How to preach the word of God?

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).“Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).According to these scriptures, it is clear that the gospel message is to reach the ends of the earth. The good news of salvation in Christ must make its way across borders and oceans to reach the farthest corners of the planet. This is the divine command and it is our mission as God’s chosen people. If the world is to be lightened with the glory of God, we have an important part to play in this work.Without a doubt, we sometimes feel the same limitations as the disciples surely felt when the Saviour commanded them to preach the gospel to everyone. The challenge was too big for them as it is for us, but the promise made to them—that His presence would attend them until the end of the world—also belongs to us. (John 17:18, 20.)Thank God, in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy we find not only the charge of tilling the entire field, but also the form and methods to achieve this goal in the short time left. The Lord assigned to us His plan of evangelization, but also left us the tools to carry it out successfully.

Medical missionary work

“The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up” (Isaiah 1:5, 6).“The earth . . . is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth” (Isaiah 24:5, 6).“We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work. The world is a lazar house filled with victims of both physical and spiritual disease. Everywhere people are perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truths that have been committed to us. The members of the church are in need of an awakening, that they may realize their responsibility to impart these truths.” Testimonies, vol 7, p62“During His ministry Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy but to save. . . .“The followers of Christ are to labor as He did. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and inspire hope in the hopeless.” The desire of ages, p350Many doors now closed will open before the delicate touch of the medical missionary. There are thousands of souls who would never be reached unless we use the entering wedge—the light of health reform. Both in the world and in Christendom with its various religious congregations there are many souls who are waiting for the Restorer of health for body, soul, and spirit. Where there is pain, we can make use of the keys in our hands to open the door of many hearts to the truth: A word of encouragement, counsel full of love about nutrition, fervent prayer for the sick, simple treatments by natural means, hymns of praise, prayer for families going through difficulties—all this will open the way to reach the people with the gospel because our great need is God’s opportunity (Luke 4:18).

Personal home visits

The apostle Paul testified: “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house. . . . Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:20, 31).“Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your way to the heart.” Evangelism, p437“Much depends upon the manner in which you meet those whom you visit. You can take hold of a person’s hand in greeting in such a way as to gain his confidence at once, or in so cold a manner that he will think you have no interest in him.” Gospel workers, p189“This house-to-house labor, searching for souls, hunting for the lost sheep, is the most essential work that can be done.” Evangelism, p431“All who can, should do personal labor. As they go from house to house, explaining the Scriptures to the people in a clear, simple manner, God makes the truth powerful to save. The Saviour blesses those who do this work.” Ibid, p442“Of equal importance with special public efforts is house-to-house work in the homes of the people. In large cities there are certain classes that cannot be reached by public meetings. These must be searched out as the shepherd searches for his lost sheep. Diligent, personal effort must be put forth in their behalf. When personal work is neglected, many precious opportunities are lost, which, were they improved, would advance the work decidedly.” Testimonies, vol 9, p111“Let Sabbathkeeping families move . . . [to new areas] and live out the truth before those who know it not. These families can be a help to one another, but let them be careful to do nothing that will hedge up their way. Let them do Christian help work, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This will have a far stronger influence for good than the preaching of sermons. Deeds, as well as words, of sympathy are needed. Christ prefaced the giving of His message by deeds of love and benevolence. Let these workers go from house to house, helping where help is needed, and, as opportunity offers, telling the story of the cross. Christ is to be their text. They need not dwell upon doctrinal subjects; let them speak of the work and sacrifice of Christ. Let them hold up His righteousness, in their lives revealing His purity.”Ibid, vol 7, p227-228“Among the members of our churches there should be more house-to-house labor, in giving Bible readings [which we would now call Bible studies] and distributing literature.” Ibid, vol 9, p127“The Lord calls for decided efforts to be put forth in places where the people know nothing of the truth. Singing and prayer and Bible readings are needed in the homes of the people. . . . Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. ‘It is written’ is to be their weapon of defense.” The Upward Look, p58

The ministry of music

“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15).“There are few means more effective for fixing [God’s] words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort.” Education, p167-168Singing to the glory of God drives away the enemy and praising Him beats Him back, giving us the victory.“While Christ was working at the carpenter’s bench, others would sometimes surround Him, trying to cause Him to be impatient; but He would begin singing some of the beautiful psalms, and before they realized what they were doing, they had joined with Him in singing, influenced, as it were, by the power of the Holy Spirit which was there.” The Adventist Home, p443Souls are drawn to Christ and His church through the ministry of music. An inspirational anthem may touch the heartstrings, and the soul is softened and subdued to receive the saving truth in Christ Jesus.

The ministry of canvassing

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. . . . In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2, 6).To provide training in the line of canvassing work is a task that the church must not neglect.“When young men enter the canvassing field filled with an intense longing to save their fellowmen, a harvest for the Lord will be reaped as a result of their efforts. Then let them go forth as missionaries, to proclaim present truth, praying constantly for increased light, and for the guidance of the Spirit, that they may know how to speak words in season to those who are weary. Let them improve every opportunity for performing deeds of kindness, remembering that they are doing errands for the Lord.” Gospel Workers, p96“Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached word. Whole churches have been raised up as the result of their circulation.” The Review and Herald, june 10, 1880The sale of books and magazines can be fruitful, yet interest in the truth can also be raised up through surveys, religious opinion polls, and questionnaires about health and family topics. These inquiries pave the way for conversation and Bible courses should be available to follow up on the interest.Jesus has given us a few examples of an opinion poll: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13–16). (This conversation took place in the circle of the disciples but a similar example posed to the public is found in Matthew 11:7–11.)God’s appeal echoes down through the centuries: “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it” (Jeremiah 5:1).

Public conferences

Jesus is presented to us in the scriptures as the greatest speaker ever known. Often His speeches were made in open fields to the ears of large crowds. (See Matthew 5:1, 2; 14:14; Luke 21:37, 38.)The apostles also adopted this approach in preaching the gospel. After Pentecost, their messages were accompanied by power and wisdom from on high to touch the hearts of thousands of listeners. (See Acts 2:41; 4:4.)When William Miller gave lectures on the second coming of Christ, it drew crowds and produced a great sensation. “No wild excitement attended the meetings, but a deep solemnity pervaded the minds of those who heard.” Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. white, p16Ellen Harmon attended these meetings and was deeply moved by them.“In the cities of today, where there is so much to attract and please, the people can be interested by no ordinary efforts. Ministers of God’s appointment will find it necessary to put forth extraordinary efforts in order to arrest the attention of the multitudes. And when they succeed in bringing together a large number of people, they must bear messages of a character so out of the usual order that the people will be aroused and warned.” Testimonies, vol 9, 109

Camp meeting

“Camp meetings are to be held in many places, and evangelistic work is to be done after the camp meeting is over. Thus the sheaves are to be gathered in.” Evangelism, 399“And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also” (Zechariah 8:21).“The camp meeting is one of the most important agencies in our work. It is one of the most effective methods of arresting the attention of the people and reaching all classes with the gospel invitation. The time in which we live is a time of intense excitement. Ambition and war, pleasure and money-making, absorb the minds of men. Satan sees that his time is short, and he has set all his agencies at work, that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced, until probation shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.” Testimonies, vol 6, p31“If our camp meetings are conducted as they should be, they will indeed be a light in the world. They should be held in the large cities and towns where the message of truth has not been proclaimed. And they should continue for two or three weeks. It may sometimes be advisable to hold a camp meeting for several successive seasons in the same place; but as a rule the place of meeting should be changed from year to year. Instead of having mammoth camp meetings in a few localities, more good would be done by having smaller meetings in many places. Thus the work will be constantly extending into new fields.” Ibid, p33

Why attend the camp meeting?

“Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast. He will be present, and He will do for you that which you most need to have done. Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher interests of the soul.” Ibid, vol 2, p575-576“It is important that the members of our churches should attend our camp meetings. The enemies of truth are many; and because our numbers are few, we should present as strong a front as possible. Individually you need the benefits of the meeting, and God calls upon you to number one in the ranks of truth.The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun.“Some will say: ‘It is expensive to travel, and it would be better for us to save the money and give it for the advancement of the work where it is so much needed.’ Do not reason in this way; God calls upon you to take your place among the rank and file of His people. Strengthen the meeting all you possibly can by being present with your families. Put forth extra exertion to attend the gathering of God’s people.“Brethren and sisters, it would be far better for you to let your business suffer than to neglect the opportunity of hearing the message God has for you. Make no excuse that will keep you from gaining every spiritual advantage possible. You need every ray of light. You need to become qualified to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. You cannot afford to lose one such privilege.” Ibid, vol 6, p39

Moving into new areas

“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1).Sometimes when our people move from one city or country to another, they easily fall into anonymity and thus lose their connection with the church—and in some cases their relationship with Jesus, only to end up dying spiritually.But God’s plan is that instead of this, we are to take Jesus with us wherever we go, as Abraham did. Wherever we raise our camp, a new mission field should be established, just as Abraham would leave an altar for the Lord.“God calls for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, and work wisely and perseveringly for the Master. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice.” Ibid, vol 9, p33“The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantage; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries. They should feel a love for souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring them into the truth. They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works.” Testimonies, vol 8, p245

Printed and audiovisual materials

Besides spreading printed literature, one effective method of lay evangelism is through the use of audiovisual material. Short messages recorded on audio or video have had extraordinary influence in arousing the interest of many souls who have come to take their position on the side of the present truth. Wherever this method has been tested, we know it works. Brethren from various countries can testify that what we are saying is true.“New methods must be introduced. God’s people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living. God has men whom He will call into His service—men who will not carry forward the work in the lifeless way in which it has been carried forward in the past. . . . ” Evangelism, p70“Means will be devised to reach hearts. Some of the methods used in this work will be different from the methods used in the work in the past; but let no one, because of this, block the way by criticism.“Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who, under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor and can invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members and reaching the men and women of the world.” Ibid, p105

Radio and television program

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). It would be a big mistake not to take advantage of the mass media to preach the gospel. Through radio and television programs and selective forms of social media, we can reach hundreds and even thousands with the message of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Jesus declared: “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops” (Matthew 10:27).Without a doubt, this is another effective way to reach many with the message of truth. More workers must be educated and properly trained to do this work in a professional manner. Many among us have this vocation, and can well be educated to perfect this beautiful talent to speak wisely from the microphones of a radio or TV channel.May God bless all the media used in preaching the Gospel. Amen!by José A. Usuga Goéz  Thanks for reading, May God Bless You.

Be a missionary of Christ

At His ascension, Christ addressed His followers with a holy duty to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God to all nations. That meant that every living soul upon the earth would have the opportunity to hear the most precious message that their sins can be forgiven, that they can be saved for eternity through the mercy of Jesus Christ, that the end of this world is approaching, and the kingdom of God is coming. God’s plan is thus to enlighten the earth with His glory.“The whole earth is to be illuminated with the glory of God’s truth. The light is to shine to all lands and all peoples. And it is from those who have received the light that it is to shine forth.” Evangelism, p 407“The time has come when the message of Christ’s soon coming is to sound throughout the world.” Testimonies, vol 9, p 24Time is flying and every second someone’s life is suddenly cut short. Every minute someone finishes his life. . . . Have all these souls who are so precious to Christ reconciled with their Creator? Did all that have passed away manage to prepare themselves to meet the Lord? How many acquaintances, relatives and other people dear to your heart have finished their life unprepared for eternity? The Lord commands: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).“The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory.” Christ's Object Lessons, p 415-416“We are to go forth to proclaim the goodness of God and to make plain His real character before the people.” Faith and works, p 61

Service-God's instrument

Dear friends, Christ did not give His disciples a commission to bring people into His kingdom because He couldn’t evangelize the world Himself; for there is nothing impossible for Him. Christ Himself could have preached the truth faster and more efficiently than any human.“God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid.” The Desire of Ages, p 142. The Lord could proclaim the message of salvation Himself or through the angels in a short span of time. Yes, “God could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs.” The acts of Apostles, p 330The angels would have fulfilled the commission joyfully and unconditionally. For example, “the angel sent to Philip could himself have done the work for the Ethiopian.” Ibid, p 109 The angel descended from heaven with a commission, but instead of coming to the Ethiopian he went to look for Philip.Why did he waste time to look for a man? Why didn’t he just do it himself?The mission was entrusted to people, so that by serving Him they could grow into the similitude of Christ! Service is God’s instrument for Christian growth! By helping our fellowmen we grow spiritually!

How can we become effective missionaries?

When Christ gave a definite commission to His disciples: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15), this small group of disciples had no riches, no power, no education. How could they fulfill Christ’s commission?In John 20:19 we read about Christ appearing to His disciples in the upper room, where they had gathered out of fear for their lives. The door and the windows were shut, and every rustling sound caused much anxiety.The disciples were discouraged by the crucifixion of their beloved Master. Yet suddenly appearing in the upper room, Jesus declared to them, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). How could they fulfill the commission if they were even afraid to go out from the upper room? Knowing their worries and their need, He immediately said: “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22).After forty days, the Saviour said that the disciples needed the special power of the Holy Spirit, and moreover, He promised them this power in abundant measure if they would ask. (See Acts 1:4, 5, 8.)“Christ’s visible presence was about to be withdrawn from the disciples, but a new endowment of power was to be theirs. The Holy Spirit was to be given them in its fullness, sealing them for their work. ‘Behold,’ the Saviour said, ‘I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49)” Ibid, p 30This promise strengthened the followers of Christ so that they could fulfill the Gospel work entrusted to them. God promised that He would send the disciples the power of the Holy Spirit.“They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.” Ibid, p 37It was on the day of Pentecost that the disciples received confidence, courage—the qualities needed for the work of salvation.“The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart.” Ibid, p 30. The Lord supplied the church with the talents to fulfill His great commission, giving them ability to understand and preach in all the languages existing in their time (see Acts 2:4–12) as well as power to heal the sick and resurrect the dead, just as He had foretold (see Mark 16:17, 18).

The result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Driven by the desire to proclaim the truth, the disciples went around the world. Within about three decades the preaching of Christ spread throughout all of Palestine, Asia Minor and Asia Major, northern Africa and Europe and reached even the settlements of skiffs—the message of salvation went to nearly all the civilized parts of the world in those days. The voice of truth penetrated the farthest corners of the known world of that time. Thousands heeded the message of salvation; many Christian churches were organized in Greece, Macedonia, India—and in the cruel Rome that hated and persecuted Christians, including even among Caesar’s household.The sincere followers of Christ became missionaries as soon as they learned of the Saviour.“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.” The Desire of Ages, p 195A missionary is one that fulfills a mission. It is the one that has found Jesus and cannot be silent; he is eager to share the received revelation with others.“The spirit of Christ is a missionary spirit. The very first impulse of the renewed heart is to bring others also to the Saviour.” The Great Controversy, p 70My dear friend, do you have such an experience in your life? Maybe you are sitting and waiting until someone else does the work instead of you.Very often we have doubts about whether we will succeed or not. We are sitting, planning, holding seminars for each other in the places where there are as many of us as trees in the dense forest, and we don’t go farther than this. But how many places and huge cities are calling us with a Macedonian cry?

The marching orders

“The Duke of Wellington was once present where a party of Christian men were discussing the possibility of success in missionary effort among the heathen. They appealed to the duke to say whether in his judgment such efforts were likely to prove a success commensurate to the cost. The old soldier replied: ‘Gentlemen, what are your marching orders? Success is not the question for you to discuss. If I read your orders aright, they run thus, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Gentlemen, obey your marching orders.’ ” Gospel workers, p115“If you would go forth to do Christ’s work, angels of God would open the way before you, preparing hearts to receive the gospel. Were every one of you a living missionary, the message for this time would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to every people and nation and tongue. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory. I call upon the church to pray earnestly that you may understand your responsibilities. Are you individually laborers together with God? If not, why not? When do you mean to do your heaven-appointed work?“For all who are disheartened there is but one remedy—faith, prayer, and work.” Testimonies, vol 6, p 438

Time is running out.....

We have little time left to fulfill our Lord’s commission and we need to remember that the powers of darkness are not idle; the enemy and his supporters work 24 hours each day, while we are measuring off for God but a tiny portion of our time, pondering whether to work for souls or not! We should realize that as we approach the Lord’s return, the powers of darkness are making every effort to implement their cunning intentions leading souls to ruin.The enemy’s wrath is now intensifying even more as his end is approaching (Revelation 12:12), yet we are not to be surprised. Jesus has told of this in advance (Matthew 24:21; John 15:20; 16:2; 2 Timothy 3:1, 12).It’s difficult to describe in words the persecutions God’s children have suffered over the centuries. The enemy’s hatred against the followers of Christ knows no bounds. And since the times of Christ the church has resisted the attacks of the powers of darkness only with the help of the Lord. Millions have been tortured and killed. But their death was as seed—many executioners later came to Christ and many witnesses of executions on scaffolds and guillotines received Christ as their personal Saviour.The faith of these true children of God shines throughout the ages, inspiring and encouraging Christ’s followers. And no matter how diligently Satan may try to counteract God’s church, he will never gain the ultimate victory; Christ has already conquered him on the cross and this is a sure pledge of victory for the followers of Jesus! And when some workers fall smitten by the hand of the enemy, the others step up—picking up Christ’s standard, walking through the thorns, holding fast the hand of the Saviour. Soon the Lord will finish His work upon the earth.My dear friend, no matter what obstacles are coming upon your way, we have the clear command of Christ: “Go and preach!” We have no time to waste and get sidetracked on unimportant temporal things, on material needs, on arrangements for our well-being. There’s no time to GET DISTRACTED FROM THE MAIN GOAL! It doesn’t matter what the devil does, the main and most important thing is what God does!The disciples didn’t fret and worry about Rome; prohibitions and threats couldn’t stop or frighten them. Even the most terrible persecution didn’t make them stop preaching about Christ. All the difficulties did not merely try their faith, but strengthened it!As soon as Christ organized His church, the Jews became even more embittered against Christians. Terrible persecutions and martyrdoms began. Yet fearlessly, with songs, praise and prayers on their lips, these courageous heroes of faith received death at the hands of the tyrants that didn’t understand the main thing: where one Christian died, thousands were born for the life with Christ!Later when Satan understood that he could not destroy the church that way, he changed the tactics; the form of warfare was changed. In the days of Constantine the persecutions ceased and pagan rites entered the church, human authority superseded God’s authority, and God’s commandments were substituted by human regulations. Now the true Christians that were faithfully keeping God’s commandments were persecuted by the professedly Christian church that was actually serving the interests of the state.Later, the great reformers accomplished a great work of carrying the Word of Life to millions of people at the cost of their lives. They labored in perilous times with one goal—to fulfill Christ’s commission: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world” (Matthew 24:14).Of Jeremiah it is written: “Imprisoned, and placed in the stocks, the prophet nevertheless continued to speak the messages of Heaven to those who stood by. His voice could not be silenced by persecution. The word of truth, he declared, ‘was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay’ (Jeremiah 20:9).” Prophets and Kings, p 432The controversy is going on and will intensify, yet leaning on the experiences of former generations we are encouraged. It doesn’t matter what kind of persecutions the enemy makes and how he tries to counteract the message; he will not succeed, the truth will be preached.Christ overcame in this controversy and His victory has paved the way of victory for us. Don’t be discouraged; don’t become disheartened: go boldly in the name of One Who has already overcome and gives us strength to overcome.

Instruments in the hands of Christ

Just as a sculptor begins with a plain piece of granite and uses instruments—designated tools—to create a beautiful sculpture, so we can be instruments in the hands of our Creator.“Let us begin to work for those who have not had the light. . . . What we need is a living faith, faith to proclaim over the rent sepulcher of Joseph that we have a living Saviour, one who will go before us and who will work with us. God will do the work if we will furnish Him the instruments. There needs to be among us a great deal more of prayer and much less of unbelief. We need to lift up the standard higher and still higher before the people. We need to remember that Christ is always at our right hand as we proclaim liberty to the captives and deal the bread of life to hungry souls. When we keep before our minds the urgency and importance of our work, the salvation of God will be revealed in a remarkable manner.“God help us to put on the armor and to act as if we were in earnest, as if the souls of men and women were worth saving. Let us seek a new conversion. We need the presence of the Holy Spirit of God with us.” Testimonies, vol 9, p 107The inhabitants of the Earth need to be educated, reproved, and appealed to and this should be done by the Holy Spirit that will use people as His instruments. If this is the case, can we doubt the success of the missionary work?—No, never.

An honor and a privilege

The Lord has bestowed upon us a great honor—we can become His colaborers in the work of salvation! It’s not a heavy burden, it’s a great PRIVILEGE! “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). It is this privilege to carry the message of salvation to the perishing world that is offered to you, my dear friend! Will you receive God’s calling or will you stand aloof—the decision is yours!“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). Whether with us or without us, the work will be done!When Christ uttered these words He was surrounded by a small group of Galilean fishermen. He Himself was rejected by the Jews. From that small beginning, a great work is to be accomplished. This message will sound till it spreads throughout all the nations. No persecution can hinder it. On the contrary, persecution tends to facilitate the promotion of the gospel.Everyone has a choice to make: whether to be or not to be a coworker with Christ in completing the gospel work. You may say: “What can I do?” If you’re just sitting, then you will do nothing—but if you take up the work where you are, you soon will see the results.

The power of example

After a big coastal storm, thousands of starfish were drying up on the beach, anxiously moving their tentacles but unable to return to the sea. Onlookers and photographers came to capture the beautiful, yet terrible sight. They watched but did nothing to save the dying creatures.One boy was not able to bear the scene. He quickly grabbed a few starfish and carried them to the water. A man inquired, “May I ask what it is that you are doing?”The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die unless I throw them back into the water.”The man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. You won’t really be able to make much of a difference.” The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”Soon the man joined him in the project, then others came, and more and more followed until many people undertook the aim to make a difference. So, thanks to this small boy’s persistence, nearly all the starfish were saved, though they had been doomed to die!My dear friend! It’s true that you cannot help everyone, but you can help those close to you! Then, help at least one perishing soul to find the way of salvation!If suddenly your life ends today, have you ever thought: “What did I personally do for the Lord?”“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1, 2, emphasis added).“The end is near, stealing upon us stealthily, imperceptibly, like the noiseless approach of a thief in the night. May the Lord grant that we shall no longer sleep as do others, but that we shall watch and be sober. The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who now choose to be laborers together with God will triumph with it. The time is short; the night soon cometh when no man can work. Let those who are rejoicing in the light of present truth now make haste to impart the truth to others.” Ibid, p 135The truth is soon to triumph. The work of salvation will be finished. Become a partaker of this triumph!by Sergey Karvatski  thanks for reading, May God Bless You

The work of the Gospel

The great Gospel commission of Jesus Christ to His disciples is: “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. Amen” (Matthew 28:19, 20).What is the Gospel in this commission? The Gospel is the Good News. News is transmitted through words. So, the Gospel or the Good News is all the words that are incarnated in Jesus Christ. “And the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14). In fact, all the things that surround us are nothing else but the result of the words of God. The Bible says, “God said, Let there be light: and there was light. . . . And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so” (Genesis 1:3, 9). Even matter was made by His word!The apostle John says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1, 3).The apostle Paul explains that “by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17).Even nowadays, words have creative power. For instance, when we pronounce a word, its sound goes to the external ear, then into the middle ear and in the inner ear it is transformed into a nervous impulse; through the acoustic nerve it travels into the temporal lobe where, because of the connections with the frontal lobes and the other cerebral hemispheres, the sounds are integrated and the information is stored in the neural system as matter. So, the words are transformed into matter in our brain.This matter will remain there. The words that we hear are the source of thoughts, of the way we react; they lead to deeds, the deeds to habits, the habits form the traits of the character; and the character is in fact the person. So, we are the words that we choose to listen to.The gospel is all those words that create in the human mind the character of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This is the divine image that humanity lost when sin entered our race.In the beginning, when God created the world, everything was perfect, in perfect order and in subject to laws that were meant to maintain life in perfect and impressive harmony thus reflecting the character of the Creator.All things were made by the Word and are upheld by the Word.“The Lord made man upright in the beginning. He was created with a perfectly balanced mind, the size and strength of all its organs being perfectly developed. Adam was a perfect type of man. Every quality of mind was well proportioned, each having a distinctive office, and yet all dependent one upon another for the full and proper use of any one of them.” Testimonies, vol 3, p72“He who created the mind and ordained its laws, provided for its development in accordance with them.” Education, p41

Health and sickness

According to medical science, health is a state of complete physical, mental, psychical, social and moral well-being.This perfect state of physical, mental and moral well-being has only one secret: complete obedience to the laws that govern the universe, our galaxy, our solar system, the earth and our body—the macro- and micro-cosmos.“The same power that upholds nature, is working also in man. The same great laws that guide alike the stars and the atom control human life. The laws that govern the heart’s action, regulating the flow of the current of life to the body, are the laws of the mighty Intelligence that has the jurisdiction of the soul. From Him all life proceeds. Only in harmony with Him can be found its true sphere of action. For all the objects of His creation the condition is the same—a life sustained by receiving the life of God, a life exercised in harmony with the Creator’s will. To transgress His law, physical, mental, or moral, is to place one’s self out of harmony with the universe, to introduce discord, anarchy, ruin.”Ibid, p99-100Ever since I began studying how the human organism works and how we get sick, I have been in a dilemma: What gets first sick, the organism that holds the mind, or the mind that controls the organism?All the words we hear create our thoughts. We know that a nourished thought can become an action, a repeated action becomes a custom and a repeated custom a trait of character, and the sum of the traits form the complete character. And the character is what the person is.This means that disorder or illness appears when that disorder takes place in a person’s mind or way of thinking. The wise Solomon says that, “God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).Human degradation starts with the sin or the sinful thought. What is sin? Listening to a lie or a half-truth, or listening to words told in a way that produce doubt or to untrue words will lead to wrong actions (sins) that will degrade health.“A continual transgression of nature’s laws is a continual transgression of the law of God. The present weight of suffering and anguish which we see everywhere, the present deformity, decrepitude, disease, and imbecility now flooding the world, make it, in comparison to what it might be and what God designed it should be, a lazar house [i.e., leper colony]; and the present generation are feeble in mental, moral, and physical power. All this misery has accumulated from generation to generation because fallen man will break the law of God. Sins of the greatest magnitude are committed through the indulgence of perverted appetite.” Testimonies, vol 4, p30. A perverted appetite is not merely intemperance concerning our food, work, or rest but also a perverted visual, auditory, and intellectual appetite.The mind is altered by what it hears and sees and it becomes identical with the things it meditates upon. “Like the body, the mind derives its strength from the food it receives. It is broadened and elevated by pure, strengthening thoughts; but it is narrowed and debased by thoughts that are of the earth earthy.“Parents, you ... cannot keep their [children’s] active minds unoccupied; neither can you frown away evil. Only by the inculcation of right principles can you exclude wrong thoughts. . . . Good, sound instruction is the only preventive of the evil communica-tions that corrupt good manners. Truth will protect the soul from the endless temptations that must be encountered. . . .“Encourage your children to store the mind with valuable knowledge, to let that which is good occupy the soul and control its powers, leaving no place for low, debasing thoughts. Restrict the desire for reading matter that does not furnish good food for the mind. . . .“Never should books [Editor: or electronic media] containing a perversion of truth be placed in the hands of children or youth. Let not our children, in the very process of obtaining an education, receive ideas that will prove to be seeds of sin.” The Adventist Home, p410,411,413Nowadays, the mind is perverted by a tool readily refined by evil. It is that “window” that, besides a few good things, offers a large view about what is infamous and degrading. But naturally, the human mind chooses what is evil. Sitting on this window (like Eutychus during the apostle Paul’s sermon), people will fall not inside but outside—and they will be led to degradation and ruin. We can find this window (screen) everywhere—in our tablets, smart phones and laptops. This habit of watching everything at any time exhausts people into such a degree that they lose their ability to discern between good and evil.One of the most important functions of the brain is its capacity to discern between evil and good. In the psychiatric science this is called consciousness. It is benumbed then when we get psychically tired (by moving images), when we are in trance (induced by long watching of a screen).The first act of disobedience was also caused by the inducement of a hypnotic state, an allurement—a speaking serpent. This first sin opened the door to disorder, degeneration, and death.“God created man perfect and holy. But man fell from his holy estate because he transgressed God’s law. Since the Fall there has been a rapid increase of disease, suffering, and death. Yet notwithstanding man has insulted his Creator, God’s love is still extended to the race; and He permits light to shine that man may see that in order to live a perfect life he must live in harmony with those natural laws which govern his being. Therefore it is of the greatest importance that he know how to live so that his powers of body and mind may be exercised to the glory of God.” Testimonies, vol 3, p162-163

Pioneering for restoration

This work is wonderful. It is nothing else than the work of restoration of the mind through heavenly power—the power of the human will to choose under any circumstances the things that bring us closer to the heart of the Heavenly Father.The work of the Gospel is to recreate/bring back order into the mind. The willing acceptance of that information contained in the Gospel, that operates in full harmony with the human mind, helping to guide and restore the body from sickness to health.Christ’s mission in this world was to open a way through which humanity, though degraded by sin, could be brought back and integrated into the universal harmony of Heaven as a perfect being. This work of healing the mind and leading to the healing of the body and soul is the best good news. The Gospel revealed in Jesus Christ is the first treatment for fallen humanity. There is no healthy person in this world. The moral or spiritual degradation leads to degradation of the body. The only way through which we can be changed is by accepting into our mind that life changing information, that is, Jesus Christ.Renowned researchers of the world have decided that Jesus Christ, with His perfect character, should be placed in the center of the time axis measuring human history. Everybody relates to Him.He is not only the One who sustains the history, but also the One who uplifts people from their state of degradation and brings them back into heavenly places. This uplifting starts the moment we accept His words. Referring to this, the apostle Paul says: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

What is Gospel and How does it represent the first step in the restoration of humanity?

“[Jesus] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by Satan. There were whole villages where there was not a moan of sickness in any house; for He had passed through them, and healed all their sick. His work gave evidence of His divine anointing. Love, mercy, and compassion were displayed in every act of His life; His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men.” Steps to Christ, p 11-12The most important thing for everyone is the restoration of the human to reflect the image of God. This restoration begins by accepting the heavenly principles received by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No miraculous drug, no complex surgical intervention can produce those extraordinary changes that transform a sinful person into a good one, or that will destroy the traces of illness and death. This happens only by accepting Jesus Christ as the foundation of our thinking, as the seed for all our thoughts.If we permit the hand of God that works in nature to govern our being, then illness will disappear and health will be restored.“It is not by inherent power that year by year the earth yields its bounties and continues its march around the sun. The hand of the Infinite One is perpetually at work guiding this planet. It is God’s power continually exercised that keeps the earth in position in its rotation. It is God who causes the sun to rise in the heavens. He opens the windows of heaven and gives rain.” The Ministry of Healing, p416“The children of God are those who are partakers of His nature. It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity. Even sinners whose hearts are not utterly closed to God’s Spirit, will respond to kindness; while they may give hate for hate, they will also give love for love. But it is only the Spirit of God that gives love for hatred. To be kind to the unthankful and to the evil, to do good hoping for nothing again, is the insignia of the royalty of heaven, the sure token by which the children of the Highest reveal their high estate.” Thoughts From the Mount of blessing, p75Whether we accept it or not, our presence is either a blessing, a remedy for our neighbors or, on the contrary, a poison, a savor of death unto death. This difference is made by what we cherish in our minds. If Jesus is there, this will be seen; if He is not, then both we and those who do not know God will be disappointed.In the early church, the work of the apostles was far-reaching and profound. The beginning of every missionary effort is in fact the work of restoration of the body ruined by illness and suffering. Only after these sufferings were eased, could people experience a new life in Jesus Christ. By accepting Christ, their whole being was filled with His presence and they became channels of light for their neighbors. This spirit of life that filled them and effused to others came from that well of eternal life of which we can freely drink.

Practical science

The Gospel is not a theory. It is practical life. While I was working as an intern doctor in France, a surgeon colleague asked me over breakfast: “Why are you a vegetarian?” I answered, “Because of a piece of biblical information that is scientifically proven: Genesis 1:29.” Elaborating further in purely scientific terms with which, he, as a doctor, was familiar—the actual chemistry of how efficiently the elements of plant-based foods are assimilated into our system—this technical explanation, with God’s help, turned out to be an ideal “entering wedge” for him. He answered: “Wow! I have never thought of this! That’s really amazing!” The perfect chemical reactions of God’s design declare the greatness of His divine wisdom and about the plan made before creation. It is also why, as time passes, humanity discovers truths that the gospel made known centuries ago.The power of any means of cure cannot be found in itself or in the person that uses it. Jesus Christ is the Healer. If this truth were understood by the medical community as well as the preachers of the Gospel, then the work of salvation would soon encompass the whole world as at the beginning of the early church. None can allow themselves to proudly believe they can heal. The health practitioner can only help, but the healing comes from the well of eternal life.Most people are careless with their bodies; they eat without reason and their life is ruled by no order, they are greedy; they only want to gratify their appetite and lust, without realizing that their existence is owed to a Sacrifice. Other times they are only negligent or indifferent. They do not care what they introduce into their bodies. If they could understand the following statement, their life would be changed:“Our Lord has said, ‘Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. . . . For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed’ (John 6:53–55). This is true of our physical nature. To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf. It is reflected in every water spring. All this Christ has taught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice. The light shining from that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament.” The desire of Ages, p660

Conclusion

Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. Our existence is a balm and a blessing. The presence of every human being that is saved through the mercy of the Lord Jesus is a place where life abounds. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:5–7). May all enjoy this happiness!by Emil Barbu Thanks for reading, May God Bless You.

Christ's faithfulness to His people

Jesus concludes His great commission to go and teach all nations with the assurance, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).As we review the sacred history of God’s people, there’s one thing that catches our attention, and we will be deeply impressed by it, namely: The way in which God has related to His people, the way in which He has led them, His love, His forbearance, justice, and loyalty exceeding all human understanding and interpretation. Every manifestation of His presence, of His creative power, His sovereignty, His nature, and His law convince us that God is love, and that He has always been and will forever be such. In God’s love is comprised the happiness and blessing of all created beings. Time and again God has promised in His Word that He will be with His children, that He will providentially guide and bless them and that He will never forsake them. This promise has been fulfilled exactly the way He promised.

A lesson from the eagles

Moses describes the way the Lord led the Hebrews in their wilderness journey: “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him” (Deuteronomy 32:11, 12).What a wonderful description! For the eagle’s young, the nest means safety, comfort, ease; everything is available, their food is provided. In their nest, the young feel at home, safe. What would happen if the young eagle spent its entire life in the nest? Would she develop harmoniously? Would she end up being a beautifully developed eagle? Surely not. She would be an eagle unable to fly, she would not be able to use her wings, she would become lazy, selfish, always expecting to be attended to; she would remain an eagle that had lost her motivation and lived vainly to no aim. But see, there comes the moment when the eagle-parent stirreth up her nest and teaches her chick to fly. This “small eagle proper” finally becomes a full-grown, imposing eagle, who roams the air with her wide wings, meeting tempests and providing her own food. Our eagle can face life from now on, and is able to build a nest for herself and establish her own family.When Moses was presenting the image of the eagle in the verses of his song, he was only presenting his personal experience and that of his people, an experience they had made with God throughout their lives. It is an accurate description of the infinite love of God’s care for them and of the delicate and wise way in which God had led and treated His beloved people.Some aspects of this are worth mentioning:1. God stirred up their “nest”Since the time of Abraham, God has “stirred up the nest” of His chosen ones. Often they had to be separated from their families who were dear unto them, from their home, their country, becoming strangers and pilgrims upon the earth in search of a better homeland. They did not live in comfort, they did not have an easy life. They were persecuted by the enemies of God, and they also frequently grieved the Lord by infidelity, idolatry, disobedience, and rebellion—things which had painful long-term consequences.2. He watched over themAll the while God watched over them, taking care of them; His eyes were over them day and night, and nothing happened to them without His will.3. He stretched His wings, bearing them thereonOften when they were in danger of falling, the Lord intervened and stretched out a mighty hand to help. Under the shadow of His wings, they were protected time and again. He did not leave them to dash their feet against a stone (Psalm 91:12). David, remembering the image that Moses described, later said in one of his psalms: “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4).4. God has safely led His peopleIt was not in the “nest” that the children of Israel found safety, neither at home, in their tent or in their country—rather, their safety was God. The reality of His presence with them was the reason for their security. To the faithful ones, God has time after time been father, mother, sister, brother, shelter, and safety. How wonderful to have such a God!If we look closer into this subject, we will notice that the Lord’s promise of being with His people, particularly with those whom He has chosen to lead His people—patriarchs, prophets and all the men of faith—has certainly been fulfilled.

The promise to Isaac

“I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed” (Genesis 26:24).

The promise of Jacob

“Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:15).

The promise of Joshua

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5).

David takes courage in a crisis

“David seemed to be cut off from every human support. All that he held dear on earth had been swept from him. Saul had driven him from his country; the Philistines had driven him from the camp; the Amalekites had plundered his city; his wives and children had been made prisoners; and his own familiar friends had banded against him, and threatened him even with death. In this hour of utmost extremity David, instead of permitting his mind to dwell upon these painful circumstances, looked earnestly to God for help. He ‘encouraged himself in the Lord.’ He reviewed his past eventful life. Wherein had the Lord ever forsaken him? His soul was refreshed in recalling the many evidences of God’s favor.” Patriachs and Prophets, p692

David encourages Solomon

“Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Promises fulfilled

All the promises mentioned so far have been wonderfully fulfilled in the lives of God’s people. The Lord has chosen His people so that they would testify of Him, of His love and His grace in word and deed, wherever they might be. Moses observed: “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth” (Exodus 33:16).This was Moses’ desire, namely, that the presence of God would separate them from among the nations, and the Lord was ready to support them in this.In the Christian dispensation, the promise was fulfilled: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).“Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Saviour’s life on earth, we see ‘God with us.’ ” The Desire of ages, p24

The greatest missionary ever known

“The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’ ” the Ministry of Healing, p143

The sending out of the disciples and Christ's promise

Christ gave His disciples their commission and promised to be with them.The Son of Man endured scorn, insult, and mockery in this world and was about to ascend back to Heaven, yet “as He reviews the ingratitude of the people He came to save—will He not withdraw from them His sympathy and love? Will not His affections be centered upon that realm where He is appreciated, and where sinless angels wait to do His bidding? No; His promise to those loved ones whom He leaves on earth is, ‘I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. ’” The Desire of Ages, p830“Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour’s absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth. He is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but His parting promise is fulfilled, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world’ (Matthew 28:20). While He delegates His power to inferior ministers, His energizing presence is still with His church.” Ibid, p166

God's special work for and with you

“God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.” Ibid, 294In order to bring salvation to humanity, Christ needed human nature. He took upon Himself human nature and was a partaker of it; He was tempted in all things as we are, yet He remained sinless. On the other hand, how are things with us? We as humans need the Divine, a power from without, to restore His image in us. We need Him to enable us to reflect more and more closely the character of Christ, to have Jesus live in us; then we will be able to accomplish the work entrusted us. In other words, each of us need to become a partaker of the divine nature. When this union, or fusion, takes place, we have heaven in our hearts, and frail humanity is enabled to keep God’s commandments and not to sin anymore. What a magnificent accomplishment!“The followers of Christ are to labor as He did. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and inspire hope in the hopeless. And to us also the promise will be fulfilled, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward’ (Isaiah 58:8).” ibid, p 350My beloved, the righteous works of the saints have to be seen and felt in our lives. They will be a testimony to the righteousness of our Lord Jesus, of which we are daily partaking. This righteousness refers to purity of heart and correctness of life, compliance of both heart and life to the divine law through the indwelling of Christ in the soul. We will not be content with the mere thought that Christ died, paying the redemption price for us on Golgotha to be righteousness for us. But rather we will earnestly desire Jesus’ righteousness, which He is willing to impart to us day by day, that it may be part of our life. Let us put this righteousness actively into practice, by faith, in deeds of love, as we advance daily in our life of faith. It is only thus that Christ’s promise will be fulfilled with us: “Lo, I am with you always!”How will people know that we are Christ’s disciples? Remember what Moses observed to God? “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth” (Exodus 33:16).My beloved, may God bless us that we be a special people, a humble people, to fear God and give glory to Him, to represent in honor His character on earth and not to disappoint Him.

Testimony of faithful missionaries

David Livingstone:In 1856, after 15 years of intense, uninterrupted labor, Livingstone returned to England to see his wife and the children from whom he had been separated for four years. Back home in England he was now received with great esteem. He was called to speak everywhere about his experiences in Africa. The University of Glasgow awarded him a special honorary doctorate. The unbelieving students had planned to mock him and to boo him off the stage, as they did not agree to have this title awarded to him. But, when he showed up before them with his cheeks burnt by the African sun, with the shoulder torn by lion’s teeth, all were deeply moved. They were beholding in him now a man who had given up everything. The self-sacrifice and suffering were carved into his face. Before their eyes they had a saint of God. No one uttered a word. Solemnity pervaded as at a gravesite.Livingstone spoke about the great needs of the Africans and about the experiences he had had there. Closing, he said: “Now I return. But I would like to tell you that what sustained me in the midst of all the hardships, trials, and loneliness was the promise: ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world!’ ”Hudson Taylor:“Oh! To be full of the knowledge of God’s will and of the feeling of Jesus’ presence, to be one with Him so much so that His life flows through your veins, that He borrows your lips to utter His words, your face to show us His patient and loving looks, your hands to work for Him.”A sheet of paper on which Taylor’s thoughts are jotted down, a yellowish paper that he carried around with him many days in a row, shows the secret of his life of faith. It reads:“Lord Jesus, be to me a living and clear reality, more present to the look of my faith than any visible thing, dearer, closer than any earthly good!”Ellen G. White:On January 25, 1915, the Lord’s messenger testified: “The Lord has been my helper, the Lord has been my God, and I have not a doubt. If I could not realize that He has been my guide and my stay, do tell me what I could trust in. Why, I have just as firm a trust in God that He will stand my feet on Mount Zion, as that I live and breathe; and I am going to keep that trust till I die.” Life sketches, p442Shortly after the accident in which she broke her hip she testified of her Saviour: “Jesus is my blessed Redeemer, and I love Him with my whole being.” And again: “I see light in His light. I have joy in His joy, and peace in His peace. I see mercy in His mercy, and love in His love. . . .In an interview she declared: “My courage is grounded in my Saviour. My work is nearly ended. Looking over the past, I do not feel the least mite of despondency or discouragement. I feel so grateful that the Lord has withheld me from despair and discouragement, and that I can still hold the banner. I know Him whom I love, and in whom my soul trusteth.” Ibid, 443-444Several days before her passing away, her last words to her son were: “I know in whom I have believed”; “God is love”; “We shall all be home very soon now.” Ibid, p449Earlier in her life, she wrote, “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader.” Ibid, p196

Welcome!

“The promise of Christ’s second coming was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of His disciples. The same Jesus whom they had seen ascending into heaven, would come again, to take to Himself those who here below give themselves to His service. The same voice that had said to them, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end,’ would bid them welcome to His presence in the heavenly kingdom.” The Acts of the Apostles, p33Dear disciple of Christ, dear missionary, be faithful until the end; don’t grow weary on the way. Look up in faith and you will hear the gentle voice of Jesus, saying to you: “Welcome!”What a glorious meeting!

Conclusion

My beloved brethren in Jesus, may we keep the following thoughts fresh in our minds in the year that we will soon step into, and until the coming of our Lord Jesus: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” Life Sketches, p 196May the Lord help us not to forget the history of our people, lest we have to repeat it. May we remain in the pathway in which the Lord has led us and not forget what He has taught us regarding our past history and the foundation of our faith, a foundation laid with much toil and sacrifice by our forefathers, through the grace and help of our Lord Jesus. We can in all assurance say as well: “Ebenezer”—Hitherto the Lord has helped us! “Emmanuel”—God was and is with us! We thank the Lord once again for His promise, that accompanies us daily, and that will remain as an anchor of our life:“Lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world!” Amen!by Ovidiu Nasui Thanks for reading, May God Bless You