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Gospel Workers 1915
[
Zechariah 4:6
.] It is not the temperament or the eloquence of the one
who preaches the word that makes his work successful. Paul may
plant and Apollos water, but God gives the increase. It is a minister’s
familiarity with God’s word and his submission to the divine will, that
give success to his efforts.
The heart that receives the word of God is not as a pool that evap-
orates, nor like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the
mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling wa-
ters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the
heavy-laden.
A familiarity with the truths of the Scripture will give the teacher
of truth qualifications that will make him a representative of Christ.
The spirit of the Saviour’s teaching will give force and directness to
his instruction and to his prayers. His will not be a narrow, lifeless
testimony; he will not preach over and over the same set discourses;
for his mind will be open to the constant illumination of the Holy
Spirit.
“Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood,” Christ said,
“hath eternal life.” “As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the
Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me.” “It is the spirit
that quickeneth; ...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and
they are life.” [
John 6:54, 57, 63
.]
When the servants of God know of a truth the meaning of these
words, the elements of eternal life will be found in the ministry. The
tame, dull sermonizing will cease. The foundation truths of the gospel
will be presented in a new light. There will be a fresh perception of
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truth, a clearness and power that all will discern. Those who have the
privilege of sitting under such a ministry will, if susceptible to the
Holy Spirit’s influence, feel the energizing power of a new life. The
fire of God’s love will be kindled within them. Their faculties will be
quickened to discern the beauty and majesty of truth.
The minister who makes the word of God his constant companion
will continually bring forth truth of new beauty. The Spirit of Christ
will come upon him, and God will work through him to help others.
The Holy Spirit will fill his mind and heart with hope and courage and
Bible imagery, and all this will be communicated to those under his
instruction.