146
The Voice in Speech and Song
at the proper time call for a decision. Do not present the truth in a
formal manner, but let the heart be vitalized by the Spirit of God, and
let your words be spoken with such certainty that those who hear may
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know that the truth is a reality to you.—
Evangelism, 296
.
Harm in Tame Preaching—An unconsecrated minister, present-
ing the truth in an unimpassioned manner, his own soul unmoved by
the truths he speaks to others, will do only harm. Every effort he
makes only lowers the standard.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:344
.
Listlessness of Manner—Some preach these truths, of such
weighty importance, in so listless a manner that they cannot affect the
people. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”—
Testimonies for the Church 2:504
.
The Belittling of God’s Message—More ability, tact, and wisdom
are needed in presenting the Word and feeding the flock of God than
many suppose. A dry, lifeless presentation of the truth belittles the
most sacred message that God has given to men.—
Testimonies for the
Church 6:47, 48
.
Consumers, Not Producers—Those who preach the gospel with-
out putting the whole being, heart, mind, soul, and strength, into the
work, are consumers and not producers. God calls for men who realize
that they must put forth earnest effort, men who bring thought, zeal,
prudence, capability, and the attributes of Christ’s character into their
work. The saving of souls is a vast work, which calls for the employ-
ment of every talent, every gift of grace. Those engaged in this work
should constantly increase in efficiency. They should be filled with an
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earnest desire to have their power for service strengthened, realizing
that they will be weak without a constantly increasing supply of grace.
They should seek to attain larger and still larger results in their work.
When this is the experience of our workers, fruit will be seen. Many
souls will be brought into the truth.—
Manuscript 90, 1904
.
No Sleepy Message at This Time—At Christ’s first advent the
angels broke the silence of the night with acclamations of praise, and
proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth; good will
toward men.” He is soon to come again with power and great glory.
Those who are not wedded to the world will realize that the time
demands something more than a weak, faint, methodical discourse.
They will see that there must be earnestness and power accompanying
the Word, which will arouse the powers of hell to oppose the warnings.