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given encouragement by the men upon whom the Lord has laid larger
responsibilities. Those who stand as leaders in the church of God are
to realize that the Saviour’s commission is given to all who believe in
His name. God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not
been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands.
Hundreds, yea, thousands, who have heard the message of salvation
are still idlers in the market place, when they might be engaged in
some line of active service. To these Christ is saying, “Why stand ye
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here all the day idle?” and He adds, “Go ye also into the vineyard.”
Matthew 20:6, 7
. Why is it that many more do not respond to the call?
Is it because they think themselves excused in that they do not stand in
the pulpit? Let them understand that there is a large work to be done
outside the pulpit by thousands of consecrated lay members.
Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of
the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according
to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their
appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment
of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and
the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory.
“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
.
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