Preaching for the Final Decision
245
An Appeal in Every Sermon—With an unction of the Holy Spirit
upon him, giving him a burden for souls, he will not dismiss a congre-
gation without presenting before them Jesus Christ, the sinner’s only
refuge, making earnest appeals that will reach their hearts. He should
feel that he may never meet these hearers again until the great day of
God.—
Testimonies For The Church 4:316
(1879).
In every discourse fervent appeals should be made to the people
to forsake their sins and turn to Christ.—
Testimonies For The Church
4:396
(1880).
Call for Decisions—At our camp meetings there are far too few
revival efforts made. There is too little seeking of the Lord. Revival
services should be carried from the beginning to the close of the
meeting. The most determined efforts should be made to arouse the
people. Let all see that you are in earnest because you have a wonderful
message from heaven. Tell them that the Lord is coming in judgment,
and that neither kings nor rulers, wealth nor influence, will avail to
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ward off the judgments soon to fall. At the close of every meeting,
decisions should be called for.—
Testimonies For The Church 6:64,
65
(1900).
Sabbath Truth Boldly Proclaimed—It is at this time that the true
Sabbath must be brought before the people both by pen and by voice.
As the fourth commandment of the Decalogue and those who observe
it are ignored and despised, the faithful few know that it is the time
not to hide their face but to exalt the law of Jehovah by unfurling the
banner on which is inscribed the message of the third angel, “Here
are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
Revelation 14:12
....
The truth must not be hid, it must not be denied or disguised, but
fully avowed, and boldly proclaimed.—
Letter 3, 1890
.
Two Extremes Affecting Decision—There are two extremes to
be avoided, one is the shunning to declare the whole counsel of God,
and running into the spirit of revivalists in this age of crying, “Peace,
peace; when there is no peace,” and weaving into the labors an element
which moves the feelings and leaves the heart unchanged....
The second extreme is to be always hammering at the people and
in a harsh un-Christlike manner talking in a way that they think you
are provoked.—
Letter 43, 1886
.