, and to hope for everything.
With the golden chain of His matchless love Christ has bound them to the throne
of God. It is His purpose that the highest influence in the universe, emanating
from the source of all power, shall be theirs. They are to have power to resist
evil, power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master, power that will
enable them to overcome as Christ overcame. {LHU 290.2}
Christ designs that heaven's order,
heaven's plan of government, heaven's divine harmony, shall be represented in
His church on earth. Thus in His people He is glorified. Through them the Sun
of righteousness will shine in undimmed luster to the
world. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a
large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed
upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own
sufficiency. The church, endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His
depositary, in which the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His love are to
appear in full and final display. Christ looks upon His people in their purity
and perfection, as the reward of His humiliation, and the supplement of His
glory--Christ, the great Center, from whom radiates all glory. . . . {LHU 290.3}
Christ had finished the work that was
given Him to do. He had glorified God on the earth. He had manifested the
Father's name. He had gathered out those who were to continue His work among
men. And He said, "I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the
world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep
through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as
we are." . . . {LHU
290.4}
Thus in the language of one who has
divine authority, Christ gives His elect church into the Father's arms. As a consecrated
high priest He intercedes for His people. As a faithful shepherd He gathers His
flock under the shadow of the Almighty, in the strong and sure refuge. For Him
there awaits the last battle with Satan, and He goes forth to meet it (The
Desire of Ages, pp. 679, 680).
291
{LHU 290.5}
A Royal Name
If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Peter 4:16. {LHU 291.1}
God has instructed me to say to His
people, ministers and lay members, "Take your stand on higher ground. Move
steadily onward and upward in the path that Jesus trod. Do not trust in your
own opinions. Sanctification through the truth is your only safety." The
Lord God of Israel would have His people stand in His strength, and in His
might, receiving to impart. He will uphold and sustain those who serve Him with
mind and heart and strength. {LHU 291.2}
We need to understand what it means to
put on Christ, what it means to have an experimental knowledge of the grace of
Christ, and a continually increasing faith. {LHU 291.3}
Speaking of the mystery "which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God," Paul says,
"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and
to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery . . . : to the intent
that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made
known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." Not only to those living
in this world, but to the principalities and powers in heavenly places is the
church on this earth to reveal the glory of God. {LHU 291.4}
God chose from among the Gentiles a
people for Himself, and gave to them the name of Christian. This is a royal
name, given to those who join themselves to Christ. . . . Peter says: "If
any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God
on this behalf." . . . {LHU
291.5}
O that God's people would take Him at
His word, and lay hold of the wonderful treasure of knowledge opened to them! .
. . {LHU 291.6}
We have before us the highest, holiest
example. In thought, word, and deed Jesus was sinless. Perfection marked all
that He did. He points us to the path that He trod, saying, "If any man
will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me." {LHU
291.7}
We have a perfect rule--the Word of the
living God. This Word He has given us as our guide and counselor. The psalmist
says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against
thee." . . . {LHU
291.8}
Christians, those who are to represent
God in the world, are not to seek for doctrines that are new and strange. They
are not to pry into the mysteries of the future life. Their part is to make
their life in this world such as God can approve (Review and Herald,
Apr. 26, 1906).
292
{LHU 291.9}
Let the Church Arise and Shine
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory
of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the
earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and
his glory shall be seen upon thee. Isa. 60:1, 2. {LHU 292.1}
Jealousy caused the first death in our
world. . . . All selfishness comes from Satan. Human beings belong to one great
family, the family of God. They are to respect and love one another. They are
not to speak words which wound and bruise. No one is to be unfair in his
dealings, causing his fellow-beings to lose confidence in him. Selfishness and
injustice bring unhappiness. Under their baleful influence men lose the sense
of what it means to love one another as Christ loves us. {LHU 292.2}
All are to work in love and unity,
looking to God as the great center. Love for Christ is the principle which
unites man to his fellowmen. . . . {LHU 292.3}
The opposite of allegiance to God is
seen in the world today. Every kingdom, every province, every family, has a
desire to make itself a center. Men long to rule over their fellowmen. . . .
Self is the mainspring of action. . . . {LHU 292.4}
The Lord calls upon His people to put
far from them every stumbling block. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. To unite
man with God and with his fellowmen, to restore to human beings the benevolence
lost through sin--this is the glory of the gospel. Let the church arise and
shine; for her light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon her. Let
the members strive earnestly to obtain the victory over self (manuscript 78,
1901). {LHU
292.5}
The religion of Christ means more than
the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum
with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in
God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of
Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The
glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life.
The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love,
perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed
in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its
Saviour. . . . {LHU
292.6}
The revelation of His own glory in the
form of humanity will bring heaven so near to men that the beauty adorning the
inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be
captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ. And in currents of praise and
thanksgiving from the many souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the
great Giver (Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 419, 420).
293
{LHU 292.7}
Heaven Waiting to Cooperate
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning . .
. and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be
thy rereward. Isa. 58:8. {LHU 293.1}
It is the constant realization of the
preciousness of Christ's atoning sacrifice in our behalf that qualifies us to
point others to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. We must
become exponents of the efficacy of the blood of Christ, by which our own sins
have been forgiven. Only thus can we reach the higher class. . . . {LHU 293.2}
Christ has said that it is easier for a
camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of God. But all things are possible with God. He can and will work
through human agencies upon the minds of rich men whose lives have been devoted
to money getting. {LHU
293.3}
The heavenly universe has long been
waiting to cooperate with human agents in this work which they have shunned and
neglected. Many who have attempted the work have given up in discouragement,
when, had they persevered, they would have been largely successful. Those who
faithfully do this work will be blessed of God. The righteousness of Christ
will go before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rearward. {LHU 293.4}
There are miracles to be wrought in
genuine conversion, miracles that are not now discerned. The greatest men of
the earth are not beyond the power of a wonder-working God. If those who are
workers together with Him will be men of opportunity, doing their duty bravely
and faithfully, God will convert men who occupy responsible places, men of
intellect and influence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, many will accept
the divine principles. Beholding Jesus in His loveliness, in His self-denial
and self-sacrifice, the self-sufficient rich man will see himself in contrast
as wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, and will become so
small in his own estimation that he will prefer Christ to himself, and will lay
hold on eternal life. {LHU
293.5}
Converted to the truth, he will become
an agent in the hand of God to communicate the light. He will have a special
burden for other souls of this neglected class. He will feel that a
dispensation of the gospel is committed to him for those who have made this
world their all. Time and money will be consecrated to God, means will be
brought into His treasury, talent and influence will be converted to the truth,
and new efficiency and power will be added to the church. . . . {LHU 293.6}
Pure, sanctified love, such love as was
expressed in Christ's lifework, is as a sacred perfume. Like Mary's broken box
of ointment, it fills the whole house with fragrance. Eloquence, knowledge of
truth, rare talents, mingled with love, are all precious endowments . . . Love
for God and for those for whom Christ has died will do a work that we can
scarcely comprehend (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 81-84).
294
{LHU 293.7}
Church to be Added to Church
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon
him while he is near. Isa. 55:6. {LHU 294.1}
Church members are to arise and shine
amid the moral darkness of the world. If we are connected with the Light of the
world, we shall reflect light to others. If we partake of the Saviour's rich
grace, we shall be a blessing to those around us. . . . {LHU 294.2}
It is because so many of Christ's
professed followers seek to be first that He cannot trust them. Were they
humble, willing to be taught by Him, they would be a power in showing to the
world the influence of the truth upon human character. Those who work in
Christ's lines, never seeking to exalt self, will reveal constant activity and
steady progress in missionary enterprises. They will not be satisfied unless
church is added to church. {LHU
294.3}
God expects those in His service to contend
earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Our aggressive missionary
work is to be more abundant than it has been in the past. More territory is to
be annexed; the standard of truth is to be planted in new places; churches are
to be established; all is to be done that can be done to fulfill the
commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." {LHU 294.4}
The life of a church depends on the
interest which its members manifest in those outside the fold. Let the church
of God remember that Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice to save a world from
destruction. For our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might
come into possession of eternal riches. Shall those whom God has blessed with a
knowledge of the truth become narrow in their plans? Let them arouse to a sense
of their vast obligations, cutting away every thread of selfishness, that the
Lord may pour upon them His Holy Spirit. Let them seek the Lord while He may be
found, and call upon Him while He is near. They have no reason for being
faithless and complaining. Let them cease all fault-finding and murmuring, and
encourage a spirit of gratitude for past mercies and blessings. Let them praise
the Lord in unfeigned gratitude for the light of His Word, which shines upon
their pathway, to be received into heart and mind, and reflected upon those in
darkness. Thus they will be prepared to work to the praise and glory of Christ,
and to inscribe upon their banners, "Here are they that keep the
commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12) (Signs of the
Times, Aug. 21, 1901).
295
{LHU 294.5}
The Greatest Object
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we
have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7. {LHU 295.1}
Union is strength, and the Lord desires
that this truth should be ever revealed in all the members of the body of
Christ. All are to be united in love, in meekness, in lowliness of mind.
Organized into a society of believers for the purpose of combining and
diffusing their influence, they are to work as Christ worked. They are ever to
show courtesy and respect for one another. Every talent has its place and is to
be kept under the control of the Holy Spirit. {LHU 295.2}
The church is a Christian society
formed for the members composing it, that each member may enjoy the assistance
of all the graces and talents of the other members, and the working of God upon
them, according to their several gifts and abilities. The church is united in
the holy bonds of fellowship in order that each member may be benefited by the
influence of the other. All are to bind themselves to the covenant of love and
harmony. The Christian principles and graces of the whole society of believers
are to gather strength and force in harmonious action. Each believer is to be
benefited and improved by the refining and transforming influence of the varied
capabilities of the other members, that the things lacking in one may be more
abundantly displayed in another. All the members are to draw together, that the
church may become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. {LHU 295.3}
The covenant of agreement in church
membership is that each member would walk in the footsteps of Christ, that all
will take His yoke upon them, and learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart.
Doing this, "Ye shall," saith the dear Saviour, "find rest unto
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:29,
30). {LHU 295.4}
Those who wear Christ's yoke will draw
together. They will cultivate sympathy and forbearance, and in holy emulation
will strive to show to others the tender sympathy and love of which they feel
such great need themselves. He who is weak and inexperienced, although he is
weak, may be strengthened by the more hopeful and by those of mature
experience. Although the least of all, he is a stone that must shine in the
building. He is a vital member of the organized body, united to Christ, the
living head, and through Christ identified with all the excellencies of
Christ's character so that the Saviour is not ashamed to call him brother. . .
. A church, separate and distinct from the world, is in the estimation of
heaven the greatest object in all the earth. . . . The church is to be as God
designed it should be, a representative of God's family in another world (Selected
Messages, book 3, pp. 15-17).
296
{LHU 295.5}
Unity in the Church
"It is impossible for you
to unite with those who are corrupt, and still remain pure. (II Corinthians 6:14,
15 quoted). God and Christ and the heavenly host would have men know that if he
unites with the corrupt he will become corrupt." E.G. White, Review and Herald, Vol. 4, p. 137.
"Men in responsible positions
are uniting with those in the church and out of the church, whose counsel is
misleading." Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 69.
"We have a testing message to
give, and I am instructed to say to our people, 'Unify, unify.' But we are not
to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits and doctrines of devils. With our hearts sweet ad kind and true, we are
to go forth to proclaim the message, giving no heed to those who lead away from
the truth." Selected Messages, Bk. 3, p. 412 Series B, No. 2, p.
47.
"To divide our interests with
the leaders of error is aiding the wrong side and giving advantage to our foes.
The truth of God knows no compromise with sin, no connection with artifice, no
union with transgression." Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 81.
"Between the worldly man and the
one who is faithfully serving God, there is a great gulf fixed. Upon the most
momentous subjects,--God and truth and eternity,--their thoughts and sympathies
and feelings are not in harmony. One class is ripening as wheat for the garner
of God, the other as tares for the fires of destruction. How can there be unity
of purpose or action between them?" E.G. White, Review and Herald, Vol. 6, p. 53.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. Acts
4:32, NIV. {LHU 296.1}
When the Holy Spirit was poured out
upon the early church, "the multitude of them that believed were of one
heart and of one soul" (Acts 4:32). The Spirit of Christ made them one.
This is the fruit of abiding in Christ. . . . {LHU 296.2}
We have need of divine illumination.
Every individual is striving to become a center of influence, and until God
works for His people, they will not see that subordination to God is the only
safety for any soul. His transforming grace upon human hearts will lead to
unity that has not yet been realized, for all who are assimilated to Christ
will be in harmony with one another. The Holy Spirit will create unity. {LHU 296.3}
The prayer of Christ to His Father,
contained in the seventeenth chapter of John, is to be our church creed. It
shows us that our difference and disunion are dishonoring
to God. . . . {LHU
296.4}
No advice or sanction is given in the
Word of God to those who believe the third angel's message to lead them to
suppose that they can draw apart. This you may settle with yourselves forever.
It is the devising of unsanctified minds that would encourage a state of
disunion. The sophistry of men may appear right in their own eyes, but it is
not truth and righteousness. "For he is our peace, who hath made both one,
and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; . . . that he
might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross" (Eph. 2:14-16). {LHU 296.5}
Christ is the uniting link in the
golden chain which binds believers together in God. There must be no separating
in this great testing time. . . . The children of God constitute one united
whole in Christ, who presents His cross as the center of attraction. All who
believe are one in Him. {LHU
296.6}
Human feelings will lead men to take
the work into their own hands, and the building thus becomes disproportionate.
The Lord therefore employs a variety of gifts to make the building symmetrical.
Not one feature of the truth is to be hidden or made of little account. God
cannot be glorified unless the building, "fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." A great
subject is here comprehended, and those who understand the truth for this time
must take heed how they hear and how they build and educate others to practice.
. . . {LHU
296.7}
When every specification which Christ
has given has been carried out in the true, Christian spirit, then, and then
only, Heaven ratifies the decision of the church, because its members have the
mind of Christ, and do as He would do were He upon the earth (Selected Messages,
book 3, pp. 20-22).
297
{LHU 296.8}
Purity
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in
faith and in purity. 1 Tim. 4:12, NIV. {LHU 297.1}
By accepting Christ as His personal
Saviour, man is brought into the same close relation to God, and enjoys His special
favor as does His own beloved Son. He is honored and glorified and intimately
associated with God, his life being hid with Christ in God. O what love, what
wondrous love! {LHU
297.2}
This is my teaching of moral purity.
The opening of the blackness of impurity will not be one half as efficacious in
uprooting sin as will the presentation of these grand and ennobling themes. . .
. The Bible and the Bible alone has given the true lessons upon purity. Then
preach the Word. {LHU
297.3}
Such is the grace of God, such the love
wherewith He hath loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses and sins,
enemies in our minds by wicked works, serving divers lusts and pleasures, the
slaves of debase appetites and passion, servants of sin and Satan. What depth
of love is manifested in Christ, as He becomes the propitiation for our sins.
Through the ministration of the Holy Spirit souls are led to find forgiveness
of sins. {LHU
297.4}
The purity, the holiness, of the life
of Jesus as presented from the Word of God possess more power to reform and
transform the character than do all the efforts put forth in picturing sins and
crimes of men and the sure results. One steadfast look to the Saviour uplifted
upon the cross will do more to purify the mind and heart from every defilement
than will all the scientific explanations by the ablest tongue. {LHU 297.5}
Before the cross the sinner sees his
unlikeness of character to Christ. He sees the terrible consequences of
transgression; he hates the sin that he has practiced, and he lays hold upon
Jesus by living faith. He has judged his position of uncleanness in the light
of the presence of God and the heavenly intelligence. He has measured it by the
standard of the cross. He has weighed it in the balances of the sanctuary. The
purity of Christ has revealed to him his own impurity in its odious colors. He
turns from the defiling sin; he looks to Jesus and lives. {LHU 297.6}
He finds an all-absorbing, commanding,
attractive character in Jesus Christ, the one who died to deliver him from the
deformity of sin, and with quivering lip and tearful eye he declares, "He
shall not have died for me in vain." "Thy gentleness hath made me
great" (letter 102, 1894). {LHU 297.7}
As a shield from temptation and an
inspiration to purity and truth, no other influence can equal the sense of
God's presence (Education, p. 255).
298
{LHU 297.8}
Love--The Evidence of Discipleship
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another. John 13:35. {LHU 298.1}
In this last meeting with His
disciples, the great desire which Christ expressed for them was that they might
love one another as He had loved them. Again and again He spoke of this.
"These things I command you," He said repeatedly, "that ye love
one another." His very first injunction when alone with them in the upper
chamber was "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." To the disciples this
commandment was new; for they had not loved one another as Christ had loved
them. He saw that new ideas and impulses must control them; that new principles
must be practiced by them; through His life and death they were to receive a
new conception of love. The command to love one another had a new meaning in
the light of His self-sacrifice. The whole work of grace is one continual
service of love, of self-denying, self-sacrificing effort. During every hour of
Christ's sojourn upon the earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in
irrepressible streams. All who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He
loved. The very principle that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their
dealing one with another. {LHU
298.2}
This love is the evidence of their
discipleship. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,"
said Jesus, "if ye have love one to another." When men are bound
together, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working of
an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness exists, it
is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity, that a new
principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is power in the
divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil, and that the
grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural heart. {LHU 298.3}
This love, manifested in the church,
will surely stir the wrath of Satan. Christ did not mark out for His disciples
an easy path. "If the world hate you," He said, "ye know that it
hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his
own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the
word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they
have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying,
they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my
name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." The gospel is to be
carried forward by aggressive warfare, in the midst of opposition, peril, loss,
and suffering. But those who do this work are only following in their Master's
steps (The Desire of Ages, pp. 677, 678).
299
{LHU 298.4}
Secret Prayer and Bible Study
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much. James 5:16. {LHU 299.1}
The church of God is made up of vessels
large and small. . . . He does not expect the smaller vessels to hold the
contents of the larger ones. He looks for returns according to what a man has,
not according to what he has not. Do your best, and God will accept your
efforts. Take up the duty lying nearest you, and perform it with fidelity, and
your work will be wholly acceptable to the Master. Do not, in your desire to do
something great, overlook the smaller tasks awaiting you. {LHU 299.2}
Beware how you neglect secret prayer
and a study of God's Word. These are your weapons against him who is striving
to hinder your progress heavenward. The first neglect of prayer and Bible study
makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance to the Spirit's pleading
prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is hardened, and the
conscience seared. {LHU
299.3}
On the other hand, every resistance of
temptation makes resistance more easy. Every denial of self makes self-denial
easier. Every victory gained prepares the way for a fresh victory. Each
resistance of temptation, each self-denial, each triumph over sin, is a seed
sown unto eternal life. Every unselfish action gives new strength to
spirituality. No one can try to be like Christ without growing more noble and
more true. {LHU
299.4}
The Lord will recognize every effort
you make to reach His ideal for you. When you make failures, when you are
betrayed into sin, do not feel that you cannot pray, that you are not worthy to
come before the Lord. "My little children, these things write I unto you,
that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous." With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the
prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to
strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse
your confidence. {LHU
299.5}
Trial will come to you. Thus the Lord
polishes the roughness from your character. Do not murmur. You make the trial
harder by repining. Honor God by cheerful submission. Patiently endure the
pressure. Even though a wrong is done you, keep the love of God in the heart. .
. . {LHU 299.6}
"In quietness and in confidence
shall be your strength." Christ knows the strength of your temptations and
the strength of your power to resist. His hand is always stretched out in
pitying tenderness to every suffering child. To the tempted, discouraged one He
says, Child for whom I suffered and died, can not you
trust me? "As thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deut. 33:25) (Youth's
Instructor, June 26, 1902).
300
{LHU 299.7}
The Truth will Conquer
The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in
me. John 14:30. {LHU 300.1}
As the world's Redeemer, Christ was constantly
confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world,
seemed to do little of the work. He longed to do in uplifting and saving.
Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not
be discouraged. Through the prophecy of Isaiah He declares, "I have
laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely
my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. . . . Though Israel be
not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall
be my strength." It is to Christ that the promise is given, "Thus
saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth;
. . . thus saith the Lord: . . . I will preserve thee, and give thee for a
covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the
desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them
that are in darkness, Show yourselves. . . . They shall not hunger nor thirst;
neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall
lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them" (Isa. 49:4,
5, 7- 10). {LHU
300.2}
Upon this word Jesus rested, and He
gave Satan no advantage. When the last steps of Christ's humiliation were to be
taken, when the deepest sorrow was closing about His soul, He said to His
disciples, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me."
"The prince of this world is judged." Now shall he be cast out (John
14:30; 16:11; 12:31). With prophetic eye Christ traced the scenes to take place
in His last great conflict. He knew that when He should exclaim, "It is
finished," all heaven would triumph. His ear caught the distant music and
the shouts of victory in the heavenly courts. He knew that the knell of Satan's
empire would then be sounded, and the name of Christ would be heralded from
world to world throughout the universe. {LHU 300.3}
Christ rejoiced that He could do more
for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance,
knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He
knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer
in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave
triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting
disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to
be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter (The Desire of
Ages, pp. 678, 679).
301
{LHU 300.4}
A Decided Reformation Needed
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my
word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life. John 5:24. {LHU 301.1}
Just as long as you allow pride to
dwell in your hearts, so long will you lack power in your work. For years a
wrong spirit has been cherished, a spirit of pride, a desire for preeminence. In this Satan is served, and God is
dishonored. The Lord calls for a decided reformation. . . . Let [a truly
reconverted soul] renew his covenant with God, and God will renew His covenant
with him. . . . Let angels and men see that there is forgiveness of sin with
God. Extraordinary power from God must take hold of Seventh-day Adventist
churches. Reconversion must take place among the members, that as God's
witnesses they may testify to the authoritative power of the truth that
sanctifies the soul. Renewed, purified, sanctified, the church must be, else
the wrath of God will fall upon them with much greater power than upon those
who have never professed to be saints. {LHU 301.2}
Those who are sanctified through the
truth will show that the truth has worked a reformation in their lives, that it
is preparing them for translation into the heavenly world. But as long as pride
and envy and evil-surmising predominate in the life, Christ does not rule in
the heart. His love is not in the soul. In the lives of those who are partakers
of the divine nature there is a crucifixion of the haughty, self-sufficient
spirit that leads to self-exaltation. In its place the Spirit of Christ abides,
and in the life the fruits of the Spirit appear. Having the mind of Christ, His
followers reveal the graces of His character. {LHU 301.3}
Nothing short of this will make men
acceptable to God. Nothing short of this will give them the pure, holy
character that those must have who are admitted to heaven. As soon as a man
puts on Christ, an evidence of the change wrought in him is seen in spirit and
word and act. A heavenly atmosphere surrounds his soul; for Christ is abiding
within. {LHU
301.4}
"Verily, verily, I say unto
you," Christ declared, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting
life" (John 6:47). Oh, how few there are who reveal in their lives the
principles of this life! They profess to believe the most sacred truth ever
given to mortals, but in their lives they dishonor
God. He that "eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him
up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh
my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him" (verses 54-56) . . . It behooves us to live in the fear and love of God. God is
supreme, and He cooperates with those who represent Christ in life and
character, those who are kind, thoughtful, self-denying, and self-sacrificing.
Christ says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:14) (letter 63, 1903).
302
{LHU 301.5}
The Ordinance of Baptism
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into
death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom. 6:4. {LHU 302.1}
The ordinances of baptism and the
Lord's Supper are two monumental pillars. . . . Upon these ordinances Christ has
inscribed the name of the true God. {LHU 302.2}
Christ has made baptism the sign of
entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with
which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church,
before passing the threshold of God's spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the
impress of the divine name "The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jer. 23:6). {LHU 302.3}
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation
of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit . . . declare publicly that they have forsaken the
service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the
heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: "Come out from among them,
and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing." And to them is
fulfilled the promise: "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you,
and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor.
6:17, 18). . . . {LHU
302.4}
The principles of the Christian life
should be made plain to those who have newly come to the truth. None can depend
upon their profession of faith as proof that they have a saving connection with
Christ. We are not only to say, "I believe," but to practice the
truth. It is by conformity to the will of God in our words, our deportment, our
character, that we prove our connection with Him. Whenever one renounces sin,
which is the transgression of the law, his life will be brought into conformity
to the law, into perfect obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. The
light of the Word carefully studied, the voice of conscience, the strivings of
the Spirit, produce in the heart genuine love for Christ, who gave Himself a
whole sacrifice to redeem the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. And love is
manifested in obedience. The line of demarcation will be plain and distinct
between those who love God and keep His commandment, and those who love Him not
and disregard His precepts. {LHU
302.5}
Faithful Christian men and women should
have an intense interest to bring the convicted soul to a correct knowledge of
righteousness in Christ Jesus. . . . They must not neglect the faithful, tender,
loving instruction so essential to the young converts that there may be no
half-hearted work. The very first experience should be right. . . . Through
association with those who love and fear God they will receive strength (Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 91-93).
303
{LHU 302.6}
The Blessings of the Sabbath Services
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as
ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10:25. {LHU 303.1}
Bring your choicest gifts to God on His
holy day. Let the precious life of the soul be given to Him in consecrated
service. . . . {LHU
303.2}
Everyone should feel that he has a part
to act in making the Sabbath meetings interesting. You are not to come together
simply as a matter of form, but for the interchange of thought, for the
relation of your daily experiences, for the expression of thanksgiving, for the
utterance of your sincere desire for divine enlightenment, that you may know
God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent. Communing together in regard to Christ
will strengthen the soul for life's trials and conflicts. Never think that you
can be Christians and yet withdraw yourselves within yourselves. Each one is a
part of the great web of humanity, and the experience of each will be largely
determined by the experience of his associates. {LHU 303.3}
Why do we not obtain a hundredth part
of the blessing we should obtain from assembling together to worship God? Our
perceptive faculties need sharpening. Fellowship with one another should make
us glad. With such a hope as we have, why are not our hearts all aglow with the
love of God? {LHU
303.4}
We must carry to every religious
gathering a quickened spiritual consciousness that God and His angels are
there, cooperating with all true worshipers. As you enter the place of worship,
ask the Lord to remove all evil from your heart. Bring to His house only that
which He can bless. Kneel before God in His temple, and consecrate to Him His
own, which He has purchased with the blood of Christ. Pray for the speaker or
the leader of the meeting. Pray that great blessing may come through the one
who is to hold forth the word of life. Strive earnestly to lay hold of a
blessing for yourself. {LHU
303.5}
God will bless all who thus prepare
themselves for His service. They will understand what it means to have the
assurance of the Spirit because they have received Christ by faith. {LHU 303.6}
The place of worship may be very
humble, but it is no less acknowledged by God. To those who worship God in
spirit and in truth and in the beauty of holiness it will be as the gate of
heaven. The company of believers may be few in number, but in God's sight they
are very precious. By the cleaver of truth they have been taken as rough stones
from the quarry of the world and have been brought into the workshop of God to
be hewed and shaped. But even in the rough they are precious in the sight of
God. The ax, the hammer, and the chisel of trial are
in the hands of One who is skillful; they are used,
not to destroy, but to work out the perfection of every soul (Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 361-363).
304
{LHU 303.7}
Recognizing God's Ownership
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than
thousands of gold and silver. Ps. 119:72. {LHU 304.1}
The psalmist's words, "The law of
thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver," state that
which is true from other than a religious point of view. They state an absolute
truth, and one that is recognized in the business world. Even in this age of
passion for money-getting, when competition is so sharp, and methods are so
unscrupulous, it is still widely acknowledged that, for a young man starting in
life, integrity, diligence, temperance, purity, and thrift constitute a better
capital than any amount of mere money. . . . {LHU 304.2}
That which lies at the foundation of
business integrity and of true success is the recognition of God's ownership.
The Creator of all things, He is the original proprietor. We are His stewards.
All that we have is a trust from Him, to be used according to His direction. {LHU 304.3}
This is an obligation that rests upon
every human being. It has to do with the whole sphere of human activity.
Whether we recognize it or not, we are stewards, supplied from God with talents
and facilities, and placed in the world to do a work appointed by Him. {LHU 304.4}
To every man is given "his
work" (Mark 13:34)--the work for which his capabilities adapt him--the
work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his fellowmen, and in
greatest honor to God. {LHU
304.5}
Thus our business or calling is a part
of God's great plan, and, so long as it is conducted in accordance with His
will, He Himself is responsible for the results. "Labourers together with
God" (1 Corinthians 3:9), our part is faithful compliance with His
directions. Thus there is no place for anxious care. Diligence, fidelity,
care-taking, thrift, and discretion are called for. Every faculty is to be
exercised to its highest capacity. But the dependence will be, not on the
successful outcome of our efforts, but on the promise of God. The word that fed
Israel in the desert, and sustained Elijah through the time of famine, has the
same power today. "Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat?
or, What shall we drink?" (Matt. 6:31, RV). . . . {LHU 304.6}
He who gives men power to get wealth
has with the gift bound up an obligation. Of all that we acquire He claims a
specified portion. The tithe is the Lord's. . . . "Bring ye all the tithes
into the storehouse" (Mal. 3:10) is God's command. No appeal is made to
gratitude or to generosity. This is a matter of simple honesty. The tithe is
the Lord's; and He bids us return to Him that which is His own. {LHU 304.7}
"It is required in stewards, that
a man be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2). If honesty is an essential
principle of business life, must we not recognize our obligation to God--the
obligation that underlies every other? (Education, pp. 137-139).
305
{LHU 304.8}
Unfading Beauty
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,
such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry
and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 1
Peter 3:3, 4, NIV. {LHU 305.1}
The pure religion of Jesus requires of
its followers the simplicity of natural beauty and the polish of natural
refinement and elevated purity, rather than the artificial and false. . . . {LHU 305.2}
The religion of the Bible has nothing
in it which would jar upon the finest feelings. It is, in all its precepts and requirements,
as pure as the character of God and as elevated as His throne. {LHU 305.3}
The Redeemer of the world has warned us
against the pride of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He
pointed to all the glowing beauty of the flowers of the field and to the lily
reposing in its spotless purity upon the bosom of the lake. . . . {LHU 305.4}
A disposition in you to dress according
to the fashion, and to wear lace and gold and artificials
for display, will not recommend to others your religion or the truth that you
profess. . . . Simple, plain, unpretending dress will be a recommendation to my
youthful sisters. In no better way can you let your light shine to others than
in your simplicity of dress and deportment. You may show to all that, in
comparison with eternal things, you place a proper estimate upon the things of
this life. {LHU
305.5}
Now is your golden opportunity to form
pure and holy characters for heaven. You cannot afford to devote these precious
moments to . . . beautifying the external to the neglect of the inward
adorning. . . . {LHU
305.6}
God, who created everything lovely and
beautiful that the eye rests upon, is a lover of the beautiful. He shows you
how He estimates true beauty. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in His
sight of great price. Shall we not seek earnestly to gain that which God
estimates as more valuable than costly dress or pearls or gold? The inward
adorning, the grace of meekness, a spirit in harmony with the heavenly angels,
will not lessen true dignity of character or make us less lovely here in this
world. {LHU
305.7}
Religion, pure and undefiled, ennobles
its possessor. You will ever find with the true Christian a marked
cheerfulness, a holy, happy confidence in God, a submission to His providences,
that is refreshing to the soul. By the Christian, God's love and benevolence
can be seen in every bounty he receives. The beauties in nature are a theme for
contemplation. In studying the natural loveliness surrounding us, the mind is
carried up through nature to the Author of all that is lovely. All the works of
God are speaking to our senses, magnifying His power, exalting His wisdom.
Every created thing has in it charms which interest
the child of God and mold his taste to regard these precious evidences of God's
love above the work of human skill (Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 375-377).
306
{LHU 305.8}
The Root and Fruit
Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me:
for he wrote of me. John 5:46. {LHU 306.1}
The Word of God includes the Scriptures
of the Old Testament as well as of the New. One is not complete without the
other. Christ declared that the truths of the Old Testament are as valuable as
those of the New. Christ was as much man's Redeemer in the beginning of the
world as He is today. Before He clothed His divinity with humanity and came to
our world, the gospel message was given by Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and
Noah. Abraham in Canaan and Lot in Sodom bore the message, and from generation
to generation faithful messengers proclaimed the Coming One. . . . {LHU 306.2}
Of Christ's life and death and intercession,
which prophets had foretold, the apostles were to go forth as witnesses. Christ
in His humiliation, in His purity and holiness, in His matchless love, was to
be their theme. And in order to preach the gospel in its fullness, they must
present the Saviour not only as revealed in His life and teachings, but as
foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament and as symbolized by the
sacrificial service. . . . {LHU
306.3}
In every age there is a new development
of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation. The old truths are
all essential; new truth is not independent of the old, but an unfolding of it.
It is only as the old truths are understood that we can comprehend the new.
When Christ desired to open to His disciples the truth of His resurrection, He
began "at Moses and all the prophets," and "expounded unto them
in all the scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). But it
is the light which shines in the fresh unfolding of truth that glorifies the
old. He who rejects or neglects the new does not really possess the old. For
him it loses its vital power and becomes but a lifeless form. {LHU 306.4}
There are those who profess to believe
and to teach the truths of the Old Testament, while they reject the New. But in
refusing to receive the teachings of Christ, they show that they do not believe
that which patriarchs and prophets have spoken. . . . {LHU 306.5}
In rejecting the Old, they virtually reject
the New; for both are parts of an inseparable whole. No man can rightly present
the law of God without the gospel, or the gospel without the law. The law is
the gospel embodied, and the gospel is the law unfolded. The law is the root,
the gospel is the fragrant blossom and fruit which it bears. {LHU 306.6}
The Old Testament sheds light upon the
New, and the New upon the Old. Each is a revelation of the glory of God in
Christ. Both present truths that will continually reveal new depths of meaning
to the earnest seeker (Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 126-128).
307
{LHU 306.7}
Present Something Better
Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:36. {LHU 307.1}
To reach the people, wherever they are,
and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way
possible--this is true ministry. By such effort you may win hearts and open a
door of access to perishing souls. {LHU 307.2}
In all your work remember that you are
bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of
Christ, in a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you
seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your
language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace. Give to
the world so pure and righteous a representation of Him, that men shall behold
Him in His beauty. {LHU
307.3}
It is of little use to try to reform
others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often
results in more harm than good. In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead
of disparaging Jacob's well, Christ presented something better. "If thou knewest
the gift of God," He said, "and who it is that saith to thee, Give me
to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he
would have given thee living water" (John 4:10).
He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman
something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the
gospel. {LHU
307.4}
This is an illustration of the way in
which we are to work. We must offer men something better than that which they
possess, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding. We must
tell them of God's holy law, the transcript of His character, and an expression
of that which He wishes them to become. Show them how infinitely superior to
the fleeting joys and pleasures of the world is the imperishable glory of
heaven. Tell them of the freedom and rest to be found in the Saviour.
"Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall
give him shall never thirst," He declared. {LHU 307.5}
Lift up Jesus, crying, "Behold the
Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). He alone
can satisfy the craving of the heart and give peace to the soul. {LHU 307.6}
Of all people in the world, reformers
should be the most unselfish, the most kind, the most courteous. In their lives
should be seen the true goodness of unselfish deeds. . . . {LHU 307.7}
Christ's disciples are to reveal the
spirit that reigns in heaven. . . . The humblest workers, in cooperation with
Christ, may touch chords whose vibrations shall ring to the ends of the earth
and make melody throughout eternal ages (The Ministry of Healing, pp.
156-159).
308
{LHU 307.8}
Waiting to be Gathered In
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free. Gal. 5:1. {LHU 308.1}
The Lord has His representatives in all
the churches. These persons have not had the special testing truths for these
last days presented to them under circumstances that brought conviction to
heart and mind; therefore they have not, by rejecting light, severed their
connection with God. Many there are who have faithfully walked in the light
that has shone upon their pathway. They hunger to
know more of the ways and works of God. All over the world men and women are
looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls
longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the very verge
of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in. {LHU 308.2}
As the lessons of Christ, the truths of
the Bible in their simplicity, are placed before these souls, they recognize
the light and rejoice in it. Their perplexities vanish before the light of
truth as dew before the morning sun. Their conceptions of Bible truth are
expanded, and the revelation of God in Christ comes to them, showing them the
depth, breadth, and height of divine, spiritual mystery that they did not
before discern, that cannot be explained, but only exemplified in Christlike character. {LHU 308.3}
Many who are not connected with any
church, and who appear wholly unmindful of the claims of God, are not at heart
as indifferent as they seem. Even the most irreligious have their hours of
conviction, when there comes to them a longing for something they have not. In
every town and city there are large numbers who do not attend any place of
worship. Many of these are attracted to the camp meeting. Many come who are
slaves of sin, the helpless victims of evil habits. Many are convicted and
converted. As they by faith grasp the promise of God for the forgiveness of
their sins, the bondage of habit is broken. Forsaking their sinful indulgences,
they become freemen in Christ Jesus, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of
God (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 70, 71). {LHU 308.4}
This work requires you to watch for
souls as they that must give an account. . . . The fragrance of Christ's love
will be revealed in your work. He who gave His own life for the life of the
world will cooperate with the unselfish worker to make an impression upon human
hearts. . . . {LHU
308.5}
Come close to the people by personal
efforts. Teach them that the love of God must come into the sanctuary of the
home life. . . . Keep self out of sight. . . . Work as seeing Him who is at
your right hand, ready to give you His efficiency and omnipotent power in every
emergency. The Lord is your Counselor, your Guide, the Captain of your
salvation. He goes before your face, conquering and to conquer (ibid.,
pp. 75, 76).
309
{LHU 308.6}
Third Angel's Message
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James
3:17. {LHU
309.1}
The third angel's message is
infallible. Upon the grand, ennobling truths connected with that message you
can dwell with perfect safety. Labor intelligently to encourage union of faith
and union of judgment, that all may be united in the bonds of Christian
fellowship and love. . . . {LHU
309.2}
"The wisdom that is from above is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And
the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace"
(James 3:17, 18). {LHU
309.3}
The principle here laid down is the
natural outgrowth of the Christian religion. Especially will those who are
engaged in proclaiming the last solemn message to a dying world seek to fulfill
this scripture. Although possessing different temperaments and dispositions,
they will see eye to eye in all matters of religious belief. They will speak the
same things; they will have the same judgment; they will be one in Christ
Jesus. . . . {LHU
309.4}
No one should feel that his judgment is
faultless, that his ideas are above criticism, and that he can pursue a course of
his own, regardless of the opinions of others with whom he is united in labor.
When we think we know all that is worth knowing, we are in a position where God
cannot use us. The third angel's message is not a narrow message. It is
worldwide; and we should be united, so far as possible, in the manner of
presenting it to the world. {LHU
309.5}
Man is fallible; but the message is
infallible. With it all should be in harmony; it is the center of interest, in
which all hearts should be united. We may get up points that are of no
consequence, and seek to maintain them; but we shall gain no strength by so
doing. The message is to prepare a people to stand in the last great day, and
to be united in heaven above. None should feel that it is of no special importance
whether they are in union with their brethren or not; for those who do not
learn to live in harmony here will never be united in heaven. . . . {LHU 309.6}
Some have a natural independence which
leads them to think more highly of their own judgment than of that of their
brethren. In so doing they place themselves where they fail to obtain much
knowledge that God would have them gain. . . . Doctrines and plans should be
compared with the law and the testimony. We should never feel too independent to
learn of one another (Historical Sketches, pp. 122-125). {LHU 309.7}
The great Center of attraction, Jesus
Christ, must not be left out of the third angel's message. . . . The sinner
must ever look toward Calvary; and with the simple faith of a little child, he
must rest in the merits of Christ, accepting His righteousness and believing in
His mercy (Evangelism, pp. 184, 185).
310
{LHU 309.8}
Press Together! Press Together!
"The world must not be
introduced into the church, and married to the church, forming a bond of unity.
Through this means the church will become indeed corrupt, and as stated in
Revelation, 'a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.'" Testimonies to
Ministers, p. 265.
"We are to unify, but not on a
platform of error." E.G. White, Special Testimonies, Series B, #2, p. 47.
"We have a testing message to
give, and I am instructed to say to our people, 'Unify, unify.' But we are
not to unify with those who are departing from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. With our hearts sweet and kind
and true, we are to go forth to proclaim the message, giving no heed to those
who lead away from the truth." Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 412 Series B,
No. 2, p. 47.
“The prayer of Christ to His Father, contained in the seventeenth
chapter of John, is to be our church creed. It shows us that our difference and
disunion are dishonoring to God. Read the whole
chapter, verse by verse.”-- Manuscript 12, 1899. {3SM
21.1}
Ron’s Commentary: The pope applies
the same chapter of John to his church, but Ellen White adds further
qualifications to that chapter of John.
The resto of the story (weight of evidence)
says: Unity -- Unify "We are to unify, but not on a platform of
error." E.G. White, Special Testimonies, Series B, #2, p. 47.
Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Matt. 24:12, 13. {LHU 310.1}
God has selected a people in these last
days whom He has made the depositaries of His law, and this people will ever
have disagreeable tasks to perform. "I know thy works, and thy labour, and
thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast
tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and
hast not fainted." It will require much diligence and a continual struggle
to keep evil out of our churches. There must be rigid, impartial discipline
exercised; for some who have a semblance of religion will seek to undermine the
faith of others and will privily work to exalt
themselves. {LHU
310.2}
The Lord Jesus, on the Mount of Olives,
plainly stated that "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall
wax cold." He speaks of a class who have fallen from a high state of
spirituality. Let such utterances as these come home with solemn, searching
power to our hearts. Where is the fervor, the
devotion to God, that corresponds to the greatness of the truth which we claim
to believe? The love of the world, the love of some darling sin, has weaned the
heart from the love of prayer and of meditation on sacred things. A formal
round of religious services is kept up; but where is the love of Jesus?
Spirituality is dying. Is this torpor, this mournful deterioration, to be
perpetuated? Is the lamp of truth to flicker and go out in darkness because it
is not replenished by the oil of grace? . . . {LHU 310.3}
Self-esteem and self-sufficiency are
killing spiritual life. Self is lifted up; self is talked about. Oh, that self
might die! "I die daily," said the apostle Paul. When this proud,
boasting self-sufficiency and this complacent self-righteousness permeate the
soul, there is no room for Jesus. He is given an inferior place, while self
swells into importance and fills the whole temple of the soul. This is the
reason why the Lord can do so little for us. Should He work with our efforts, the
instrument would appropriate all the glory to his own smartness, his wisdom,
his ability, and he would congratulate himself, as did the Pharisee: "I
fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." When self
shall be hidden in Christ, it will not be brought to the surface so frequently.
. . . {LHU
310.4}
It is only when we are careful to carry
out the Master's orders without leaving our stamp and identity upon the work
that we work efficiently and harmoniously. "Press together," said the
angel, "press together" (Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 538, 539).
311
{LHU 310.5}
Every Church a Training School
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Luke
4:18. {LHU
311.1}
In giving light to His people
anciently, God did not work exclusively through any one class. Daniel was a
prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the royal line. David was a shepherd boy,
Amos a herdsman, Zechariah a captive from Babylon, Elisha a tiller of the soil.
The Lord raised up as His representatives prophets and princes, the noble and
the lowly, and taught them the truths to be given to the world. . . . {LHU 311.2}
Every church should be a training
school for Christian workers. Its members should be taught how to give Bible
readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath school classes, how best to help the
poor and to care for the sick, how to work for the unconverted. There should be
schools of health, cooking schools, and classes in various lines of Christian
help work. There should not only be teaching, but actual work under experienced
instructors. Let the teachers lead the way in working among the people, and
others, uniting with them, will learn from their example. One example is worth
more than many precepts. . . . {LHU 311.3}
If those to whom God has entrusted
great talents of intellect put these gifts to a selfish use, they will be left,
after a period of trial, to follow their own way. God will take men who do not
appear to be so richly endowed, who have not large self-confidence, and He will
make the weak strong, because they trust in Him to do for them that which they
cannot do for themselves. God will accept the wholehearted service, and will
Himself make up the deficiencies . . . . {LHU 311.4}
As His blessing came to the captives in
the courts of Babylon, so does He give wisdom and knowledge to His workers
today. {LHU
311.5}
Men deficient in school education,
lowly in social position, have, through the grace of Christ, sometimes been
wonderfully successful in winning souls for Him. The secret of their success
was their confidence in God. They learned daily of Him who is wonderful in
counsel and mighty in power. {LHU 311.6}
Such workers are to be encouraged. The
Lord brings them into connection with those of more marked ability, to fill up
the gaps that others leave. Their quickness to see what is to be done, their
readiness to help those in need, their kind words and deeds, open doors of
usefulness that otherwise would remain closed. They come close to those in
trouble, and the persuasive influence of their words has power to draw many
trembling souls to God. Their work shows what thousands of others might do (The
Ministry of Healing, p. 148-151).
312
{LHU 311.7}
A Great Reformatory Movement
"Characteristics of True
Reformers.--Here are given the characteristics of those who shall be reformers,
who will bear the banner of the third angel's message, those who avow
themselves God's commandment-keeping people, and who honor God, and are
earnestly engaged, in the sight of all the universe, in building up the old
waste places. Who is it that calls them, The repairers of the breach, The
restorers of paths to dwell in? It is God. Their names are registered
[written--Heb. 12:22, 23] in heaven as reformers, restorers, as raising the
foundations of many generations." E. G. White, SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol. 4, 1151.
He which soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully. 2 Cor. 9:6. {LHU 312.1}
When we begin to comprehend what a
sacrifice Christ made in order to save a perishing world, there will be seen a
mighty wrestling to save souls. Oh, that all our churches might see and realize
the infinite sacrifice of Christ! {LHU 312.2}
In visions of the night, representations
passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God's people. Many were
praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit
of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great Day of
Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening
before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy
Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors
were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be
lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the
true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise. . . .
{LHU 312.3}
The judgments of God are in the earth,
and, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we must give the message of
warning that He has entrusted to us. We must give this message quickly, line
upon line, precept upon precept. Men will soon be forced to great decisions,
and it is our duty to see that they are given an opportunity to understand the
truth, that they may take their stand intelligently on the right side. The Lord
calls upon His people to labor--labor earnestly and wisely--while probation
lingers. {LHU
312.4}
Among the members of our churches there
should be more house-to-house labor in giving Bible readings and distributing
literature. A Christian character can be symmetrically and completely formed
only when the human agent regards it as a privilege to work disinterestedly in
the proclamation of the truth and to sustain the cause of God with means. We
must sow beside all waters, keeping our souls in the love of God, working while
it is day, and using the means the Lord has given us to do whatever duty comes
next. Whatever our hands find to do, we are to do with faithfulness; whatever
sacrifice we are called upon to make, we are to make it cheerfully. As we sow
beside all waters we shall realize that "he which soweth bountifully shall
reap also bountifully" (2 Cor. 9:6). . . . {LHU 312.5}
The Lord has presented before me the
work that is to be done in our cities. The believers in these cities are to
work for God in the neighborhood of their homes. They
are to labor quietly and in humility, carrying with them wherever they go the
atmosphere of heaven. If they keep self out of sight, pointing always to
Christ, the power of their influence will be felt (Testimonies, vol. 9,
pp. 125-128).
313
{LHU 312.6}
God's Chosen People
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly
loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Col. 3:12, 13, NIV. {LHU 313.1}
Love "rejoiceth not in iniquity,
but rejoiceth in the truth." He whose heart is imbued with love is filled
with sorrow at the errors and weaknesses of others; but when truth triumphs,
when the cloud that darkened the fair fame of another is removed, or when sins
are confessed and wrongs corrected, he rejoices. . . . {LHU 313.2}
Love not only bears with others'
faults, but cheerfully submits to whatever suffering or inconvenience such
forbearance makes necessary. This love "never faileth." It can never
lose its value; it is the attribute of heaven. As a precious treasure it will
be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God. {LHU 313.3}
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
and peace. Discord and strife are the work of Satan and the fruit of sin. If we
would as a people enjoy peace and love, we must put away our sins; we must come
into harmony with God, and we shall be in harmony with one another. Let each
ask himself: Do I possess the grace of love? Have I learned to suffer long and
to be kind? Talents, learning, and eloquence, without this heavenly attribute,
will be as meaningless as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Alas that this
precious treasure is so lightly valued and so little sought by many who profess
the faith! . . . {LHU
313.4}
If we would not build our hopes of
heaven upon a false foundation we must accept the Bible as it reads and believe
that the Lord means what He says. He requires nothing of us that He will not
give us grace to perform. We shall have no excuse to offer in the day of God if
we fail to reach the standard set before us in His Word. {LHU 313.5}
We are admonished by the apostle:
"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to
another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another." Paul would
have us distinguish between the pure, unselfish love which is prompted by the
spirit of Christ, and the unmeaning, deceitful pretense
with which the world abounds. This base counterfeit has mislead many souls. It
would blot out the distinction between right and wrong, by agreeing with the
transgressor instead of faithfully showing him his errors. Such a course never
springs from real friendship. The spirit by which it is prompted dwells only in
the carnal heart. While the Christian will be ever kind, compassionate, and
forgiving, he can feel no harmony with sin. He will abhor evil and cling to
that which is good, at the sacrifice of association or friendship with the
ungodly. The spirit of Christ will lead us to hate sin, while we are willing to
make any sacrifice to save the sinner (Testimonies, vol. 5, pp.
169-171).
314
{LHU 313.6}
Always a Witness in the [True SDA] Church
"The church is in the Laodicean
state. The presence of God is not in
her midst." E.G. White, Notebook Leaflets, p.
99, 1898.
"To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide
with the true church."
E.G. White, Acts
of the Apostles, p. 55.
"The church is in the Laodicean
state. The presence of God is not in
her midst." E.G. White, Notebook Leaflets, p.
99, 1898.
"To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide
with the true church."
E.G. White, Acts
of the Apostles, p. 55.
The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount
out of the midst of the fire. Deut. 5:4. {LHU 314.1}
God has never left His church without a
witness. In all the scenes of trial and proving, of opposition and persecution
amidst moral darkness, through which the church has passed, God has had men of
opportunity who have been prepared to take up His work at different stages and
carry it forward and upward. Through patriarchs and prophets He revealed His
truth to His people. Christ was the teacher of His ancient people as verily as
He was when He came to the world clothed in the garments of humanity. Hiding
His glory in human form, He often appeared to His people and talked with them
"face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." He, their
invisible Leader, was enshrouded in the pillar of fire and of cloud, and spoke
to His people through Moses. The voice of God was heard by the prophets whom He
had appointed to a special work and to bear a special message. He sent them to
repeat the same words over and over again. He had a message prepared for them
that was not after the ways and will of men, and this He put in their mouths
and had them proclaim. He assured them the Holy Spirit would give them language
and utterance. He who knew the heart would give them words with which to reach
the people. . . . {LHU
314.2}
There never will be a time in the
history of the church when God's worker can fold his hands and be at ease,
saying, "All is peace and safety." Then it is that sudden destruction
cometh. Everything may move forward amid apparent prosperity; but Satan is wide
awake, and is studying and counseling with his evil
angels another mode of attack where he can be successful. The contest will wax
more and more fierce on the part of Satan; for he is moved by a power from
beneath. As the work of God's people moves forward with sanctified, resistless
energy, planting the standard of Christ's righteousness in the church, moved by
a power from the throne of God, the great controversy will wax stronger and
stronger, and will become more and more determined. Mind will be arrayed
against mind, plans against plans, principles of heavenly origin against principles
of Satan. Truth in its varied phases will be in conflict with error in its
ever-varying, increasing forms, and which, if possible, will deceive the very
elect. {LHU
314.3}
Our work must be an earnest one. We are
not to fight as those that beat the air. The ministry, the pulpit, and the
press demand men like Caleb, who will do and dare, men whose eyes are single to
detect the truth from error, whose ears are consecrated to catch the words from
the faithful Watcher (Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 404-407). {LHU 314.4}
The world needs evidences of sincere
Christianity (ibid., p. 416).
315
{LHU 314.5}
The [True SDA] Church will Triumph
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God
Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Rev. 15:3. {LHU 315.1}
Christ has given to the church a sacred
charge. Every member should be a channel through which God can communicate to
the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There
is nothing that the Saviour desires so much as agents who will represent to the
world His Spirit and His character. There is nothing that the world needs so
much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All heaven is
waiting for men and women through whom God can reveal the power of
Christianity. {LHU
315.2}
The church is God's agency for the
proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to do a special work; and if she is
loyal to Him, obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell within her the
excellency of divine grace. If she will be true to
her allegiance, if she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power
that can stand against her. {LHU
315.3}
Zeal for God and His cause moved the
disciples to bear witness to the gospel with mighty power. Should not a like zeal fire our hearts with a determination to tell
the story of redeeming love, of Christ and Him crucified? It is the privilege
of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten the coming of the
Saviour. {LHU
315.4}
If the church will put on the robe of
Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there
is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will
stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency,
a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it,
will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never
been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it
additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine
energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over
every obstacle. {LHU
315.5}
What sustained the Son of God during
His life of toil and sacrifice? He saw the results of the travail of His soul
and was satisfied. Looking into eternity, He beheld the happiness of those who
through His humiliation had received pardon and everlasting life. His ear
caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song
of Moses and the Lamb. . . . {LHU 315.6}
By faith we may stand on the threshold
of the eternal city, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this
life cooperate with Christ (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 600, 601).
316
{LHU 315.7}
The Light of Truth
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,
having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Tim. 2:19. {LHU 316.1}
God Himself will work for Israel. Every
lying tongue will be silenced. Angels' hands will overthrow the deceptive
schemes that are being formed. The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph.
Victory will attend the third angel's message. As the Captain of the Lord's
host tore down the walls of Jericho, so will the Lord's commandment-keeping
people triumph, and all opposing elements be defeated. Let no soul complain of
the servants of God who have come to them with a heaven-sent message. Do not
any longer pick flaws in them, saying, "They are too positive; they talk
too strongly." They may talk strongly; but is it not needed? God will make
the ears of the hearers tingle if they will not heed His voice or His message.
He will denounce those who resist the word of God. . . . {LHU 316.2}
The purging and cleansing will surely pass
through every church in our land that has had great opportunities and
privileges, and has passed them by unheeded. More evidence is not what they
want. They need pure and sanctified hearts to gather up and retain all the
light that God has given, and then they will walk in that light. {LHU 316.3}
We need not say, "The perils of
the last days are soon to come upon us." Already they have come. We need
now the sword of the Lord to cut the very soul and marrow of fleshly lusts,
appetites, and passions. May it pierce and divide in a far greater degree than
it has ever yet done. . . . {LHU
316.4}
I address the people of God who today
are holding fast their confidence, who will not depart from the faith once
delivered unto the saints, who stand amid the moral darkness of these days of
corruption. The word of the Lord to you is: "I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and joy in my people." Can we not here see the paternal love of God
expressed to those who hold fast to the faith in righteousness? The closest relationship
exists between God and His people. Not only are we objects of His sparing
mercy, His pardoning love; we are more than this. The Lord rejoices over His
people. He delights in them. He is their surety. He will beautify all who are
serving Him with a whole heart with the spirit of holiness. He clothes them
with righteousness. He loves those who do His will, who express His image. All
who are true and faithful are conformed to the image of His Son. In their mouth
is found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God (Testimonies
to Ministers, pp. 410-415).
317
{LHU 316.5}
Power of God, Not Self
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that
he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him. 2 Tim. 1:12. {LHU 317.1}
To some who witnessed [Paul's]
martyrdom, his spirit of forgiveness toward his murderers and his unwavering
confidence in Christ till the last, proved a savor of
life unto life. . . . {LHU
317.2}
Until his latest hour the life of Paul
testified to the truth of his words to the Corinthians: "God, who
commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to
give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We
are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in
despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always
bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of
Jesus might be made manifest in our body" (2 Cor. 4:6-10). His sufficiency
was not in himself, but in the presence and agency of the divine Spirit that
filled his soul and brought every thought into subjection to the will of
Christ. The prophet declares, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose
mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isa. 26:3). The
heaven-born peace expressed on Paul's countenance won many a soul to the
gospel. {LHU
317.3}
Paul carried with him the atmosphere of
heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with
Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed gave
convincing power to his preaching. Here lies the power of truth. The unstudied,
unconscious influence of a holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be
given in favor of Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke
only opposition; but a godly example has a power that is impossible wholly to
resist. . . . The few Christians who accompanied him to the place of execution
he endeavored to strengthen and encourage by
repeating the promises given for those who are persecuted for righteousness'
sake. He assured them that nothing would fail of all that the Lord had spoken
concerning His tried and faithful children. . . . Soon the night of trial and
suffering would end, and then would dawn the glad morning of peace and perfect
day. {LHU 317.4}
The apostle was looking into the great
beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but with joyous hope and longing
expectation. . . . {LHU
317.5}
Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ, washed
from sin in His blood, and clothed in His righteousness, Paul has the witness
in himself that his soul is precious in the sight of his Redeemer (The Acts
of the Apostles, pp. 510-512).
318
{LHU 317.6}
Christ's Eternal Vigilance
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These
things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour,
and thy patience. Rev. 2:1, 2. {LHU 318.1}
The picture reveals eternal vigilance.
Christ is in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, walking from church to
church, from congregation to congregation, from heart to heart. He that keepeth
Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. If the candlesticks were left to the care
of human beings, how often the light would flicker and go out! But God has not
given His church into the hands of men. Christ, the One who gave His life for
the world, that all who believe in Him may not perish but have everlasting
life, is the Watchman of the house. He is the Warder, faithful and true, of the
temple courts of the Lord. {LHU
318.2}
"These things saith he that
holdeth the seven stars in his right hand." The words are spoken to the
teachers in the church--those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities.
The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with
God's ministers, who are to reveal the precious love of Christ. The stars of
heaven are under His control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs
their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with
His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they
accomplish is done through His power. Through them His light is to shine forth.
The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to
His Father, they will do His work. As they make God their dependence, He will
give them His brightness to reflect to the world. {LHU 318.3}
Christ walks in the midst of His
churches through the length and breadth of the earth. He looks with intense
interest to see whether His people are in such a condition spiritually that
they can advance His kingdom. He is present in every assembly of the church. He
knows those whose hearts He can fill with the holy oil, that they may impart it
to others. Those who faithfully carry forward the work of Christ, representing
in word and deed the character of God, fulfill the Lord's purpose for them, and
Christ takes pleasure in them. {LHU 318.4}
"I know thy works, and thy labour,
and thy patience." Christ is acquainted with the history and experience of
every one who has accepted Him. To His people He
says, "I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." He cherishes
carefully every act of love and endurance performed by them. . . . Christ holds
the stars in His right hand, and it is His purpose to let His light shine forth
through them to the world. Thus He desires to prepare His people for higher
service in the church above. . . . Let us show forth in our lives what divine
grace can do for humanity (Review and Herald, May 26, 1903). {LHU 318.5}