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Dependence Upon God, March 11
For without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:5
, last part.
The first lesson to be taught ... is the lesson of dependence upon God....
As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew,
showers, and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers
to the life of the soul
The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian. This Rock of
faith is the living presence of God. The weakest may depend upon it.
Those who think themselves the strongest may become the weakest unless
they depend on Christ as their efficiency, their worthiness. This is the
Rock upon which we may build successfully. God is near in Christ’s
atoning sacrifice, in His intercession, His loving, tender ruling power over
the church. Seated by the eternal throne, He watches them with intense
interest. As long as the members of the church shall through faith draw
sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ, and not from man’s opinions and
devisings and methods; if having a conviction of the nearness of God in
Christ, they put their entire trust in Him, they will have a vital connection
with Christ as the branch has connection with the parent stock. The church
is established not on theories of men, on long-drawn-out plans and forms.
It depends upon Christ their righteousness. It is built on faith in Christ,
“and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” ...
The strength of every soul is in God and not in man. Quietness and
confidence is to be the strength of all who give their hearts to God. Christ
has not a casual interest in us but an interest stronger than a mother for
her child.... Our Saviour has purchased us by human suffering and sorrow,
by insult, reproach, abuse, mockery, rejection, and death. He is watching
over you, trembling child of God. He will make you secure under His
protection.... Our weakness in human nature will not bar our access to the
heavenly Father, for He [Christ] died to make intercession for us
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Testimonies For The Church 7:194
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Ellen G. White
Manuscript 15, 1897
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78