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Controlled by the Great Designer, August 21
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a
witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew 24:14
.
The church is to work actively as an organized body to spread abroad
the influence of the cross of Christ. Those who work unselfishly to give the
truth to those nigh and afar off are registered in the courts above, “Laborers
together with God; ...God’s husbandry, ...God’s building.” Controlled by the
great Designer, they show what human beings can be when they wear the
yoke of Christ, learning His meekness and lowliness.
It is because so many of Christ’s professed followers seek to be first that
He cannot trust them. Were they humble, willing to be taught by Him, they
would be a power in showing to the world the influence of the truth upon
human character. Those who work in Christ’s lines, never seeking to exalt self,
will reveal constant activity and steady progress in missionary enterprises.
They will not be satisfied unless church is added to church.
God expects those in His service to contend earnestly for the faith once
delivered to the saints. Our aggressive missionary work is to be more abundant
than it has been in the past. More territory is to be annexed; the standard of
truth is to be planted in new places; churches are to be established; all is to be
done that can be done to fulfill the commission, “Go ye therefore, and teach
all nations” (
Matthew 28:19
)....
The life of a church depends on the interest which its members manifest
in those outside the fold. Let the church of God remember that Christ gave
Himself as a sacrifice to save a world from destruction. For our sake He
became poor, that we through His poverty might come into possession of
eternal riches. Shall those whom God has blessed with a knowledge of the
truth become narrow in their plans. Let them arouse to a sense of their vast
obligations, cutting away every thread of selfishness, that the Lord may pour
upon them His Holy Spirit.
Let them seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while
He is near. They have no reason for being faithless and complaining. Let them
cease all fault-finding and murmuring, and encourage a spirit of gratitude for
past mercies and blessings. Let them praise the Lord in unfeigned gratitude
for the light of His Word.—
The Signs of the Times, August 21, 1901
.
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