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True Sheep Hear the True Shepherd, July 16
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring,
and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
John 10:16
.
The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It
should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic.... Let our
words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for
wisdom from a divine source. We are to seek opportunities on every hand, we are
to watch unto prayer, and be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in
us, with meekness and fear. Lest we shall impress unfavorably one soul for whom
Christ died we should keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity
presents itself, we may have the right words to speak at the right time. If you thus
undertake work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will
apply the word spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening power
when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ.
God’s plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him carry forward
the reformatory power and principle. Make no reference to what opponents say, but
let the truth alone be advanced. The truth can cut to the quick. Plainly unfold the
Word in all its impressiveness.
As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks.
Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare will in time of real peril
make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to
temptation. Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not
improved them, will, under one pretext or another, go out from us. Not having
received the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy; they
will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and will depart from the
faith.
But, on the other hand, when the storm of persecution really breaks upon us,
the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be put
forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to
follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to
the enemy a united front. In view of the common peril, strife for supremacy will
cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall be accounted greatest. No one
of the true believers will say: “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas.”
The testimony of one and all will be: “I cleave unto Christ; I rejoice in Him as my
personal Saviour”....
The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we
have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel
swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord
(
Testimonies for the Church 6:400, 401
).
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