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Counsels for the Church
Zeal for God moved the disciples to bear witness to the truth with
mighty power. Should not this zeal fire our hearts with a determination
to tell the story of redeeming love, of Christ and Him crucified? Is
not the Spirit of God to come today, in answer to earnest, persevering
prayer, and fill men with power for service? Why, then, is the church
so weak and spiritless
When the Holy Spirit controls the minds of our church members,
there will be seen in our churches a much higher standard in speech,
in ministry, in spirituality, than is now seen. The church members
will be refreshed by the water of life, and the laborers, working under
one Head, even Christ, will reveal their Master in spirit, in word, in
deed, and will encourage one another to press forward in the grand,
closing work in which we are engaged. There will be a healthy increase
of unity and love, which will bear testimony to the world that God
sent His Son to die for the redemption of sinners. Divine truth will
be exalted; and as it shines forth as a lamp that burneth, we shall
understand it more and still more clearly
I was shown that if God’s people make no efforts on their part, but
wait for the refreshing to come upon them and remove their wrongs
and correct their errors; if they depend upon that to cleanse them from
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and fit them to engage in the loud cry
of the third angel, they will be found wanting. The refreshing or power
of God comes only on those who have prepared themselves for it by
doing the work which God bids them, namely, cleansing themselves
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear
of God
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Testimonies for the Church 8:21, 22
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Testimonies for the Church 8:211
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Testimonies for the Church 1:619