Methods
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Close Personal Touch
There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort.
If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in
personal ministry, greater results would be seen.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 143
.
The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to
every soul. To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal
labor. This was Christ’s method.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 229
.
Those who have been most successful in soul-winning were men
and women who did not pride themselves on their ability, but who in
humility and faith sought to help those about them. Jesus did this very
work. He came close to those whom He desired to reach.—
Gospel
Workers, 194
.
In Christlike sympathy we should come close to men individually,
and seek to awaken their interest in the great things of eternal life.
Their hearts may be as hard as the beaten highway, and apparently it
may be a useless effort to present the Saviour to them; but while logic
may fail to move, and argument be powerless to convince, the love of
Christ, revealed in personal ministry, may soften the stony heart, so
that the seed of truth can take root.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 57
.
By personal labor reach those around you. Become acquainted with
them. Preaching will not do the work that needs to be done. Angels of
God attend you to the dwellings of those you visit. This work cannot
[118]
be done by proxy. Money lent or given will not accomplish it. Sermons
will not do it. By visiting the people, talking, praying, sympathizing
with them, you will win hearts. This is the highest missionary work
that you can do. To do it, you will need resolute, persevering faith,
unwearying patience, and a deep love for souls.—
Testimonies for the
Church 9:41
.
With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and
Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church. John directed
two of his disciples to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his
brother, and called him to the Saviour. Philip was then called, and
he went in search of Nathanael. These examples should teach us
the importance of personal effort, of making direct appeals to our
kindred, friends, and neighbors. There are those who for a lifetime
have professed to be acquainted with Christ, yet who have never made