Unsanctified Ability
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but in the gracious influence of the Spirit of Christ, which filled his
soul and brought every thought into subjection to the obedience of
Christ. The power of truth attending the word preached will be a savor
of life unto life or of death unto death. Ministers are required to be
living examples of the mind and spirit of Christ, living epistles, known
and read of all men. I tremble when I consider that there are some
ministers, even among Seventh-day Adventists, who are not sanctified
by the truths which they preach. Nothing less than the quick and
powerful Spirit of God working in the hearts of His messengers to give
the knowledge of the glory of God, can gain for them the victory.
Brother B’s preaching has not been marked by the sanction of
God’s Spirit. He can talk fluently and make a point plain, but his
preaching has lacked spirituality. His appeals have not touched the
heart with a new tenderness. There has been an array of words, but the
hearts of his hearers have not been quickened and melted with a sense
of a Saviour’s love. Sinners have not been convicted and drawn to
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Christ by a sense that “Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” Sinners should
have a clear impression given them of the nearness and willingness of
Christ to give them present salvation. A Saviour should be presented
before the people, while the heart of the speaker should be subdued
and imbued with His Spirit. The very tones of the voice, the look, the
words, should possess an irresistible power to move hearts and control
minds. Jesus should be found in the heart of the minister. If Jesus is in
the words and in the tones of the voice, if they are mellow with His
tender love, it will prove a blessing of more value than all the riches,
pleasures, and glories of the earth; for such blessings will not come
and go without accomplishing a work. Convictions will be deepened,
impressions will be made, and the question will be raised: “What shall
I do to be saved?”
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