Seite 235 - Pastoral Ministry (1995)

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231
because we could do nothing for ourselves. It is through the exercise of
faith, hope, and love, that we come nearer and nearer to the standard of
perfect holiness. Our brethren feel the same pitying need of help that
we have felt. We should not burden them with unnecessary censure,
but let the love of Christ constrain us to be very compassionate and
tender, that we can weep over the erring and those who have backslid-
den from God. The soul is of infinite value. The worth of the soul can
be estimated only by the price paid to ransom it. Calvary! Calvary!
Calvary! will explain the true value of the soul.—
Testimonies for the
Church 3:187, 188
.
Backsliders may rise up against ministers who deal with them
faithfully—Some are so cold and backslidden that they do not realize
that they are setting their affections on earthly treasure, which is soon
to be swept away forever. The love of the world is binding them about,
like a thick garment; and unless they change their course, they will not
know how precious it is to practice self-denial for Christ’s sake. All
our idols, our love of the world, must be expelled from the heart. There
are ministers and faithful friends who see the danger that surrounds
these self-bound souls, and who faithfully present to them the error of
their course, but instead of taking admonitions in the spirit in which
they are given, and profiting thereby, those reproved rise up against
the ones who deal with them faithfully. O that they might arouse from
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their spiritual lethargy, and now acquaint themselves with God! The
world is blinding their eyes from seeing him who is invisible. They are
unable to discern the most precious things that are of eternal interest,
but view the truth of God in so dim a light that it seems of little value
to them.—
The Review and Herald, October 31, 1893
.
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