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Pastoral Ministry
year of their lives. They do not open their hearts to the grace and
love of Christ, and liberalize their nature and ennoble their being by
placing themselves in sympathy with their fellow-men.—
The Review
and Herald, June 10, 1880
.
Working for friends and relatives will increase the member’s
own faith—In these first few disciples the foundation of the Christian
church was being laid by individual effort. John first directed two of
his disciples to Christ. Then one of these finds a brother, and brings
him to Christ. He then calls Philip to follow Him, and he went in
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search of Nathanael. Here is an instructive lesson for all the followers
of Christ. It teaches them the importance of personal effort, making
direct appeals to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. There are those
who profess to be acquainted with Christ for a life time who never
make personal effort to induce one soul to come to the Saviour. They
have left all the work with the minister. He may be well qualified for his
work; but he cannot do the work which God has left upon the members
of the church. Very many excuse themselves from being interested in
the salvation of those who are out of Christ, and are content to selfishly
enjoy the benefits of the grace of God themselves, while they make
no direct effort to bring others to Christ. In the vineyard of the Lord
there is a work for all to do, and unselfish, interested, faithful workers
will share largely of His grace here, and of the reward He will bestow
hereafter. Faith is called into exercise by good works, and courage and
hope are in accordance with working faith. The reason many professed
followers of Christ have not a bright and living experience, is because
they do nothing to gain it. If they would engage in the work which
God would have them do, their faith would increase, and they would
advance in the divine life.—
The Spirit of Prophecy 2:66
.
Church Work Shared by Pastor and People
Members should not look to ministers to do the members’
work—Look not to the ministers to do your work; sleep not as did
the foolish virgins, who had no oil in their lamps. Have your lamps
supplied with the oil of the grace of Christ. Should every one in the
church let his light shine forth to others as God designs he should,
what a work would be done. A living church will be a working church.
Bring your powers to Jesus; put them into exercise. Think, meditate,