Seite 248 - Evangelism (1946)

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Preaching for the Final Decision
By Simple Lessons—Not Eloquence—He who in his preaching
makes eloquence his highest aim, causes the people to forget the truth
that is mingled with his oratory. When the emotion has passed away,
it will be found that the Word of God has not been fastened upon the
mind, nor have the hearers gained in understanding. They may speak
in terms of admiration of the minister’s eloquence, but they are not
brought any nearer to the point of decision. They speak of the sermon
as they would of a play, and of the minister as they would of an actor.
They may come again to listen to the same kind of discourse, but they
will go away unimpressed and unfed.
It is not flowery discourses that are needed, not a flood of words
without meaning. Our ministers are to preach in a way that will help
people to grasp vital truth.—
Gospel Workers, 153, 154
(1915).
Undecided Souls in Every Meeting—There are souls in every
congregation who are hesitating, almost persuaded to be wholly for
God. The decision is being made for time and for eternity; but it is
too often the case that the minister has not the spirit and power of
the message of truth in his own heart, hence no direct appeals are
made to those souls that are trembling in the balance. The result is
that impressions are not deepened upon the hearts of the convicted
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ones; and they leave the meeting feeling less inclined to accept the
service of Christ than when they came. They decide to wait for a
more favorable opportunity; but it never comes.—
Testimonies For The
Church 4:447
(1880).
Some Listening to Their Last Sermon—Some may be listening
to the last sermon they will ever hear, and some will never again be so
situated that they can have the chain of truth brought before them, and a
practical application made of it to their hearts. That golden opportunity
lost, is lost forever. Had Christ and His redeeming love been exalted
in connection with the theory of truth, it might have balanced them on
His side.—
Testimonies For The Church 4:394
(1880).
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