Help for Mission Fields
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This is as true in temporal as in spiritual things. The Lord does
not come to this world with gold and silver to advance His work. He
supplies men with resources, that by their gifts and offerings they may
keep His work advancing. The one purpose above all others for which
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God’s gifts should be used is the sustaining of workers in the great
harvest field. And if men, and women as well, will become channels
of blessing to other souls, the Lord will keep the channels supplied. It
is not returning to God His own that makes men poor; it is withholding
that tends to poverty.
The work of imparting that which he has received will constitute
every member of the church a laborer together with God. Of yourself
you can do nothing; but Christ is the great worker. It is the privilege of
every human being who receives Christ to be a worker together with
Him.
The Saviour said: “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw
all men unto Me.”
John 12:32
. For the joy of seeing souls redeemed,
Christ endured the cross. He became the living sacrifice for a fallen
world. Into that act of self-sacrifice was put the heart of Christ, the
love of God; and through this sacrifice was given to the world the
mighty influence of the Holy Spirit. It is through sacrifice that God’s
work must be carried forward. Of every child of God self-sacrifice is
required. Christ said: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny
himself; and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23
. To all
who believe, Christ gives a new character. This character, through His
infinite sacrifice, is the reproduction of His own.
The Author of our salvation will be the Finisher of the work. One
truth received into the heart will make room for still another truth. And
the truth, wherever received, quickens into activity the powers of the
receiver. When our church members are truly lovers of God’s word,
they will reveal the best and strongest qualities; and the nobler they
are, the more childlike in spirit they will be, believing the word of God
against all selfishness.
A flood of light is shining from the word of God, and there must
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be an awakening to neglected opportunities. When all are faithful
in giving back to God His own in tithes and offerings, the way will
be opened for the world to hear the message for this time. If the
hearts of God’s people were filled with love for Christ, if every church
member were thoroughly imbued with the spirit of self-sacrifice, if