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Christian Service
What was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit upon the day
of Pentecost?—The glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried to
the utmost bounds of the known world.... Under their labors there
were added to the church chosen men, who, receiving the word of
life, consecrated their lives to the work of giving to others the hope
that had filled their hearts with peace and joy. Hundreds proclaimed
the message, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” They could not be
restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through
them; and wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor
had the gospel preached unto them. So mightily can God work when
men give themselves up to the control of His Spirit.—
The Southern
Watchman, August 1, 1905
.
The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The
impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It
imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who
are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the
Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as
representative men, to minister in behalf of the church.—
The Desire
of Ages, 805
.
Peculiar and rapid changes will soon take place, and God’s people
are to be endowed with the Holy Spirit, so that with heavenly wisdom
they may meet the emergencies of this age, and as far as possible
counteract the demoralizing movements of the world. If the church is
not asleep, if the followers of Christ watch and pray, they may have
[255]
light to comprehend and appreciate the movements of the enemy.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:436
.
Promise Unappreciated
Christ declared that the divine influence of the Spirit was to be
with His followers unto the end. But the promise is not appreciated
as it should be; and therefore its fulfillment is not seen as it might be.
The promise of the Spirit is a matter little thought of; and the result
is only what might be expected,—spiritual drouth, spiritual darkness,
spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the attention,
and the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity
of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is