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Evangelism
Would we dare to dedicate to God a house made of cheap material,
and put together so faultily as to be almost lifted from its foundation
when struck by a strong wind? We would be ashamed to put worthless
material into a building for the Lord. And I would not advise anyone
to put worthless material into a house. It does not pay. The floors of
our houses should be made of well-seasoned wood. This will cost a
little more, but will in the end save a great deal of vexation. The frame
of a building should be well matched and well put together. Christ is
our example in all things. He worked at the carpenter’s trade with His
father Joseph, and every article He made was well made, the different
parts fitting exactly, the whole able to bear test.
Whatever you do, let it be done as well as upright principles and
your strength and skill can do it. Let your work be like the pattern
shown you in the mount. The buildings erected will soon be severely
[379]
tried.—
Manuscript 127, 1901
.
Members to Help Build—When a church is raised up, the mem-
bers are to arise and build. Let the newly converted ones, under the
direction of a minister who is guided by the advice of his fellow min-
isters, work with their own hands, saying, We need a church and we
must have a church and we will each do our best in helping in the
building....
Let us reveal Christ by making advancement. God calls upon those
who claim to follow Jesus to make cheerful, united efforts in His cause.
Let this be done and soon will be heard the voice of thanksgiving, “See
what the Lord hath wrought.”—
Letter 65, 1900
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Financial Help From the Outside—We all need to be wide
awake, that, as the way opens, we may advance the work in the large
cities. We are far behind in following the instruction to enter these
cities and erect memorials for God. Step by step we are to lead souls
into the full light of truth. We are to continue working until a church
is organized, and a humble house of worship built. I am greatly
encouraged to believe that many persons not of our faith will help
considerably by their means. The light given me is that in many places,
especially in the great cities of America, help will be given by such
persons.—
The Review and Herald, September 30, 1902
.
Different Styles of Architecture—Churches are built in many
places, but they need not all be built in precisely the same style. Dif-
ferent styles of building may be appropriate to different locations.