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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
have a work to do in making Christ known to the world. We are to be
missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of souls to Christ.
To His church God has committed the work of diffusing light and
bearing the message of His love. Our work is not to condemn, not to
denounce, but to draw with Christ, beseeching men to be reconciled to
God. We are to encourage souls, to attract them, and thus win them
to the Saviour. If this is not our interest, if we withhold from God the
service of heart and life, we are robbing Him of influence, of time, of
money and effort. In failing to benefit our fellow men, we rob God of
the glory that should flow to Him through the conversion of souls.
Begin With Those Nearest
Some who have long professed to be Christians, and yet have
felt no responsibility for souls perishing within the shadow of their
own homes, may think they have a work to do in foreign lands; but
where is the evidence of their fitness for such a work? Wherein have
they manifested a burden for souls? These persons need first to be
taught and disciplined at home. True faith and love for Christ would
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create in them a most earnest desire to save souls right at home. They
would exert every spiritual energy to draw with Christ, learning His
meekness and lowliness. Then if God should desire them to go to
foreign countries, they would be prepared.
Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own
household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here
they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work
is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field.
The Example of Philip With Nathanael
The case of Philip and Nathanael is an example of true home
missionary work. Philip had seen Jesus and was convinced that He
was the Messiah. In his joy he wished his friends also to know the
good news. He desired that the truth which had brought such comfort
to him should be shared by Nathanael. True grace in the heart will
always reveal its presence by diffusing itself. Philip went in search
of Nathanael, and as he called, Nathanael answered from his place
of prayer under the fig tree. Nathanael had not had the privilege of