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Pastoral Ministry
learn to do without it. They lack the grace of God, lack forbearance
and patience, lack a spirit of consecration and sacrifice; and this is the
only reason why some are doubting the evidences of God’s Word. The
trouble is not at all with the Word of God, but in themselves. They
lack the grace of God; lack devotion, personal piety, and holiness.
This leads them to be unstable, and throws them often on Satan’s
battle-field. I saw that however strongly men may have advocated the
truth; however pious they may appear to be; when they begin to talk
unbelief in regard to some scriptures, claiming that they cause them
to doubt the inspiration of the Bible, we should be afraid of them; for
God is at a great distance from them.—
Testimonies for the Church
1:383, 384
.
Guard jealously your hours for prayer, Bible study, and self-
examination—In the great conflict before us, he who would keep true
to Christ must penetrate deeper than the opinions and doctrines of
men. My message to ministers, young and old, is this: Guard jealously
your hours for prayer, Bible study, and self-examination. Set aside
a portion of each day for a study of the Scriptures and communion
[22]
with God. Thus you will obtain spiritual strength, and will grow in
favor with God. He alone can give you noble aspirations; He alone
can fashion the character after the divine similitude. Draw near to
Him in earnest prayer, and He will fill your hearts with high and holy
purposes, and with deep, earnest longings for purity and clearness of
thought.—
Gospel Workers, 100
.
Bible Study
It is a sin for those who teach the Word to be neglectful of
its study—Ministers who would labor effectively for the salvation
of souls must be both Bible students and men of prayer. It is a sin
for those who attempt to teach the Word to others to be themselves
neglectful of its study. Are the truths which they handle mighty? Then
they should handle them skillfully. Their ideas should be clearly and
strongly presented. Of all men upon the face of the earth, those who
are proclaiming the message for this time should understand their
Bible, and be thoroughly acquainted with the evidences of their faith.
One who does not possess a knowledge of the Word of life, has no