Preaching
203
his office and the holiness of his work, and show the courage that
Elijah showed. As divinely appointed messengers, ministers are in a
position of awful responsibility. They are to reprove, rebuke, exhort,
with all long-suffering. In Christ’s stead they are to labor as stewards
of the mysteries of Heaven, encouraging the obedient, and warning
the disobedient.—
The Review and Herald, September 11, 1913
.
Negative
Guilt, wrong, and sin are parts of the Laodicean message
that the Adventist preacher must not neglect—Ministers who are
preaching present truth should not neglect the solemn message to the
Laodiceans. The testimony of the True Witness is not a smooth mes-
sage. The Lord does not say to them, You are about right, you have
borne chastisement and reproof that you never deserved, you have
been discouraged unnecessarily by severity, you are not guilty of the
wrongs and sins of which you have been reproved.—
The Review and
Herald, September 16, 1873
.
Do not choose subjects that please people and offend none—
Some ministers choose for their sermons subjects that will please the
people and offend none. This is shunning the cross of Christ. You
see one man selfish; another controlled by pride or passion; another
robbing God in tithes and offerings; and another doubting and unbe-
lieving. Do not leave these deceived ones to remain blinded by the
enemy in regard to their own spiritual standing. For each of these there
is a special message in the Word of God. Pray for wisdom that you
may be able so to present the instructions of that sacred Word that all
may see wherein their characters are defective, and what is required of
them in order to conform to the true standard. Win their confidence
and affection. Bring the truth as it is in Jesus to bear upon their hearts;
for there is no other power that can keep the soul steadfast.—
The
Review and Herald, June 17, 1884
.
Positive
Let us show that we have a living hope—I have been referred by
the Spirit of God to the many encouragements given to us in the Psalm.
If more of our ministers were filled with soul-longings for God, His
[196]