186
Evangelism
In His providence God impresses people to attend our tent meetings
and church services. Some come from curiosity, others to criticize
or ridicule. Often they are convicted of sin. The word spoken in the
[208]
spirit of love makes a lasting impression on them. How carefully, then,
should these meetings be conducted. The words spoken should be of
authority, that the Holy Spirit can impress them on minds. The speaker
who is controlled by the Spirit of God has a sacred dignity, and his
words are a savor of life unto life. Let not unsuitable illustrations or
anecdotes be introduced into the discourse. Let the words spoken be
for the edification of the hearers.—
Letter 19, 1901
.
The Illustrations Christ Used—His [Christ’s] messages of mercy
were varied to suit His audience. He knew “how to speak a word in
season to him that is weary”; for grace was poured upon His lips, that
He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of
truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprised them
with illustrations that won their attention.
Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations
were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple,
they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air,
the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,—with these
objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His
hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words.
Christ’s illustrations constantly repeated His lessons.—
The Desire of
Ages, 254
(1898).
Depreciating the Message—We do not want to lose sight of the
peculiar sacredness of this mission of ministering in word and in
doctrine to the people. It is the work of the minister to speak the words
of truth to the people, solemn, sacred truth. Some form the habit of
relating anecdotes in their discourses, which have a tendency to amuse
and remove from the mind of the hearer the sacredness of the word
[209]
which they are handling. Such should consider that they are not giving
to the people the word of the Lord. Too many illustrations do not have
a correct influence; they belittle the sacred dignity that should ever be
maintained in the presentation of the Word of God to the people.—
The
Review and Herald, February 22, 1887
.
Very Cheap Fodder—There are men who stand in the pulpits as
shepherds, professing to feed the flock, while the sheep are starving
for the bread of life. There are long-drawn-out discourses, largely