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Pastoral Ministry
completeness and strength to the believing.—
The Voice in Speech and
Song, 337
.
The true preacher lifts up Jesus as the sinners only hope—If
the man who feels that he is called of God to be a minister will humble
himself and learn of Christ, he will become a true preacher. If his lips
are touched with a live coal from the altar, he will lift up Jesus as the
sinner’s only hope. When the heart of the speaker is sanctified through
the truth, his words will be living realities to himself and to others.
Those who hear him will know that he has been with God, and has
drawn near to him in fervent, effectual prayer. The Holy Spirit has
fallen upon him, his soul has felt the vital, heavenly fire, and he is able
to compare spiritual things with spiritual. Power will be given him
to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts will be broken by his
presentation of the love of God, and many will inquire. “What must I
do to be saved?”—
The Review and Herald, April 15, 1902
.
Many hearers want and need a clear explanation of conver-
sion—Ministers should present the truth in a clear, simple manner.
There are among their hearers many who need a plain explanation of
the steps requisite in conversion. The great masses of the people are
more ignorant on this point than is supposed. Among graduates from
college, eloquent orators, able statesmen, men in high positions of
trust, there are many who have given their powers to other matters,
and have neglected the things of greatest importance. When such men
form part of a congregation, the speaker often strains every power to
preach an intellectual discourse, and fails to reveal Christ. He does
not show that sin is the transgression of the law. He does not make
plain the plan of salvation. That which would have touched the hearts
of his hearers, would have been to point them to Christ dying to bring
redemption within their reach.—
Gospel Workers, 170
.
Christ crucified, ascended, and coming again should so glad-
den ministers that they will present these truths to the people—
Oh, that I could command language of sufficient force to make the
impression I wish to make upon my fellow laborers in the gospel!
My brethren, you are handling the words of life; you are dealing with
minds that are capable of the highest development, if directed in the
right channel. But there is too much exhibition of self in the discourses
given. Christ crucified, Christ ascended into the heavens, Christ com-
ing again, should so soften, gladden, and fill the mind of the minister