Methods
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Deal with Practical Fundamentals
Paul was an eloquent speaker. Before his conversion, he had
often sought to impress his hearers by flights of oratory. But now
he set all this aside. Instead of indulging in poetic descriptions and
fanciful representations, which might please the senses and feed the
imagination, but which would not touch the daily experience, Paul
sought by the use of simple language to bring home to the heart the
truths that are of vital importance. Fanciful representations of truth
may cause an ecstasy of feeling; but all too often, truths presented in
this way do not supply the food necessary to strengthen and fortify
the believer for the battles of life. The immediate needs, the present
trials, of struggling souls, --these must be met with sound, practical
instruction in the fundamental principles of Christianity.—
The Acts
of the Apostles, 251, 252
.
Hold to Affirmative Truth
Often, as you seek to present the truth, opposition will be aroused;
but if you seek to meet the opposition with argument, you will only
multiply it, and that you cannot afford to do. Hold to the affirmative.
Angels of God are watching you, and they understand how to impress
those whose opposition you refuse to meet with argument. Dwell not
on the negative points of questions that arise, but gather to your minds
affirmative truths, and fasten them there by much earnest prayer and
heart-consecration.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:147, 148
.
Representatives in the Thoroughfares of Travel
Those who in response to the call of the hour have entered the
service of the Master Workman, may well study His methods of labor.
During His earthly ministry, the Saviour took advantage of the oppor-
tunities to be found along the great thoroughfares of travel. It was at
Capernaum that Jesus dwelt at the intervals of His journeys to and fro,
and it came to be known as “His own city.” This city was well adapted
to be the center of the Saviour’s work. Being on the highway from
Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt, and to the Mediterranean Sea, it
was a great thoroughfare of travel. People from many lands passed
through the city, or tarried for rest on their journeyings to and fro.
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