196
Pastoral Ministry
lead minds to gain a personal knowledge of the truth. Many are sorely
tempted and ready to die because they have not a knowledge of the
truth as it is in Jesus.—
The Review and Herald, January 21, 1902
.
Up to this time, Bible truths are but feebly understood—Oh
that it might be said of ministers who are preaching to the people and
to the churches, “Then opened he their understanding, that they might
understand the scriptures”! I tell you in the fear of God that up to
this time, the Bible truths connected with the great plan of redemption
are but feebly understood. The truth will be continually unfolding,
expanding, and developing, for it is Divine, like its Author.—
Selected
Messages 3:188
.
Preach prophecy and center it on Christ—Ministers should
present the sure word of prophecy as the foundation of the faith of
Seventh-day Adventists. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revela-
tion should be carefully studied, and in connection with them the
words, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world.”—
Evangelism, 196
.
Do your own work—The subjects which many of our ministers
present before the people are not half as connected and as clear and
strong in argument as they should be. They profess to be teachers of the
Word, but they sadly neglect to search the Scriptures for themselves.
They are content to use the arguments which are prepared in pamphlets
[190]
and books, and which others have labored earnestly to search out; but
they are not willing to tax their minds to study them out for themselves.
In order to make full proof of their ministry, those who open the Word
of God to others should search the Scriptures diligently. They should
not be content to use other men’s thoughts, but should dig for truth as
for hid treasures. While it is perfectly right to gather ideas from other
minds, they should not be satisfied to take those ideas and repeat them
in a poll-parrot manner. Make these ideas your own, brethren; frame
the arguments yourselves, from your own study and research. Do not
borrow the productions of other men’s brains and pens, and recite them
as a lesson; but make the most of the talents, the brain power, that God
has given you.—
The Review and Herald, April 6, 1886
.