Christian Service -- Study Guide

Ellen G. White Estate

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Ellen G. White (1827-1915) is considered the most widely translated American author, her works having been published in more than 160 languages. She wrote more than 100,000 pages on a wide variety of spiritual and practical topics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she exalted Jesus and pointed to the Scriptures as the basis of one’s faith.

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This Study Guide

This study guide groups the twenty-seven chapters of the book Instruction for Effective Christian Service into ten lessons. Each lesson calls for the reading of two or three chapters or about thirty pages of text. Thus in a convenient and systematic study program all church members may become well acquainted with the best and most effective methods of witnessing for their Lord.

Before the book Christian Service was compiled and published in 1925 the Seventh-day Adventist layman and worker found it necessary to peruse a number of Spirit of Prophecy volumes to gain the full picture of the privileges and responsibilities and to discover the best method by which the Christian may share his faith. It was to make these valuable Spirit of Prophecy counsels available in one convenient source book that the little volume was issued. Not only were the vital statements appearing in the Ellen G. White books drawn together in one volume, but many choice statements from the thousands of Ellen G White periodical articles were also included.

The reader is impressed that Ellen White in her counsels wrote as one who enjoyed a rich experience in sharing her faith under many and varied circumstances, but always as a joyful, buoyant, confident Christian.

As to procedure, it is suggested that after studying the material in each lesson the student turn to the questions. Page numbers in parentheses indicate location of the answers as found in the book Christian Service. Questions are to be answered, quotations are to be completed by filling in the missing word or words, or the correct answers indicated in matching statements.

To facilitate locating readily the item in question, the paragraph on the page in Christian Service is indicated by number. Paragraph 1 is the first full paragraph on the page. The balance of a paragraph carried over from the preceding page is numbered 0. Thus page 8 carries paragraphs 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.

This guide is made available through the joint effort of the Department of Lay Activities of the General Conference and the Ellen G. White Estate. A meaningful, prayerful participation in this study course can only lead to a deeper understanding of practical Christianity and a more effective witnessing.

THE TRUSTEES OF THE ELLEN G. WHITE PUBLICATIONS
Washington, D.C.
March 23, 1971

Lesson 1 - God’s Call To Service

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 7-34; 64-66

STUDY TEXT:
“As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” John 17:18.

STUDY QUESTIONS:
Fill in the missing word or words or answer the questions in the appropriate blanks. The numbers at the end of each question indicate where the answers are found.

1. Christ has given His life” ______________ a church capable of _________________________________, the ________________, and the ______________.” (P.13, par. 4.)

2. Whom has He chosen to do this work? (P. 7, par. 1.) _________________________________________________________________________________

3. “___________ could have proclaimed His truth through ____________, but this is not His plan. He chooses ________, ____________ compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs.” (P. 7, par. 5.)

4. Give the reason humanity is needed, in combination with divinity, for the work of bringing salvation to the world. (P. 8, par. 4.) _______________________________________________________

5. “God _________________________________________ without human agencies.” (P. 9, par. 2.)

6. “_______________________ should be the life work of everyone who professes Christ.” (P. 10, par. i.)

7. Each one of us has a Heaven-assigned work to do, which no one can do in our place. Prove this statement with two references.
a. __________________________________________ (P. 9, par. 3.)
b. _________________________________________ (P. 10, par. 4.)

8. What happens when we leave the work of benevolence to organizations? (P. 10, par. 2.)
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________

9. “Every individual, from the lowest and most obscure to the greatest and most exalted, is a ___________________ for which he is ______________________.” (P. 13, par. 2.)

10. What part is the church to play in carrying forward the work of God? (P. 14, par. 2; p. 15, par. 1.) ____________________________________________________________________________

11. “Enfeebled and defective’ as it may appear, ___________________ is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense __________________________________.” (P. 13, par. 5.)

12. We are to “acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old,” but what will be “most effectual”? (P. 16, par. 3.) _______________________________________________________

13. What does each of us have that is different from what anyone else in the world has? (P. 16, par. 3.) _______________________________________________________________________________

14. In what three respects is our witness to be like that of the first missionaries whom Christ sent to Decapolis? (P. 17, par. 2.)
a. ______________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________

15. Each one of us has three gifts, given to us of God, that are to be used in winning souls to Christ.
They are:
a. ______________,
b. ______________, and
c. ____________________. (P. 19, par. 3.)

16. For Christ we are to be:
a. Consecrated” _____________ of light” (p 18, pars. 1​,2 );
b. “a living ______________” (p. 19, par. 1);
c. Christ’s” _____________ upon earth” (p. 19, par. 4);
d. “_________ in the world” (p 20, par 3);
e. “Instruments of __________________, ____________, _____________ stones, emitting light” (p. 20, par 4); “Every soul is to be ____________ and _____________” (p 21, par. 5).

17. If we fail “to give light to others,” we will be “____________ to God.” (P. 21, par. 3.)

18. What will working for Christ do for our own souls? (P. 22, par. 1.)

19. Our divine commission is: a. “to be a __________”(P. 22, par 4); and b. “to proclaim __________________”(P 23, par. 3) “to every ___________, ___________, ___________, and the tidings of _________ through Christ.” (P. 23, par. 3.)

20. What is the “most powerful argument” for Christianity? (P 26, par. 1.) ________________________________________________________

21. Who can do a work “that will exceed that of men,” and why? (P. 27, par. 2.) _________________________________________

22. “With such an army of workers as ________________, ______________, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to _____________!” (P. 30, par. 2.)

23. Youthful workers must” ______________ to God” They must be “_________________________, and led to see that He ____________________ something to ______________________.” They must be taught how to _______________ for the Master. They must be ___________, ___________, ________ in the best method of winning souls to Christ.” (P. 30, par. 5.)

24. What group of people are youth best qualified to work for? (P. 33, par. 2.) _________________________________________________

25. While they are in training for their life work, students in schools should take “time to do _________________ time to become ____________ with the _______________ of the families in the community around them.” (P. 64, par. 5.)

Thought Questions

1. What is God’s plan for passing on the truth from those who know it to those who are seeking it? (P. 8, par. 2.)

2. Could God have accomplished His work without our help? (P. 8, par. 3.)

3. Why does He involve us in sharing His work? (P. 8, par. 3​; p. 10, par. 2.)

4. Are only the educated and specially trained men and women to engage in missionary work? (Pp. 24, 25.)

Lesson 2 - Facing The Situation

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 35-57.

STUDY TEXT: Isaiah 60:1-5.
1. “Our faith testifies that we are living under the proclamation of the most solemn and important message that was ever given to mortals. Yet . . . our ___________, our ___________, our spirit of ___________ - ____________, do not compare with the character of the work.” (P. 35, par. 3.)

2. Our churches give donations in money, but what have they withheld from God? (P. 35, par. 4.)

3. Compare the experience of those complacent folk who possess unused talents and qualities with those who begrudge blessings to others. Is their condition any better before God? (Pp. 36, 37.) _______________________________________________________________________________

4. “Greater perils are before us, and yet we are not awake.” Where does this “death stupor” come from? (P. 37, par. 1.) _____________________________________________________________

5. Why does this “pall of death” surround our churches today? (P. 37, pars. 2, 3.) _____________________________________________________________________________

6. As a result of the “church’s neglect to work in Christ’s lines” “a spirit of ____________ and _____________ has come into the church, and the ___________ ___________ of many has been dimmed.” (P. 38, par. 3.)

7. Why is the church not alarmed about their spiritual lethargy and lack of spiritual power? (P. 39, par. 1.) ___________________________________________________________________________________________

8. God’s people will perish, not “because they do not know the way, the truth, and the light,” but because _________________________________________ (P. 39, par 1.)

9. Define “our neighbor.” (P. 39, par. 2 - P. 40, par. 0.) ____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

10. Satan works to lead men away from the work of the third angel’s message by bringing in ” ____________ on one hand and _____________ on the other.” (P. 40, par. 1.)

11. In a message from Ellen White read to the General Conference session of 1893 what percentage of registered church members did she say were then “prepared to close their earthly history”? (P. 41, par. 1.) ______________________________________________________________________

12. God calls for Christians to be prepared for what “is soon to break upon the world” by a _____________ and a _____________ in their lives (P. 41, par. 3; p. 42, par 1.)

13. Revival is defined as: (P. 42, par. 2) a. __________ , b. __________, c. __________

14. Reformation signifies (P. 42, par. 2) a._____, b. __________ and _____, c. _____and ________.

15. Because many in the church refuse to “lift the burdens,” what is happening to those who are willing to work? (P. 45, par. 3.) ______________________________________________________

16. “Professors” of the truth, in the last days, will be “found wanting” because a. “they have __________”; b. “their conversion __________”; c.”they do not know __________”; d. “they can give no intelligent reason__________”; e. “others are not _____ or edified by their experience.” (P. 45, par. 4 - P. 46, par. 0.)

17. Describe briefly Mrs. White’s dream concerning the berry-picking episode. What was the meaning of it? (Pp. 46-49.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. There are two events that will herald the coming of Jesus. They are: a. “The substitution of the ______________________________ for the_____________,” and b. “the exaltation by merely human authority, of _________ in _____ of the Bible _____.” (P. 50, par. 2.)

19. “In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another-- _____, and _____, and _____, with _____ and _____.” (P. 51, par. 1.)

20. List ten activities in which, even in the face of crisis, men are engaged. (P. 51, par. 2.) __________________________________________

21. Who is working harder than ever during this period? Why? (P. 54, pars. 2, 3.) _____________________________________________

22. Even during this time “the professed Christian churches are not converting the world.” Why are they unable to do so? (P. 55, par. 2.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. What is the definition of “infidelity” as it prevails in many of the churches in the world today? (P. 56, par. 1.) _____________________________________________________________________

24. In spite of all the iniquity in the earth, “God has _____________ who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (P. 57, par. 2.)

Thought Questions

1. Why was Meroz, spoken of in this chapter, cursed? What is the application to our lives? (See Judges 5:23.)

2. On page 44 Mrs. White speaks of a class of people that God will reject. Do I fit into this classification?

3. What is the application of the berry-picking dream to my own life?

Lesson 3 - Assessing Our Potentials

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 58-63; 67-71; 206-210.

STUDY TEXT: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, for resetting the direction of a man’s life and training him in good living.” 2 Timothy 3:16, Phillips translation.*

1. We have established that there is a great work to be done, and workers to carry it on. Given the need and the workers, what is the next great need? (P. 58, par. 1.)

2. To provide efficient workers, “God expects His church to _______ and ___________________________ for the work of enlightening the world.” (P. 58, par. 2.)

3. Our people should be taught not to depend upon the ministers, but to ” __________” and “__________.” (P. 58, par. 5.)

4. “By _____ and _____” our people are “to be qualified to meet any emergency.” (P. 59, par. 2.)

5. The church teaching curriculum should include instructions in —a. “How to __________,” b. “how to conduct and __________,” c. “how best to help __________ and to care __________,” and d. “how to __________.” (P. 59, par. 3.)

6. What should be the organizational plan of these training schools? (P 59, par. 3.) _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. How many people in the church are to be given an opportunity to work in God’s cause? (P. 61, pars. 3, 4; p 62, par. 1.)

8. God “desires us to obtain all the education possible” so that, “if it is necessary we can present the truths of His word _________________ ________________________________ in such a way as to glorify His name.” (P. 62, par. 4.)

9. What does the parable, told by Mrs. White, of the cutting of the garments, mean to you? (P. 63, pars. 1, 2.) ________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

10. Why should the minister not be compelled to carry most of the burden of “sowing the seeds of truth” alone? (P. 67, pars. 2, 4.) ____________________________________________________

11. There is an ideal twofold working combination that should be found in the church. What do these involve? (P. 67, par. 5) a. ___________________, and b. _________________________

12. Why has the labor of “our most able ministers” at times been “productive of little good”? (P. 69, par. 3.) ______________________________________________________

*From The New Testament in Modern English, ” J. B. Phillips 1958. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company.

13. “The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not ____________________, but ___________________________.” (P. 69, par. 4.)

14. To what positions is a minister compared? (P. 70, par. 2) a.______________________ b._____________________________

15. The church is an important training center, but where is the foundation training of a life of service to be found? (P 206, pars. 1-5.) ______________________________________________________

16. In the work of the church and the training of workers, who can be “one of the greatest missionaries in the world”? (P. 207, par. 2.) ______________________________________________________

17. What is “a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion”? (P. 208, par. 1.) _________________________________

18. Even though “our sphere of influence may seem narrow, our ability small, our opportunities few, our acquirements limited, ” yet we can provide channels for ‘streams of healing” if we will but “__________ and _____ to the divine principles of life.” (P. 209, par. 1.)

19. To bring our homes up to this standard, what is necessary? (P. 209.)

20. Children who have been “dedicated to God” through daily prayer are guarded by ” __________.” It is the parents “to ________________” by “earnest prayer and persevering faith.” (P. 210, par. 3.)

21. When roving bands of Canaanites came upon an encampment that Abraham had deserted, what did they find beside the place he had pitched his tent? (P. 210, par. 4.) ____________________________

Thought Questions

1. Can a minister be a very hard worker, and yet be failing in his ministry to his church? (P. 70,par. 3.)

2. Does God have a place in His work especially for me? Am I training myself to better fill that position?

3. What will happen if I do not do the work that has been left for me to do? (See the parable of the berries in last week’s lesson.) __________

Lesson 4 - Organizing For Service

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 72-112.

STUDY TEXTS: Titus 1:5; 1 Corinthians 14:40.

1. What are the three characteristics of companies of workers that are to be formed in every church? (P. 72, pars. 2-4, 7.) a. _____________, b. ______________________, c. ___________________________

2. Since “God b. is a God of order,” how are we not to work for Him? (P. 73, par. 1.) __________________________________________

3. God gives us two examples of order and discipline in organization. They are: (P. 73, pars. 2-5.)

a. _________________ b.___________ ______________________________________________________

4. At the time of conversion “every one” should be ” ______________ ________________________________________________________________________.”(P. 74, par. 1.)

5. God does not require His church to provide “numerous institutions, large buildings, or great display,” but He does require “___________ ________________ of a peculiar people.” (P. 74, par. 2.)

6. To what is the orderly organization of our denomination compared? (P. 74, par. 4.) _____________________________________________________________________________

7. Can we expect the help of the angels in heaven if we do not characterize our work with harmony and order? (P. 75, pars.1-3)_________________________________________________________

8. What would make Satan rejoice? (P. 75, par. 5-P. 76, par. 0) _________________________

9. We are involved in the great battle against wrong, and our Leader is the King of kings. What are the marching orders that have come from Him? (P. 77, par. 3-P. 78, par. 0.) ___________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

10. Why must we work hard now”—”double our vigilance”? (P. 79.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. “The work is fast closing up. . . . We have but a short time in which to work. Let us _________________________________________.” (P. 80, middle.)

12. Match the following phrases by drawing a line from the first column to the phrase in the second column that completes it: (Pp. 80, 81.)
“If the followers of Christ were awake to duty, ... upon our track every moment.”
“Wake up, brethren;... to the worth of the souls for whom Christ died.”
“Not one in a hundred among us... for your own soul’s sake, wake up.”
“Evil angels are . . . is doing anything beyond engaging in common, wordly enterprises.”
“We are not half awake . . . there would be thousands where there is one today.”
“We have but a short time . . in which to work.”

13. Should we wait for “a compelling power to take hold” of us before we start to work for Christ? What will happen if we do this? (P. 82, par. 4.) ___________________________________________________

14. What two agencies are combined in the work of saving souls? (P. 83, par. 4.) a. _______________________ b. ____________________

15. ” and religion _____________________________ hand in hand . . . The ____________________________________________will become weak and useless if they ___________________________ , and so it is with the_______________________________________.” (P. 84, par. 3.)

16. How much work is each of us individually held accountable for? (P. 86, par. 1.) ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

17. “If every Seventh-day Adventist ____________________________ , the number of ___________________________. “(P. 86, par. 3.)

18. “In every religious movement there are some who, ... still hold themselves aloof, refusing to make any effort to help.” What warning is given to such? (P. 87, par. 2.) ______________________________________________________________________

19. In the book which Mrs. White was shown in heaven were recorded the sins of those who profess the truth. What was “the general heading” under which every other sin was catalogued? (P. 87, par. 4.) ____________________________________________________

20. Why does God require more of us than of our fathers? (P. 88, par. 2.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. What questions will we ask ourselves at the last day if we find ourselves separated forever from loved ones who are lost? (P 91, par. 3 - P. 92, par. 0.) a. ______________________________________
b.__________________________
c_______________________________________________________________________________

22. On pages 92-94 Mrs. White gives four forceful illustrations of what others have done to save humanity. List the stories. (Pp 92 - 94.) a.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
b___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
d.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. “Our standing before God depends, not ______________________
___________________________________________________, but upon the _____________________________________________
____________________”(P. 96, par. 1.)

24. Our work is progressing slowly in the earth—more slowly than God wants it to. Why is this? (P. 97, par. 3.) _______________________
______________________________________________________

25. What is the danger involved in always being “in a bustle of activity”? (P. 98, par. 5-P. 99, par. 0.) ________________________________
______________________________________________________

26. “Not more surely is ______________________________________ for us in the heavenly mansions than is the __________ on earth where we are to_____________________________________________.” (P. 99, par. 4.)

27. Are we to wait for great occasions on which to witness for Christ? (Pp. 99-105.) ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________

28. What are the three “watchwords” for the Christian? (P. 106, par. 2.) a.______________ b.________________ c.___________________

29. A three-part remedy is given for those who are disheartened. What is it? (P. 107, par. 1.) a.__________ b. ____________ c.___________.

30. “It was the joy of Christ to save souls.” As followers of Christ, what should be our “joy” and work? (P. 110, par. 3.) ________________ ______________________________________________________

Thought Questions

1. “If a working church is a living church,” do you suppose we could say “a working church member is a living church member”?

2. Am I a “living” church member or a “dead” one?

3. Why do you think Mrs. White refers to Calebs as “men most needed in these last days”? (P. 85, par. 6.)

4. Why was the fig tree cursed? Am I like that tree? (P. 87, par. 4-P. 88, par. 0.)

5. Compare the last paragraph on page 84 with the first sentence of paragraph 2 on page 90.

How will I have to answer the question “What are we doing?”

Lesson 5 - Divine Techniques of Service

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 113-144.

STUDY TEXT:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.

1. There are two types of work—public efforts, and house to house work. Compare these two types of special effort. (P. 113, par. 1.) ______________________________________________________

2. What are some of the things that can be done by those who go from house to house? (Pp. 113-116.) a.___________________________ b. ____________________ c. _______________ d. ____________ e. __________________

3. “The work of Christ was largely made up of___________________ _____________. He had a faithful regard for the _______________ ___________________. “(P. 116, par 3.)

4. How did the calling of the disciples illustrate this “one soul” approach? (P. 118, par. 1.) __________________________________________
______________________________________________________

5. Where will we find these “one soul” audiences to work with? (Pp. 118, 119.) ______________________________________________

6. Mrs. White speaks of four things we should tell these people we meet. What are they? (P. 124, par. 3.)
a. ______________________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________
d. ______________________________________________________

7. Jesus “varied” His messages. “He had __________________ meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with ________________________________________________.” (P. 125, par. 2.)

8. Before his conversion, Paul “often sought to impress his hearers by _____________________ .” But after his conversion he “sought by the use of ___________________ to bring home to the heart the truths that are of vital importance.” (P. 126, par. 1.)

9. How should one meet opposition? Whose help will we have to meet it? (P. 126, par.2. ) _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

10. What different places are mentioned as areas in which ministers and canvassers should be located in order to meet those searching for Christ? What two books are mentioned as being “peculiarly adapted” for use here? (P. 127, par. 1.) ________________________________
______________________________________________________

11. Why did Jesus send for the twelve, and later the seventy, two by two? (Pp. 127, 128.) __________________________________________
______________________________________________________

12. Is this method to be recommended for use at this time? (P. 128, par. 0.) ___________________________________________________

13. What particular things can be done for the poor? (P. 129.)________
_________________________________________________________________________________

14. What special field is there here for women? (P. 129, par. 4.) _______________________________________________________

15. Match the following phrases by drawing a line from the first column to the phrase in the second column that completes it: (Pp. 132-134.)
“The medical missionary work is to bear the same relation to the work of the third angel’s message that . . . are to advance together.”
“First meet the temporal necessities of the needy, . .the gospel practised.”
“The gospel and the medical missionary work . . . the arm and hand bear to the body.”
“During His ministry, Jesus devoted More time to healing the sick . . . the pioneer work of the gospel.”
“Genuine medical missionary work is . . . and you will then find an open avenue to the heart.”
“Medical missionary work is. . . than to preaching”

16. Christ did medical missionary work while He was on earth. He “is no longer in this world in person . . . but ________________________ ____________________ to carry forward the . . . work that He began.” (P. 135, par. 5.)

17. What will give character to the work of God? (P. 136, par. 2.) ______________________________________________________

18. Two other lines of medical endeavor are mentioned in Testimonies, vol. 7, that could well be established. These are: (Pp. 138, 139.) a. _____________________ b. ____________________

19. Those who come to such places “should be supplied ____________ ____________” on “___________ and __________reform, and leaflets treating on the lessons of __________________ should also be given them.” (P. 138, par. 4.)

20. What chapter of the Bible is strongly recommended for study by all Sabbathkeepers who believe in the third angel’s message? (Pp. 139, 140.) __________________________________________________

21. Relate the vision Mrs. White saw of the two Bible workers. (P. 142, par. 6.) What is its application

to our denominational work today? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22. But before we can give Bible studies, what is necessary? (P. 143, par. 2.) ____________________________________________________

23. “A great work can be done by _____________________________ the ___________________ just as it reads. . . . Admonish them to take the Bible ______________, to implore _______________.” (P. 144, par. 2.)

Thought Questions

1. What is the message of Isaiah 58 and what is its application to my Christian experience?

2. Can only those with extensive technical training do “medical missionary work”?

3. What are some phases of this work that we all can help in?

4. Suppose that I am, for some reason, unable to conduct Bible studies. Are there other ways in which I can take the Bible to my friends and neighbors?

Lesson 6 - Contacting The Public

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 145-177.

STUDY TEXTS:
Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 9:22.

1. “If there is one work more important than” any other, what is it? (P. 145, par. 1.) ____________________________________________

2. Mrs. White lists two “silent messengers” that are “the Lord’s means of keeping the message for this time continually before the people.” What are they? (P. 145, par. 3.) a. _______________________________ b. _____________________________

3. What was the instruction given by the “messenger from heaven” that Mrs. White speaks of? (P. 146, par. 4. 

) _______________________ ______________________________________________________

4. Since the book work is a “means of quickly giving the sacred light of present truth to the world,” it follows that Satan will be trying to counteract its influence. How is he doing this? (P. 146, par. 5.) _______________________________________________________

5. How widely is the “unvarnished truth” in printed form to be distributed? (P. 147, par. 3.) _______________________________

6. “The greatest wealth ___________________ ever ______________________, the most solemn and fearful _________

______________________________________________, have been committed to them to be given to the world.” (P. 148, par. 0.)

7. Who is the “them” referred to in the above statement? (P. 147, par. 5.) ________________________________________________________________________________

8. Under whose direction was our publishing work established, and who supervises it? (P. 148, par. 1.)

9. Match the following phrases by drawing a line from the first column to the phrase in the second column that completes it: (Pp. 148-151.)
“The printed word of truth is ... would not be reached in any other way.”
“From city to city, from country to country, they are to . . . papers and a few pages of tracts upon present truth.”
“Every dollar of our means should be considered . . . as the case may seem to require. Important results will follow.”
“Some will be reached by our literature who . . . increase our facilities for the production of more literature.”
“Part of the money that comes in from the sale of our publications should be used to . . . as the Lord’s, not ours; and as a precious trust from God to us.”
“I was shown men and women studying with intense interest . . to be translated into different languages, and carried to the ends of the earth.”
“Sell what you can, and lend or give them away. . . carry the publications containing the promises of the Saviour’s soon coming.”

10. What twofold advantage can there be in “the good work of selling our books”? (P. 151, par. 5.) a. ____________ b.__________________

11. There is “a famine in the land for the pure gospel,” Mrs. White says. What can be done to alleviate this hunger? (P. 152, pars. 1, 2.) ______________________________________________________

12. What are the six points canvassers should bring out to “tell” people about our health publications? (Pp. 152, 153.)
a. ___________________________________________________
b ____________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________
e.____________________________________________________
f. ____________________________________________________

13. What other message, which is to be taken to the public, has been “committed to our hands”? (P. 161, par. 3.) ________________________________________________________________________

14. What point of Seventh-day Adventist teaching is to be the basis for the last struggle between “Christ and His angels and Satan and his angels”? (P. 155, par. 2.)
________________________________________________________________________________

5. How many escape the test that will come upon this point? (P. 157, par. 2.)
_______________________________________________

16. Why does God allow reproach, slander, and contempt to be heaped upon His people? What will be accomplished by this persecution? (P. 159, par. 2.) ____________________________________________

17. Why is there little persecution of the church today? (P. 159, par. 3.) ______________________________________________________

18. “Let there be a _________________________________________ _______________ of the ________________________________, and the spirit of persecution will ___________________________, and the fires of ________________________________________.” (P. 160, par. 0.)

19. Name the two Biblical teachings that will be involved in the last great persecutions. (P. 160, par. 1.) a. ____________________________ b. __________________________

20. What three religious powers or groups will be united in this union? (P. 160, par. 1.) _____________________________________________
______________________________________________________

21. Since we know from prophecy that this persecution will come, shall we sit still and calmly let it happen? (P. 162, pars. 1, 2.) ________________________________

22. What should be our attitude? (P. 163, pars. 1-3.)_______________
___________________________ __________________________

23. What can be done on Sundays to keep the peace and yet refrain from work that will offend? (Pp. 163, 164.) __________________________________
__________________________________

24. “When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep” will make “self-denying efforts” “to__________________, and many _______________________________ will come back to follow the great Shepherd.” (P. 166, par. 1.)

25. What plan has been devised to enable us to reach the homes of many people and at the same time help raise “funds adequate for the support of the missions which the Lord has gone before us to open?” (P. 167.) ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

26. Is it proper to receive gifts from unbelievers? (P. 167, par. 3.)

27. Who has possession of most of the riches and treasure of this earth? (P. 168, par. 3.) _______________________. But to whom does it really belong? _____________

28. If we do not diligently tell others about Christ, what accusation may someday be brought against us? (P. 169, par. 1.) ________________
______________________________________________________

29. How can business people support Christ’s work “twenty-four hours a day”? (Pp. 170, 171.)
_____________________________________
_______________________________________________________

30. Why should we, as workers in God’s cause today, study the experience of Nehemiah? (Pp. 173-177.) _______________________
______________________________________________________

Thought Questions

1. The statement on pages 147, 148 speaks of God as cutting “them out from the quarry of the world.” Does this indicate that His people should have the firmness and steadiness of rock in their characters?

2. As I travel from place to place, how can I spread the message?

3. Why do you think Mrs. White spoke of women as being able to “work efficiently” in getting periodical subscriptions?

4. During the time of persecution, by refraining from offending secular work on Sunday and in stead devoting ourselves to missionary work, are we not thus “keeping Sunday,” and as such likely to receive the “mark of the beast”? (See pp. 163, 164.)

5. Can we, even if we cannot go into the mission field, help support the mission program? How?

6. What lessons can we learn from the way Nehemiah conducted his work?

Lesson 7 - Enlarging The Kingdom

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 178-205.

STUDY TEXT:
“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.

1. What is one of God’s plans for scattering the message over the country? (P. 178, par. 1.) __________________________________
______________________________________________________

2. Where one or two “well grounded” families move into unentered territory, this divine plan for starting new work should be put into operation. (Pp. 178, 179.)
a. The lay members can “distribute __________________________,”
b. “hold ___________________ in _________________, ”
c. “become _________________________________________,” and
d. “invite ________________________________.”

3. Who are “robbing themselves of the most precious blessings,” “crippling their way to heaven,”

“waiting for someone to carry you to the vineyard,” feeling “dissatisfied if there is not much preaching . . . while they are doing literally nothing”? (Pp. 179, 180.) ___________

4. In what way was Abraham’s test similar to what may be presented to some of God’s children today? (Pp. 181, 182.) __________________
_______________________________________________________

5. Satan tries “to thwart the divine purpose” of God by a. causing some “to ________________________,” b. leading some “to ______________,” c. causing others “to ____________________” To such, God puts the question “What _______________________?” (P. 182, par. 1.)

6. There are large churches, with many members crowded together where they can accomplish little. (Pp. 183, 184.) They are compared to_____________________________________. What is the remedy for such overcrowding?

7. What example do we have of a people who settled down to enjoy the fruit of their victory rather than pressing on to conquer new territory? (Pp. 184, 185.) _____________ ___Did God approve of this attitude? ______________________ Is it possible for Christians today to be just as guilty of this error as were His people of old? (P. 185.) _____________________________________________________

8. If we are followers of Christ, we must labor as He did. What were three of His lines of endeavor? (P. 186, par. 3.) a. _____________________________ b. ____________________ c. ___________________________ If we do His work, what promise of God will then be fulfilled to us? ____________________________

9. Match the following phrases by drawing a line from the first column to the phrase in the second column that completes it: (Pp. 186-189.)
“He never meant that one man should have an abundance . . . while the children of others should cry for bread.”
“The widow of Zarephath shared her morsel with Elijah; and in return, . . . is regarded as though done to Jesus.”
“Jesus worked to relieve . . . her life and that of her son were preserved.”
“The means over and above the actual necessities of life . . . every case of suffering that He saw.”
“Every merciful act to the needy, the suffering, . . . are intrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity.”
“To all who, in time of trial and want, give sympathy and assistance to others more needy, . . . God has promised great blessing.”
“The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in . . . reforming the evil-doer than will the sword or the court of justice.”

10. What chapter in Isaiah shows us why “our prayers are so lifeless” and our “faith so feeble”? _______________________What is God’s remedy that is prescribed? (P. 188, par. 2.) ____________________
______________________________________________________

11. There are “multitudes” who “have neither faith in God nor confidence in man.” How are we to reach such people with the gospel message? (P. 190, pars. 1, 2.) ______________________________________
______________________________________________________

12. Why are the widows, orphans, blind, deaf, et cetera, placed in close relationship to the church? (P. 191, pars. 3, 4.) _________________
______________________________________________________

13. The story of the good Samaritan shows the love of God and man put into action. What class does each character represent? (P. 192, pars. 1-3.)
a. The Samaritan _________________________________________
b. The Levite ___________________________________________
c. The priest ____________________________________________

14. What are the objectives of our camp meetings? (P. 194, par. 3.)
a. _____________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________
c. ______________________________________________________

15. At camp meetings, besides the spiritual meetings, there should be: a. “opportunities for instructing our people ___________________________________________________________________, b. organizing “strong companies of workers” to “go out into _______________.” (P. 195, pars. 2-5.)

16 What can happen to those who do not attend camp meeting? (P. 197, par. 3.)
________________________________________________

Why should we attend?______________________________________________________(P. 198.)

17. Which is more important, foreign mission work or home mission work? (P. 199, pars. 1-3.)
_________________________________

18. What is meant by the term “home-foreign” work? (Pp. 199, 200.)
______________________________________________________

19. Why has God permitted these people from other lands to come to our nation? (P. 200, par. 1.)
___________________________________

20. What is the main problem of the wealthy? (P. 202, par. 1.)
_______________________________________________________

21. What special work does the Lord want converted wealthy people to do for Him? (P. 202, par. 4.)
_______________________________________________________________________________

22. Name two illustrations of rich men in Biblical days who were converted. What good did they do after their conversion? (Pp. 204, 205.) __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Thought Questions

1. Do you think God ever brings the foreign-born into contact with believers in their neighborhood as a means of bringing the truth to them?

2. Does it require special qualifications to work for the wealthy and highly educated?

3. What can I do personally to help “enlarge the kingdom”?

Lesson 8 - Incentives And Variety Of Service

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 211-222.

STUDY TEXT:
“I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:14-16.

1. List several ways in which the missionary meetings of the church can be made more interesting. (Pp. 211, 212.)
a._____________________________________________________________________
b._____________________________________________________________________
c.______________________________________________________________________

2. “Far more than we do, we need to speak ______________________.” (P. 212, par. 3.)

3. Prayer is a Christian’s duty; but what is just as much a duty as prayer? (P. 213, par. 2.)
________________________________________________________________________________

4. The “exercises” of thanks and praise to God for His goodness contain a reward for the Christian:
a. They “drive ____________________;”
b. “They expel the _______________________________.”
c. “They cultivate those ______________________.” (P. 213, par. 2.)

5. What reason do some give for neglecting prayer and attendance at church meetings? (P. 214, par. 1.)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Actually, what losses do they incur because of this reasoning?
_______________________________________________________________________________

6. List the various miscellaneous lines of missionary work in which we can take part. (Pp. 215-222.)
a. _______________ _______________
b. _______________ _______________
c. _______________ _______________
d. _______________ _______________
e. _______________ _______________

7. What special care does God give to the blind? (P. 215, par. 1.)
________________________________________________________________________________

8. What should be the Christian attitude toward orphans (Pp. 215, 216.)
_______________________________________________________________________

9. True or false: (Pp. 216, 217.)
_____ a. Those who refuse to take care of orphans do so because it will cost too much money to clothe and feed extra members of the family.
_____ b. Heaven is for those who have worked for Christ.
_____ c. The King threatened terrible punishment for those on His left hand because of awful crimes they had committed.
_____ d. We should work for the orphans of the church merely from the standpoint of duty.
_____
_____ e. God will not hearken to the prayer of His people while the orphan, the fatherless, the lame, the blind, and the sick are neglected.

10. When Christians obey the Word of God, what will happen to the wall of separation that has been built up between the whites and the blacks? (P. 217, par. 3.)
___________________________________

11. Of what two privileges were the black people robbed by slavery? (Pp. 217, 218.)
a. _____________________ b. ____________________

12. Why is the white race under obligation to labor for the black people? (P. 218, par. 4)
_______________________________________________________________________________

13. In what ways can Seventh-day Adventist laymen help the temperance work? (Pp. 218, 219.)
_______________________________________________________________________________

14. Why is follow-up work so important after a series of public meetings? (P. 219, par. 5.)
_______________________________________________________________________________

15. Money cannot be taken into heaven with us. But in what way can money be used to place a “treasure” in the heavenly courts? (Pp. 220, 221.)
_______________________________________________________________________________

16. Who keeps the record books of heaven? What is recorded in these books? (P. 222.)
_______________________________________________________________________________

Thought Questions

1. Are the church services dull to me? If so, could it sometimes be my own fault that they are so?

2. Since Seventh-day Adventists do not drink or smoke, why should they be concerned with the temperance work?

3. Why does Mrs. White say that if work is not followed up, “it would have been better had no interest been awakened’? (P. 220, par 1.)

Lesson 9 - Qualifications For Service

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 223-256

STUDY TEXT:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets, and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13.

1. Why is cultured speech important for a Christian worker? Name some of the elements included in the phrase “cultured speech.” (Pp. 223, 224.) __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. “True education is _____________________________________________________; it is the training of _________________________

______________________________________________________ This is the education that will _______________________________ (P. 225, par. 5.)

3. Match the following phrases by drawing a line from the first column to the phrase in the second column that completes it: (Pp. 226-228.)
“The world is watching Seventh-day Adventists, . . . and when it sees those who do not . . the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts.”
“If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, . . . live up to their profession, it points at them with scorn.”
“The lack of true dignity and Christian refinement in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers is . . . against us as a people, and makes the truth which we profess unsavory.”
“The laborer for souls needs . . . consecration, integrity, intelligence, industry, energy, and tact.”
“The unstudied, unconscious influence of a holy life is . . . the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of Christianity.”

4. What will be the fate of those who merely sit and wait for the Holy Spirit to do the work? (P. 228, par. 3.) _____________________________________________________________

5. What kind of workers does He need? (P. 228, par. 5.) __________
______________________________________________________

6. True or false: (P. 229)
_____ a. God needs only silver-tongued orators to give His message.
_____ b. We must show animation and determination in the work of winning souls.
_____ c. To be co-workers with Jesus, we must have all patience with those for whom we labor.
_____ d. There is no use for Marthas in God’s work.
_____ e. Earnest Christian zeal is wanted in God’s work.

7. What particular ways and methods of businessmen and politicians would it be wise for Christians to study and adopt in their work for God? (P. 231, par. 3.)
___________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

8. The man who loves and works for God “does not measure his work by the eight-hour system.” (P. 232, par. 2.) Instead
_____ a. he works ________________ hours,
_____ b. he is __________________off duty,
_____ c. he does good when _______________

9. What kind of people need our sympathy? (P 232, par. 6.) ________
______________________________________________________

10. Intellectuals are often influenced by the “simple words of _______, and who can speak of that love _______ as the worldling speaks of the things that interest him most deeply.” (P. 233, par. 4.)

11. What happens to those who delay obedience to God until all uncertainty and all risks of failure are gone? (P. 234, par. 3.) ______________________________________________________

12. The characteristics of ________________,________________, and _______________ are required when difficulties are in the way. (P. 235, par. 2.)

13. Holiness is not rapture. It is—
_____ a. “an entire __________________________________________;”
_____ b. “living ____________________________________________;”
_____ c. “doing ____________________________________________;”
_____ d. “trusting ______________________, in _________________ as well as in the light;”
_____ e. “walking ___________________________________________;”
_____ f. “relying ____________________________________________.” (P. 235, par. 5.)

14. “God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who _________________________,__________-___________.’ (P. 236, par 1.)

15. If we find ourselves working long hours and not getting our work done, what ought we to do? (P. 237, par. 1.) _________________________________________________________________

16. Who is set forth as an example of prudence and forethought (P. 239, pars. 1, 2.)________________________________________

17. Should we be surprised when we find ourselves discouraged? (P. 239, par. 3.)_______________________ How can we handle this feeling? (P. 240, par. 0.)
______________________________

18. A tender __________________and a gentle, winning __________ are a help in saving “the erring.” (P. 241, pars. 1-3.)

19 What three qualifications are necessary for an individual who is to be entrusted with responsibilities? (P. 242, par. 2.)
_____ a. ______________________________
_____ b. ______________________________
_____ c. ______________________________

20. “_______________ and a spirit of _____________________ have always been and always will be the first requisite of acceptable service.” (P. 242, par. 4.)

21. What three men are cited as examples of workers who bore their message without regard to the consequences? (P. 245, par. 2.)
_____ a. _______________
_____ b. ________________and
_____ c. _______________

22. What are some of the characteristics of the Good Shepherd? (Pp 245, 246.) ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

23. If we cut down on our efficiency and shorten our lives by the way we live and work, of what sin are we guilty? (P. 248, par. 1.) ______________________________________________________

24. After a period of hard labor, what was Christ’s advice to His disciples? (P. 249, par. 1.) _____________________________ Is this good instruction for us? Why?_________________________
_____________________________________________________

25. Whose help did Christ promise His followers? (Pp. 250, 251.) ______________________________________________________

26. What do we have to do to receive the Holy Spirit? (Pp. 252, 253.)

27. Why does God give us the Holy Spirit—what will He do for us? (P. 253, par. 4.)
a. ______________________ b. _______________________________
c._______________________ d. _______________________________

28. What is the Holy Spirit, and why was it necessary that He come to this earth after Christ’s ascension? (P. 255, par. 3.) ________________________________________________________

29. Did God begin to work through the Holy Spirit at the time of Christ’s ascension? Discuss. (P. 256.)_______________________
______________________________________________________

Thought Questions

1. Of all the qualifications for Christian service listed in this chapter, which do I need most to cultivate in my life?

2. Granted, a good Christian worker should study to prepare himself for God’s work. But I am too busy to find time for study What can I do?

3. Why, actually, did Jesus reprove the hard-working Martha Didn’t He appreciate her devotion to the home duties?

4. How can I be sure that the Holy Spirit is in me and working through me?

Lesson 10 - The Triumphant Note

READING ASSIGNMENT:
Christian Service, pp. 257-275.

STUDY TEXT:
“For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” Romans 9:28.

1. Where do our opportunities come from? (P. 258, par. 0.) ________
_______________ Upon what does success depend? ___________

2. When we work for God, we have the cooperation of ___________, “the Master Worker,” and ___________________. (Pp. 258, 259.)

3. Those who “engage in ministry” are
a. ______________________
b. “________________________________________________” (P. 261, par. 1)

4. Of what possibility are we never to speak, or even think about in our work? (Pp. 261, 262.)
______________________________________________________

5. What is it that gives us success? (P. 262, par. 5.) ______________

6. In the parable of the ten virgins, what was the one thing that the five foolish virgins lacked? (P. 263, par. 1.) ___________________ And what did this represent?
______________________________

7. What is the relationship of talents to our success? (P. 264, par. 1.)
______________________________________________________

8. “The value of service to God is measured __________________, rather than by ________________________________________
____________________________ spent in labor.” (P. 266, par. 4)

9. Which parable illustrates this point? (P. 266, par. 7.) ____________
______________________________________________________

10. Can we be sure of a reward for our service? (P. 267.) __________
______________________________________________________

11. What rewards are promised to us in the present life? (Pp. 269, 271.)
a. ______________________________
b. ______________________________
c. ______________________________
d. ______________________________
e. ______________________________

12. What happens to a strong man who ceases to work? What happens to a church that does nothing for God? (P 271, par. 3.) _________
______________________________________________________

13. What are some of the rewards God has promised to us in the future? (Pp. 271-274​.)
a._______________b. ________________c. ___________________ d.______________________________

14. What will be our greatest joy in heaven? (Pp 273, 274.) _________
________________________________________________________________________________

15. Give the three reasons why we are left on earth “to encounter storms” when we are impatient for the Lord’s coming? (Pp. 274, 275.)
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________

Thought Questions

1. If I really believed that “angels speak through their voices, and work by their hands” (P. 261, par. 1), would I be bolder and braver in my efforts to win others to Him?

2. God could warn the world without my assistance. Why, therefore does He ask for my help?
___________________________________________ __________