Chapter 18—Community Awareness
Compilers’ note: Because the book Evangelism has already cov-
ered the subject thoroughly, this section is purposely more limited than
its importance warrants.
Christ followed various methods to gain the attention of the
multitude—From Christ’s methods of labor we may learn many valu-
able lessons. He did not follow merely one method; in various ways
He sought to gain the attention of the multitude, and having succeeded
in this, He proclaimed to them the truths of the gospel. His chief work
lay in ministering to the poor, the needy, and the ignorant. In simplic-
ity He opened before them the blessings they might receive, and thus
he aroused their soul’s hunger for the truth, the bread of life.—
The
Review and Herald, December 24, 1914
.
Community Services
Every merciful act to the needy is regarded as though done
to Jesus—Pure religion and undefiled before the Father is this: “To
visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself
unspotted from the world.” Good deeds are the fruit that Christ requires
us to bear: kind words, deeds of benevolence, of tender regard for the
poor, the needy, the afflicted. When hearts sympathize with hearts
burdened with discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to
the needy, when the naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome
to a seat in your parlor and a place in your heart, angels are coming
very near, and an answering strain is responded to in heaven. Every
act of justice, mercy, and benevolence makes melody in heaven. The
Father from His throne beholds those who do these acts of mercy, and
numbers them with His most precious treasures. “And they shall be
Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels.”
Every merciful act to the needy, the suffering, is regarded as though
done to Jesus. When you succor the poor, sympathize with the afflicted
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