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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
They behold for themselves the Lamb of God that taketh away the
sin of the world. They see the Way, the Truth, the Life. The Sun of
Righteousness sheds its bright beams into the heart. The strong tide of
redeeming love pours into the parched and thirsty soul, and the sinner
is saved to Jesus Christ.
Christ crucified—talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win
hearts. This is the power and wisdom of God to gather souls for Christ.
Formal, set phrases, the presentation of merely argumentative subjects,
is productive of little good. The melting love of God in the hearts of
the workers will be recognized by those for whom they labor. Souls
are thirsting for the waters of life. Do not be empty cisterns. If you
reveal the love of Christ to them, you may lead the hungering, thirsting
ones to Jesus, and He will give them the bread of life and the water of
salvation.
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Personal Labor
The Lord’s servants must not only preach the word from the pulpit,
but must come in personal contact with the people. When a discourse
is given, precious seed is sown. But if personal effort is not made
to cultivate the soil, the seed does not take root. Unless the heart is
softened and subdued by the Spirit of God, much of the discourse is
lost. Observe those in the congregation who seem to be interested, and
speak to them after the service. A few words spoken in private will
often do more good than the whole discourse has done. Inquire how
the subjects presented appear to the hearers, whether the matter is clear
to their minds. By kindness and courtesy show that you have a real
interest in them and a care for their souls. Many have been led to think
that as a people we do not believe in conversion. When we appeal to
them to come to Christ, hearts will be softened, and prejudice will be
swept away.
Bible Studies
Whenever practicable, every important discourse should be fol-
lowed by a Bible study. Here the points that have been presented can
be applied, questions can be asked, and right ideas inculcated. More
time should be devoted to patiently educating the people, giving them