Practical Suggestions
145
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Revivals—When the Lord works through human instrumentalities,
when men are moved with power from on high, Satan leads his agents
to cry, “Fanaticism!” and to warn people not to go to extremes. Let all
be careful how they raise this cry; for though there is counterfeit coin,
this does not lower the value of that which is genuine. Because there
are spurious revivals and spurious conversions, it does not follow that
all revivals are to be held in suspicion. Let us not show the contempt
manifested by the Pharisees when they said, “This man receiveth
sinners.” [
Luke 15:2
.]
There is enough in the life of Christ to teach us not to sneer at His
work in the conversion of souls. The manifestation of God’s renewing
grace on sinful men causes angels to rejoice, but often this work has,
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through unbelief, been termed fanaticism, and the messenger through
whom God has worked has been spoken of as having zeal that is not
according to knowledge.
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Sabbath Services—The one appointed to conduct Sabbath services
should study how to interest his hearers in the truths of the Word.
He should not always give so long a discourse that there will be no
opportunity for those present to confess Christ. The sermon should
frequently be short, so that the people may express their thanksgiving
to God. Gratitude-offerings glorify the name of the Lord. In every
assembly of the saints holy angels listen to the praise offered to Jehovah
in testimony, song, and prayer.
The prayer and social meeting should be a season of special help
and encouragement. All should feel it a privilege to take part. Let
every one who bears the name of Christ have something to say in the
social meeting. The testimonies should be short, and of a nature to
help others. Nothing will so completely kill the spirit of devotion as
for one person to take up twenty or thirty minutes in a long testimony.
This means death to the spirituality of the meeting.
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