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Evangelism
The Message, Not the Man—The minister who has learned of
Christ will ever be conscious that he is a messenger of God, commis-
sioned by Him to do a work both for time and eternity. It should not
be any part of his object to call attention to himself, his learning, or
his ability. But his whole aim should be to bring sinners to repentance,
pointing them, both by precept and example, to the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sins of the world. Self should be hidden in Jesus. Such
men will speak as those conscious of possessing power and authority
from God, being a mouthpiece for Him. Their discourses will have an
earnestness and fervor of persuasion that will lead sinners to see their
lost condition, and take refuge in Christ.—
The Review and Herald,
August 8, 1878
.
John Only a Voice—Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had
risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men
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to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they
should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice,
a cry in the wilderness.—
Gospel Workers, 56
(1915).
Men Like John Chosen Today—To fill a high place before men,
Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly
place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in
labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him
who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls.—
The Desire of
Ages, 436
(1898).
Work Marred by Self-glorification—There is no religion in the
enthronement of self. He who makes self-glorification his aim, will
find himself destitute of that grace which alone can make him efficient
in Christ’s service. Whenever pride and self-complacency are indulged,
the work is marred.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 402
(1900).
The True Measure of a Man—Christian worth does not depend
on brilliant talents, lofty birth, wonderful powers, but on a clean heart—
a heart purified and refined, that does not exalt self, but, by beholding
Christ, reflects the long lost image of divinity.—
Letter 16, 1902
.
Jesus Only—Resolutely refusing to display human wisdom or to
exalt self, they [God’s ministers] will accomplish a work that will
withstand the assaults of Satan. Many souls will be turned from
darkness to light, and many churches will be established. Men will
be converted, not to the human instrumentality, but to Christ. Self