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The Ministry of Health and Healing
not greed, ambition, and love of pleasure have as strong a hold on
human hearts now as they had then? In the so-called Christian world,
even in the professed churches of Christ, how few are governed by
Christian principles. In business, social, domestic, even religious
circles, how few make the teachings of Christ the rule of daily living.
Is it not true that “justice is turned back, and righteousness stands
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afar off; ... equity cannot enter ... and he who departs from evil
makes himself a prey”?
Isaiah 59:14, 15
.
We are living in the midst of an “epidemic of crime,” at which
thoughtful, God-fearing people everywhere stand aghast. The cor-
ruption that prevails is beyond the power of the human pen to de-
scribe. Every day brings fresh revelations of political strife, bribery,
and fraud. Every day brings its heartsickening record of violence and
lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish
destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of
insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies
are at work with increased activity to distract and corrupt the mind,
and to defile and destroy the body?
And while the world is filled with these evils, the gospel is too
often presented in so indifferent a manner as to make little impression
upon the consciences and lives of people. Everywhere hearts are
crying out for something that they do not have. They long for a
power that will give them mastery over sin, a power that will deliver
them from the bondage of evil, a power that will give health and life
and peace. Many who once knew the power of God’s Word have
been living where there is no recognition of God, and they long for
the divine presence.
The world today needs what it needed two thousand years ago—
a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and
it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration—
physical, mental, and spiritual—can be accomplished.
Personal Ministry Needed
Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the
people. The Savior mingled with people as one who desired their
good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and
won their confidence. Then He invited them, “Follow Me.”